Character: Miranda Bailey
From: Grey’s Anatomy
Representation: Racial (black), Neurodivergent (OCD)
Their Importance: Dr. Bailey is a strong, self-assured, competent surgeon and teacher with ambitions to compete and be better. She’s already achieved her goal of becoming Chief of Surgery. Most interns and residents are inspired by her teaching techniques and strong sense-of-self, often looking up to her. Bailey also works hard to create a good balance between work and family life, juggling her career with her husband and child. She wasn’t always the inspiration we see today, though. When she first started out, although knowledgeable and more than capable, she was anxious and afraid to speak up against authority. Once she found her courage, though, she never backed down.
Issues: Her OCD is really treated as a one-time plot device. It really develops/comes out after a traumatic event. She struggles to accept what is happening to her but with the help of those around her, she agrees to get help, which really comes down to taking a medication. After that, Bailey’s OCD is almost never mentioned again except maybe when she defiantly defines herself and reclaims the parts of her identity that others look down on her for.
Thanks to anon for the write-up!