Bad boys…
I’m joking! Okay, so I may be the only one who feels this way but I guess we’re about to find out. I love the idea of a “bad boy” but, y’know, I acknowledge that these characters are largely problematic (especially on Episode?) and their stories can promote abusive relationships, some very non-feminist views and an unhealthy level of hyper-masculinity.
I don’t know, I want to reform the concept of bad boys! Girls shouldn’t think they should be attracted to the “bad boy” who treats women badly, thinks he’s all that and can get away with anything because of it.
Equally… it’s okay to be attracted to guys who wear leather jackets! It’s not okay for them to emotionally/sexually/verbally abuse women… I don’t know where the idea that that is attractive came from - but it’s more than unattractive, it’s unacceptable.
Why can’t we just have bad boys who maybe… got arrested a couple times for petty crimes and maybe don’t mind using a gun but are still humane? That’s what I want anyway. That’s also the kind of bad boy I’m trying to write. If you know stories with these guys, recommend them.
Er, yeah, I guess I just wanted to open up a discussion about what you think of the different kinds of bad boy and which are acceptable (if any). Just share your opinions, no judgement… well, maybe a little feminist insight if you like abusive bad boys.
Share your thoughts!