Tweet
First off, I am warning anyone willing to enter this thread: The first post that I am including is very long, almost as if considered an essay. If you are up to the read, then I fully recommend you try and read what I have written. I am taking a lot of time of my day in order to express this entire debate, along with opening up any new ideas and concepts that one has and feels towards the topic of the importance of "A Slayer." I would really hope that you would enjoy reading this, but I know there are some that may not have the time/patience to swallow this amount of writing all at once. Again, please if you may.. add your opinions and thoughts to this thread. I really feel like it's one of the most important topics that can be talked about on this site, and I would really enjoy having everyone get heated simply because I love what we are talking about here. When one does respond however I still would more interesting responses than 4-5 sentence answers. Responses should be at least a paragraph.. but you are welcome to type anything you feel at any amount of words. Just giving you a heads up of what I'd appreciate. Without a further due...
Read and discuss.
There has been a minor sub debate in the "I Love Kennedy.." thread upon the realms of a Slayer's superiority, and whether or not Slayers should be held on a higher pedastal, have certain priveleges other than the obvious physical and survival advantages. I felt as if it was an interesting enough topic to bring up alone, as it doesn't seem to be getting resolved in any sort of way, nor has it been reaching to other posters other than the few that have been focusing on it. Furthermore, I have seen bits and pieces of this debate in other threads before.. and I feel as if everyone could contribute to it somehow because of how sparcely its been covered.
Before I begin this essay, I'd like to give a short summary of what exactly has been brewing in the "I Love Kennedy.." thread.
Originally there had been a feud over whether or not Kennedy had been a helping hand to contribute something to the Scoobies other than sarcastic comments and rude gestures. A few people had argued that despite her delivery, she still had been stepping up to the plate while others had been cowering in fear. Others responded with the notion that even though she had been useful to a degree and extent, 1. Her comments and naiveness outweighed any type of help that was given. 2. The simple fact that she is a potential who hadn't been there for more than 4 months limits her judgement, no matter if she had given good advice or not (depending on what you had thought of her insight to the situation they had been in). This thread is made specifically for the second route that had been paving.
Rather than just focusing on the season seven arc, I figured I would expand the bigger ideas and concepts that were acting as the blueprints for our opinions debated upon the Kennedy issue.
Before Buffy The Vampire Slayer had even begun, a concept had already been born. Women can be strong, and have the ability to fight back just as any male character in the world could. The show in itself had a goal and this was to express the idea that women have power, and this power needs to be shown through better and more structural ways than The Spice Girls. However, just as any other "Good guys vs the Bad Guys" type of story, within of the realms of the show there was always the notion of a superhero. The Slayer. As the show once demonstrated in its early years, the series would begin with a man reading an excerpt that was revealed as early as episode one.
"In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against
the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer."
Thus the show kicked off revolving around a girl that would be considered special. A person who had a calling to be fulfilled. A calling that would involve risking their life by attempting to defend and eventually rid the world of the monsters and demons that our parents once told us that were never real. Not only was The Slayer considered just "different" by purpose, they are also different by a number of physical and mental capabilities. For example, Slayers have the ability to heal quicker than a normal human being would. They also are incredibly stronger as a consequence simply just by their Destiny. While many Slayer train in order to become stronger, slayers have had a head start for pretty much all human physical abilities: Speed, agility, strength, etc. Not only were Slayers given exquisite physical qualities.. but mental as well. Slayers eventually were able to recognize a vampire simply by their presence. Slayers also have the ability to recognize when a vampire is approaching them or others in a well assumed distance. What would be considered an infringement of Spider-Man.. a "Slayer sense" so to speak. As a collection, these qualities have forever put The Slayer at a distance from the regular world. A clear example of this is demonstrated with the character "Faith," one of whom alienated herself simply because she had felt like she could not fit in. Buffy, despite having many friends and support unlike Faith, still understood the loniliness that came with the package. Even though Buffy was surrounded by people that loved her as much as she had loved them, she still had felt as if they could not and do not understand her lifestyle. The pain and loniliness that a slayer sometimes feels. The moments when she wishes she could change things so that life could be more simpler. The moments that a slayer wishes she could someday live a happily married life without the worry of causing a death in the family, let alone leaving their family in destraught if sadly she would have to die at some point (As shown with Nikki Roberts.) Buffy understood that no one could ever understand where she was coming from, or be in her position. Even before Buffy and Faith had lived, The First Slayer had proposed to Buffy the concept of a slayer always being alone, no matter where she was or who she was with. Buffy had not fully understood this until she had been resurrected and continued living.
