I recently went to watch the new "Suicide Squad" movie and had a few thoughts about it. First of all, I thought it was an enjoyable movie. Second, DC needs a writer/director combo that can build a plot without choppy cut scenes. Finally, people are going to romanticize the Joker and Harley Quinn relationship when they really shouldn't. To avoid some backlash, minor spoilers from the film are ahead, as well as a possible triggers for domestic abuse survivors.
If you've got any knowledge of the Batman universe, then you've at least heard of the Joker and Harley Quinn. The two have a twisted relationship, to say the least. Harley began as the psychiatrist for the Joker, only to fall in love and fall victim to grand delusions, often fueled by the Joker. Per his request, Harley begins a life of crime. She chooses to continue in this life and pines for the Joker's affection. So why is this fictitious relationship so problematic? Because the Joker is both physically and mentally abusive, that's why.
In one particular scene of "Suicide Squad," Harley dives into a vat of acid/chemicals to prove her devotion to the Joker. The Joker begins to walk away, seemingly happy to let Harley die for him and his cause. Only seconds later, he then turns back to save Harley from the chemicals. The scene itself is visually stunning. Vivid colors juxtaposed against stark whites create a beautiful backdrop for the seemingly love-filled action of the Joker. Scenes like this might not seem like much, but the romanticizing of this violence could have some negative repercussions.
1. This kind of representation in mainstream media normalizes domestic abuse. Seeing a character, even one as exaggerated as Harley, can make abuse seem mundane. As if it is just a normal occurrence.
2. It reduces the influence of a strong character. Outside her obsession with the Joker, Harley is a strong and somewhat relatable character. I wouldn't model my life after her, but you see real pain and growth in her character. In a world with few female leads, Harley could have been a symbol of strength. This is not to say people stuck in an abusive relationship are weak, but it would be nice to see her grow past this relationship.
3. It ostracizes and belittles a group of survivors. It's one thing to call attention to a problem and see it play out in the media, it's another to see people glorifying struggles you've endured. I'm not an abuse survivor, but I've seen people talk about anxiety being quirky despite my not seeing it that way. I can only imagine how abuse survivors feel in similar situations.
These are just a few concerns I have for the relationship portrayed in "Suicide Squad." There might be some I've overlooked or simply not noticed, but I hope this helps others see how this representation can be problematic. I am not calling for a boycott of the movie or things similar, I am simply drawing your attention to this problem.
If you'd like to donate to any charities that combat domestic violence, here are a few links to charities I know of:
http://www.thecenteronline.org/get-involved/give/d...
http://www.bluemonarch.org/givetoday/
http://www.ncadv.org/give-back/donate
I hope this reaches any women and men affected by domestic violence.
