History Main / AngstAversion

Some are content with seeking out {{spoiler}}s beforehand, when it is thought probable that likable characters will have to deal with amazingly depressing situations, and the viewer wants to be ready when it happens. It helps that the depressing spoilers (concerning who dies etc.) are often the first to come out and are the most widespread: If you know anything about ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'' it's that [[spoiler:one guy]] kills [[spoiler:another guy]]. Creator/JossWhedon may be the patron saint of inspiring this particular segment, so much so that it is responsible for almost 100% of the {{Hatedom}} directed towards him.

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that their time has been wasted after a pointlessly tragic or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or a CruelTwistEnding to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, [[TropesAreTools but only if it is done sufficiently well]]. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst in uncontrolled quantity]]akes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

However, art is also seen as escapism, and rightfully so. Everyone agrees (or perhaps ''should'' agree) that people are allowed to have their own tastes in the media they consume, and to have their own particular limits in [[AngstDissonance how much fictional sadness and "interesting" conflict they are willing to put up with]], simply because how everyone has their own real life problems to consider. It is not too much to ask for entertainment to be ''entertaining''! If someone prefers a WarmAndFuzzyFeeling over how the realism and catharsis of a tragedy or [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical Current Events-based]] {{dystopia}}n literature allegedly gets you to "think", then more power to them. Only a very few wants a world where everyone believes that "SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids" and that the only TrueArtIsAngsty, and anyone who thinks happy art cannot be good art is certainly not understanding enough.

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that their time has been wasted after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or a CruelTwistEnding to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, [[TropesAreTools but only if it is done sufficiently well]]. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, [[DarkerAndEdgier needless angst in uncontrolled quantity]] makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

Some are content with seeking out {{spoiler}}s beforehand, when it is thought probable that likable characters will have to deal with amazingly depressing situations, and the viewer wants to be ready when it happens. It helps that the depressing spoilers (concerning who dies etc.) are often the first to come out and are the most widespread: If you know anything about ''HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'' it's that [[spoiler:one guy]] kills [[spoiler:another guy]]. JossWhedon may be the patron saint of inspiring this particular segment, so much so that it is responsible for almost 100% of the {{Hatedom}} directed towards him.

Some will avoid a work entirely when they hear particularly depressing spoilers, or even general claims that the work is a particularly big downer, no matter what the supposed quality. These people find it grating when FailureIsTheOnlyOption. There is nothing wrong about this, as everyone has the right to their own preferences, but it can often lead to [[ComplainingAboutShowsYouDontWatch Complaining About The Angst Level Of A Show You Haven't Watched]] on the one hand, and cause members of the FanDumb of a tragic work to lambaste the adverse as immature.

However, art is also seen as escapism, and rightfully so. Everyone agrees (or perhaps ''should'' agree) that people are allowed to have their own tastes in the media they consume, and to have their own particular limits in [[AngstDissonance how much fictional sadness and "interesting" conflict they are willing to put up with]], simply because how everyone has their own real life problems to consider. It is not too much to ask for entertainment to be ''entertaining''! If someone prefers a WarmAndFuzzyFeeling over how the realism and catharsis of a tragedy or [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical Current Events-based]] {{dystopia}}n literature allegedly gets you to "think", then more power to them. Only a very few wants a world where everyone believes that "SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids", and that the only TrueArtIsAngsty, and anyone who thinks happy art cannot be good art is certainly not understanding enough.

However, art is also seen as escapism, and rightfully so. Everyone agrees (or perhaps ''should'' agree) that people are allowed to have their own tastes in the media they consume, and to have their own particular limits in [[AngstDissonance how much fictional sadness and "interesting" conflict they are willing to put up with]], simply because how everyone has their own real life problems to consider. It is not too much to ask for entertainment to be ''entertaining''! If someone prefers a WarmAndFuzzyFeeling over how the realism and catharsis of a tragedy or [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical Current Events-based]] {{dystopia}}n literature allegedly gets you to "think", then more power to them. Only a very few wants a world where the only TrueArtIsAngsty, and anyone who thinks happy art cannot be good art is certainly not understanding enough.

