What are your thoughts on a child who prefers the villains over the heroes? Should I be worried?

Question

t-8900 · Accepted Answer

I'm just going to have some fun with this post FYI.

That depends @loves2learn. Do you think I'm a bad person? I usually root for the bad guys in animes and movies. I just do for so many reasons. One is because I hate the cliches. What makes a well written villain so much better than a hero is they are not one dimensional, are not subject to plot armor, and their backstories that tell the tale of their fall from grace are amazing. Villains aren't born, they are made (with the exception of nutjobs). I'm a huge star wars fan and my favorite part of that universe are the sith. You won't get it from the movies, you'll need the novels tbh. But they are EXTEREMLY complex characters and most of the sith had terrible trials and tribulations that morphed them into the monsters they would become.

the sith were originally a crimson race of conquerors. A species, a culture, before a religion.

The Sith that the casuals know nothing about

They weren't 2 dimensional evil villains either. They had philosophy guiding their actions and they were methodical and calculating in their execution. When you see the movies where Palaptine slowly takes power over the Republic and purges the Jedi? He was just following a plan of the sith going back thousands of years where generations before him slowly put plans into play to wipe the Jedi out. What people don't know is in a way the Jedi were the original bad guys in this conflict. The Jedi and the Republic committed mass genocide over Korriban (sith home world) hunting down everyone, warrior and civilian alike and slaughtering them.

The Republic Commits mass genocide over Korriban

Many escaped into the unknown regions and for hundreds of years built a huge armada to return to reclaim their home world.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/mm4JEZudf0c

The sith follow a code passed down from their founders all the way to Palpatine.

What are your thoughts on a child who prefers the villains over the heroes? Should I be worried?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xk5mS0N7wAw

I challenge anyone to tell me the philosophy is actually wrong. All of our great advances came through hardships and conflicts. Human history and evolution mirrors the code. In the end we suffer from our own idealism. But reality, nature, does not forgive such things.

Darth Malgus is my absolute favorite villain (before the terrible retcons). He sacrificed everything for his empire, his religion. And I mean EVERYTHING. Family, his lover, his own ambitions, all for the sake of an Empire that he would come to despise. He was a visionary. He wanted equality for all, he wanted everyone to reach their full potential, he wanted to boot out the racists and xenophobes, he wanted to create a new Empire where people could rise through their own merits and ambitions and not be stuck and become stagnant due to some inner bureaucracies. And ultimately... he was just a badass!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdgmH9Vv2-I

Mangospacho · Accepted Answer

Even the villains in childrens movies are pretty harmless. I wouldn’t worry unless you start watching real crime stories and he starts getting fascinated with the serial killers.

InventorofWarp · Answer

No.
I was looking at weapons and drawing pictures of them as a kid. It alarmed my father and I had to explain that I did it to better build on the worlds I create when I'm writing my stories.
Villains are more interesting. They're not bound by the morality or adherences that a hero is and can have a richer and more complex story and character arc overall. Especially if they eventually turn to become a hero. The same could be said for the reverse but I find it more interesting if it's an already villainous character that we eventually learn was once heroic and learns to become so again.

This is exactly why characters such as Jaime Lannister, Negan and Walter White were so popular in their respective shows. Not just simply black and white straight cutouts, they evolved and adjusted and changed with the times into different kinds of characters.
Jaime Lannister starts as an asshole who fucks his sister and cripples a kid, then murders his own cousin and fights the heroes. Then bonds with one of the heroines, saves her from getting raped and is crippled for it and learns humility and starts clearly changing and falling for her. Then becomes an asshole again trying to get back in said sister's good graces and threatens a man and his family and butchers his Uncle. Then abandons said sister to go fight and possibly die with former enemies against insurmountable odds like he said he would to honour his word... spoiler, he abandons his love for bitch sister and he dies an asshole even if she still remembers him fondly after.
Negan literally makes his entrance bashing in the skulls of two men including one who has acted as the heart and kind of innocent character for the show's first 6 seasons. He spends the next 2 tormenting everyone he can get his hands on and fucking around and murdering most of the protagonists eventually declaring war on them and nearly butchers the main character's son. We see hints of a better man, but it takes losing and being spared and thrown in jail for 5 years to finally change him into the hero he becomes by Season 9 where he finally completely redeems by not only saving said main character's daughter in the critical moment, but completely changing by butchering the new villain and saving the entire cast and then finally symbolically abandoning his entire past persona in the next Season.

