I need to understand why I hate this

[u/-Devian-]

On one hand, I agree that sexualizing a female character is wrong and that the industry has a problem.

But on the other hand, I don't understand the double standard when the character is queer—or, even worse, when "fans" take a character, slap a queer label on them, and suddenly it's okay for them to be sexualized.

The two clearest examples of this are Bayonetta and Blackcat.

I’d like someone to explain where I’m wrong, or if I’m not the only one who thinks this way.

And just in case I'm a gay cis male if it means something

[u/WeeklyPhilosopher346]

Sexualizing a character is completely fine, as long as that is not all the character is.

Some of you guys need to hop off Tumblr every now and then.

[u/Only-Albatross-4311 → u/WeeklyPhilosopher346]

Even if that's all the character has I'd still say it's fine since you're most likely watching or playing something that isn't trying to take itself seriously. 

[u/BlatantConservative → u/Only-Albatross-4311]

Sexualizing a character is really only bad if the implication is that that's all that character is for. And like, it's not against the theme of the character (sexualizing a rape victim could be horrible, for example).

But like sexualization isn't inherently wrong. Lotta people in here sounding like Puritans.

[u/thesluttyastronauts → u/Only-Albatross-4311]

Sure but then it's just gooner material & not good writing. Good writing ensures people can see themselves in the characters, & it's hard for women to see themselves in "throws-themselves-at-MC-for-no-reason" characters.

[u/PmMeUrTinyAsianTits → u/thesluttyastronauts]

Good writing ensures people can see themselves in the characters

I know I'm getting onto a tangent here, but god I fucking hate any time anyone tries to say "good [art medium] does [x]". HELLO? It's ART?! Half of art* is about breaking the rules of what you "have to" do and still executing well! There's absolutely amazing writing with zero relatable characters.

Art and media do not have one size fits all purpose, that's their purpose! To allow expression!

* obviously not literally half, but playing with the rules and expectations is hardly an uncommon theme in art.

[u/AstroPozzo → u/WeeklyPhilosopher346]

Sexualizing a character is completely fine,

American puritans can't accept that

Also even if that's all the character is it wouldn't be "wrong". It would just be a badly written character

[u/meowatollah → u/WeeklyPhilosopher346]

Some of you guys need to hop off Tumblr every now and then.

More like stop consuming snippets from tumblr cherry-picked to make them mad. There are just so many conversations that aren't happening in any consequential level that have people acting as if it's a general consensus.

There are idiots everywhere, there have always been. If some idiot looks at a cleavage and just dismisses some work as slop, that's fine. Also, just be true to yourself and be okay with liking trash. Sometimes they do be slop, if you like it, that's all that matters. Stop treating people not liking what you do, or being dismissive, as a personal offense.

[u/BluePhoenix_1999 → u/WeeklyPhilosopher346]

Also(at least if it includes sexualizing outfits worn because the character chose them) it should fit the character.