I know this is probably a common topic. For me, I’m not sure if it’s a “trope” or just totally misinformed writing, but it’s how many authors approach alcoholism. Some examples are Girl on the Train and The House Across the Lake, among HUNDREDS. If anyone else here has struggled with alcoholism, you know it’s not just "i woke up after downing an entire bottle of whiskey but was able to shower, down a cup of coffee, and solve a murder. "
omg this!! im reading a book for my book club at the moment, the first chapter is just the main character bitching about the “popular girls”, calling them annoying and that they need to grow up, without actually mentioning anything bad theyve done other than be pretty and friends with eachother? instant turn off, im trying to continue (reviews online have praised the book for its satire so im holding out a little hope) but it just makes it so unenjoyable to read when i already hate the main character and its so unclear whether that reflects the authors actual views
Omg the whole “okay but what have those girls actually done, besides apparently be pretty and friends with each other?” thing kills me and is in SO much media. Books, so many movies, you name it.
It especially bugs me because I see people have this thought process in real life! Like, even here on Reddit all the time, someone will post online and characterize people as “mean girls”… and then they can’t name anything mean they’ve actually done. Except be feminine and friends. You’re just supposed to hear that take “oh okay OP, I take your word for it, they’re clearly evil” and it’s like— look, since when does the hottest girl in the room have immediately put everyone at ease or she’s a bad person? She’s just living her life.
It’s like media with this trope made a whole generation not know how to process the feeling of jealously. I get it. They’re intimidating. Maybe you’re a little envious. But that’s an inside feeling. They didn’t do anything wrong just by existing and not being obsessed with you personally. No I’m not going to join a lynch mob just because you characterized them like a teen movie or bad book and we’ve been told that means they’re “bad” somehow.