History Main / WeaknessIsJustAStateOfMind

* Indeed be able to do what they're told ''at the time'', but that over-exertion catches up with them, creating a dangerous after-effect. (e.g. They will need genuine medical attention after their effort.)

** Implied in ''Film/TransformersTheGameDS'' (Decepticon story), where the severely wounded [[PlayerCharacter Create-A-Bot]] reports to Megatron that the other Decepticons (Blackout, Scorponok, Bonecrusher, Barricade) were all dead. Megatron sneers that the dead were all weak and so deserved to die... just as the Create-A-Bot is similarly weak. The Create-A-Bot protests that he'd been badly damaged weakening the All-Spark-empowered Starscream and could be repaired, but Megatron simply crushes him and [[YourSoulIsMine devours his Spark]], declaring that anyone who allowed themselves to be so badly damaged was weak-willed and undeserving to live.

** Implied in the Nintendo DS version of ''Film/{{Transformers}}'' (Decepticon story), where the severely wounded [[PlayerCharacter Create-A-Bot]] reports to Megatron that the other Decepticons (Blackout, Scorponok, Bonecrusher, Barricade) were all dead. Megatron sneers that the dead were all weak and so deserved to die... just as the Create-A-Bot is similarly weak. The Create-A-Bot protests that he'd been badly damaged weakening the All-Spark-empowered Starscream and could be repaired, but Megatron simply crushes him and [[YourSoulIsMine devours his Spark]], declaring that anyone who allowed themselves to be so badly damaged was weak-willed and undeserving to live.

* ''Series/TheRifleman'', "The Deserter": An army deserter, Ben Haskell, ends up on Lucas [=McCain=]'s ranch, wounded and exhausted. Unfortunately, the Major, Damler, who oversaw Haskell's regiment, was not only emotionally abusive, but also [[TheNeidermeyer very strict and uncaring]] about the troops [[BotheringByTheBook under his command]], as he not only did not have the regiment doctor tend to Haskell's wound (causing it to get infected), but Damler also [[JudgeJuryAndExecutioner arrests, judges]], and [[SentencedWithoutTrial sentences]] Haskell to a firing squad without reasonable charge. Haskell's only "crime"? He stole some water out of desperation, of which he was denied in the arid climate of New Mexico, and was shot for it, while escaping. When Damler tries to strike up a somewhat friendly conversation with Lucas at the saloon, Damler starts to talk about how his previous regiment lost him a promotion, for cracking under pressure during an attack on a rebel cell. Lucas argues back that in actuality, the regiment lost their lives from being brutally shot, and those who could escape only turned and ran to save themselves from a lost cause. Furthermore, later, one of Damler's other soldiers keeping watch on the jail collapses from heat exhaustion after pacing back and forth in an already-grueling '''''four''''' hour duty shift in the hot daytime sun, as punishment for not being forceful enough in not letting [=McCain=] into the jail (to check on Haskell). Damler harshly calls the soldier out for "resting" and tacks on another hour, which starts to change the mind of the Major's right-hand-man lieutenant. ([[EveryoneHasStandards So much so that the lieutenant gives the soldier some water behind the Major's back.]])

* In ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'', in the Japanese version [[HateSink Damien]] claims his Charmander, a Fire-type Pokèmon, was a weakling for being unable to beat a Poliwag, a Water-type, despite [[ElementalRockPaperScissors type advantages]] being an important factor in Pokèmon battles.

The individual-in-question can't do anymore, even though they've already done so, and are '''''[[SarcasmMode obviously]]''''' capable of pushing themselves further? Tough luck! If they're still breathing, they're still able to work! It's not that they can't! It's '''''obviously''''' that they won't! They're not working ''hard enough!'' They're '''''[[RuleOfThree obviously]]''''' undisciplined and nonchalant about what they're being asked to do! This is despite the expectations given for a physical task not making sense [[note]]For example, WithAHerring, or a SnipeHunt.[[/note]], [[TrainingFromHell the force used to drive the individuals is blatant overkill]][[note]]For example, they don't need no stupid food or water! They need to be hardy and bracing! Also, try to stop this normal-sized car from running over you with your bare hands as a test of your strength![[/note]], or their outward appearance and behavior during or after the task is very much the opposite of being unfocused.

