05-30-2014, 05:12 PM
(05-30-2014, 04:58 AM)devilbk Wrote: We are dealing with two character rife with entitlement issues, Leonard and Amy. Both of them decided what they wanted and pressed Penny and Sheldon into going along. They both feel that the time that they've invested in the relationship entitles them to the benefits. Leonard goes along with whatever Penny wants because he wants the sex reward. Amy is disappointed that Sheldon has not yet given her that reward. Their relationship are entirely transactional and they believe that they have invested more than they have received. They both feel they deserve more from their partner.
Leonard also feels that despite undermining Sheldon's research in the Arctic, he deserves to be given tenure by the university. Amy believed that despite her lack of a real relationship with Bernadette, she deserved to be the Maid of Honor. Neither of these characters have ever had to deal with real disappointment or loss in their lives . They are privileged academics from academic families.
To be honest, they deserve a real kick in the face and a struggle. Penny and Sheldon have had to struggle their whole lives.
But we also need to remember that the nerd world has always been rife with misogyny on virtually every level. And entitlement. It's in our literature, our entertainment and our celebration of those things.
This is a hot topic right now and it's time it was addressed. The idea that Penny should take up with Leonard because her life hasn't turned out how she hoped is not a message of love. She is still being treated like a 'thing' to be possessed by this show. And you are right, it's not just BB that perpetuates this rubbish.
Shamy is just as bad, if not worse. Manipulating physical affection from someone who has little understanding is symbolic of child abuse. Sheldon owes Amy nothing. She chose to stick around, she's responsible for herself and her own choices.
And yes, Amy and Leonard had privileged backgrounds and they believe people like Sheldon and Penny are owed to them. It's very creepy.