Responses
After reading this, I kind of understand where you're coming from. And tbh, it was a painful read, but it was certainly more realistic than your normal comic
I didn't mean to dislike your comment, sowwyyyy @_@
Tw:mentions of several kinds of abuse and mental health related topics
It seems like several people don’t like Mingyeom for reasons that seem to frequently include that he doesn’t seem to “redeem” himself or stop being “annoying” or similar stuff. I personally find that frustrating because of a multitude of reasons.
He was abused and neglected by his father for the entirety of his life which doesn’t leave a person unscathed. Additionally, even if that wasn’t the case he was in an unhealthy relationship with an older man. So throughout the comics we see him dealing with his mental health struggles that unlike other works is not a oh look relationship immediately negates all those effects.
Even the relationship Mingyeom enters with our other protagonist starts off as somewhat questionable but it isn’t excused nor does it brush it aside. It’s stopped and evaluated multiple times by both parties. And though it is questionable it is not sexual assault that is excused or some of those other BL tropes that are abusive. Yes it has flaws, several flaws, but the characters understand them and are not just like “oh no I never knew that __ is bad” or comes up with excuses and justifies bad behavior. They do have bad behavior at times that results in the other being hurt but that’s something that happens. They are both struggling and that is deeply explored.
Mingyeom has relapses. Relapses are common for people in recovery as it is not smooth. They are not brushed away by the author rather they are something that the main characters are aware of. It’s not that this can’t happen but the brushing away as soon as someone is in a relationship is not common. It’s rare and perpetuates this idea of “fixing” someone or being “fixed” by someone. Which is not how mental health works. You can receive support, like in this comic, from partners, but in the end a lot of mental health care is self directed or in work with a professional. If you brush this under a rug you can perpetuate this.
It’s not the author’s responsibility for the actions of consumers but it is ignorant to say it can’t have an impact. No it’s not “perfect” but the idea of a “perfect” representation of mental health is flawed. No he doesn’t see a therapist but once again not everyone can/does. There are still a lot of flaws to him because he is a well fleshed out character.
This by no means is completely comprehensive and something everyone will agree on. Everyone has different experiences with these topics but to say some of those things about Mingyeom can be very hurtful to people who struggle with mental health issues who seem themselves reflected. Sure you could argue that its frustrating that he behaves like that but you are placing blame and not understanding what is actually frustrating. Reflect on your surface level understanding of, your understanding of, your thinking.
People who have mental health struggles like this or others you are valid and loved. You are not frustrating I wish for you to feel as though you can approach others when you are struggling.
Feel free to add thoughts or insight to this. I’m not saying this a perfect representation but that the bias against people with mental health issues in the comments show.