Throughout my run of the Miraculous Fandom, there seems to be a notion that you aren’t allowed to dislike certain characters. If you dislike Chloe, you get people spewing hate at you for not understanding her redemption arc or claiming you don’t know how much she’s suffered. If you dislike Lila, then you get people throwing insults your way about how you don’t get her character or accusing you of being an apologist. Heaven forbid you dislike the main characters, especially Adrien! Seems like the so called ‘golden child’ is too special and lovable to be disliked, but we can slander Marinette till the cow comes home.
It’s quite surprising how much we place attachment on fictional characters. Say someone likes Zoe for example. They say she’s a great addition to the cast and has one of the best designs in the show. Now, depending on the person, they would either say that you are wrong for liking a “replacement” Chloe, spit at you for thinking such thoughts since Chloe was better, or even say you shouldn’t like her due to Thomas being a jerk.
So, when we have people making art, stories, or post about a character we dislike, we want to get angry and tell them why they are wrong and that they should assimilate with those who enjoy the character.
This is forcefully imposing your ideals upon someone. Not cool at all.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, likes, and dislikes. Not everyone is going to see a character the way you see them. The problem we have is that when we anchor ourselves to that one character or characters, we tend to get defensive as if they were their own child. If you feel the need to impose your own opinions on a person, that just makes that character worse for the person.
Respect is a two way street. Maybe try seeing another side to the story. Instead of bashing the person, ask why they dislike the character. When you get your answer, respectfully nod and don’t give sass. The worse you can do is force someone to like what you like.
Or you can be mad at me for not liking Adrien Agreste. Whatever catches your eye…
