As a fan of Arya and Jon Snow, and also someone who loves the character of Dany, I have something to say. Actually, it's not so much about the characters themselves, but rather about the fans' "labeling/accusing" approach.
The reason I'm writing this now is because it's been coming up so often over the years, and I can't help but react.
First of all, the ASOIAF universe is definitely not suitable for the new generation because it's both quite a dark universe and very much against the populist values of the new generation. Therefore, the new generation tends to be unable to evaluate everything they encounter without approaching it in this way; that's why I think they have difficulty understanding the unfolding story in the ASOIAF universe.
In this universe, fans can have various reasons for liking or disliking a character; they might find their personality similar to their own or very different; they might find their actions sympathetic or the opposite; they might find a character harming the character(s) they like, or yes, they might dislike them because it's very contrary to their personal worldview, and all this and more… etc. All of this is very natural and acceptable; nobody should criticize anyone for these kinds of things, IN MY OPINION.
I find ASOIAF discussions among fans very entertaining, as long as they are civilized. I spent many long days clashing our differing opinions with a Dany fan friend, and both we enjoyed it, as did our forum friends who read those discussions. The key was to treat each other with respect and never to label or accuse each other with phrases like, "You think this way because you are like this." In this respectful and sincere environment, we sometimes convinced each other or improved our perspectives…
However, in recent years – especially after GoT ended – I've seen some stans become aggressive. Actually, my friend became aggressive too. It's understandable considering the show's ending didn't please anyone except a limited number of viewers, but I see groups who have made it a habit to bully others for years.
I've also experienced this bullying. I'll never forget a group on X criticizing the drawings of a fan who drew art; the main criticism was why the Martellers were drawn with dark skin (ridiculous, since they're a dark Mediterranean family, whatever). The artist was a JonArya fan, and they started insulting her using that aspect. When I defended her, I was insulted and attacked for this and a few other opinions I had. I see other arguments too; accusing people of misogyny… which I want to focus on because it was the last straw that prompted me to write this.
Criticizing or disliking Daenerys, Arya, or any other female character for any reason, or predicting and expressing a "mad queen/princess" ending and saying they will die, is not misogyny.
There are also male characters who are hated, even beyond analysis and predictions, and whose death is openly wished for because they are disliked for a certain reason… I have almost never heard male fans who like them say, "You're doing this because you're a man-hater." Unfortunately, I have often heard/read my own gender accusing the other side of misogyny.
The culture of online mobbing is at a terrifying point, and much of it revolves around populism; I've seen topics on the Reddit ASOIAF subreddit that started with "Don't mob me, but…" just to express a different opinion. The fact that someone simply wants to express their own opinion but fears being mobbed for expressing a view contrary to the general consensus shows the presence of social pressure. This is terrifying.
The system works like this: first, populist values/concepts are produced, then these are frequently presented to social media users, taught to them, and everyone starts using them. But most importantly, because herd mentality kicks in, a fixed opinion is formed, not even questioned. When dissenting opinions are expressed, accusatory concepts/labels are used to suppress and silence the opposing side. We're talking about an anti-democratic, anti-freedom approach. In short, the labeling is a "weapon" used to suppress and silence opinions you don't like.
Let me give you a simple example: Antisemitism.
In the West, for over 70 years, Zionists have silenced and suppressed anyone who criticized the genocide they perpetrated against Palestine by accusing them of antisemitism. Now that their influence on the internet is waning, and people are slowly seeing some truths, accusations of antisemitism seem like a huge joke in the West. They're furious because the weapon system they created is now turning against them, that's a separate issue, but unfortunately, the lynching/suppression culture continues in other areas.
I know I've written a long piece, but this isn't something that can be dismissed in two sentences. To be honest, I don't think what I've written will change anything, but at least I think I've found the right time and place to express myself, so I've taken this opportunity.
Nevertheless, I hope/inşallah my words will raise awareness, even for just one person.
Thank you for reading. Remember that accusations and labeling are the weapons of the pathetic/criminals who are unable to defend their views/actions. Just like the Zionists. Therefore, let different opinions clash, and don't feel bad when you receive criticism; see it as an opportunity to improve yourself and your views.