The rest of this post will contain mostly of just my opinion, rather than an explanation of what the show had been demonstrating. Just warning readers in order for them to understand that I am not stating my opinions as the opinions for everyone. I had made a comment earlier in another thread that "I speak for the audience as well." I was being rude by stating this, and I am sorry for anyone that took offense to this comment. The audience is filled with tons of opinions, all of different kinds. However, I still will shy away from stating what I feel is the majority of the audience's opinion. You all have the freedom to correct me if you feel as though I am wrong on this judgement as well though. My thoughts on the majority are solely based on my opinion as well. This should have been addressed in the First vs PTB thread.
Where does all of this finish a full circle at?
The apprehension that Buffy, Faith, along with every slayer that had ever lived prior to "Chosen" were and are superior to the world and the people that live upon them.
It is at this point that people begin to interpret the concept of a Slayer in many different ways. As for me, I've always gotten my interpretations from what I based what the show had been trying to display to me. Therefore, my opinions about a Slayer being superior to a human is completely centered around my understandings of the purpose of the show.
It's obvious the fact that Slayers have a numerous amount of survival skills that put them at a higher pedastal than the average human. This is demonstrated obviously by Buffy and Faith when it is evident that they succeed others in certain qualities that have already been mentioned. Therefore it is in my opinion that because of this Slayers will and should have the mic in their hand at all times. Meaning that humans and any other sort of creatures simply cannot have the rule of thumb when it comes to strategizing. Slayers automatically are given the gain when it comes to a decision.. simply because well: They're slayers. Slayers are mean't to lead.. are are mean't to offer their insight and plan for a situation because it is their job. No other person's opinion should come before their's. Before anyone else is recognized, a slayer should be the first on the list. The problem here lies. Some people aren't able to accept that Slayers are superior. Nonetheless, everyone should be recognized, and most certainly be heard out before rubbed off.. Yet, the slayer has the choice of which proposed theory they want to choose: Their's or someone else's.
(I would say the case with the Potentials is an exception, however (regarding Faith completely ignoring any of Kennedy's ideas.) Kennedy and the laundry list of potentials did not know what they were getting into and had no one bit of experience. It should also be noted that by my standards "experience" does not include training. I am talking about fighting and understand vampires and their destinies. Therefore, this whole paragraph applies only to those who have the experience to make an opposing theory or even question the Slayer. I may have stated earlier in the other thread that Potentials should have the ability to question. Now thinking hard on this entire paragraph, potentials just do not have the right to question the slayer. This is should be left for the ones who have experience (In Buffy's case: The scoobies and Wood and of course other Slayers). If everyone agrees on a Slayer's decision.. then an inexperienced person's (Potentials) worry ultimately becomes invalid. )
Buffy The Vampire Slayer has never been about a dictatorship. Others with experience are perfectly allowed to question a Slayer's motives and offer their opinions if disagreeing. However, as I've said before, The Slayer is in charge. If we take the concept of the Slayer not having the final say on something, it completely washes away the significance of them being chosen. It is important for some people to understand that there is more to a slayer than a person who has super strengths and abilities. They are unique. Their role in the world has a purpose and is predetermined. They are born with the presets to protect and save the world. Thus if others' opinions succeed over a Slayer's, it tip the scale and completely offsets the balance of things.
How can we even assume that our opinions are more valid than a slayers? That we should be considered over them? If a mother has a debate with her children, a good mother will listen to and try to understand their points of view. However, if she doesn't agree.. What happens? Who automatically decides to this decision? The mother. Motherhood is not a dictatorship, neither is Slayerhood. Both just having the advanced understanding and determination puts them above everyone else. Of course maturity applies to both situations as well. I can understand an exception if the Slayer or mother is am early stage. After years of practice and experience (for a mother a lot less obviously) though.. this is when society must follow by the slayer's rules.
So.. let's say one disagrees with my opinion. By disagreeing with me, I also feel as if you're disagreeing with the concept of the show. The uniqueness of a slayer, the idea of there being only two slayers in the World, and the notion that they set themselves apart from society regardless whether they wanted it or not.
This is even more to an extent, but I'd also add that Slayers, as hard as it is to swallow, have a greater margin for error. The reason for this is quite simple: Everyone will always be given a second chance. How a person uses this second chance to their advantage is determined by.. well what they do. With Slayers.. they are given power, strength, and tons of abilities that no other people have to their extent. Thus, it's almost as if telling a person to repaint the house that they destoyed while the job's already half done.
To apply this to the show, look at Faith.. she's killed numerous people and has made tons of wrong decisions.. yet everyone is willing to accept her as their leader in "Empty Places." I know I wouldn't want a person who killed and tortured people as my leader even if they are good now.. However.. in this case it is a "Slayer."
