Catra showed the realistic effect of childhood trauma, and Glimmer showed the effect of trauma when you’re a bit older, which also leads into why they parallel each other so much. They both made bad decisions spurred by unhealthy emotions, but for a childhood trauma survivor, she has no way of finding a proper outlet or support system, and needs help to connect with one, while for the newer trauma victim, Glimmer wants to fall back on her support system and ultimately cannot.
To Catra, her entire life is Adora. Shadow Weaver makes it clear she has no purpose outside of her relationship with Adora. This already is an unhealthy support system, as it puts more responsibility on Adora than is healthy, also shown in the show, and makes Catra unable to reach out for any other support, while the general structure of the Horde also makes it difficult. After Catra loses Adora, starting to realize her worth outside of Adora, she began to associate her childhood trauma with Adora’s protecting her, and therefore pushes away all other support systems. Ultimately, she grows and learns the importance of healthy relationships, but it takes all five seasons.
For Glimmer, she’s had a generally healthy life. Even despite her dad’s absence and mother’s overbearing nature, Glimmer built a strong friend with Bow. Similar to Catra, this seems to be her only important friendship, and her only support system. However, she is able to build more relationships, with Adora and the other princesses, before trauma, regarding Shadow Weaver or anything else, can ruin healthy relationships for her. When she starts spiraling, seen especially in season 4, after the loss of her mom, her friends pulling away without realizing the harm this does, and then more losses, like Salineas, she becomes desperate. She lashes out unhealthily, and she does so against her support system; Adora and Bow. Once again, she is able to resolve these feelings when she falls back on her support system; having to realize and own up to her faults.
Glimmer and Catra both experience trauma that leads them to make poor decisions spurred by unhealthy emotions. These decisions ultimately bring them together, trapping them on Horde Prime’s ship. Then, they come together relating to each other, and in seeing the similarities they have with each other, are able to make the first, small step, in working past their trauma. Catra’s next step is doing a selfless act, saving Glimmer, while Glimmer’s is apologizing to Bow without expecting anything in return. After these steps, they receive the love that they need to more forward, with strong support systems.
izzy806
origamiaround
annaxmalina
dededos
ellievsbear
baratheonpilled
romaincrisis
kaledo-art
