Back when Twitter was fun, I joined a conversation about the alarming popularity of villains in US pop culture.
I pointed out that people get tattoos of villains, like the Joker (esp Heath Ledger's version), Walter White and Darth Vader.
I was questioned for suggesting that the power of story can convince people to align with villains because they're relatable. People were shocked by how "gullible" I am.
For my part, I think I underestimated the problem.
@sumpnlikefaith Good grief people have always aligned with a dark side. Robin Hood. Bonnie and Clyde. Even Al Capone who did a lot for Chicagoans.
@SaltyVeruca I don't disagree, there is a pull. A lot of this boils down to perspective, of course.
From the perspective of a poor, exploited person living in Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood is a good guy. From the perspective of the establishment, Robin Hood is a menace.
Perhaps a key is maturing our collective recognition to what evil means, and what its limits are. Namely, are there attitudes and actions which are objectively evil? Or do we only have our subjectivity to guide us?
@sumpnlikefaith Well that's an ethics and philosophy degree. 😉