larenoz | Carina Can't Win

Epiphany time.

I just worked out why a lot of the Carina hate annoys me so much.

A lot of the criticism of Carina focuses on her not addressing various issues raised in the show in enough depth. On the surface this is a valid concern. But, and it’s a big but, Carina is being punished for doing a really important thing that we complain is so often lacking in film and television - diversity.

She has given us a very diverse cast of characters in terms of race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, education, ability.

She has given us a diverse cast of actors in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality (and possibly other things).

She has given us a diverse story line addressing some serious social and political issues that are impacting people right now - racism, homophobia, bisexual visibility, immigration, health and education inequality, inter-racial relationships, scientific independence, women’s rights, redemption as an achievable goal etc

Roswell, New Mexico is the intersectional show we’ve all been demanding and now that we’ve got it people seem to spend all their time complaining how it’s not perfect or intersectional enough or something.

There is never going to be enough time for the show to deal with all the issues it raises in the detail/depth they deserve. That’s just a matter of practicalities. The only way for that to happen would be for each character to get their own show, each with a 3 season run.

But sometimes it’s enough for a show to just give an issue a positive representation, even at a superficial level (DM me if you want me to rant at you about why I will forever love Shemar Moore and SWAT).

Imperfect representation is better than none - as long as it doesn’t turn into stereotypical or damaging representation (and yes, perfect would be better but sometimes it’s dolly steps). That naming of something can be the all important foundation that others can build something better, something deeper on.

I’m not saying that Carina or the show is above criticism. There is always room improvement. And there have been some issues or representation that she admits wasn’t done well and that will need to be corrected.

And when there is criticism of it’s often vague and not specific. They generally boil down to different versions of “she’s not writing the character how i want them to be.” And it’s fine to feel that way but let’s not act like it’s anything more than an opinion.

Yes, Carina can be frustrating but she’s given me what I know is going to be one of my favourite shows ever, so I don’t really care.

(Comments encouraged and welcome)