I've noticed that when I watch a movie or TV show or read a book, and I choose a favorite character, I have a trend. Most people like to root for the underdogs, those characters that deserve more respect than they actually get. The underdogs, in our minds, "deserve" more happiness than the other characters and their success is more important because they generally are fighting more unfair odds. In addition, we like to relate to them because that means if they succeed, we too can succeed despite the odds stacked against us, and if there's one thing I know about people, it's that they love their own success.
Most people root for the underdogs, and I am no different. I like to root for those most maligned and oppressed. However, in many cases, I find myself rooting for strong female characters.
For example, after watching Game of Thrones, I love Arya and her willful disinterest in all things "ladylike." In Avatar: The Last Airbender, I root for Azula, who is definitely not the underdog in traditional terms since she's the villain, but is definitely the most independent female character. While many odds are stacked in her favor, many more odds are stacked against her. I won't spoil the plot details for those of you who are going to watch the show (and seriously, watch the fucking show). In reading Harry Potter, I always admired Luna Lovegood. It's easy to say that Hermione is the independent woman of the series, but she's always limited by her need to do things correctly. She only transcends this with the help of her friends, which is certainly admirable, but does Luna Lovegood need other people to know who she is? No, Luna doesn't give a fuck that you don't believe in Crumple-Horned Snorkacks.
The point is that I love female characters that completely think on their own, that display a level of complexity equal to their male counterparts. We've grown up with strong male leads, but strong female leads, while more common now, are harder to find. In essence, strong female leads in general start off as underdogs. They have to fight for equal representation in media as men continue to display the necessary bravado. That's why Arya is so amazing, that she knows so surely at such a young age what she wants and who she wants to be. It's why Azula is so complex, a true prodigy but still harbors the need for attention. It's why Luna is the anti-Hermione, and perhaps the anti-heroine, because she isn't at Hogwarts to preach her beliefs, but rather, only to believe unwaveringly in them.
It's also why Sansa will never be loved by anyone other than her family. It's why Katara, while definitely a strong female lead, will always be a beacon of good and justice, which isn't a bad thing, but in a way it's a simple portrayal of "good women." It's why Hermione will always need a man in her life to be defined.
I will always root for the woman because it's women who need equality, even in modern media. And I will always judge and be biased against those characters and those women who align themselves with their traditional gender roles because that's how they've been brainwashed to be. It's that they align themselves in those roles. That's okay, even it if it's a bit limiting, but rather, it's that they're passive when it comes their own identity. If you don't work at who you are, then who you are just won't work for me.
Be yourself, regardless of gender. Don't be afraid to like and do "manly" things or "girly" things if you're not a male or female. Who the fuck cares?
Thanks for reading. I gotta catch up on My Little Pony now.
