ok ok so, do u have any theories abt how striker's hybrid nature could play into the show's racism themes? :3
More Helluva boss rambles:
Gooood question. But alongside that question is another one which is, how much, if anything, does helluva boss seem invested in scoping out the larger context of the theme they've teased?
Unlike Hazbin, Helluva is a 'smaller story', more concerned with personal interrelationships then large scale social conflicts. These interrelations can be influenced by the broader scale going ons and system that's been presented to the audience, such as Blitz and Stolas' class divide coming into conflict with their views of the themselves and each other...but I'm not sure that necessarily translates to the show wanting to take that conversation further or showcasing additional layers to the conversation. It all depends on the scope that was aimed for in the beginning and if it allows or wants to pursue it and for what narrative purpose.
For example, though we know Striker to be a hybrid by this point, no one else in the show addresses Striker as anything other than an imp. It doesn't seem to affect positive or negative interactions he has with others, he's not given more or less respect by others based upon his hybridity so far as we've seen. In fact, no one in any episodes even seems to regard this factor of his character. If anything, the title of 'imp' alone gives these standards, such as Andre referring to Striker as Stella's 'mangy stray' rather than something that might imply his hybridity more like 'mangy mutt'. Striker himself could be argued to see some kind of 'superiority' in his background...but even he only refers to himself as an imp. For example, he doesn't say he's superior to Moxxie because he's 'more than an imp' or Moxxie is 'only an imp'. Instead, he refers to himself as 'our kind', aligning himself solidly with his imp side.
That begs the question, why does Striker see himself as 'superior' to others, namely other imps? One could argue it's physical prowess, which is why he gives more credence to Blitz, as Blitz is physically capable of keeping up with him, but I have another theory:
I think Striker feels like the only sane person in the room to himself, that others are inferior based upon their acceptance, in his eyes, of the standard norms, like the hierarchy. This is why he gives a bit more respect to Blitz compared to Fizz in 'Oops'. Fizz is, in Striker's perspective, being a 'purse dog', an accessory, overly reliant and indulgent in his relationship with Ozzie. He allows himself to be objectified, to be subservient and unable to help himself outside of the system. And to a certain degree, he isn't wrong. Fizz is incapable of getting out of that whole situation without the interference of Blitz, who is a lot more independent and breaking from the status quo with his imp run business at IMP. This might also explain why Striker, though angry with Blitz 'siding' with Stolas, does go on to clarify that at least he's still earning what he has, unlike Fizz. And, yes, Striker is a hypocrite in this regard, because he's taking jobs from Goetia and still abiding by their rules. But I think, from his own view, Striker thinks he and Blitz are/were in a similar situation, to a degree. Blitz had to interact with Stolas to get the book; he had to put up with the arrangement made to support his business and, generally, survive. Striker has to interact with goetia in order to get the resources he needs to do the things he wants/survive the day. So I think his superiority complex over other imps is more in the sense that he feels superior because he 'sees the cage' that everyone else is ignorant of, disregards, or accepts. He still 'plays the game', but he's proud in himself that he can at least see that it's 'all a game'.
Now all that said, there is an interesting undertone to this as well in that Striker is so violently 'Wrathian' compared to other imps we see, including Millie. He dressed like a traditional Western cowboy, rides a horse, seems to reside as drifter. 'Cowboy' in the helluverse is very, very strongly associated with Wrath and, further, imps, who are the primary residents of Wrath. Moxxie, though born in Wrath, was raised in Greed, which accounts for his differing cultural upbringing and values shown in 'Exs and Ohs'. But he still heavily leans into his Wrathian heritage because, of his parents, his mother, also from Wrath, is the one he has the better connection to. In Sinsmas, he celebrated by indulging in Wrath, not Greed. He actively dislikes being around the Greed ring, on account of his father, and kept trying to push his more Wrathian side when confronted with Millie's family. If Striker doesn't refence, doesn't bring up his hybridity...perhaps it's because he actively despises that part of himself, not too unlike Moxxie. Why, I'm not sure. I think we need to see more of him to get that answer. But the potential avenues of exploration of identity and it's relation to both the perception of oneself and the perception of others onto you is clearly there.
I think though if they were going to be discussing this theme, the show would have to jump upon the legitimate grievances and hardships that imps in society face with a bit focus. It's touched upon, but hasn't really been in the spotlight, sort to speak, as compared to the dramas of family conflict and romantic give and take. Right now it's more the framework than the art piece, the outlines of the system that show is coloring in. That said, I'd be all up for it taking more spotlight. I love my fictional sociopolitical interconnective webs and the conflicts that arise from them.
But yeah, long story short, I'm not sure how much focus they're going to give that. Helluva seems to be telling a particular scope, and I'm not sure if there's any plans to expand upon some of the stuff they've given us. In the meantime, however, there's plenty for us to digest and theorize!