* ''Series/TheRifleman'', "The Deserter": An army deserter, Ben Haskell, ends up on Lucas [=McCain=]'s ranch, wounded and exhausted. Unfortunately, the Major, Damler, who oversaw Haskell's regiment, was not only emotionally abusive, but also [[TheNeidermeyer very strict and uncaring]] about the troops [[BotheringByTheBook under his command]], as he not only did not have the regiment doctor tend to Haskell's wound (causing it to get infected), but Damler also [[JudgeJuryAndExecutioner arrests, judges]], and [[SentencedWithoutTrial sentences]] Haskell to a firing squad without reasonable charge. Haskell's only "crime"? He stole some water out of desperation, of which he was denied in the arid climate of New Mexico, and was shot for it, while escaping. When Damler tries to strike up a somewhat friendly conversation with Lucas at the saloon, Damler starts to talk about how his previous regiment lost him a promotion, for cracking under pressure during an attack on a rebel cell. Lucas argues back that in actuality, the regiment lost their lives from being brutally shot, and those who could escape only turned and ran to save themselves from a lost cause. Furthermore, later, one of Damler's other soldiers keeping watch on the jail collapses from heat exhaustion after pacing back and forth in an already-grueling '''''four''''' hour duty shift in the hot daytime sun; Damler harshly calls him out for "resting" and tacks on another hour, which starts to change the mind of the Major's right-hand-man lieutenant. ([[EveryoneHasStandards So much so that the lieutenant gives the soldier some water behind the Major's back.]])

SubTrope of BadBoss[[note]]an abusive, uncaring authority[[/note]], DetrimentalDetermination[[note]]Related where continuing further with a task or effort is more dangerous, difficult, and may even be unethical.[[/note]], and BlamingTheVictim[[note]]Related where the fault of not continuing is illogically turned around on the overworked/starved/unrested individual, rather than the authority who has denied relief to them[[/note]] Can compare with the HardWorkFallacy, which is about believing that hard work and determination alone is the most important factor in achieving any goal, if not the only one. Could overlap with MiseryBuildsCharacter if it is claimed that bad things will ultimately be good for you. Can cross over with ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve if the trope delves into faith healing.

Sapient beings (humans, for the sake of argument) have a lot of politics mixed in with their willpower. They push themselves to a limit and make a tremendous effort because it is needed for a broader purpose. This trope, on the other hand, is when that effort is ignored in favor of a sharp judgement on an individual's character, because of either the individual's self-criticism, or the distorted viewpoint of the authority in-charge. For an authority, if their expectations are too high when compared to the abilities of those under their thumb, unfortunately, this leaves the situation open to abuse and subjective standards. Barring both PatheticallyWeak as a comedic parallel, and a particular character's visible lack of self-health standards, what is one person's genuine extreme fatigue and dangerous exertion is another's "barely breaking a sweat" and "lounging around".

The individual-in-question can't do any more, even though they've already done so, and are '''''[[SarcasmMode obviously]]''''' capable of pushing themselves further? Tough luck! If they're still breathing, they're still able to work! It's not that they can't! It's '''''obviously''''' that they won't! They're not working ''hard enough!'' They're '''''[[RuleOfThree obviously]]''''' undisciplined and nonchalant about what they're being asked to do! This is despite the expectations given for a physical task not making sense [[note]]For example, WithAHerring, or a SnipeHunt.[[/note]], [[TrainingFromHell the force used to drive the individuals is blatant overkill]][[note]]For example, they don't need no stupid food or water! They need to be hardy and bracing! Also, try to stop this normal-sized car from running over you with your bare hands as a test of your strength![[/note]], or their outward appearance and behavior during or after the task is very much the opposite of being unfocused.

* be injured and physically or mentally unable to do what they're told, and is in danger of further trauma, or even loss of life, if they continue.
* have lost something important for their safety or their purpose in the effort, making it not just difficult, but ''impossible'' to continue.
* show blatant signs of being overworked (such as being drenched in their own sweat or something from a harsh environment), lacking nutrition, slowing down, or at worst, losing consciousness, all from a lengthy effort that hasn't seemed/won't seem to stop.
* indeed be able to do what they're told ''at the time'', but that over-exertion catches up with them, creating a dangerous after-effect. (e.g. They will need genuine medical attention after their effort.)

