So, in these times, we see a lot of discussion back and forth about the representation of various groups in entertainment, and how they are being put in for one reason or another (diversity, tokenism, placating the SJW fascist state, etc etc). Some like to defend having a diverse set of protagonists, gives different people someone they can look up to, and be inspired by, and I happen to be in that group. So, I thought I would see what characters that you latched on to as a kid. The ones that resonated with you, and that were more than just "a fun character" for you. But a character that you actually took personal importance with, and helped shape you, even in small ways. Because I don't know about the rest of you, but I spent most of my childhood in the 80's, sitting in front of a tv, watching cartoons, and letting them color my imagination and way of seeing the world. So, I have some significant feelings about some of those characters from my youth.
First one, though these aren't in order of importance.
Optimus Prime: The old cartoon Optimus, from the original series. He was an optimistic, noble guy. Who genuinely believed in the idea that humans and robots could live together peacefully. He was super powerful, but used that power to defend those around him. And he never let his personal goal (Killing Megatron) get in the way of what he felt was his duty to protect. While it was a cliche plot device, every time Megatron would toss some civilians into danger to make his escape, Optimus would stop his attack, and save them. Every time (as best as I can remember anyway). He taught lessons of acceptance, tolerance, helping each other, and fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. This really heavily shaped my outlook on the world as a kid, to this day in a lot of ways.
And when they killed him in the Transformers movie, I was one of the multitude of kids weeping openly in utter shock at the death of one of my heroes. When he holds out the Matrix of Leadership and gasps out "Until All, are One...." and then drops it. Gah, I lost it, totally lost it.
And this one might surprise people, given his place of infamy in nerd culture.
Wesley Crusher. A tall, thin, gangly, awkward kid, who happened to have my name (something you never saw in entertainment back then, except Brad Wesley from Roadhouse, and I didn't want the badguy with my name!), was roughly my age, and was a highly intelligent kid, interested in math/science/astronomy. He always felt out of place among other kids his age, given his intelligence, but also felt awkward around adults, due to his age. But, with some work, he was able to thrive in his field of expertise, and earn the respect of those around him. This was pretty much me as a kid. Tall, gangly, awkward, way more interested in science and math, and astronomy especially. And watching a kid who even looked a lot like me at the time, who had my name, basically living my dream life of being in space, and being able to do that sciency stuff I loved? Yeah, he became a major thing for me. Primarily making me not feel ashamed or awkward about my love of science and learning, and all the various nerdy things I liked. If Wesley Crusher could enjoy them and be ok, so could I. So when people at school would try and make fun of me for what I enjoyed, it was a lot easier for me to shrug it off.
Naussica, of the Valley of the Wind.
I think this was the first anime I ever saw. It was on HBO one night, and I was totally fascinated by it as a kid. This crazy, violent, gritty world, done with animation! And the protagonist herself. A strong, capable female lead, who didn't have to sacrifice her femininity to be so. She was normally a perfectly kind and gentle princess to her people, who she genuinely cared about. But if you fuck with them, she's going to go berzerker on your ass, and holy fuck you are in trouble then. Plus she had this badass flying kite thingy that she used to fly around on. And she ends up realizing the entire conflict was fucking stupid, and found a way to end it with a minimal amount of bloodshed. She helped to shape my attraction to strong, confident women, in entertainment and in life. Reinforced by Sigourney Weaver in Aliens, and Jessica from Dune (the book, not the movie version, though that actress was stunningly beautiful, and helped shape my interests in....other areas xD )
So that's all I can think of offhand. What characters did you gravitate towards as a kid? That helped to shape you in various ways, large and small?
First one, though these aren't in order of importance.
Optimus Prime: The old cartoon Optimus, from the original series. He was an optimistic, noble guy. Who genuinely believed in the idea that humans and robots could live together peacefully. He was super powerful, but used that power to defend those around him. And he never let his personal goal (Killing Megatron) get in the way of what he felt was his duty to protect. While it was a cliche plot device, every time Megatron would toss some civilians into danger to make his escape, Optimus would stop his attack, and save them. Every time (as best as I can remember anyway). He taught lessons of acceptance, tolerance, helping each other, and fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. This really heavily shaped my outlook on the world as a kid, to this day in a lot of ways.
And when they killed him in the Transformers movie, I was one of the multitude of kids weeping openly in utter shock at the death of one of my heroes. When he holds out the Matrix of Leadership and gasps out "Until All, are One...." and then drops it. Gah, I lost it, totally lost it.
And this one might surprise people, given his place of infamy in nerd culture.
Wesley Crusher. A tall, thin, gangly, awkward kid, who happened to have my name (something you never saw in entertainment back then, except Brad Wesley from Roadhouse, and I didn't want the badguy with my name!), was roughly my age, and was a highly intelligent kid, interested in math/science/astronomy. He always felt out of place among other kids his age, given his intelligence, but also felt awkward around adults, due to his age. But, with some work, he was able to thrive in his field of expertise, and earn the respect of those around him. This was pretty much me as a kid. Tall, gangly, awkward, way more interested in science and math, and astronomy especially. And watching a kid who even looked a lot like me at the time, who had my name, basically living my dream life of being in space, and being able to do that sciency stuff I loved? Yeah, he became a major thing for me. Primarily making me not feel ashamed or awkward about my love of science and learning, and all the various nerdy things I liked. If Wesley Crusher could enjoy them and be ok, so could I. So when people at school would try and make fun of me for what I enjoyed, it was a lot easier for me to shrug it off.
Naussica, of the Valley of the Wind.
I think this was the first anime I ever saw. It was on HBO one night, and I was totally fascinated by it as a kid. This crazy, violent, gritty world, done with animation! And the protagonist herself. A strong, capable female lead, who didn't have to sacrifice her femininity to be so. She was normally a perfectly kind and gentle princess to her people, who she genuinely cared about. But if you fuck with them, she's going to go berzerker on your ass, and holy fuck you are in trouble then. Plus she had this badass flying kite thingy that she used to fly around on. And she ends up realizing the entire conflict was fucking stupid, and found a way to end it with a minimal amount of bloodshed. She helped to shape my attraction to strong, confident women, in entertainment and in life. Reinforced by Sigourney Weaver in Aliens, and Jessica from Dune (the book, not the movie version, though that actress was stunningly beautiful, and helped shape my interests in....other areas xD )
So that's all I can think of offhand. What characters did you gravitate towards as a kid? That helped to shape you in various ways, large and small?
I asked you for characters who did have some, even minor influence on you as a kid.
