Stranger Things S5 spoilers
Some people don't understand how grief works.
Yes, this is about a fictional character and fictional show but it all reflects on real life. The way you look at fiction determines how you view reality (with some rare exceptions).
So when people claim Dustin's character is ruined because of him dealing with what happened to Eddie, the question arises: Why? Why is that? Is he not acting like y'all wanted? Were you hoping he would be more ok? Fine. Kinda valid. But what is not valid is claiming that Max's feelings and mourning was 100% valid while Dustin's isn't. They shouldn't even actually be compared because we all deal with hard things differently, but there are so many people claiming the other one's fine when the second isn't.
Or is it partly because you didn't expect that the S1 version of Dustin would ever turn out like the S5 vol. 1 version of him? That's also fine. How about instead of attacking Dustin (which ironically reminds of the bullies) you'd try to understand where he comes from and what he's actually dealing with? What are ALL the factors that have brought him to this very road? Would it be more valid for S1 Dustin to act the way he currently does for the same reasons?
Then there are Steve and the rest of the friend group. See, they all have valid points that they made. Dustin isn't his usual self. He has been reckless. He refuses to hide in the shadows. He didn't want to hide like Eddie had to. Steve has been concerned for Dustin but he isn't in a right state of mind to see that.
They all had valid points. Also they've known each other for years now, at some point you do argue. That's life. Except that usually doesn't happen as the world is in supernatural war zone.
So, how about we try to remember the importance of empathy and understanding of our basic human feelings, which usually tend to be a bit complex?
And didn't we all want more complex characters? Well, here's one served on a silver plate.
