The conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a classic example of interpersonal conflict. The conflict situation arises when their differing opinions on government oversight of the Avengers lead to a rift in their friendship and a physical confrontation between the two characters. Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, is a billionaire inventor and industrialist who uses his high-tech suit of armor to protect the world as a member of the Avengers. Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, is a soldier from the 1940s who has been cryogenically frozen and wakes up in the present day as a member of the Avengers.
The background of the conflict is rooted in the aftermath of a mission gone wrong. The Avengers are called to account for the collateral damage caused by their actions, and the United Nations proposes the creation of a governing body to oversee and regulate the actions of the Avengers. Tony Stark supports this proposal, believing that the Avengers need to be held accountable for their actions, while Steve Rogers opposes it, seeing it as an infringement on their freedom to do what is necessary to protect the world.
The conflict conversation takes place in several different settings, including private conversations and public debates. Tony and Steve argue passionately about their opposing views, with Tony pointing out the need for accountability and Steve defending the importance of freedom. The outcome of the conflict is a physical altercation between the two characters, with the other Avengers forced to choose sides. The conflict ultimately leads to a divided Avengers team, with some supporting Tony and others supporting Steve (Russo, 2016). The conflict is resolved in a later film when the two characters come together to face a common enemy.
The conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers is an example of interpersonal conflict that progresses through several stages. The source of the conflict is rooted in the aftermath of a mission gone wrong and the subsequent proposal by the United Nations to create a governing body to oversee and regulate the actions of the Avengers. Tony Stark supports this proposal, while Steve Rogers opposes it (Russo, 2016). The beginning of the conflict can be seen in private conversations between Tony and Steve, where they discuss their differing opinions on government oversight of the Avengers. These discussions escalate into public debates, with each character passionately defending their opposing views.
The middle of the conflict sees the two characters become increasingly entrenched in their positions, with Tony pointing out the need for accountability and Steve defending the importance of freedom. The other Avengers are forced to choose sides, leading to a divided team and a physical altercation between Tony and Steve. The conflict is resolved in a later film when the two characters come together to face a common enemy. Through their shared experiences, they are able to reconcile their differences and find common ground. The aftermath of the conflict sees the Avengers team reunited and stronger than ever, with Tony and Steve having developed a mutual understanding and respect for each other’s perspective (Russo, 2016). The conflict serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and the need to find common ground when dealing with interpersonal conflict.
In the case of reasons and sources of conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, they are rooted in incompatible goals, with Tony supporting government oversight of the Avengers and Steve opposing it. This difference in perspective leads to a competition for control and the interference of one character’s goals blocking the attainment of the other’s. Katherine Floyd (2020) states that “conflict can result from a variety of sources, including differences in perceptions, values, beliefs, or needs; competition for scarce resources, such as money or time; and interference” (p. 61). This example highlights the different sources of conflict and how they can arise from differences in perception, values, beliefs, and needs. In other words, conflicts can arise from a variety of reasons or sources, including incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference.
In the conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, both characters could have utilized active listening, identified common ground, engaged in negotiation, and utilized problem-solving to effectively manage the conflict. By understanding each other’s perspectives and working towards a mutually acceptable solution, the conflict could have been resolved more effectively and with fewer negative consequences. Floyd (2020) suggests that “finding common ground can help resolve conflicts by focusing on shared interests and goals” (p. 72). In addition, negotiation is a process of compromise, and the latter is essential to resolving conflicts.
In conclusion, the conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers demonstrates the importance of effective communication and the need to find common ground when dealing with interpersonal conflict. By examining the background, characters, and outcome of the conflict, it becomes clear that conflicts can arise from differing opinions and perspectives but can be resolved through understanding and compromise. Conflict is a complex and dynamic process that demonstrates the different stages that conflicts can progress through. From the source and beginning of the conflict to the middle and end, and finally, to the aftermath, it is clear that conflicts can arise from differing opinions and perspectives but can be resolved through understanding and compromise.
References
Floyd, K. (2020). Interpersonal communication (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Russo, J. (2016). Captain America: Civil war [Film]. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.