Why Certain Movie Tropes Irk Us: A Deeper Dive into Personal Taste

When we talk about movie tropes that grate on our nerves, one that often springs to mind is the classic woman in a tank top; the notion that showing a woman in action requires sacrificing a shirt comes to mind. But as we explore this further, it's crucial to dissect what truly irks us about these tropes and whether our aversion is based on quality or personal taste.

The Problem with Poor Quality

I personally don't have a fuss with tropes per se; rather, I focus on the quality of their execution. A well-executed trope, flawed though it may be, often surpasses a poorly-written original. I don't justify what I like or dislike based on specific qualities; instead, I enjoy art based purely on my personal feelings toward it. This approach is freeing because it shifts the focus away from judgment and onto appreciation.

The Development and Nature of Taste

Let's delve deeper into the nature of taste. It's not a choice, but rather something that evolves over time. The more I've reflected on my appreciation of books like Harlem Shuffle by Colston Whitehead, the more I realize that the positive emotions I felt were the crux of my enjoyment. Specifying the why is virtually meaningless because the experience precedes conscious thought.

We often debate what constitutes good or bad art, listing out reasons why we should or shouldn't like something. However, this debate often overlooks the fact that taste isn't a behavior, but a more involuntary response. Just as a coffee hater won't suddenly start enjoying coffee, a puppy lover won't logically rationalize a hate for puppies. This applies to cultural artifacts as well. My experience with my father exemplifies this point. He adores Dan Brown's novels, while I do not. When we discussed it, I realized that the criticisms leveled against Dan were meaningless to those who enjoy his work. He writes, they love—it's as simple as that.

Shaming Tastes: A Futility

Shaming certain tastes in artistic discussions can be quite irksome. These critics are essentially attempting to change something that is inherently non-behavioral. The idea that there's no valid reason for liking black licorice is absurd because your interest in something precedes all conscious thought. In essence, it's a nonsensical statement.

If you're bothered by me liking a particular movie, it's likely because you hate that movie and associate that feeling with something in it that resonates with you. You try to convince me that I shouldn't like the movie for the reasons you list. While I might agree with your argument, it doesn't change the fact that I'll likely be considering those points and still enjoying the movie.

The notion that reconfiguring other parts of our identity is futile, so why make artistic taste an exception to that? It's a deeply personal and subjective experience, shaped by myriad factors including culture, education, and personal history. Our tastes in art are no different.

Conclusion

Understanding and appreciating the nuances of artistic taste can offer valuable insights into our own preferences and those of others. By recognizing the role of personal taste and the involuntary nature of our preferences, we can foster more respectful and inclusive discussions about the movies and other cultural artifacts we love.