The first time I was introduced to Harley Quinn was when I was very little. The popular series "The Batman" featured Harley Quinn as The Joker's sidekick and ultimately, his lover. Even as a child, I noticed the themes and the actions the two portrayed were ones I should never emulate. I knew this due to the fact that these were fictional characters, and even as fictional characters, they are villains. In real life I wouldn't look up to the bad guys, so why would I to fictional bad guys?
After the release of the new DC film, "Suicide Squad," not only did the film receive harsh criticism but so did the positively insane character portrayed by Margot Robbie. In fact, many people criticized her sexiness and relationship with The Joker, played by Jared Leto. Now, as someone who is a fan of comic books, I was a bit angry about this. It wasn't because they were bashing on one of my favorite characters in the DC universe, but because they didn't seem to separate fact from fiction.
If you've never heard of the character Harley Quinn, here's her backstory. While working as a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, she meets The Joker. This is where she starts to form a bond with him, and essentially falls in love with him. Throughout this time, she too starts to become insane and turns out to be just as crazy as The Joker, maybe even crazier.
As for her portrayal, Harley Quinn is supposed to be very sexy and comfortable with her sexuality. It is when she becomes insane and The Joker's lover that she finally opens up and comes out of her shell. To people who are criticizing her "over-sexualization," it isn't necessarily "over-sexualized" because that is how she is supposed to be. If anything, the comic book creators hit the nail on the head with this character because without her being comfortable with her sexuality, she wouldn't be the same character.
Another thing that people seem to criticize is her relationship with The Joker. Their relationship isn't normal and it isn't supposed to be normal. They are both fictional characters who are insane. Both The Joker and Harley Quinn have insane backstories which become more visible in their relationship.
I am not trying to advocate for abusive relationships, nor do I believe that Harley Quinn is a great role model. What I do believe is that we should stop looking at these characters as real people. They may have real-world problems, but they are fictionalized with super-powers, made up cities and outlandish missions. These characters aren't meant to be put on a pedestal, especially those who are villains.
Look at these characters the way they are meant to be looked at, as entertainment.