Walter White, yeah he starts as a hero then becomes a villain and finally dies a hero.

People love a redemption story.
Have you asked your son why he likes the villains? You probably just have a keen budding storyteller on your hands.

lilyanony1 · Answer

Honestly I'm not entirely sure, I think there are some characters that you can relate to in the sense that they turned because something happened and in the event they turn good in the end in sure it's probably a good way of showing that your child can empathise and see the good even in the darkest situations.
But a baddie for baddie sake. Hmm id worry. I think I'd also worry if like someone else said they mimic the behaviour, and seem to dismiss the nicer characters for them being "boring".
We want our kids to be able to be wholesome and rounded people, if they can identify the complexities of a personality like a baddie I'd say maybe they're a little more emotionally intelligent.

I'd really ask teachers and have a little observation if you can of their behaviour in groups.
You know.
Being that advanced then at a young age maybe they might present something?

I really don't know but I hope a what I did say helped. I don't have kids so I'm always weary about advising.

Bluemax · Answer

Not necessarily. I liked some villains a lot.

Long John Silver, for example. Bold. Remarkably intelligent. A surprisingly great fighter in spite of only having one leg. If the crew of the Hispaniola had listened to him, they would have gotten away with it! I *wanted* him to get away! I was glad when he did! Hell, I wanted to *be* him!

Of the Disney villains pictured, I really only like Captain Hook. I guess I like pirates. I sorta like Ursula. I think she has the best villain song. I thought she was *way* smarter than Triton. Jaafar? He's a fool. I should think he would just want to keep the status quo. When you think about it, he already had control of the kingdom. Cruella? She's just... weird. The Queen of Hearts? Bad temper to the point of it making her dumb. She is comical though. Dr. Whatshisname? As you can tell, he's pretty forgettable to me. The Evil Queen? Why didn't she just kill Snow White herself? Would have ensured the job got done. For the record I dislike Snow White even more.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

Why would you be worried?

While I didn't like the villains in shows growing up as a kid, it was because they were antagonists posing threats to my preferred heroes and their motives made me angry.

Now that I am older and have logged many hours into reading and writing I can say I don't hate villains and can find a few of them sympathetic, honestly. They are well written. I like Captain Hook, Jafar, Maleficent to name some because they were well written and in cases likeable because they brought levity to certain situations albeit at their expense or the expense of one of their subordinates (namely thinking of Hook and Smee).

Think of it this way. As kids we view the heroes as good and villains as bad, but we don't see the grey in between. The child represents the hero and the villain represents the adult. We can get more intrigued by villains as we sre older because of motives and curiosity as to why they do what they do and why they are the way they are. What happened to them to make them this embodiment of evil/grey.

Another example, think of Spongebob and Squidward. Spongebob is childlike and carefree whereas Squidward is bitter and cynical and kids who watched the show thought Squidward was mean and always a dick, but if you think about it hard. Squidward represents most of us after we grow up. We can relate to him the most out of all the characters in the show because he is the average adult after they grow up. Working a job he doesn't like. Not happy with a lot of things in his life. Has dreams but fails to reach them. Has few friends or is very annoyed by the acquaintances that he has. Cynical and pessimistic because life didn't turn out the way he hoped. Looking at Spongebob, complete opposite. Filled with joy, optimism, has dreams and believes he can do that and achieve them.

Does that sound familiar? One represents a child, one represents the adult.

The_Shadow_Dweller · Answer

Some villain characters are way better than that of heroes. It is not what the villain does that attracts us, but the character of the villain that does.

For example, Joker, one of the most complex and most beloved characters in the world. Every action gives a new perspective to look at him.
Same is the case for Venom, Goblin, or Dr. Octavius. These are really amazing characters to look into.

And in heroes, Ironman, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Winter Soldier, The new Captain America, all these heroes have a lot more than is shown. Many layers are there and Black Widow is the hardest one. Her character is really the most difficult one to analyze.

Ironman Tony Stark evolved from a carefree billionaire womanizer to a man ready to die for his family and the world.

Character analysis is worth it on these characters even if they are fictional characters. There will always be there to learn something from them. I am sure of it.

