"Bob’s Burgers" is one of those television shows that just kind of fell into my lap. My suitemate was binge watching the series on Netflix and when she would play it with the sound on I would find myself saying, “What in the world IS that??”
Well, the answer to that question was simple: it was Tina Belcher. Tina is the greatest thing to happen to girls (arguably) ever. Here’s why.
1. She is uncomfortable and awkward.
But not in the aw-that’s-super-cute-and-quirky kind of way, but the wow-this-is-uncomfortable kind of way. WHICH IS SO, SO IMPORTANT. Tina is awkward and it doesn’t matter because she owns the hell out of it and allows it to add to her character, not detract from it.
2. She stands on her own.
Even while some episodes explore her love interests, it’s never a piece of the central plot. In one episode she even says, “I don’t need a boy to pay attention to me. I’ll pay attention to myself.” That is probably one of the most important messages you can send to a person. Tina knows her worth and is one of the only television characters (cartoon or not) that I can think of who is comfortable enough with themselves to know male attention doesn’t define that worth.
3. She is open-minded.
For a 13-year-old she certainly knows a lot about a lot. No matter who she meets, she gives them the benefit of the doubt. Her naivete is easily forgiven when I think about how large her heart must be.
4. She is relatable.
Tina Belcher is anything but intimidating, and somehow everyone can find a piece of themselves in her. We might not write crazy fan-fiction about people we know, but I’m pretty sure I tried to get out of gym class too. Not only that but she is genuine, humble, and unique in a way that is the perfect kind of different.
5. She is a hopeless romantic.
We need more of those. I need that to be cool again.
6. She loves people.
Who can argue with that? Positivity always wins out against negativity and Tina gets this more than any cartoon character I’ve ever remotely considered my spirit animal.
Keep doing you Tina Belcher, the world needs more of ya.