However, art is also seen as escapism, and rightfully so. Everyone agrees (or perhaps ''should'' agree) that people are allowed to have their own tastes in the media they consume, and to have their own particular limits in [[AngstDissonance how much fictional sadness and "interesting" conflict they are willing to put up with]], simply because how everyone has their own real life problems to consider. It is not too much to ask for entertainment to be ''entertaining''! If someone prefers a WarmAndFuzzyFeeling over how the realism and catharsis of tragedy allegedly gets you to "think", then more power to them. Only a very few wants a world where the only TrueArtIsAngsty, and anyone who thinks happy art cannot be good art is certainly not trying hard enough.

Art is often seen as a reflection of life, for good or for bad. Thus, it is not surprising that much of art contains elements that may be considered, well, downright depressing. Everyone agrees that artistic creators should have access to the wide range of human emotions in the characters and events depicted within their works, and no one blames them for attempting to inspire the same range within their audience. Indeed, one of the things most disquieting about {{Plato}}'s ''Literature/{{Republic}}'' is how Creator/{{Socrates}} bans any emotional art from his supposed {{utopia}}. Without the influence of the tragic, we would not be able to experience some of the most critically-lauded works that have ever been created.

However, art is also seen as escapism, and rightfully so. Everyone agrees (or perhaps ''should'' agree) that people are allowed to have their own tastes in the media they consume, and to have their own particular limits in [[AngstDissonance how much fictional sadness they are willing to put up with]], simply because how everyone has their own real life problems to consider. It is not too much to ask for entertainment to be ''entertaining''! If someone prefers a WarmAndFuzzyFeeling over the realism and catharsis of tragedy, then more power to them. No one wants a world where the only TrueArtIsAngsty, and anyone who thinks happy art cannot be good art is certainly not trying hard enough.

However, art is also seen as escapism, and rightfully so. Everyone agrees (or perhaps ''should'' agree) that people are allowed to have their own tastes in the media they consume, and to have their own particular limits in [[AngstDissonance how much fictional sadness they are willing to put up with]], simply because how everyone has their own real life problems to consider. It is not too much to ask for entertainment to be entertaining! If someone prefers a WarmAndFuzzyFeeling over the allegedly "better-for-you" catharsis of tragedy, then more power to them. No one wants a world where the only TrueArtIsAngsty, and anyone who thinks happy art cannot be good art is certainly not trying hard enough.

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that their time has been wasted after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or a CruelTwistEnding to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, but only if it is done sufficiently well. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

Art is often seen as a reflection of life, for good or for bad. Thus, it is not surprising that much of art contains elements that may be considered, well, downright depressing. Everyone agrees that artistic creators should have access to the wide range of human emotions in the characters and events depicted within their works, and no one blames them for attempting to inspire the same range within their audience. Indeed, one of the things most disquieting about {{Plato}}'s ''Literature/{{Republic}}'' is how {{Socrates}} bans any emotional art from his supposed {{utopia}}. Without the influence of the tragic, we would not be able to experience some of the most critically-lauded works that have ever been created.

Art is often seen as a reflection of life, for good or for bad. Thus, it is not surprising that much of art contains elements that may be considered, well, downright depressing. Everyone agrees that artistic creators should have access to the wide range of human emotions in the characters and events depicted within their works, and no one blames them for attempting to inspire the same range within their audience. Indeed, one of the things most disquieting about {{Plato}}'s ''{{Republic}}'' is how {{Socrates}} bans any emotional art from his supposed {{utopia}}. Without the influence of the tragic, we would not be able to experience some of the most critically-lauded works that have ever been created.

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that their time has been wasted after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or an CruelTwistEnding to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, but only if it is done sufficiently well. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that their time has been wasted after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or an OuterLimitsTwist to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, but only if it is done sufficiently well. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

->''"Hey, Let me tell you something. I just finished this show/movie/book, and it's'' '''''awesome!''''' ''You'll totally love it! It's so artistic! You'll fall in love with all the characters, and when you see what happens to them it will just break your heart! If the final part doesn't cause you to cry for weeks, then man, you have no soul!... hey, where are you going?"''

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that [[WhatWereWeFightingFor their time has been wasted]] after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or an OuterLimitsTwist to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, but only if it is done sufficiently well. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

Some call FanonDiscontinuity when they feel that their time has been wasted after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or an OuterLimitsTwist to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, but only if it is done sufficiently well. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].

