You know, I think a lot of people don’t understand that something can be an explanation and still not be an excuse. It is especially obvious now after stranger things 3 because I keep seeing posts about how billy is still abusive and his flashbacks don’t change that. And I’m like, yeah, they aren’t supposed to. Flashbacks are used to explain a character’s actions. A backstory doesn’t excuse those actions. It’s similar to in real life when people say things like “oh I have depression that’s why I’m an asshole” no. You have depression. You’re an asshole. Having depression does not mean you get to be an asshole without repercussions. Like, in avatar the last air bender, when sang is first learning to firebend. He gets impatient. He is too eager and ignores his teacher’s advice and ends up hurting katara. Does knowing he is eager to quickly learn bending in order to beat the fire lord excuse his hurting his good friend? No. It explains the incident. But that does not mean katara should immediately forgive him.
So just remember:
Explanation ≠ Excuse
