Meta rec and Very Scientific Poll

[ash48]

bardicvoice has written some great meta on why we see Sam and Dean differently: The Rainbow Connection, or Can You See What I See?

I like the ideas presented - it all makes perfect sense to me. It should help people realise that it's OK to see the show differently and arguing about it (read "being nasty") isn't going to achieve much. I think discussing is valuable because I think sharing the differing views can be interesting. Though, as bardicvoice's put it - "You're going to believe what you believe no matter what I say, unless I happen upon an explanation that fits your emotional reality and both allows and persuades you to change your point of view. Trust me, those occasions are few and far between".

She also refers to an article written about why we connect to fictional characters in such a passionate way. This is fascinating also.

If you enjoy this type of analysis I highly recommend it.

She can't answer what it is in each of our personalities that makes us respond the way we do, unfortunately. I imagine such a study would be extraordinarily difficult.

However...I did wonder if we might be able to do a highly (un)scientific survey to see if there's anything we can pin down that make us either a Sam!person or a Dean!person or a both bro!person.



I think of myself as a Sam!girl (who adores Dean <333). I often wonder what draws me to Sam and I think I can simply put it down to:

1) He's the younger brother
2) He has long hair
3) I find Jared ridiculously attractive

(I find Jensen ridiculously attractive too. I love Dean and there's no way I would adore Sam the way I do without Dean being there).

In most TV/film partnerships I've always favored the younger of a pair - Luke over Han, AJ over Rick (Simon and Simon), Stephen over Mike (in the Tomorrow People). I have no idea why that is. I've sometimes wondered if it has anything to do with my position in my family. I am the eldest.

Which makes me wonder if the way we favour either Sam or Dean has anything to do with whether or not we have younger or older siblings? (I think not, but it might be fun to see if there is any trend).


[Poll #1918144]


It's just for fun (and I'm curious...). In all honesty I imagine there are a number of factors dictating not only the way we sympathise with a particular character but also how we interpret story lines and "see" the show. I don't know how you'd ever find out what makes one person see it one way and other a different way. It would be quite a study I should imagine.

Comments

[fufaraw]

I'm rushed this morning--I really should come back and read the responses before I comment, but that would be tomorrow and who knows what could happen? I have no siblings. I could have used somebody to share the blame, actually.

I was a Dean girl all the way first half of first season. I thought Sam was a whiny brat, but you know, Dean loved that kid and there had to be a reason. So I started looking at Sam from Dean's POV. And then Faith. And complete Sam-love.

I still experienced the show through Dean's POV until season three, where his regard of Dean was so painful and poignant I couldn't help but be drawn into his headspace. And I've been bi-bro ever since.

In latter seasons, I have wanted to smack Dean for his lack of empathy where Sam's concerned. He loves him, but he doesn't get him, and never has. And also? The next time he dumps Sam at a motel and drives off, "I'm going out" again, leaving Sam like luggage, to quote Meg.1, may be the time I move more solidly to Sam's POV.

Um. Well, you did ask.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I did ask and thank you..:)

I like hearing about how people view that characters, especially when it changes. I'm on Sam's side but I also wanna smack him upside the head for not even attempting to look for his brother! Sheesh (but I blame the writers for that not him). I'm mad at him for a few things but I will always adore him. I tend to be more forgiving of Dean for some reason (except him throwing a tantrum and throwing away the amulet...no forgiveness Dean!!) - but I get that Sam is hard to understand so I forgive that he can't quite figure out how to deal with him at times. But then Sam doesn't make it easy because he never opens up to him. ARGHH! So messy - but so lovely...;)))

xx

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

No forgiveness for the amulet!!! I don't have to be reasonable about this. :)