To conclude, Slayers will always be on a higher scale than everyone else, no matter if it's cruel or if someone wants it a different way.
As Buffy once stated to a demon, "I'm the slayer. And you're on my turf."
Read and discuss.
There has been a minor sub debate in the "I Love Kennedy.." thread upon the realms of a Slayer's superiority, and whether or not Slayers should be held on a higher pedastal, have certain priveleges other than the obvious physical and survival advantages. I felt as if it was an interesting enough topic to bring up alone, as it doesn't seem to be getting resolved in any sort of way, nor has it been reaching to other posters other than the few that have been focusing on it. Furthermore, I have seen bits and pieces of this debate in other threads before.. and I feel as if everyone could contribute to it somehow because of how sparcely its been covered.
Before I begin this essay, I'd like to give a short summary of what exactly has been brewing in the "I Love Kennedy.." thread.
Originally there had been a feud over whether or not Kennedy had been a helping hand to contribute something to the Scoobies other than sarcastic comments and rude gestures. A few people had argued that despite her delivery, she still had been stepping up to the plate while others had been cowering in fear. Others responded with the notion that even though she had been useful to a degree and extent, 1. Her comments and naiveness outweighed any type of help that was given. 2. The simple fact that she is a potential who hadn't been there for more than 4 months limits her judgement, no matter if she had given good advice or not (depending on what you had thought of her insight to the situation they had been in). This thread is made specifically for the second route that had been paving.
Rather than just focusing on the season seven arc, I figured I would expand the bigger ideas and concepts that were acting as the blueprints for our opinions debated upon the Kennedy issue.
Before Buffy The Vampire Slayer had even begun, a concept had already been born. Women can be strong, and have the ability to fight back just as any male character in the world could. The show in itself had a goal and this was to express the idea that women have power, and this power needs to be shown through better and more structural ways than The Spice Girls. However, just as any other "Good guys vs the Bad Guys" type of story, within of the realms of the show there was always the notion of a superhero. The Slayer. As the show once demonstrated in its early years, the series would begin with a man reading an excerpt that was revealed as early as episode one.
"In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against
the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer."
Thus the show kicked off revolving around a girl that would be considered special. A person who had a calling to be fulfilled. A calling that would involve risking their life by attempting to defend and eventually rid the world of the monsters and demons that our parents once told us that were never real. Not only was The Slayer considered just "different" by purpose, they are also different by a number of physical and mental capabilities. For example, Slayers have the ability to heal quicker than a normal human being would. They also are incredibly stronger as a consequence simply just by their Destiny. While many Slayer train in order to become stronger, slayers have had a head start for pretty much all human physical abilities: Speed, agility, strength, etc. Not only were Slayers given exquisite physical qualities.. but mental as well. Slayers eventually were able to recognize a vampire simply by their presence. Slayers also have the ability to recognize when a vampire is approaching them or others in a well assumed distance. What would be considered an infringement of Spider-Man.. a "Slayer sense" so to speak. As a collection, these qualities have forever put The Slayer at a distance from the regular world. A clear example of this is demonstrated with the character "Faith," one of whom alienated herself simply because she had felt like she could not fit in. Buffy, despite having many friends and support unlike Faith, still understood the loniliness that came with the package. Even though Buffy was surrounded by people that loved her as much as she had loved them, she still had felt as if they could not and do not understand her lifestyle. The pain and loniliness that a slayer sometimes feels. The moments when she wishes she could change things so that life could be more simpler. The moments that a slayer wishes she could someday live a happily married life without the worry of causing a death in the family, let alone leaving their family in destraught if sadly she would have to die at some point (As shown with Nikki Roberts.) Buffy understood that no one could ever understand where she was coming from, or be in her position. Even before Buffy and Faith had lived, The First Slayer had proposed to Buffy the concept of a slayer always being alone, no matter where she was or who she was with. Buffy had not fully understood this until she had been resurrected and continued living.
The rest of this post will contain mostly of just my opinion, rather than an explanation of what the show had been demonstrating. Just warning readers in order for them to understand that I am not stating my opinions as the opinions for everyone. I had made a comment earlier in another thread that "I speak for the audience as well." I was being rude by stating this, and I am sorry for anyone that took offense to this comment. The audience is filled with tons of opinions, all of different kinds. However, I still will shy away from stating what I feel is the majority of the audience's opinion. You all have the freedom to correct me if you feel as though I am wrong on this judgement as well though. My thoughts on the majority are solely based on my opinion as well. This should have been addressed in the First vs PTB thread.
