"I understand objections from people who see these portrayals as imbuing such figures with false-consciousness— that is, manufacturing humanity in figures who would not do the same for you and, in truth, probably do not have too much humanity to begin with."
When you said, "much of hetero fiction is preoccupied with the redemption and transformation of powerful, often violent, often cruel people" I immediately thought of a wonderful video essay on problematic romance by a YouTuber called bazazilio. One of her theories was that these romances function as a power fantasy for women, "conquering" or "defeating" a powerful bad guy through the power of love. The badder the guy, the more powerful the heroine, and thus the more powerful the fantasy.
I saw Zuko and Katara and my ears perked up like a puppy! Great and insightful read 👏🏾
thank you!!!
"I understand objections from people who see these portrayals as imbuing such figures with false-consciousness— that is, manufacturing humanity in figures who would not do the same for you and, in truth, probably do not have too much humanity to begin with."
Ooof. So well said.
thank you so much!!
“And still! I am compelled!” So true. No one look at my Ao3 bookmarks pls.
that's between me and the great power above !!!
zutara on the substack feed, how delightful. thanks for the great read, friend!
thanks friend!!
When you said, "much of hetero fiction is preoccupied with the redemption and transformation of powerful, often violent, often cruel people" I immediately thought of a wonderful video essay on problematic romance by a YouTuber called bazazilio. One of her theories was that these romances function as a power fantasy for women, "conquering" or "defeating" a powerful bad guy through the power of love. The badder the guy, the more powerful the heroine, and thus the more powerful the fantasy.