Causerae t1_j92tziz wrote on February 18, 2023 at 8:30 PM

Reply to comment by AggravatingStudy2084 in My thoughts on “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” by AggravatingStudy2084

"Adults are very stupid" - an adult

Seriously, any contested custody case proves the books are quite realistic. Yes, I couldn't finish them, either. Sure, they felt unrealistic.

Are they unrealistic? Maybe, but not in portraying adults as stupid and obtuse, utterly blind to abuse and malevolence. That part was entirely accurate.

AggravatingStudy2084 OP t1_j92w23g wrote on February 18, 2023 at 8:45 PM

First of all, I’m 7. (Just kidding, I’m 69.)

It’s curious that you chose this particular comment to reply to when it seems to grant a lot of your point. I’m also confused as to whether you agree that adults are stupid or are citing me critically. Or, idk … maybe both?

Causerae t1_j96relf wrote on February 19, 2023 at 6:07 PM

My point was that the books do indeed portray abuse and neglect, portray children being chronically unheard and mistreated and mistrusted, they are indeed dark. I think the darkness is prob very clear to the children who made the series so popular. Not every kid can put into words the experience of being cast out and hurt, but the books portray it as a norm and thus are super validating.

Plus, I am am adult and I say adults are stupid. I mean, we are really stupid. Right?!

If I were getting into a serious, dark discussion, I'd also mention that what is portrayed as adult stupidity is often actually systemic violence, unhealthy social hierarchies (like churches) and well meaning adults who are thwarted when they try to help vs adults, are merely stupid.

From a child's perspective, yes, I think "stupid" suffices as a good enough description. As an adult, I can see a larger system. Individual adults may not be responsible for their own powerlessness and inaction (they tried, after all), but the children are still harmed. No one does well in the books, and that's a pretty fair depiction of life as I know it. Adults are stupid, but it's not really their fault. Not an uplifting thought, but that's why I stopped reading the books. They're bleak.