Maybe it’s self-explanatory. Maybe this isn’t a discussion we necessarily need to be having, but the point of the matter is, people still make a big deal (not EVERYONE, but some people) about their counterparts (friends, family, partners, etc) crying during Movies or TV Series’ (or hell, even books) that we enjoy. Have you ever thought about them? Thought about the reason you might be sobbing during that movie or show?
I’ve recently been revisiting an old TV Series that I really loved, Greek. Although the show itself is a negative, social inaccuracy of Greek Life overall, it was a show that I couldn’t help but enjoy. The main love-triangle between Cappie, Casey, and Evan was alluring and so dramatic, what wasn’t there to enjoy? There was action, there was the vulnerability, there was kind of a little bit of everything tied up into one perfect Greek present.
Of course, like any other heart-struck individual, I wanted a happy ending… but happy endings don’t exactly happen in the way we may have initially anticipated.
*******************WARNING SPOILER ALERT************************
I was laying in my bed, it was 3 AM as I (for the billionth time) finished rewatching the last episode of the final season of Greek. Lasker Parks was standing outside of ΚΤΓ (Kappa Tau Gamma) listening to what Cappie and a series of other students had to say about the beloved KT house that was being torn down to build a recreational center. They all showed up, all of the greek system (or some representation of them, but that’s not the point here). I felt the dread and utter pain-filled sadness that befell to those KT’s as they watched a fellow alum KT tear down their house. Not to mention that awful music they incorporate in order to ensure that you’re feeling something… ugh
I sobbed like a small child. It was heart-breaking to see Rusty’s tears leak down his face as the one place that had given him the courage to be brave was taken away from him. I kept thinking to myself, “Why am I crying? This isn’t happening, this isn’t real.” See that’s not the point, the point is not whether or not that has or can happen to you (although it’s more triggering when it has happened to you), it’s about the emotions stirred inside of you. It’s about your ability to connect; Rusty ended up finding it, finding that needed passion for continuing after everything seemed like it was all falling apart. He said,
“So Lasker grew into a bitter nerd, so what? It doesn’t have to be that way. He’s a relic of the 80’s, it’s his generation who tells us the real world sucks because they make it sucky. But he was right about one thing, this was just a house. Kappa Tau isn’t one person. Kappa Tau isn’t wood...it isn’t dry-rot... it isn’t moldy wallpaper... it isn’t beer soaked carpets... it’s living for the fun of life. That’s what bonds us. As long as we remember that, Kappa Tau lives on. Past houses. Past college.”
Cue second round of crying. Yet his speech resonated with me. I realize that Greek is and will always be a show and not real life, but in that moment, Rusty was speaking to me. He reminded me that things you loved were worth fighting for, that life is worth living. He reminded me that sometimes horrible things happen to people, but they just have to roll with it and move forward.
AND THAT is why we cry during movies and shows. It’s relatable, it’s understandable, and it’s us placing ourselves within the situation. I don’t mean that in a self-centered sort of way, more of a reflection of who we are as people. We feel connected to the characters, to their stories, their lives, and that’s what gives us the push to fight the good fight. If they can do it, so can you.
"Today might have been terrible, but tomorrow will be better."