We've probably all heard plenty of reactionary
about the accursed "strong female characters" in fiction.
It doesn't help when there is a way to write and portray such characters that is terrible and often panders more some thirsty writer than it does in any way actually "empower" the character outside of spank bank material. Looking right the fuck at you, "waifu fights for senpai" anime industrial complex.
The reaction against "strong female character" writing promotes RETVRN misogyny ideology, as if those are our only two choices, and that also sucks.
I'd love it if someone or a lot of someones did a little trolling and started some momentum against "strong male characters" instead, because they are such an unexamined cliche and built in expectation that they really aren't even questioned, or even noticed except as a default state that everything revolves around to the point where its absence is seen as "political."
What if a man's wife died... and it made him very sad and in need of emotional support?
What if a man's daughter was kidnapped... and he needed help to rescue her and asked for that help?
What if a father figure was shown being warm, supportive, patient, and constructive, period?
Or, for Toby Fox enjoyers, to sum up my argument, why not more Ralsei-like characters?
Oh, the reactionary rage alone would make the movement worth it.
Literally every 80s/90s family sitcom. "This man is a fucking idiot who knows nothing, but also you have to obey him "
I hate those sitcom dads, but I have a soft spot for early Homer Simpson and Malcolm in the Middle. They’re technically sitcoms with bumbling fathers, but in The Simpsons there are moments where Homer must face the horrors of capitalism and sacrifice is portrayed.
And Malcolm is pretty much about an dysfunctional, borderline abusive family that was a result of constantly being stressed over finances, bankruptcy, minimum wage jobs, and potential homelessness. Hal is an idiot, but we know why because he doesn’t have enough time or energy to truly learn about being a good dad.
Other feel good sitcoms rarely show what the “sacrifice” actually is, and if they do it’s usually just “oh shucks, I’m being laid off, but I still love my family and will find another job to provide for them.” The cruelty is not present. It is just another obstacle for characters to get through. It’s no surprise that politicians criticized The Simpsons (and maybe Malcolm? I’m not sure) and encouraged people to be like the feel-good always happy live audience sitcom families. There is no overarching horror corrupting their relationships and behavior. Everything is okay at the end of the day.