The Pretty Little Lies About Meant to be Relationships
The common ending for many shows, stories, and tales is the merging of a couple. These pairings often are described as overcoming obstacles, finding their soulmate, and being a product of undeniable fate. Therefore, it is only natural for one to root for these couples to find their so-called happily ever after. However, after further investigation, it can be seen that these stories are filled with assault, abuse, and criminal activity. Furthermore, through making individuals yearn for a relationship filled with toxicity the concept of being in an adverse relationship is not only normalized but romanticized as well.
Within the story “Sun, Moon, and Talia” a woman is raped while asleep and forced to bear two children. She awakens from the forced slumber when one of her children removes the splinter which is the cause of her comatose state. The father of the children then returns after their birth and he and Talia eventually wed and are described as living happily ever after. While that previous statement might seem undeniably problematic, the dictation makes the assault sound like an act of love and the relationship of the two individuals an occurrence of destiny. Instead of simply stating that rape occurs, it is said that “Her beauty, however, set him afire, and he carried her in his arms to a bed, where he gathered the fruits of love” (Basile, 686). The enchanting tone and song-like manner of this language aids in making the act seem nothing less than true love and lust. Ergo, encouraging the reader to recognize the couple and hope for their happy ending. Therefore normalizing the heinous crime of rape while also romanticizing it as an act of love.
To many children, Sleeping Beauty is a vivid movie, filled with characters that inspire costumes and the invention of color-changing dresses. However, the concepts displayed within the tale are with fault and through thorough investigation, one can see their downfall. The plot is similar to that of the previously mentioned “The Sun, Moon, and Talia” in which a woman pricks her finger upon a spindle and falls into a deep slumber. However, in the Disney adaptation, the princess is awoken by a kiss. This event may seem of less magnitude than that of the previous, however, it occurs still before consent, therefore demonstrating assault. Not only does the action occur but it is promoted as the start of a “happy ending” (Sleeping Beauty, 01:13:58). Through connecting this act of violation to a romantic gesture the film aids in the normalization and romanticization of a bad relationship
“Pretty Little Liars” is a TV series in which one of the main characters, a high school student, dates her male teacher. The two meet and he does not know the young girl’s true age; however, after education on this topic he still pursues the child and the two begin a relationship. While much occurs in between that and their marriage the two end up together. Upon first glance, this plotline demonstrates problematic events, however, through the complex obstacles and events the couple is drawn as a perfect pair. While this tale differs from “The Sun, Moon, and Talia” and “Sleeping Beauty” as the victim is not asleep, it mirrors the endorsement of an act of abuse and its continuous promotion. This constant endorsement of the ‘love’ and ‘fate’ surrounding the relationship causes fans to root for the two and their impending destiny. Ultimately this proves to be an instrument for a modern romanticization and normalization of abusive relationships.
If a story states that a man rapes a woman and then they fall in love, many would feel confused and frustrated. Yet, if that statement is dressed up with elegant language, heroic actions, and complex scenarios, would people even realize the abuse? Or would they instead engage in the hope for its success? From original fairy tales to modern television series, women are seen in abusive relationships that are demonstrated to be acts of love, fate, and power. Therefore, it is due to the promotion and endorsement of relationships saturated with the depravity that these pairings are not only normalized but romanticized as well.
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