Straw Loser: Difference between revisions

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Sometimes, the easiest way to show how awesome and cool a character is to make sure there's others nearby who simply aren't as awesome. The '''Straw Loser''' is a character whose main purpose in the plot is to not be "with it" - making it all the more obvious just how cool the main character is.
Sometimes, the easiest way to show how awesome and cool a character is to make sure there's others nearby who simply aren't as awesome. The '''Straw Loser''' is a character whose main purpose in the plot is to not be "with it" - making it all the more obvious just how cool the main character is.


Most kinds of media have been known to use the '''Straw Loser''' at one point or another, but the character type tends to be most common in media which appeal to the [[Lowest Common Denominator]]. The '''Straw Loser''' is an especially effective way of making sure that the audience understands who the good guy is in commercials - when you only have half a minute to make a sales pitch, it helps to make sure that the viewer understands [[Scapegoat Ad|how lame the opposition is]].
Most kinds of media have been known to use the Straw Loser at one point or another, but the character type tends to be most common in media which appeal to the [[Lowest Common Denominator]]. The Straw Loser is an especially effective way of making sure that the audience understands who the good guy is in commercials - when you only have half a minute to make a sales pitch, it helps to make sure that the viewer understands [[Scapegoat Ad|how lame the opposition is]].


Long-form media can fall to this, too. A character who may have started off as a mild loser can become a '''Straw Loser''' given enough [[Flanderization]].
Long-form media can fall to this, too. A character who may have started off as a mild loser can become a Straw Loser given enough [[Flanderization]].


In extreme cases, can lead to [[Misaimed Fandom]] when the audience winds up ''sympathising'' with the '''Straw Loser'''—or, at least, thinks of the "cool guy" as "too cool for them".
In extreme cases, can lead to [[Misaimed Fandom]] when the audience winds up ''sympathising'' with the Straw Loser—or, at least, thinks of the "cool guy" as "too cool for them".


'''Straw Losers''' usually fall under [[Acceptable Lifestyle Targets]] - this is typically the safest way to show them as being uncool in such a way that isn't blatantly offensive. In this sense, the '''Straw Loser''' is also usually a [[Take That]] against whatever group is "uncool". The viewer must tacitly understand and agree with the characterization of the '''Straw Loser''' in order for it to have any effect. As part of this, whatever the group is known to oppose or be worried about is likely to be depicted as a [[Windmill]], making their efforts [[Windmill Crusader|something to pity or laugh at]].
Straw Losers usually fall under [[Acceptable Lifestyle Targets]] - this is typically the safest way to show them as being uncool in such a way that isn't blatantly offensive. In this sense, the Straw Loser is also usually a [[Take That]] against whatever group is "uncool". The viewer must tacitly understand and agree with the characterization of the Straw Loser in order for it to have any effect. As part of this, whatever the group is known to oppose or be worried about is likely to be depicted as a [[Windmill]], making their efforts [[Windmill Crusader|something to pity or laugh at]].


Has a great deal of crossover with the other categories in [[The War On Straw]], as it makes it especially clear which side is the one that's supposed to be made of straw.
Has a great deal of crossover with the other categories in [[The War On Straw]], as it makes it especially clear which side is the one that's supposed to be made of straw.
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