#in hp in game of thrones in wicked in les mis...

[anithemonsterlover]

There's also this element that i see in MANY new fandoms that i'm tired of, that it reeks of superficiality and ableism.

here are two men in this story (or two women) (sometimes there's an element of a love triangle, it depends). the two of them are presented in a one dimensional manner at first, but as the story goes we see more their good parts and flaws. the narrative forces us to see them as complex characters. they both commit mistakes, but they also do good deeds

One of them was poor, grew up abused, or was disabled in some manner, the "outcast". The other one was wealthy, rich, handsome and overall had a happy, stable upbringing (the "status quo"). The narrative wants us to play with the preconcieved ideas we have of who is the villain and who is the hero. The narrative wants us to understand the "outcast" and not see them as one dimensional villains.

When these stories originally got the attention of the public, the "outcast" character initially got praise, liked for being deep, and many (arguably female, neurodivergent, or queer) fans found this character relatable and appealing to their tastes, due to facing similar struggles.

But in the last years, thanks to tumblr and X and TVTropes, a strange "purity culture" type of fandom emerged, that was obsessed in cataloging every single piece of media whether it was 'pure' and 'acceptable' or not. Only "nice" characters are acceptable to have. Grey characters are disgusting and abusive, "problematic" and are "bad role models", so teenagers /young women shouldn't like them (it's all about policing women's tastes, too since these fandoms have a larger female fanbase than male and i don't see these people barging into men's fandoms attacking them for their tastes)

(Hence why a lot of modern media (IMO) is so utterly bland with the character writing nowadays, but that's a rant for another day and why Bojack Horseman sucks)

So what happened with these previously deep, complicated characters, that acted the way they did due to years of abuse? That the narrative clearly pointed out? That they made A LOT of mistakes, but the narrative also pointed out they could do good? That minorities found them inspiring due to them, as well, also facing oppression in their lives? They're suddenly incels, murderers, assholes, or if they're women they're "pick mes"; "Not like other girls", or "internalized misogyny" for the crime of not liking pink. *rolls eyes* Anyone who is a fan of these characters has "issues" and one day "may end up in an abusive relationship" (wow, gross much?).

And the status quo characters? That the narrative clearly points out they're privileged and sheltered and act "accordingly", and that they need to learn to be more empathetic? Oh no, they're actually the "good guys" who will "save the day" and teach those "Monsters" a lesson. Any flaws they have are ignored by these fans by portraying them as "omg they're actually adorable cinnamon rolls and actually they're super smart by playing by society's rules instead of rebelling even when oppression is happening right in front of them".

So you see where's the fucked up thing? you're calling abuse victims monsters, while giving privileged spoiled brats a pass. you're calling women who might've been abused and seek comfort in fictional characters "enablers" and "future victims", just for their overall harmless tastes in fiction. you're calling women who might have been mistreated due to not wanting to follow gender roles "pathetic". You're judging people based on their looks, when you go on and on about how COINCIDENTALLY the one "ugly" / "deformed" character MUST BE EVIL and all their fans are "brainwashed".

And you claim to be the "woke" one? Please, you still dreamin'.

Saw The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway for my nineteenth birthday. FINALLY! It’s an absolutely fantastic show. About time I saw it! So here’s some IrenHorrors Phantom art. (Phantom is a freaking Nice Guy™. I GAVE YOU MUSIC, CHRISTINE! WHY WON’T YOU LOVE ME?!)

[folkmorepoet]

hi!!! tell me: 1, 2, 3 & 30!

I'm sorry it took me so long. Writing this meant to be honest and embrace my own cringe 😆 Thank you so much for sending your questions!! 🤍

1. if someone wanted to really understand you, what would they read, watch, and listen to?

read: I loooove reading. So loving books is per se a key to understanding me!! 📚

I've always been intrigued by books about magic! ✨️And I've always loved fantasy stories in which I could lose myself for a while and dream my life away.  (secret gardens in my mind 😉 ) I grew up with Harry Potter and Lord of the rings, but pretty much enjoy every good fantasy story.

Other than that, I prefer books with a spiritual message like "life of pi" or "the little prince". 

watch: Most of my favorite books have been turned into movies. 

Must haves (especially during christmas time): pursuit of happienes, it's a wonderful life (old b&w movies for the win!!)

and Disney ofc!!

listen to: Taylor Swift (obviously) 

P!nk, Shania Twain and Britney Spears have been very influencal in my life. 

+ 80's and 70's music

+ musicals (Wicked, Les Mis, Hamilton)

2. have you ever found a writer who thinks just like you? if so, who? 

Taylor Swift would be my first choice 🤍 Even though we are two complete different people, some of her songs make me think that she has read all of my diaries. 

Does Lin-Manuel Miranda count as a writer? (I know he is mostly a musician) He has released a collection of "poems" though. The book is called "Gmorning, Gnight." and for every day there's one poem to read in the morning and one to read before you go to bed. 

And his lines are just so encouraging and have a positive outlook on life and that just fits my spirit quite well!

3. list your fandoms and one character from each that you identify with:

I have so many fandoms 🙈 so I just list the most important ones. (and btw the characters I identify most with are not always my favorites.) 

Lord of the rings: Frodo

HP: Hermoine Granger and Luna Lovegood

Song of ice and fire (Game of Thrones) Tyrion Lannister 

Stranger Things: Dustin Henderson 

Disney: Arielle, Mirabel from Encanto 

Marvel: "I am Groot" 🤣🤣

Gilmore Girls: Lorelai Gilmore 

Supernatural: Charlie Bradburry 

I could explain each example at length. Maybe next time xD 

30. pick one of your favorite quotes.

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future" ~ Lotr 

Bonus: 

"Never forget what you are; the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you." Tyrion Lannister 

[xlovexmusesx]

Starter call!!

Delores (The umbrella academy)

Angelique (The umbrella academy)

Eurydice (Hadestown)

Chad (Descendants)

Juliet (Romeo & Juliet)

Cat (Victorious)

Lucas (SKAM)

Polly (Riverdale)

Enjolras (Les mis)

Joanne (HP)

Talisa (Game of thrones)

Fiyero (Wicked)