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#mmmk I’m gonna go before I realllly start to piss people off
edna-skiffens · 3 years
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*sigh*
I’ve seen the drama circulating and I don’t necessarily want to get into it, but I have thoughts and I want to say them.
So yes, Tom signed on for a new role. One where he is also an executive producer. A move he has talked about wanting to make.
It’s another dark role. It deals with another sensitive subject (mental illness). I, myself, have suffered with a few mental illnesses so I know how it feels to have them portrayed stereotypically in media.
But my issue isn’t with any of that.
My issue is with many people’s assumptions and reactions.
Would we love to see him in something lighter? Sure. But it’s not our career. It’s his. We aren’t the ones that would be going to work everyday. He is. If he likes acting in darker roles then let him. If he wants to move in this direction, let him. He doesn’t act to make anyone happy. He does it because he loves it. And if he isn’t interested in doing certain roles then he doesn’t owe it to anyone to do them.
Here’s the thing: The series isn’t even out yet. We don’t know what it’ll be like. Again, I fully understand the frustration when mental illness is portrayed inaccurately in media- but we don’t know that it will be! It hasn’t been be filmed! Tom has said he wants to work with more mental health charities and Harry has talked about dealing with mental health, so I’m hoping he will understand the importance, take the time and care and do the research for this role. Look at his past roles, he has a history of doing the research and learning about the subject. Especially as an exec. producer he has the opportunity to have more of a say to make it better. And maybe it won’t be- maybe it’ll be like many others. But automatically jumping to that conclusion isn’t supporting him and his craft. If you trust him as an actor then trust that he will take care and give it his best.
Also, you don’t have to support him by watching his work. Especially if it’s triggering to you or not something you’re interested in. But trashing or canceling him for a role he is excited about (that comes with an exec. producer title - which is the direction he is aiming to go in - so I can only assume he is thrilled about this piece of the project) is not being a fan. I can’t imagine how it would’ve felt if he was buzzing about this project (which he knows the details of - we don’t) and then he sees his own fans tearing it down.
And don’t get me started on the meme. Again, if Tom likes playing “problematic characters” then let him. Many actors find a niche in darker roles. I love writing that theme, but it’s often looked down upon. But to call someone with a mental illness “problematic” is demoralizing and stigmatizing and a part of the problem. And further, I’m assuming there’s a reference to Cherry and calling a war vet with PTSD that becomes an addict “problematic” is so hurtful to those going through that. Not to mention that both of these roles are based on real people.
Bottom line:
It’s his career - not yours. It’s his choice in the roles he picks - not yours. It’s his daily life - not yours.
The series isn’t even out yet. So stop it with the assumptions and judgements at least until it’s out.
You don’t have to be a fan. But if you’re going to be then rethink what it means. It doesn’t mean you’re forced to watch everything he’s in. But fans aren’t supposed to tear down either.
If you want to watch a romcom then watch a romcom. Tom doesn’t have to be in it.
And PLEASE, be delicate when it comes to discussing the characters and mental health as he navigates these roles.
Also! I am very aware this isn’t all of the fandom.. and to the amazing fans here’s a kiss from Tom and I! 😘😘
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