Alright, team Belly! Let’s dive deep into the eternal debate that has us all glued to our screens: Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah. But this isn't just about picking the dreamy guy Belly should end up with. We’re going to explore some deeper themes at play, specifically accountability and how the narrative frames our understanding of these characters. Get ready; it’s about to get real!
Accountability in The Summer I Turned Pretty
Accountability, guys, is all about taking responsibility for your actions, admitting when you mess up, and learning from your mistakes. When we look at Conrad and Jeremiah through this lens, some significant differences emerge. Conrad, with his brooding nature and emotional unavailability, often struggles with accountability. He tends to internalize his problems, which leads to him making decisions that impact Belly and Jeremiah without fully explaining his reasoning or acknowledging the hurt he causes.
Think back to Season 1, when Conrad's mood swings and distant behavior left Belly constantly guessing his feelings. Remember that awkward debutante ball? Instead of communicating his struggles with his mom’s illness, he pushed Belly away, leaving her feeling confused and rejected. This pattern continues throughout the series. Even though we, as viewers, are often privy to Conrad’s internal turmoil, Belly isn’t. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for her (and us) to hold him accountable because we don’t always know the full story behind his actions. It’s like he expects everyone to just understand without him having to say anything, which, let’s be honest, is a pretty big ask.
On the flip side, Jeremiah often appears more accountable, at least on the surface. He's usually quick to apologize when he messes up, and he's generally more open about his feelings. Remember when he kissed Belly while she was still with Conrad? He immediately felt guilty and apologized, acknowledging that he crossed a line. However, Jeremiah’s accountability sometimes feels conditional. He’s good at owning up to smaller mistakes, but when it comes to bigger issues, like his tendency to be somewhat of a people-pleaser or his occasional insecurities, he sometimes falls short. Plus, let’s be real, his initial apology doesn’t erase the fact that he did kiss Belly while she was with Conrad. It’s a complex situation, and accountability isn’t always black and white.
So, who’s more accountable? It’s not a straightforward answer. Conrad needs to work on being more communicative and transparent, while Jeremiah needs to ensure his accountability extends beyond the superficial. Both characters have flaws, making their journeys relatable, but it also highlights the importance of holding them accountable for their actions and expecting growth throughout the series.
Narrative Framing: How the Story Shapes Our Views
The way The Summer I Turned Pretty is written significantly influences how we perceive Conrad and Jeremiah. Narrative framing refers to how the story is presented, including what information is revealed, what perspectives are highlighted, and what emotional cues are emphasized. The show does a masterful job of playing with our sympathies and biases, often shaping our views of the characters.
Conrad, for example, benefits from the “tortured soul” trope. We often see him grappling with heavy emotional burdens, such as his mother’s illness and his own insecurities. This framing invites empathy. We understand that he’s going through a lot, which can make us more forgiving of his less-than-stellar behavior. The narrative often gives us glimpses into his internal world, allowing us to see his vulnerabilities. Think about the flashbacks of him and his mom – they paint a picture of a sensitive, caring person dealing with immense grief. This makes it harder to completely write him off, even when he’s being frustrating.
Jeremiah, on the other hand, is often framed as the golden boy – cheerful, outgoing, and always ready with a smile. This framing makes him instantly likable. However, it can also downplay his flaws. The narrative doesn’t always delve as deeply into his insecurities or the ways in which his actions might be driven by a need for validation. While we see moments of vulnerability, they’re often overshadowed by his generally sunny disposition. This can lead viewers to underestimate the complexities of his character and perhaps overlook some of his shortcomings.
The show also uses Belly’s perspective to shape our views. As the story is largely told through her eyes, her feelings and biases influence how we see Conrad and Jeremiah. When she’s frustrated with Conrad, we’re more likely to be frustrated with him too. When she’s drawn to Jeremiah’s warmth and affection, we’re more likely to see him in a positive light. This subjective storytelling is a powerful tool that keeps us invested in Belly’s journey and the love triangle, but it also means that our perceptions of Conrad and Jeremiah are filtered through her experiences.
Ultimately, the narrative framing in The Summer I Turned Pretty is designed to keep us guessing and emotionally invested. By highlighting certain aspects of each character while downplaying others, the show creates a dynamic and engaging story that sparks endless debate among viewers. It’s a clever way to ensure that we remain firmly divided into Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
The Impact of Fan Perspectives
Okay, let's talk about us – the fans! Our own perspectives and biases play a huge role in how we interpret Conrad and Jeremiah's actions. We bring our personal experiences, relationship expectations, and even our own insecurities to the table, which inevitably colors our judgment.
Team Conrad members often appreciate his depth and complexity. They see his emotional struggles as a sign of authenticity and believe that his love for Belly runs deep, even if he has trouble expressing it. They might be drawn to the idea of a love that overcomes obstacles and values the intensity of their connection. For them, Conrad's flaws are part of what makes him real and relatable.
Team Jeremiah, on the other hand, values his consistent affection and emotional availability. They see him as a safe and reliable choice for Belly, someone who will always prioritize her happiness. They might be drawn to the idea of a love that is easy and fun, and they appreciate Jeremiah's willingness to put his feelings on display. For them, his warmth and charm are evidence of his genuine care for Belly.
Of course, these are generalizations, and not everyone fits neatly into these categories. But it’s important to recognize that our personal biases can influence how we interpret the characters' actions and motivations. For example, if you've been in a relationship with someone who was emotionally unavailable, you might be more critical of Conrad's behavior. Conversely, if you value open communication and affection, you might be more drawn to Jeremiah's approach.
Fan perspectives also play a role in shaping the overall narrative. The constant debates and discussions online can influence how the writers and producers approach the story in future seasons. They might respond to fan feedback by highlighting certain aspects of the characters or exploring new dynamics in the love triangle. This creates a feedback loop where our opinions as viewers can actually impact the direction of the show.
So, whether you're firmly Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or somewhere in between, it's important to be aware of your own biases and how they might be shaping your views. Engaging in respectful discussions and considering different perspectives can help us appreciate the complexities of the characters and the story as a whole.
Final Thoughts
So, who comes out on top when we consider accountability and narrative framing? Honestly, there’s no easy answer. Conrad and Jeremiah both have strengths and weaknesses, and the narrative often manipulates our perceptions to keep us guessing. Ultimately, The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t just about picking a boyfriend for Belly; it’s about exploring the complexities of relationships, the importance of accountability, and the power of storytelling.
By examining these themes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the show and its characters. And who knows, maybe we can even learn a thing or two about ourselves in the process. Now, let the debates continue!
