Why do we love Dark Girls?

Defining the archetype

The love for dark girls in media can be attributed to their genuine anti-socialness and constant dark moods. These characters are often characterized by their snarky attitudes and unique, dark interests. Their goth or punk aesthetic adds to their allure and when done correctly, these characters become iconic and beloved. It's important to note that when referring to dark girls, we're not talking about femme fatales, monster girls, wild girls, crazy girls, empty girls, or even manic pixies. While there may be some overlap with these archetypes, dark girls have their own distinct characteristics and appeals.

1. Social Fantasy

Wednesday Addams, the iconic character from The Addams Family, is a prime example of someone who doesn't care what others think of her. The new Netflix series based on the character showcases this trait well. Many people enjoy watching characters like Wednesday because they get to do and say things that we wish we could do, but are often too afraid to. Wednesday is an unattainable ideal of unconcern for social stigma and the opinions of others. Deep down, however, most of us do care what others think of us. We don't want to be seen as weird and we don't want to be bullied. It's a common trait that keeps us from truly being ourselves.

2. Toughness

The idea of the tough, socially outcast girl is a common topic in fiction. These characters are often judged, mocked, and harassed by their peers, but they are able to endure the social pressure and hold their own in confrontations. While this can be seen as admirable, it also has a subtler side. If we were to remove group identities from our own lives and consider what makes us who we are, many of us would be lost. We may not know what we like, how to dress, or how to think for ourselves. This topic may exist, but it is difficult to truly separate ourselves from the groups we belong to and find our own individual identities.

3. Strong identities

Dark girls are often seen as social outcasts, but this doesn't mean they lack strong identities. In fact, many dark girls are confident in their unique interests, hobbies, passions, and dreams. They don't try to fit in with the popular crowd or impress anyone, they simply enjoy what they like because they like it. This independence and self-assurance is admirable and sets them apart from others who may be desperately trying to belong. These girls don't need anyone else to dictate their interests or tell them how to dress. They know themselves and are comfortable in their own skin. It's this authenticity that makes them cool and appealing.

4. Not lost

Dark characters are an increasingly popular figure in popular culture. They are often portrayed as lonely, rebellious teenagers who have given up on trying to fit into the adult world and instead have chosen to live according to their own rules. These characters often have a strong sense of their own identity and know exactly what they want. Although they are rejected and despised by society, they are happy with their lives as they are. Fans of these characters are often teenagers who feel lost and are searching for their own identity. Seeing someone their own age who has all of that figured out is comforting. Although these characters face external problems, they are not on a transformative path to becoming "normal". They want to be themselves and enjoy their lives as they are.

5. No fear

The characters in this text are described as being immune to fear and the "nightmares lurking in the dark corners" of our psyches. They embrace the darkness and find enjoyment in things that would normally make us uncomfortable. This is seen as empowering and aspirational, as these characters are able to rise above the struggles and insecurities that we experience. They have a certain social invincibility and are able to triumph over the villains of society. This is contrasted with the weaknesses and lack of confidence that many of us face on a daily basis. The "don't give a" theme is also present, as these characters do not let the opinions or judgments of others affect them.

6. Subversiveness

The principle of dark girls is fundamentally subversive. They do not simply clash with social rules and structures, but rather by being themselves and doing their own thing, they undermine everything around them. This is often the underlying implication behind the snark, sarcasm, and wit that these girls are known for. They view the world and the people in it as being dumb, fake, pathetic, and ridiculous. This is why people tend to label them as arrogant, but in reality, they do not see themselves as superior to anyone else. Rather, they see everyone else as being slaves to mainstream culture and social norms. This is a threat to anyone who has social power, and in a way, these girls can be seen as playing a social hero role.

7. Conflict magnets

Dark girls are often portrayed as conflict magnets in fiction, rubbing everyone they interact with the wrong way. These characters are often depicted as being violent or having tempers, constantly breaking rules and causing chaos. Despite this, they can be incredibly interesting to read or watch because they never fail to generate exciting and unexpected moments.

In addition to being the source of conflict, dark girls can also generate interesting foils in the form of bright, positive characters who are full of life. This contrast can make for an interesting dynamic, as the dark girl struggles to fit into a normal, rule-following society. This often leads to what could be called "do it again" moments, where the unique personality of the dark girl is dropped into a variety of situations to see how they will react.

From a different angle, dark girls can make even the most mundane aspects of life interesting. A normal school or activity can become hilarious when seen through the eyes of a dark girl, as their interactions with others often skew off in unpredictable directions. While it can be challenging to explore the emotional range of these characters, their rare moments of tenderness and vulnerability can be incredibly poignant and memorable.

Overall, dark girls are a compelling topic in fiction because they offer clear potential for character progression and development. Their flaws and weaknesses are balanced out by their pronounced strengths, making them feel realistic and relatable. Whether they are ultimately shown to soften and open up, or continue to be isolated and detached, the journey of a dark girl is one that is sure to keep readers or viewers on the edge of their seats.

Great topics hold great potential

The topic discussed in this text is an interesting and potentially powerful tool in storytelling, but it must be used carefully and responsibly. If not, it can be disastrous and result in a "ball of cringe" for the audience. In order to effectively use this topic, it must be made unique and fit organically into the story. An example of this is a character who exhibits all of the "dark world's stuff" to the maximum extent. This can make for an intriguing and engaging character, but if not done well it can easily become over-the-top and annoying. It is important for storytellers to strike the right balance when using this topic in order to avoid these pitfalls and create a compelling and engaging story.

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© Emby Lat

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