On the other side of the coin, an individual will beat up on themselves because they cannot meet expectations, despite involving the same problems. Others, such as friends and family, may become concerned because of this, and may intervene or attempt to help to save the individual.

Expect DisproportionateRetribution and InsaneTrollLogic if, should the underling fail to meet expectations, the individual in charge keeps adding more exertion and expectation to their underlings' list of tasks. (Again, the beatings will continue until morale improves.) May cross over with MovingTheGoalposts if the charge keeps piling on the tasks, and would be impossible to complete in a timely manner otherwise. Also may cross over with NeverMyFault, if the authority is the problem at all, blaming incompetence on others rather than their own poor command; this may also happen should the underling keel over from exertion in trying to meet the abusive charge's extreme expectation. In their eyes it's the victim's fault for not having the fortitude to do what they're asked/forced to do! Should the charge have to deal with multiple individuals, they will usually proclaim that they're SurroundedByIdiots.

Usually part of the viewpoint of a SocialDarwinist, as well as someone with NervesOfSteel. Should the character in-charge be an insane villain, and holding others hostage with a gun, then they're a PushyGunTotingVillain.

See also HanlonsRazor for stupidity attributed to deliberate intent.[[note]]i.e. good intentions do not necessarily equal a positive outcome, especially with a lack of knowledge, and can seem like someone is doing something bad on-purpose[[/note]] See also UnsatisfiableCustomer for possible retail versions of this trope. See also ThereIsNoTry, a tough-love speech that assumes the hero will succeed when they stop holding back.

* In ''Manga/Zom100BucketListOfTheDead'', Kosugi, Akira's PointyHairedBoss, constantly browbeat Akira and his co-workers into submission with confusing, contradictory demands and endless lists of tasks that often forced Akira to stay in the office for days at a time. Kosugi would then blame the resulting drop in productivity on a lack of motivation, guilt-tripping anyone who wanted to take some much needed time off into staying in the office even though the workers are pissing blood from overwork.

[[folder:Films — Animation]]

[[folder:Films — Live-Action]]

* ''Series/TheRifleman'', "The Deserter": An army deserter, Ben Haskell, ends up on Lucas [=McCain=]'s ranch, wounded and exhausted. Unfortunately, the Major, Damler, who oversaw Haskell's regiment, was not only emotionally abusive, but also [[TheNeidermeyer very strict and uncaring]] about the troops [[BotheringByTheBook under his command]], as he not only did not have the regiment doctor tend to Haskell's wound (causing it to get infected), but Damler also [[JudgeJuryAndExecutioner arrests, judges]], and [[SentencedWithoutTrial sentences]] Haskell to a firing squad without reasonable charge. Haskell's only "crime"? He stole some water out of desperation, of which he was denied in the arid climate of New Mexico, and was shot for it, while escaping. When Damler tries to strike up a somewhat friendly conversation with Lucas at the saloon, Damler starts to talk about how his previous regiment lost him a promotion, for cracking under pressure during an attack on a rebel cell. Lucas argues back that in actuality, the regiment lost their lives from being brutally shot, and those who could escape only turned and ran to save themselves from a lost cause. Furthermore, later, one of Damler's other soldiers keeping watch on the jail collapses from heat exhaustion after pacing back-and-forth in an already-grueling '''''four''''' hour duty shift in the hot daytime sun; Damler harshly calls him out for "resting" and tacks on another hour, which starts to change the mind of the Major's right-hand-man lieutenant. ([[EveryoneHasStandards So much so that the lieutenant gives the soldier some water behind the Major's back.]])

** Played with with Power Punch of the Decepticon Battle Squad. He's convinced that the only reason his friend and commander Direct Hit's plans don't work out is because the rest of the team aren't pulling their weight or giving their all. Unfortunately, everyone else (Direct Hit himself included) recognises the truth Power Punch won't: Direct Hit is just not a very good leader, strategist or tactician, having been [[ThePeterPrinciple promoted beyond his skills]].

