Hollywood Has a Bit Too Much Sympathy for the Devil Lately – RedState

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Hollywood's Shifting Portrayal of Villains

The article analyzes Hollywood's tendency to portray villains sympathetically, citing examples like Cruella de Vil, Killmonger, Lucifer, and orcs in "Rings of Power." It questions whether this is a deliberate attempt to normalize evil or a result of a lack of creative ideas.

Arguments for and Against Sympathetic Villains

The author argues that while exploring the motivations of villains can be insightful, the overuse of this trope can have a detrimental effect on society's morale, particularly for young audiences. The author believes that stories where good triumphs over evil are essential for societal empowerment.

Conversely, the author acknowledges the realism in stories where good doesn't always win, referencing George R.R. Martin's work as an example. A quote from an Epic Rap Battles of History video is included to emphasize that fantasy genres are not bound by the same constraints as reality.

The Importance of Clear Moral Narratives

The article concludes that, while understanding evil is important to combat it effectively, the focus should be on clear narratives promoting the triumph of good. The author emphasizes that evil should be unequivocally identified and fought against, not normalized or sympathized with to the detriment of society's moral compass.

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