I am tired, so here we go:
Miraculous Ladybug looked so good in the special interview video. I read the first CG show comic published, and then decided to watch an episode. By episode 2, I was In Love. Many of you know what a hyper fixation is like.
I was thrilled, being presented with a story about a relatable female hero who learned to stand for what's right, in and out of hero guise.
Plus secret identities and cat puns!!!
I loved the kwami, that she had ambitions, and most of all that she was Clever, yet could still struggle with social situations.
Who didn't love the hat signature? Brilliant. Ladynoir chair slide fist bump? Fun! Adrien's longing glance back towards the closet before he walks away? Beautiful.
There was also some representation! Through Juleka, Marc, fan!Alix, Mylen, Alya, etc. It's never all there, but it seemed they were trying.
And then The Wolves came.
Lila being manipulative to get everything she wants. Marinette not being able to speak for herself in situations of confrontation.
Chloe vacillating between having feelings at all, or not.
Alya using her confidence to shove and run over Marinette, instead of being vigilant and pulling her up.
Kagami- oh lord, Kagami- introduced as beautiful, rich, and skilled, but hanging on Adrien's whim. Marinette losing the chance to learn fencing and grow her interests!
Strong does not equal bitch. Soft does not equal weak. However, Miraculous Ladybug predominantly presents it this way . Women who demand anything in the show are only portrayed as "villains".
Marinette is always wrong and needing to learn (to be more accommodating, to give up her own self, bowing to the whims, convenience, and opinions of others)!
Worst, the main character is forced to be kind, and NEVER gets what she wants. Don't teach women that. We already know it, Thomas.