*** In the sequel ''VideoGame/TransformersFallOfCybertron'', Starscream demonstrates a similar lack of leadership ability by ordering a full scale aerial assault on an Autobot transport that is heavily armed and armoured, especially against attacks from the air. As the [[BadassCrew Combaticons]] slowly work their way through the transport, Starscream orders the Decepticons to continue pushing the attack, demanding that they push through through sheer force of will.

[[/folder]]

Sapient beings (humans, for the sake of argument) have a lot of politics mixed in with their willpower. They push themselves to a limit and make a tremendous effort because it is needed for a broader purpose. This trope, on the other hand, is when that effort is ignored in favor of a sharp judgement on an individual's character, because of either the individual's self-criticism, or the distorted viewpoint of the authority in-charge. For an authority, if their expectations are too high when compared to the abilities of those under their thumb, unfortunately, this leaves the situation open to abuse and subjective standards. Barring both PatheticallyWeak as a comedic parallel, and a particular character's visible lack of self-health standards, what is one person's genuine extreme fatigue and dangerous extertion is another's "barely breaking a sweat" and "lounging around".

SubTrope of BadBoss[[note]]an abusive, uncaring authority[[/note]], DetrimentalDetermination[[note]]Related where continuing further with a task or effort is more dangerous, difficult, and may even be unethical.[[/note]], and BlamingTheVictim[[note]]Related where the fault of not continuing is illogically turned around on the overworked/starved/unrested individual, rather than the authority who has denied relief to them[[/note]] Can compare with the HardWorkFallacy, which is about believing that hard work and determination alone is the most important factor in achieving any goal, if not the only one. Could overlap with SleepDeprivation if that's the reason the victim is tired. Can cross over with ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve if the trope delves into faith healing.

Usually part of the viewpoint of a SocialDarwinist, as well as someone with NervesOfSteel. Also part of a system that a BrokenSystemDogmatist will espouse. Should the character in-charge be an insane villain, and holding others hostage with a gun, then they're a PushyGunTotingVillain.

[[folder:Films - Animation]]

[[folder:Films - Live-Action]]

-->'''Slave captain''': (''to his men'') Hurry! [[TemptingFate Before]] [[SpeakOfTheDevil the master]] approaches...
-->'''Castor''': (''entering the scene via a lift'') ''[[HeyYou You]]!'' (''the slave captain turns to face him'') [[TheRoyalWe We]] have given you all you need for success, and yet ''you still fail us!'' The statues were to be completed by now.
-->'''Slave Captain''': (''nervously approaches Castor'') It is a massive task you have set before us, Master. My brothers, they- they need food and rest.
-->'''Castor''': ''YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED TO SPEAK!!'' (''[[BadBoss stabs the Slave Captain through the head with his golden staff/spear]], then turns to the rest of the slaves'') ''And who will be next?!'' (''the slaves nervously resume pushing the statue, then one of them jumps down to the floor after removing a plank'') ''You! You, you there!'' [[YouAreInCommandNow You are now charged with the task of completing the statues]]...
-->'''New Slave Captain''': As you wish...
-->'''Castor''': [[ImpliedDeathThreat We hope your work is better than that of your friend here]]. [[GetOut We can no longer bear the sight of you]]. You make us sick. (''the new Slave Captain carries his dead friend away, and Castor descends out of sight via the lift again, muttering to Pollux under his breath'') ''[[SurroundedByIdiots Worthless lot. Pathetic! Every last one of them.]]''

SubTrope of DetrimentalDetermination[[note]]Related where continuing further with a task or effort is more dangerous, difficult, and may even be unethical.[[/note]] and BlamingTheVictim[[note]]Related where the fault of not continuing is illogically turned around on the overworked/starved/unrested individual, rather than the authority who has denied relief to them[[/note]] Can compare with the HardWorkFallacy, which is about believing that hard work and determination alone is the most important factor in achieving any goal, if not the only one. Could overlap with SleepDeprivation if that's the reason the victim is tired. Can cross over with ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve if the trope delves into faith healing.

-->'''Castor''': [[ImpliedDeathThreat We hope your work is better than that of your friend here]]. [[GetOut We can no longer bear the sight of you]]. You make us sick. (''the new Slave Captain carries his dead friend away, and Castor descends out of sight via the lift again, muttering to Pollux under his breath'') [[SurroundedByIdiots''Worthless lot. Pathetic! Every last one of them.'']]