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Do you guys like complexity that challenges you, in the fictional media you consume?
I read a reddit comment today that said this: "People love their existing belief systems and cultural narratives being presented as complex. Regardless of archetype" and there's a different context for it but I firmly agree with it and can't help but use it to rant about an annoyance I have related to people and complexity in fiction. That sometimes people hype up something that is complex, praising it for it's complexity, but those things would just feels like it already aligns with those people's pre existing belief systems, and I get annoyed because I would think complexity means it challenge you but I would sometimes see, people would hype up complex shit that in the end already aligns with what they believe, so they aren't being challenged by shit. I find that incredibly annoying. Like I don't care for this complexity your praising if it just aligns with what you believe in the grand scheme of things. I don't understand why people hype up complex things that in the end agrees with them and never actually challenged them on a belief they hold. Like stfu there's nothing great about that. This is a mess post but I can't find the words, and think of the sentences to say this more clearly.
I disagree with you.
Someone might already believe "X" and encounter a story that gives the strongest case for "not X" and still conclude "X" is right. They were challenged even though they didn't change their mind. The issue isn't agreement itself but the absence of genuine tension despite claims of profundity or what you call "complexity".
Al...... 1 reply
I agree that "complex" gets thrown around too easily but I wouldn’t say something loses all value just because it doesn’t personally challenge you. complexity doesn't have to mean being shocked or uncomfortable every time, sometimes something is "complex" because it handles an idea with nuance or multiple layers even if you still agree with it'...... reply
Just because you consume a piece of media that has a massage you agree with doesn't mean it's not complex like yes people should be open to engaging with new perspectives but that doesn't make it complex simply because it's different from your beliefs also you can still be challenged by media that share your beliefs. reply
idk what exactly you mean by complex in this context, but if you're talking about stories with 'controversial' (in the broadest term) themes or morality that are not the custom, then ive definitely challenged myself in a way, I always try to have an open mind when it comes to any topic and I love learning about the human psyche. There still remains...... 1 reply
No? Complexity isn't exactly a subjective characteristic, things are either complex or straightforward. The reason why people agree with things they find complex is because it takes a certain level of understanding of subject matter to see the complexity of a topic and how the media is approaching it.
Take for example American Psycho. It's a movie...... 2 reply
do you have any examples in mind? this kind of topic benefits from specificity, otherwise all I can say is "idk man, it depends".
that said, complexity by itself is not a challenge to beliefs. complexity is just the level of detail or the number of factors to consider. the perception of complexity also depends on your existing level of knowledge an...... reply
Do you have an example of what you're talking about? Which piece of media is actually complex but usually rejected as such because it goes against mainstream belief? Or, perhaps an example of a critic who dismisses the piece of media as simple because it goes against their belief? reply
What may be "complex" to you personally might not be to others and vice versa. Maybe that is the extent of how deep others might be able to think or feel.
But being impatient and frustrated about it is never the answer. Challenging them in a good way is. Offer your opinion and explain why you feel that way. Ask them questions so you can try to be...... reply
