Written by: Surabhi Ghimire - 26012, Grade X
Posted on: 05 June, 2023
Typically, villains on children's television shows are shown to be only motivated by their own selfish goals while the hero tries to stop them. I believe that kid’s shows are trying to encourage little children to help people in need though it’s not a good way. For example, an oceanic villain fighting for the cleanliness of their homeland and being called a monster by the hero is extremely common.
The perspective of a villain is complex and varied. Their behaviour is frequently influenced by past events, and they might be prepared to go to any lengths—regardless of what it means to other people to accomplish their objectives. Though we might disagree with their choices, seeing things from the villain's point of view can help us better understand them and the reasons behind their actions. The villain's viewpoint is frequently affected by their past experiences. They may perceive themselves as the victim. Their darkness and retaliation may be paved by trauma, abuse, or abandonment. As a result,they may develop a distorted viewpoint and believe their acts are justified, even though they are harming other people.
Comparably, the writer for mature shows urges viewers to notice what psychological damage caused someone to become a villain. The hero got over the pain and tried to make something good of it whereas the villain was weak and filled with hatred, to the point where they couldn’t control it. In my opinion, no matter how wrong they seem, they might be lost inside. Villains may view themselves as a victim, oppressed by authority and society in general. Most see themselves as heroes trying to fight a corrupt system, not as evildoers. In fact, it is factual in some cases. Although, it is executed wrongly. As an example, fighting against a corrupt government by humanslaughter is wrong. Even if it is for the right reason, it hurts other people and can be resolved in other ways. A hero on the other hand, in most shows/books, what I’ve noticed is, at the start of their hero journey, what they decide is to help the people in need. Most likely, that discovery is made from having powers different from usual human beings. Doesn’t that put a pressure on you that since you’re better, you have to help everyone? Everytime they save the earth, the more praise they receive. Hiding your true identity from everyone, you can never be fully honest. I wonder, doesn’t it get tiring? Having every single person look up to you, scared to disappoint them. And soon, slowly, with time, the hero gets egotistical. Though, if a hero wants to quit they always could. A villain can’t, at least not easily.
In conclusion, a hero and a villain are not so different. Stereotypically, the protagonist (hero) has a positive outlook on life whereas the antagonist (villain) has a negative outlook on life. I believe that the writers didn’t choose to change the characters coincidentally. Maybe there’s a deeper meaning behind the suffering of the protagonist and antagonist themselves or merely for entertainment.
