We know he isn’t going to actually do anything, because he’s meant to be a hero.
You should never date a guy like the cop from #strangerthings Extreme jealousy and violent rages are not flattering or sexy like TV would have you believe.Īnd honestly, watching him try to intimidate Joyce with his shouting and accusations was a bit frightening. We don’t want girls to think this behaviour is okay or romantic, and we don’t want guys to think that they can get away with acting like this if they’re otherwise good guys. It totally justifies and excuses his actions instead of calling him out, and the message this sends to viewers who love him is deeply concerning. It’s meant to be charming instead of flawed, and I hate that.
His behaviour isn’t shown as a red flag, but as protective and endearing. He doesn’t pay any retribution for his bad behaviour, and in fact, he ends up winning her favour. What’s really problematic is how the show rewards his actions. Somehow, this is supposed to make us root for him?! Turns out, he disappointed women everywhere with his violent and abusive behaviour. He yells and throws tantrums and behaves violently, and the show even acknowledges he’s a “brute” that reminds Joyce of her past abusive marriage. This though? It was creepy, and downright frightening. Hopper was one of my fave characters, and his awkwardness was always endearing. And seeing an influential and likeable male character, who up until now we actually really liked, do that on screen to our fave boss lady? NO. It denies women agency in making their own decisions, and disrespects the decisions we do make.
I’m pretty sure the whole “don’t take no for an answer” thing was created by men to justify constantly pursuing women who don’t want them as something romantic.įrankly, it’s gross and objectifying. Persisting even after we have said no, said we are busy, said we are not interested, said we have other plans, etc is not cute. Every girl has been in a situation where a guy has pressured us into a date we have not wanted to go on, regardless of our interest.