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The problem with the dark side
8 years ago
Everyone loves the "Dark side" in star-wars and just the principle in general. Ooo I get to be cool and not play by the rules. I can punch a reporter! I can basically do whatever. Its partly why "Badass" characters thrive in gaming. But in reality they are just assholes. Being the bad guy, Rebel, not playing by the rules or just in general using underhanded tactics don't work for long. Yeah they work. But the thing is there is a principle. If you screw people, they will want to screw you; more than that people will eventually hear and will also want to screw you, or avoid you so you cant screw them. So you will lose that advantage. Also people tend to not trust or like people who use underhanded tactics. The kinds of people who use those advantages are the kinds of people who would lose a fair fight. And when you lose that advantage...
In the war with Japan they would wave the white surrender flag and then try to mow the enemy down. This worked and killed some people, however at the same time word spread, so it didn't work anymore, and more than that, it pissed them off that they were playing that dirty. And this was after sneak attacking pearl harbor during the peace talks too. So what happened? The marines just shot them down, they got out flamethrowers and started also playing dirty. They lost, and learned a VERY valuable lesson.
When you are not willing to play by the rules with those who are willing to play by the rules, you are playing with fire and you will get burned. This is why the dark side, thieves and other types of characters seem so edgy and cool. But in reality if Batman ever wanted to break the rules, he would break all the villains before they realized it was over and he would display their bodies all across Gotham. He WOULD win. But he does play by the rules and isn't willing to go down dark paths, which is what makes him such a unique hero. This is why good does better long term but loses initially in story's, games or movies. You get sucker punched once and then you expect it next time and you sucker punch them first. Because that is the new established rule. "Anything goes."
There are some lines that should not be crossed. You will regret them. The problem is these cases of people doing this is usually glorified in a way that makes it seem like there is not reckoning or consequences later. But there always is.
But these are just my thoughts on the matter. But I am interested to hear what you think.
In the war with Japan they would wave the white surrender flag and then try to mow the enemy down. This worked and killed some people, however at the same time word spread, so it didn't work anymore, and more than that, it pissed them off that they were playing that dirty. And this was after sneak attacking pearl harbor during the peace talks too. So what happened? The marines just shot them down, they got out flamethrowers and started also playing dirty. They lost, and learned a VERY valuable lesson.
When you are not willing to play by the rules with those who are willing to play by the rules, you are playing with fire and you will get burned. This is why the dark side, thieves and other types of characters seem so edgy and cool. But in reality if Batman ever wanted to break the rules, he would break all the villains before they realized it was over and he would display their bodies all across Gotham. He WOULD win. But he does play by the rules and isn't willing to go down dark paths, which is what makes him such a unique hero. This is why good does better long term but loses initially in story's, games or movies. You get sucker punched once and then you expect it next time and you sucker punch them first. Because that is the new established rule. "Anything goes."
There are some lines that should not be crossed. You will regret them. The problem is these cases of people doing this is usually glorified in a way that makes it seem like there is not reckoning or consequences later. But there always is.
But these are just my thoughts on the matter. But I am interested to hear what you think.
And I feel like a lot of villains who choose the path either aren't fully aware of the gravity of their actions, oftentimes doing what they will through a teenage rebellion for authority that never matured or an adrenaline rush that they can't quit.
It'd be pretty neat if someone were to create more villains choosing the dark side knowing full well the dangerous, double-edged weight behind their choice. (Valentine, Kingsman)