The power of reaching out. posted Dec 26th 2011, 3:38PM
Mood: Hopeful
My Harley askblog is controversial to a few Joker fans around these parts because I have chosen to put Harley on a permanent path to recovery away from him and the volatile and abusive relationship they shared, in the vein of Harley's Holiday. On Christmas Eve, I received an ask that I consider the greatest, most humbling gift I have ever been given as an artist.
I must tell you this, you gave me one whole hell of a blessing because of your penguin/harley artwork. Reason is, is because I was in an mental abuse relationship with my last ex. I became depressed nonstop, blaming myself up until I found you guys, and everyday it made me smile more and blur out the past. I no longer feel pain. Thank you lots. :>
Thank you for reclaiming the smile you deserve. :)
The contrast of that positive message and some of the posts I have received here on my work and elsewhere are stark and sad.
"And as for you question if I would stay with him, even after getting abused...Well, If the Joker was the love of my life, then I would honestly try everything for him to love me back."
"To use an anecdotal example of why I don't find her accepting his cuffings an issue... I have no problem with a man I am in a relationship with striking me if I deserve it. I've earned it, I should be able to accept the repercussions of my actions. I am not a Battered Person, because if I don't deserve it, and I am struck then, rather like Harley, I will lay a smack-down on the person who did it, and have."
Count the number of times a punch in the face is lauded as "adorable", "cute", etc.: http://pojypojy.deviantart.com/art/Harley-and-Joker-photo-booth-73683172
As I have said, the medium of comics has a very powerful voice. Those with the ability to speak with it have an ability to reach out to people who otherwise may not seek help on their own, and fictional characters can embrace real people and support them.
What exactly are you saying with Harley Quinn, DC?
I truly hope you will eventually do the right thing and take the stand to give any reader in an abusive relationship of any sort food for thought for hope, instead of giving them more reasons to blame themselves or justify a "smack-down".
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