BCA6010 · Answer

It depends. In most kids movies, the villains are what really give the show its flavor and character, because the protagonists are generally very bland and generic, intended to be very vague tropes. The entire plot usually revolves around the schemes of the antagonist, and likewise the antagonist's ultimate defeat is usually a result of their own hubris or blind rage, or at the hand of a secondary character rather than heroism by the protagonist. However, the villains in kids movies also tend to be very cut and dry villains for the sake of being villains without any kind of explanation or justification for why they do what they do, so they certainly shouldn't be idolized.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I was age 10, first started watching WWF Wrestling and I was rooting for the bad guys at that age, so anything is possible my dad and me would get into an argument when I was supporting Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito ( Bad Guys) VS Tony Garea & Rick Martel ( Good guys ) So see I was age 10 and supported the Villians and I even slammed my dad against the basement door hey sorry it happened.. My dad was holding back from hitting me. . I believe it could be an issue to a certain point... Also one time I supported Michael Myers the villain and said, to my mom that what he was doing all the killing
was okay she looked at me and age 20 diagnosed with Anxiety then later it
changed to more things I'm Bipolar with possible Schizo-effective disorder
so I have screws loose hey I admit it.

crmoore · Answer

I mean, don't just ignore or disregard it. But I'd imagine you'll most likely be fine. Children don't have the wisdom or depth of thought to make the same realizations that we do. It could be something as simple as the kid liking the aesthetic of the character, or thinking the villains super power or giant robots are cool or something.

I wouldn't like act on it and try to tell the kid they can't like it, I'd just keep an eye on it and keep it in mind. As of now, I don't think there's any need for anyrhint other than simply keeping this interest of their's in mind and waiting to see what happens in that regard in the future.

ADFSDF1996 · Answer

Nothing wrong with it, when I was little I did like some villains just because they had the best clothes, best weapons and music. And some of the villains are arguably not villains but rather misunderstood characters.

AviatorTom · Answer

No need to worry. Kids very often enjoy the negative over the positive, especially if they generally have positive experiences, as I'm sure your boys do. It balances things out. Adults do the same things... witness the popularity of Squid Games, The Walking Dead, and the like.

SaoirseS · Answer

I don't have kids (despite my mother wanting me to make her a grandmother), so I'm probably not the best one to answer this. I don't see anything to be concerned about when they're young. My boy cousins liked to play cops and robbers and often fought over who was going to be the robbers. If a child is over 16 and is still rooting for Cruella de Vil, that might be a problem.

Still-alive · Answer

Well i would hear them out. I've heard lots of good reasons for why villains in certain stories might be someone one could look up to. A lot of times they are just misunderstood.

I certainly would see why someone might like the wicked witch from wizard of oz thanks to the musical Wicked for example

NathanDavis · Answer

I always preferred the villains as well, still do...  they usually are a more interesting presence so that makes them more attractive in the context of a story

silvermoon84 · Answer

In Disney movies, I preferred the heroes but there were some villains who I thought were pretty cool (Maleficent is my favorite of all the Disney villains because of her backstory).

nawtee_me · Answer

Hero's do not fight hero's... well batman and superman but they had their reasons... lol besides You have to have a villain and if no one wants to be one then someone has too. Also if you brother is a hero then you have to be a villain to beat him... lol

exitseven · Answer

Often villain's are more interesting that the hero. It is nothing to get upset about. I was a big fan of Eddie Haskell.

ShaTTeredMasterpeace · Answer

Nope. I was that child. Sometimes the villains are more relatable. And they're often cooler than the main characters. Cruella and Ursula have always been 2 of my favorite Disney characters.

bowenw · Answer

It may be a phase. I'd keep an eye on it. A childhood buddy of mine was like that and enjoyed tying up other kids and play-torturing them. He became an erotic photographer. His photos incorporate some of those villainous themes.

Starla1234 · Answer

Don’t think it’s anything to worry about, unless your kid is demonstrating violent behaviours trying to mimic the villains. The villains tend to be way cooler so it’s probably normal. The heroes are sometimes too cliche and are more boring

JosyJosy · Answer

I was one of those kids. I turned out just fine (I think) ;) Sorry but they look so much cooler, have the grooviest catchiest songs

Heartache0405 · Answer

Is say that they’re becoming better people than those who idolize the princesses because a lot of the villains in movies have understandable upbringings.

Elliegirl · Answer

Sometimes the villains are more interesting. As long as they don’t emulate their behavior, I think it’s no cause for concern.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong, but I do recommend going to a phsyc with him. Ask why is it that he likes villains more and if he will get into some type of tendency when he grows older.

beebella · Answer

Most villains are more interesting than the heroes. I wouldn't be too worried about it.

matchrestore · Answer

Luckily my 3 year old's hero's are pretty clearly the good guys still. Currently fireman sam. But we also try not to watch too many shows that are good vs. bad.

