inverting tropes, flipping narrative norms, doesnt work on children because children dont have those tropes and norms. they take it all “straight”. over time, the “point” of kid’s media became these flips - which kids took as normal, then try to flip as adults - infinite cascade

sounds convoluted but is just obviously true once you trace even basic symbolism back in our paradigm. “you thought this guy would be the hero, because he’s buff - psych - hes the villain” led to “being buff means youre probably the villain” but… surprise - he has emotions, etc.

the scrawny dweeb you thought would be a hero because you would think he was the loser but losers are heroes now is - surprise: not a great guy, and the real hero is the normal guy who you never thought would be a hero because heroes are usually […]
children dont live “in that”