What Raven Means to Me
As a blog that is devoted to everything DC and most especially Raven, I think it's essential that I begin with a post that's specifically directed to Raven.
So, what DOES Raven mean to me?
Well, she means everything. The moment I look at Raven, I see me and people like me being represented in comics, TV, and well, pop culture. And sure, I know what you're probably thinking (only if you're someone who's not as attached to the character as I am)... Right now, you're probably like, "OK. This is weird. You see yourself in her? She's literally a comic book character with powers and a child of a demon."
Well, my friend... A character does not need to not have powers and a realistic back story in order to be categorized as "relatable". There’s a thing called symbolism which I am incredibly fond of in all forms of art.
Raven is a symbol. For me, she is a symbol for the teenagers and even adults who have had a history of being abused in whatever way as a child by a parent or guardian, and who are forced to carry the effects from that abuse possibly for the rest of our lives. Like Raven, the parent or guardian who abused us and the inner demons they have given us are basically Trigon. Like Raven, because of the impact of it which we feel, we can tend to close ourselves off from the world, not really thinking that we are suitable enough to have friends but still make an effort to try.
And like Raven (I’m going to speak this for myself because I’m not sure if other people feel the same), I am every bit of afraid to become like my parent who served as my abuser as his blood courses through my veins. There is literally this little voice in my head that tells me I might be like him even if I know in my heart that I am not (but you know, the fear still creeps there).
And finally, aside from being a symbol and representation in the media for us, another reason why Raven is everything to me is because she gives me hope – hope that I can become the best version of myself and can eventually be free from the chains of my past and abuser.
Soooooo... there you have it. THIS is why Raven means so much to me and why she always will.