Slartybartfast · Answer

It's Disney, the only decent male characters are the villains. Non villain male figures are all jokes and who wants to be a joke?

bananathunder · Answer

my son is like that sometimes. I just think some villains look more badass to kids. I wouldn't worry about it

Andres77 · Answer

Liking... no biggie. Copying and acting out, especially if it concerns hurting others. Yeah. Worry.

DizzyDesii · Answer

Its not the biggest deal but yea i’d still worry. Ask why he prefers them and his answer is what will let you know if you should worry.

jasco · Answer

No honestly I understand the view point of villains. Like one of the joker films that came out in 2019 or 2020. He needed mental help but thinks to a lot of reasons he couldn't get it so he went crazy. Basically the government fuck him over

mk200195 · Answer

"Every villain is the hero of their own story.” I reckon we can relate to them.

cosmicallyinclined · Answer

doesn’t seem worrisome, often the villains are much more interesting and better written anyway.

Wiredone · Answer

Like everyone said, the villan is more interesting. Without them the hero would be sitting at home twiddling their thumbs.

krin_m · Answer

Not sure. May be. I always liked the villains when I watched movies as a child. So may be you should worry! ;-)

noohair · Answer

I would view it as slightly negative. Is he the middle kid or youngest?

Msputiton · Answer

Naw, villians be makin the show good, and they are usually funner characters

The_sweet_brat · Answer

No. They probably just like that the villain is unique, whitty, or funny at times.

pink_and_inlove · Answer

I think it’s kind of normal some people think zombies are cool so maybe they could think that too

Kevin202020 · Answer

You yourself are crazy so don't worry about your child🤣. What matters is what he wants to be at age 15 that's when sense starts growing

nm1058 · Answer

I think it would only be bad if they don't understand what the villain does is wrong. There are some good traits in villains (depending on the villain). They are usually smart, they are strong, they stand up for themselves. We all have a little bit of evil in us we could use it to our advantage without being a bad person.

dustybiker · Answer

I would ask them. Be interesting to see why they choose to like the villain more.

AydenHazor · Answer

I would start ordering the Disney Villains book series, let them get to know the villains backstories. I've yet to pick them up myself but I hear they're fantastic.

slatyb · Answer

No, you shouldn’t. Probably a bright child who knows that the villains are more interesting.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Yes, you should be worried. Just my opinion. Maybe take them to see a psychologist.

Neilbud · Answer

I think most of the time it's the colors and animations that they like. Not the characters themselves.

Fuentes · Answer

Lol maybe there persona and artwork is just cooler the only evil villain i really despise is Scar from Lion King

Anonymous · Answer

As a child i liked Le Chiffre from Casino Royale. I thought he was sexier than Bond. That was where i had my first ✨sexual awakening✨

loveslongnails · Answer

Depends which villains. Possible serial killer alert !! LOL

Bdsmaster · Answer

No luv, you should not, it most of the stories the villian is written better than the hero.

InferiorElegy · Answer

Worried because your child has a thought process all their own and they aren't robots like everyone else's kids? Yea I mean sure be worried

OddBeMe · Answer

Have you asked why? If the answer is sadistic, yeah maybe worry. If it’s “because they’re funny.” You’re fine.

KingofCups · Answer

Sometimes I cheer for the Villain instead of the Hero. Depends on the Story.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

They might want power and dominance - maybe get them to talk to a children’s therapist

Twalli · Answer

Strictly speaking the villains are more complete characters than the heroes.

Gia013100 · Answer

I do if I could have any powers it be of Charles Xavier.

JesseJayNeak · Answer

Sounds like you described the second arc of One Punch Man

Nik1hil · Answer

He isn't a child he is a man...

Grl2live_nlearn4u · Answer

No lol its reality that sometimes bad guys win.

Anonymous · Answer

It’s weird because I used to do that growing up and I don’t think my soul is very good. I go to church but I keep grudges and revenge is my everything. Don’t want to hateful but I have trauma and not everyone can get better

midnightmoon05 · Answer

Depends… need more details

What are your thoughts on a child who prefers the villains over the heroes? Should I be worried?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What are your thoughts on a child who prefers the villains over the heroes? Should I be worried?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.