I'm annoyed. Before I begin my rant, here is some background info : in English, we're reading Tennessee Williams' play,
A Streetcar Named Desire. Hopefully you know the basics of this play, because I'm too anxious and excited to begin my rant that I don't have time to summarize for you. And here we go.
In class today, someone actually tried to defend Stanley Kowalski, the antagonist of the play who is simultaneously a rapist, a perpetrator of domestic violence, and the absolute all around scummy alpha male scoundrel of a man (so repetitive and doesn't make sense, but whatever, I'm pissed). If Webster's had a definition for this lowest sort of a sub-human, Stanley would be it. So, the person in class brought up the possibility that perhaps Stanley grew up in an abusive home, or suffered from PTSD from the War. This, quite bluntly, is bullshit. YOU CAN RECOVER FROM THESE TRAUMAS. THERE IS A THING CALLED THERAPY, PEOPLE. I realize that outlets like therapy were not available in the late '40s, but still. You get what I'm saying. It relates to all the nature vs. nurture business; like, does just because I grew up in an abusive family mean that my future family will be abusive? Uh, for all the people living in abusive homes, I freaking hope not. That is a terrible way to think. But this topic is for another day, for another post.
Back to Stanley. You can blame his awful aura on his childhood, or his past experiences, but in truth, nothing makes him act like satan on earth but himself. This is true for everyone. You are your own force.
The viewpoint of Stanley's behavior as tragic was placed on the table as well (due to his alcoholism). Now, I recognize alcoholism is a disease. Alcoholism alone, is a tragedy. I also recognize that the abuse of alcohol leads to a seriously damaged use of judgment, and can thus lead to violent behaviors. Those violences, however, are NOT tragic for the perpetrator!!!! They are tragic for the victim. Let me make myself clear: Alcoholism/PTSD=disease=tragic versus Rape and Other Disgusting Offenses=pure evil= not excusable in any way shape or form and the people who do such things should be imprisoned forever.
I don't believe that my peer meant this in a malicious way at all. In fact, I know she brought up this POV solely for literary purposes (arguing whether Stanley is the pro or antagonist) and is an all around very intelligent person whom I truly enjoy. If she is reading this (which is kind of funny cause there is the possibility that ZERO people are reading this blog,) I hope I didn't offend you. I'm actually VERY thankful you brought up this point because it got me thinking and my mind buzzed and I loooove when this happens because then I get into mini fights within my head and feel all intelligent and all. Wow. What a rant.
Goodness, I feel better.