I've seen many posts on tumblr that seem to harbor the idea that the concept of Mary Sues in fanfiction and writing is just another way for the patriarchy to silence female writers and that it's a sexist term.
It's not sexist. Gary Stus and Mary Sues coexist and are equal offenders. Some argue that Gary Stus are not as prominent, and I'll agree (more on that in the next point), but they are just as ridiculed as their female counterparts.
Fanfiction authors are predominately female. That is a fact. It's why the majority of Mary Sue type characters are girls, because the whole point is the potential for the author to live out their dreams through a character that's perfect. It's harder to slip into the shoes of the opposite gender. Sues are typically found in fanfiction because most of them wouldn't even get past publishing house doors. Therefore, the reason why Gary Stus are not as prevalent is because there aren't many guys writing fanfiction.
Some say that it's just a way to put down "strong girl characters". That notion is based on a false idea of what Mary Sues actually are. Critics think that Mary Sues look like girl characters that dare to be like guy characters, when in reality, they actually look like this:
My name is River Gemstone Fox, and I'm 21 years old (but I look sixteen). I don't remember my past, but I carry around a magical scythe that was given to me as a baby. I have long, flowing locks of red and pink hair that sparkles when the sun hits it. My eyes change color like a mood ring! I graduated high school when I was 15, but it was hard for me because everyone hit on me. When I'm scared, I can transform into a purple fox, but that interferes with my sword fighting and cake baking hobbies, both of which I became masters of at the age of seven. I learn skills really fast, faster than anyone.
Life is so hard sometimes, because I'm clumsy. I'm in love with [main character], but I hope he isn't intimidated because I aways have creepy guys in love with me. Ew!
That is not a healthy, well rounded character. That is an abomination.
Another complaint from critics of the Mary Sue idea is that if you replace the gender with male, then the character will not be criticized. This is false, because the criteria for a Gary Stu is different than for a Mary Sue. Gary Stus get all the action, always win the battle, and always save the day. Mary Sues bend the rules of the universe to accommodate her, and take up the spotlight for no valid reason. However, they are similar enough. Let's look at a pretty famous Sue, and change her into a guy.
Hi my name is Eboner Dark’ness Dimension Ryan Way and I have ebony black hair (that’s how I got my name) with purple streaks and red tips that reaches my shoulders and icy blue eyes like limpid tears and a lot of people tell me I look like Marilyn Manson (AN: if u don’t know who he is get da hell out of here!). I’m not related to Gerard Way but I wish I was because he’s a major fucking hottie. I’m a vampire but my teeth are straight and white. I have pale white skin. I’m also a wizard, and I go to a magic school called Hogwarts in England where I’m in the seventh year (I’m seventeen). I’m a goth (in case you couldn’t tell) and I wear mostly black. I love Hot Topic and I buy all my clothes from there. For example today I was wearing a black shirt with matching skulls around it and black leather pants, black socks and black combat boots. I was wearing black lipstick, black eyeliner and red eye shadow. I was walking outside Hogwarts. It was snowing and raining so there was no sun, which I was very happy about. A lot of preps stared at me. I put up my middle finger at them.
Still a Sue, but kind of odd. Gary Sues and Mary Sues mean overlapping traits, but are not the same.
Not everything is about oppression. The whole point is to encourage well written, well rounded characters, not to discourage girls from writing.
titsay
gummygunk
andulkaphoto
theartofmadeline
dailybridgerton
annaxmalina
romaincrisis
origamiaround
kaledo-art
tangentwithtanner
vaporwave