The Rationale Behind Why Misty Might Be the Worst Pokémon Girl
A discussion about the portrayal of Misty, a beloved character from the Pokémon franchise, as the "worst" Pokémon girl may seem surprising at first, but her depiction in the series reveals a series of factors that contribute to her being a prime example of the exploitation of female privilege in fiction.
Introduction to Exploitation in Fiction
First-world women, despite facing challenges like "glass ceilings," often face fewer obstacles compared to their fictional counterparts. Female characters in fiction can be portrayed as highly competent, yet they still benefit from a leniency when it comes to their actions, behavior, and even their lack of diligence. Readers and viewers tend to accept a girl or woman's struggles and vindictive behavior more readily than a male character's equivalent behavior.
Misty's Exploitation of Female Privilege
Among all the Pokémon girls, Misty stands out as the most opportunistic in exploiting this privilege. Let us explore how Misty, if a male character, would be perceived differently.
Violence and Whimsical Behavior
Consider Misty's violent scenes, such as attacking Ash's Pikachu. Would such actions be acceptable if Misty were a boy? The same goes for her non-violent but costly tantrums. If Misty were a male, would her behavior be justified or even accepted by the audience?
Unhonorable Behavior in Conflicts
Misty's conflicts with Ash are often seen as unhonorable. For instance, she encourages Pikachu to fight in a way that disregards its desire to not be used. Misty's attempts to use her friendships, such as Bulbasaur and Togepi, to gain an unfair advantage, further highlight her exploitiveness. Would these actions be similarly tolerated if Misty were a boy?
Women's Privileges and Their Overlooking
Another significant aspect of Misty's portrayal is the way women in her situation are portrayed. For example, Misty is often given her share of tasks, like carrying her shopping bags, without her peers going to the same lengths. Would Misty's behavior be as forgivable if she were a boy?
Comparison with Other Female Characters
While Misty stands out in terms of her privilege exploitation, it is essential to compare her with other female Pokémon characters. Serena, for instance, is often seen as the most popular and yet can win battles fair and square. Dawn, despite her shortcomings, shows better behavior and faces consequences for her actions. May, although manipulative, still has her positive traits, which do not overshadow her exploitative actions.
Conclusion
Misty's portrayal in the Pokémon series is indicative of the broader issue of how female characters are often given a pass in fiction. Her behavior, if a male character, would likely be met with stricter scrutiny. While Misty does have positive traits, her exploitative behavior and the privilege she benefits from should not be overlooked or excused. This analysis highlights the importance of equitable treatment of all characters, regardless of gender, in creating a more balanced and realistic narrative.