#tbh im iffy about regina in regards to henry

[lgbtpolitics]

Its important for all media to examine what messages they send especially when it comes to redemption arcs but like some things still deserve more scrutiny than others because they are more realistic. A character trying to suck the world into a hell dimension and then being redeemed into an important friend to the main cast who were his victims isn't the same as a character who rapes someone and then gets redeemed into an important friend to his victim because sucking people into a hell dimension isn't real where rape is.

The above is a Buffy reference but its true in so many shows with fantastical elements, they get quite used to redemption arcs and they think they can apply that no matter the situation. Im watching Once Upon a Time right now and they keep giving both Regina and Mr Gold redemption arcs and whilst they both have wreaked an equal amount of havoc in the magical ways, I can't bare to see Belle being used over and over for his redemption arcs, he held her hostage and has abused her repeatedly, thats a real thing that happens and the victims constantly feel like they are responsible for the perpetrators ability to change or whatever. This is not the same as Snow White forgiving Regina for casting evil curses and shit.

#tbh im iffy about regina in regards to henry #but it feels more like failing at continuity than forgiving abusive parents #like at the start its suggested Emma can see Regina doesnt love Henry at all #but later it was like that just never happened