In the first scenario, there is no world-ending event. It’s
just that Obadiah Stane has got the suit and arc -reactor and if he is not
stopped now, the only thing that’ll happen is arc reactor technology will fall
into wrong hands and a new arms race would be launched. It is no apocalypse, there isn’t an
alien invasion, half the universe won’t die… Even then, Pepper pushes the
button, knowing that it will likely kill Tony.Because Tony asked her
to and because she could (despite what the fandom presumes) take a decision for
the greater good. She is willing to allow him the dignity of his choice.
In the second scene, Pepper is being tortured by Killian for
Tony’s co-operation, and her reply is that he will not cooperate. It is not the typical superhero girlfriend’s
monologue of “my boyfriend will kick your
ass and save me” or “you will never
succeed”. It is a statement of fact: Tony will not cave in to their demands and
use his genius to aid them. And
she is right, Tony comes to rescue Pepper, but he doesn’t think of co-operating
even for a second.
The fandom always tries to paint Pepper as this person who
is disapproving of Tony being an Avenger/superhero. But the truth is, she is
more supportive of his choices and is ready to make incredibly tough decision
than half of the Avengers. The fandom just ignores the fact that Pepper
is willing to sacrifice both Tony and herself for the greater good.
She doesn’t dislike Tony being an avenger because he prioritizes it
over her/relationship. She dislikes it because Tony prioritizes being a
superhero over his own mental health/well-being. Pepper wants Tony to prioritize himself first (not her).
Iron Man. That’s kind of catchy. It’s got a nice ring to it. I mean, it’s not technically accurate. The suit’s a gold titanium alloy, but it’s kind of provocative, the imagery anyway.
LemonGrenade 