Some are content with seeking out [[{{spoiler}} spoilers]] beforehand, when it is thought probable that likable characters will have to deal with amazingly depressing situations, and the viewer wants to be ready when it happens. It helps that the depressing spoilers (concerning who dies etc.) are often the first to come out and are the most widespread: If you know anything about ''HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'' it's that [[spoiler:one guy]] kills [[spoiler:another guy]]. JossWhedon may be the patron saint of inspiring this particular segment, so much so that it is responsible for almost 100% of the {{Hatedom}} directed towards him.

Personal examples should be limited to the [[TroperTales/AngstAversion Troper Tales]] page.
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<<|{{Fan-Speak}}|>>

Some are content with seeking out [[{{spoiler}} spoilers]] beforehand, when it is thought probable that likable characters will have to deal with amazingly depressing situations, and the viewer wants to be ready when it happens. It helps that the depressing spoilers (concerning who dies etc.) are often the first to come out and are the most widespread: If you know anything about ''HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'' it's that [[spoiler:one guy]] kills [[spoiler:another guy]]. JossWhedon may be the patron saint of inspiring this particular segment, so much so that it is responsible for almost 100% of the HateDom directed towards him.

Some are content with seeking out [[{{spoiler}} spoilers]] beforehand, when it is thought probable that likable characters will have to deal with amazingly depressing situations, and the viewer wants to be ready when it happens. It helps that the depressing spoilers (concerning who dies etc.) are often the first to come out and are the most widespread: If you know anything about ''HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'' it's that [[spoiler:one guy]] kills [[spoiler:another guy]]. JossWhedon may be the patron saint of inspiring this particular segment, so much so that it is responsible for almost 100% of the FallenCreator backlash against him.

->''"In today’s world, in today’s media [[BreadAndCircuses climate designed to foster the fear our leaders like us to feel because it makes us easier to push around]]. In a world where [[IWantToBeARealMan limp, wimpy men are forced to talk tough and act]] ‘[[BadAss badass]]’ [[MilesGloriosus even though we all know they’re shitting it inside]]. In a world where [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism the measure of our moral strength]] has come to lie [[BloodierAndGorier in the extremity of the images we’re able to look at and stomach]]. In a world, I’m reliably told, [[WorldHalfEmpty that’s going to the dogs]], [[TrueArtIsOffensive real mischief]], [[TheNewRockAndRoll the real punk rock rebellion]], is a snarling, [[WideEyedIdealism ‘fuck you’ positivity and optimism]]. [[ThePollyanna Violent optimism in the face of all evidence to the contrary]] is the Alpha form of outrage these days. [[TrueArtIsAngsty It really freaks people out.]]"''
-->--'''GrantMorrison''', [[http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110803-Grant-Superman-10.html All Star Memories: Grant Morrison on All Star Superman, 10]]

->''"Hey, Let me tell you something. I just finished this show/movie/book, and it's'' '''''awesome!''''' ''You'll totally love it! It's so artistic! You'll fall in love with all the characters, and when you see what happens to them it will just break your heart! If the final part doesn't cause you to cry for weeks, then man, you have no soul!... hey, where are you going?"''

Art is often seen as a reflection of life, for good or for bad. Thus, it is not surprising that much of art contains elements that may be considered, well, downright depressing. Everyone agrees that artistic creators should have access to the wide range of human emotions in the characters and events depicted within their works, and no one blames them for attempting to inspire the same range within their audience. Indeed, one of the things most disquieting about {{Plato}}'s ''{{Republic}}'' is how Socrates bans any emotional art from his supposed utopia. Without the influence of the tragic, we would not be able to experience some of the most critically-lauded works that have ever been created.

->''In today’s world, in today’s media [[BreadAndCircuses climate designed to foster the fear our leaders like us to feel because it makes us easier to push around]]. In a world where [[IWantToBeARealMan limp, wimpy men are forced to talk tough and act]] ‘[[BadAss badass]]’ [[MilesGloriosus even though we all know they’re shitting it inside]]. In a world where [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism the measure of our moral strength]] has come to lie [[BloodierAndGorier in the extremity of the images we’re able to look at and stomach]]. In a world, I’m reliably told, [[WorldHalfEmpty that’s going to the dogs]], [[TrueArtIsOffensive real mischief]], [[TheNewRockAndRoll the real punk rock rebellion]], is a snarling, [[WideEyedIdealism ‘fuck you’ positivity and optimism]]. [[ThePollyanna Violent optimism in the face of all evidence to the contrary]] is the Alpha form of outrage these days. [[TrueArtIsAngsty It really freaks people out.]]''

