History Analysis / HardTruthAesop

* A Hard Truth Aesop is not necessarily cynical, idealistic stories can have them too if they have morals like "Take candy from strangers, because people are nice."

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong context]] [[labelnote:Example]] A protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire totalitarian empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating and exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes such as [[SeriousBusiness bake sales]][[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]"Sometimes, ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer" being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer even in situations where being violent [[NotHelpingYourCase really doesn't help]], sometimes even to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that since life sucks and the universe is cold and unfeeling, suicide ''really'' is the solution regardless of what everyone else says[[/labelnote]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong context]] [[labelnote:Example]] A protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire totalitarian empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating and exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]"Sometimes, ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer" being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that since life sucks and the universe is cold and unfeeling, suicide ''really'' is the solution regardless of what everyone else says[[/labelnote]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong context]] [[labelnote:Example]] A protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire totalitarian empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating and exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]"Sometimes, ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer" being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that since life sucks, suicide ''really'' is the solution regardless of what everyone else says]][[/labelnote]].

* A Hard Truth Aesop is not necessarily cynical, idealistic shows can have them too if they have morals like "Take candy from strangers, because people are nice."

* A Hard Truth Aesop is not necessarily cynical, idealistic shows can have them too if they have morals like, "Take candy from strangers, because people are nice."

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] [[labelnote:Example]] A protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire totalitarian empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating and exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]"Sometimes, ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer" being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that since life sucks, suicide ''really'' is the solution regardless of what everyone else says]][[/labelnote]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] [[labelnote:Example]] A protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire totalitarian empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating and exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]"Sometimes, ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer" being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that since life sucks, suicide ''really'' is the solution regardless of what everyone else says.]][[/labelnote]].

* A benefit -- and problem -- of the Hard Truth Aesop is that it's so unexpected. It can make for a strong TwistEnding, but it's so surprising that it may dominate the story. Instead of leaving the audience something to think about after the show, [[RefugeInAudacity they're busy scratching their heads]] and wondering, "Did they really ''say'' that? In public?"
* A Hard Truth Aesop is not necessarily cynical. Idealistic shows can have them too, if they have morals like, "Take candy from strangers, because people are nice."
* While the Aesop may be upsetting, shocking or utterly unexpected, these Aesops can be the truest and most useful kinds in life, as the real world is rarely a fair, kind or even logical place. Pragmatism ''sometimes'' grants massively better odds of success than the moral high ground does. This tends to be true when attempting to gain power or change existing power structures, as those with the power have a massive advantage in retaining it just due to already possessing it.
** Looking at the bright side, at least there is a little chance that the said pragmatic method wouldn't hurt innocents. After all, pragmatism is al about finding alternate ways if the initial method doesn't go well.
** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] [[labelnote:Example]] A fictional work's hard Aesop is delivered in a scene where the protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire Totalitarian Empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating & exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-truth aesop espousing that sometimes ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that, since life sucks, suicide ''really'' is the solution, regardless of what everyone else says.]][[/labelnote]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] [[labelnote:Example]] A fictional work's hard Aesop is delivered in a scene where the protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire Totalitarian Empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating & exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]], [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-truth aesop espousing that sometimes ViolenceReallyIsTheAnswer being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that HardWorkHardlyWorks, dreams are not worth pursuing, so you should [[StoppedCaring stop caring]] and [[{{Dismotivation}} just give up on life forever.]][[/labelnote]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] [[labelnote:Example]] A fictional work's hard Aesop is delivered in a scene where the protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire Totalitarian Empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but then the audience applies these methods in their day-to-day life, manipulating & exploiting the people around them for far pettier and even self-serving causes)[[/labelnote]],[[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-truth aesop espousing that sometimes ViolenceReallyIsTheEnswer being exaggerated into Violence ''Always'' Being The Answer, sometimes to [[MurderIsTheBestSolution murderous degrees]][[/labelnote]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks about it more]] [[labelnote:Example]]A hard-'truth' aesop claiming that HardWorkHardlyWorks, dreams are not worth pursuing, so you should [[StoppedCaring stop caring]] and [[{{Dismotivation}} just give up on life forever.]][[/labelnote]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] (Example: A fictional work's hard Aesop is delivered in a scene where the protagonist did serious and questionable realpolitik methods to their way up to the highest position of a [[TheEmpire Totalitarian Empire]] so that they could [[InternalReformist change the terrible conditions of the said regime]], but the audience in real life used this as a way of living their life that even considering outright murder would also be considered as a valid "Realpolitik Pragmatism") or [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks on it more]].

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] or [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs wrong]]'' when one [[FridgeLogic thinks on it more]].

* While the Aesop may be upsetting, shocking or utterly unexpected, these Aesops can be the truest and most useful kinds in life, as the real world is rarely a fair, kind or even logical place. Pragmatism ''sometimes'' grant massively better odds of success than the moral high ground does. This tends to be true when attempting to gain power or change existing power structures, as those with the power have a massive advantage in retaining it just due to already possessing it.

* A Hard Truth Aesop is not necessarily cynical. Shows on the idealistic end of the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism can have them too, if they have morals like, "Take candy from strangers, because people are nice."

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] or [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs harmful]]''.

** Keep in mind, however, that despite the Aesop being presented as the hard truth, it does not mean that it automatically ''[[TropesAreTools is]]'' [[TropesAreTools true]]. The "hard truth" a work espouses can lead to more harm than good being done [[DramaticallyMissingThePoint when applied to the wrong contexts]] or [[ALessonLearnedTooWell overzealously followed]], or even downright ''[[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs harmful]]''

* While the Aesop may be upsetting, shocking or utterly unexpected, these Aesops can oftentimes be the truest and most useful kinds in life, as the real world is rarely a fair, kind or even logical place. Pragmatism grants massively better odds of success than the moral high ground does. This is especially true when attempting to gain power or change existing power structures, as those with the power have a massive advantage in retaining it just due to already possessing it.
* Keep in mind that despite being practical, it does not mean something should be 100% followed. Many bad deeds are mostly justified by such Aesops, and a few of them only increase the current problem's intensity.

* A benefit -- and problem -- of the Hard Truth Aesop is that it's so unexpected. It can make for a strong TwistEnding, but it's so surprising that it may dominate the story. Instead of leaving the audience something to think about after the show, they're busy scratching their heads and wondering, "Did they really ''say'' that? In public?"

* While the Aesop may be upsetting, shocking or utterly unexpected, these Aesops can oftentimes be the truest and most useful kinds in life, as the real world is rarely a fair, kind or even logical place. Success and conventional morality or reason are often mutually exclusive. This is especially true when attempting to gain power or change existing power structures, as those with the power have a massive advantage in retaining it just due to already possessing it.
** Keep in mind that despite being practical, it does not mean it should be 100% followed. Many bad deeds are mostly justified by such Aesops, and a few of them only increase the current problem's intensity.

* A benefit -- and problem -- of the Hard Truth Aesop is that it's so unexpected. It can make for a strong TwistEnding, but it's so surprising that it may dominate the story. Instead of leaving the audience something to think about after the show, they're busy scratching their heads and wondering, "did they really ''say'' that? In public?"
* A Hard Truth Aesop is not necessarily cynical. Shows on the idealistic end of the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism can have them too, if they have morals like "take candy from strangers, because people are nice."