Where does all of this finish a full circle at?
The apprehension that Buffy, Faith, along with every slayer that had ever lived prior to "Chosen" were and are superior to the world and the people that live upon them.
It is at this point that people begin to interpret the concept of a Slayer in many different ways. As for me, I've always gotten my interpretations from what I based what the show had been trying to display to me. Therefore, my opinions about a Slayer being superior to a human is completely centered around my understandings of the purpose of the show.
It's obvious the fact that Slayers have a numerous amount of survival skills that put them at a higher pedastal than the average human. This is demonstrated obviously by Buffy and Faith when it is evident that they succeed others in certain qualities that have already been mentioned. Therefore it is in my opinion that because of this Slayers will and should have the mic in their hand at all times. Meaning that humans and any other sort of creatures simply cannot have the rule of thumb when it comes to strategizing. Slayers automatically are given the gain when it comes to a decision.. simply because well: They're slayers. Slayers are mean't to lead.. are are mean't to offer their insight and plan for a situation because it is their job. No other person's opinion should come before their's. Before anyone else is recognized, a slayer should be the first on the list. The problem here lies. Some people aren't able to accept that Slayers are superior. Nonetheless, everyone should be recognized, and most certainly be heard out before rubbed off.. Yet, the slayer has the choice of which proposed theory they want to choose: Their's or someone else's.
(I would say the case with the Potentials is an exception, however (regarding Faith completely ignoring any of Kennedy's ideas.) Kennedy and the laundry list of potentials did not know what they were getting into and had no one bit of experience. It should also be noted that by my standards "experience" does not include training. I am talking about fighting and understand vampires and their destinies. Therefore, this whole paragraph applies only to those who have the experience to make an opposing theory or even question the Slayer. I may have stated earlier in the other thread that Potentials should have the ability to question. Now thinking hard on this entire paragraph, potentials just do not have the right to question the slayer. This is should be left for the ones who have experience (In Buffy's case: The scoobies and Wood and of course other Slayers). If everyone agrees on a Slayer's decision.. then an inexperienced person's (Potentials) worry ultimately becomes invalid. )
Buffy The Vampire Slayer has never been about a dictatorship. Others with experience are perfectly allowed to question a Slayer's motives and offer their opinions if disagreeing. However, as I've said before, The Slayer is in charge. If we take the concept of the Slayer not having the final say on something, it completely washes away the significance of them being chosen. It is important for some people to understand that there is more to a slayer than a person who has super strengths and abilities. They are unique. Their role in the world has a purpose and is predetermined. They are born with the presets to protect and save the world. Thus if others' opinions succeed over a Slayer's, it tip the scale and completely offsets the balance of things.
How can we even assume that our opinions are more valid than a slayers? That we should be considered over them? If a mother has a debate with her children, a good mother will listen to and try to understand their points of view. However, if she doesn't agree.. What happens? Who automatically decides to this decision? The mother. Motherhood is not a dictatorship, neither is Slayerhood. Both just having the advanced understanding and determination puts them above everyone else. Of course maturity applies to both situations as well. I can understand an exception if the Slayer or mother is am early stage. After years of practice and experience (for a mother a lot less obviously) though.. this is when society must follow by the slayer's rules.
So.. let's say one disagrees with my opinion. By disagreeing with me, I also feel as if you're disagreeing with the concept of the show. The uniqueness of a slayer, the idea of there being only two slayers in the World, and the notion that they set themselves apart from society regardless whether they wanted it or not.
This is even more to an extent, but I'd also add that Slayers, as hard as it is to swallow, have a greater margin for error. The reason for this is quite simple: Everyone will always be given a second chance. How a person uses this second chance to their advantage is determined by.. well what they do. With Slayers.. they are given power, strength, and tons of abilities that no other people have to their extent. Thus, it's almost as if telling a person to repaint the house that they destoyed while the job's already half done.
To apply this to the show, look at Faith.. she's killed numerous people and has made tons of wrong decisions.. yet everyone is willing to accept her as their leader in "Empty Places." I know I wouldn't want a person who killed and tortured people as my leader even if they are good now.. However.. in this case it is a "Slayer."
To conclude, Slayers will always be on a higher scale than everyone else, no matter if it's cruel or if someone wants it a different way.
As Buffy once stated to a demon, "I'm the slayer. And you're on my turf."
, I wouldn't necessarily use the mission statement of the show (of course there is more than one of those) to argue whether I believe something is right or wrong. While I wouldn't agree with autocracy in it's extreme measure but I wouldn't use the "Whedon thinks it so it must be right" line.
Comment