->''In today’s world, in today’s media [[BreadAndCircuses climate designed to foster the fear our leaders like us to feel because it makes us easier to push around]]. In a world where [[IWantToBeARealMan limp, wimpy men are forced to talk tough and act]] ‘BadAss’ [[MilesGloriosus even though we all know they’re shitting it inside]]. In a world where [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism the measure of our moral strength]] has come to lie [[BloodierAndGorier in the extremity of the images we’re able to look at and stomach]]. In a world, I’m reliably told, [[WorldHalfEmpty that’s going to the dogs]], [[TrueArtIsOffensive real mischief]], [[TheNewRockAndRoll the real punk rock rebellion]], is a snarling, [[WideEyedIdealism ‘fuck you’ positivity and optimism]]. [[ThePollyanna Violent optimism in the face of all evidence to the contrary]] is the Alpha form of outrage these days. [[TrueArtIsAngsty It really freaks people out.]]''

->''In today’s world, in today’s media [[BreadAndCircuses climate designed to foster the fear our leaders like us to feel because it makes us easier to push around]]. In a world where [[IWantToBeARealMan limp, wimpy men are forced to talk tough and act]] ‘Badass’ [[MilesGloriosus even though we all know they’re shitting it inside]]. In a world where [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism the measure of our moral strength]] has come to lie [[BloodierAndGorier in the extremity of the images we’re able to look at and stomach]]. In a world, I’m reliably told, [[WorldHalfEmpty that’s going to the dogs]], [[TrueArtIsOffensive real mischief]], [[TheNewRockAndRoll the real punk rock rebellion]], is a snarling, [[WideEyedIdealism ‘fuck you’ positivity and optimism]]. [[ThePollyanna Violent optimism in the face of all evidence to the contrary]] is the Alpha form of outrage these days. [[TrueArtIsAngsty It really freaks people out.]]''

->''In today’s world, in today’s media [[BreadAndCircuses climate designed to foster the fear our leaders like us to feel because it makes us easier to push around]]. In a world where [[IWantToBeARealMan limp, wimpy men are forced to talk tough and act]] ‘[[Badass badass]]’ [[MilesGloriosus even though we all know they’re shitting it inside]]. In a world where [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism the measure of our moral strength]] has come to lie [[Gorn in the extremity of the images we’re able to look at and stomach]]. In a world, I’m reliably told, [[WorldHalfEmpty that’s going to the dogs]], [[TrueArtIsOffensive real mischief]], [[TheNewRockAndRoll the real punk rock rebellion]], is a snarling, [[WideEyedIdealism ‘fuck you’ positivity and optimism]]. [[ThePollyanna Violent optimism in the face of all evidence to the contrary]] is the Alpha form of outrage these days. [[TrueArtIsAngsty It really freaks people out.]]''

-->--'''[[Grant Morrison]]''', [[http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110803-Grant-Superman-10.html All Star Memories: Grant Morrison on All Star Superman, 10]]

->''"Hey, Let me tell you something. I just finished this show/movie/book, and it's'' '''''awesome!''''' ''You'll totally love it! It's so artistic! You'll fall in love with all the characters, and when you see what happens to them it will just break your heart! If the final part doesn't cause you to cry for weeks, then man, you have no soul!... hey, where are you going?"''

The logical furthest end of the scale, will shut themselves off from all art that has any chance of being depressing at all, to the particular extreme of refusing, at a certain point, to view anything they haven't seen before. This usually requires a mental disorder of some sort, but is no less an example.

Some call DisContinuity in their personal canon when they feel that their time has been wasted after a [[{{Wangst}} pointlessly tragic]] or improperly set-up ShootTheShaggyDog or DownerEnding that relies on CharacterDerailment, DiabolusExMachina, or an OuterLimitsTwist to pull off. If the SnicketWarningLabel offers them a way out, they'll take it. This group will readily admit that art is free to be emotional, even depressing, but only if it is done sufficiently well. After all, while realistic emotion can make a good work great, needless angst makes a mediocre work terrible: It's pretty much generally agreed that cheaply won tears are annoying, and all too often it's a [[DeathByNewberyMedal cute dog that needlessly suffers so the author can make a point]].