Blindsided

[mirrorbrothers.livejournal.com]

So, I was hanging out with some friends, ones who don't know I'm multiple. We were watching old Batman cartoons. Now, I like Batman. I was having fun. And then an episode about Scarface came on.

For those who don't know, Scarface is a multpile, a mild-mannered ventriloquist and an evil, domineering gangster that only comes out through the ventriloquist's dummy. As normal for Batman villians, the MPD (the term is apt in this case) is exaggerated even past the common conception of it. I hadn't connected MPD to me and Johnny years ago when I first watched these cartoons. Now, the portrayal seems really offensive.

I don't even know what to make of this. I mean, it's Batman. Part of me is wondering why I'm even bothering to be offended by a Batman cartoon. But at the same time, I spent thirty minutes feeling angry and awkward and out-of-place while alone with my friends, and I couldn't say anything 'cause they didn't know. Clearly this is not something I should have to put up with.

I think next time I'm just going to ask to skip the Scarface episodes, and if they ask why I'll tell them. I had enough of the closet thing with being gay in high school. I'm not doing it again.

- Rob

Comments

[birgitriddle]

Just a random unlurking, but if you're watching old Batman cartoons, I suggest possibly also skipping the episodes with Two-Face as well if Scarface bothers you.

[mirrorbrothers.livejournal.com]

Eh, Two-Face often just stays evil for the whole episode. I think a lot of writers just interpret him as "used to be good, now evil." I prefer to, anyway. I like Batman, and I don't see any reason to not watch an episode that has nothing to do with multiplicity just because the villian was offensive once.

[birgitriddle]

I was mostly just thinking of the Episode when the whole accident thing actually happens and when he actually does visit the therapist before losing it. *shrugs*

[mysticeden.livejournal.com]

I get mad at stuff like that too. mostly at movies though. I feel like in all movies people with MPD are evil and mean and crazy. So i get it. There's no reason to feel bad about it I think a lot of us would be offended.

[mirrorbrothers.livejournal.com]

*points at your avatar* Not in video games, though, right?

[mysticeden.livejournal.com]

I don't count that as MPD actually. So it's different to me.

[gryphons.livejournal.com]

*nods* the episode when they talk about the origin of two face.. really bugged us.. you can sorta see the dichotomy between harvey dent and two face in some of the others.. but it's a lot more subtle.. that and their explanation for why harvey developed the second soul.. (if I remember right it was because he got in a fight in elementary/middle school and broke someone's nose.. and either they developed something like chicken pox or disappeared from school and he blamed himself.. ) was a bit.. um.. stretching.. .. but eh..

what did people think of tommy lee jones(?) portrayal of two face in the movie?


don't think we've seen the scarface episodes.. least not lately..

[cirape.livejournal.com]

I dunno, I kind of liked the Scarface episodes...
I suppose I'm just not 'sensitive' about these things.

--Dizzy

[mirrorbrothers.livejournal.com]

I wasn't offended by my friends. I'm pretty sure these guys would be completely understanding if I actually explained. The only tricky bit would be convincing them it made scientific sense, and I could do that. I was offended by the show.

[mirrorbrothers.livejournal.com]

Well, yeah, fine. But realistically, the coming-out step has to come first.

[ex-pinkmonk.livejournal.com]

i haven't seen the episodes (though i believe i remember the character), and while there isn't exactly a wealth of functioning multiple characters in the entertainment world, harmful multiples do exist. sadly, most multiple characters are villains, but i remember seeing things like that as a child and being all, "hey, that's like me!" except i knew my multiples weren't bad guys - it was laughable. it was kind of a surprise that someone could even have a multiple that would harm them (or others) - why would they want to?!?! i don't think there should be no multiple villains, just more functioning multiples to balance things out.

i hope i don't sound too apologist, or dismissive. i understand how that's upsetting, it's no better than being gay and seeing nothing but tired stereotypes. i identified with the multiple characters without thinking i, too, was "evil," but not every kid could be so lucky. and it is very tiresome to see nearly all multiples as terribly tragic, evil or comic relief.

as long as you're comfortable with it, the offending cartoons may just be an excellent segue to the 'coming out.' it's nice to have a little block to build on rather than starting out cold. good luck.

[ksol1460.livejournal.com]

I'm offended by nasty portrayals, also, and I detest the multiple-personalitied villains I've seen because they're all written by singlets who don't know the first thing about the reality.

Would you care to write this up for the Pavilion library?
http://www.karitas.net/pavilion/library/library_media.html