Abusive Relationship Between Harley Quinn And The Joker

With pigtails dipped in shades of pink and blue, smudged red lipstick, and the iconic red and blue, there's no mistaking the identity of this beloved character. Could you guess who? Yes, Harley Quinn! Except, the red and blue are not what you think. In a world of competitive superheroes and villains, there is one dynamic that we have overlooked: the toxic relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker. Likewise, domestic violence is a serious and prevalent issue in our society today. For many, domestic violence is unconsciously embedded in our daily consumption of the internet. Through books, comics, films, and TV, the media has undeniably idolized these abusive relationships. As Harley’s abusive relationship unravels, it becomes clear how

However, since their debut as a couple in the DC universe, the media has often mischaracterized the dysfunctional and abusive relationship between Harley and the Joker as healthy. One example of this ill-fitted depiction can be observed from the Sucide Squad film, where it depicts scenes in which the Joker’s manipulation of Harley is disguised as affection. In the article, Stop trying to be Harley and be Jessica, Coraline Pettine notes, “…the Joker actually appear[s] to care for Harley and to fight for her. But, he still abuses her, which is why I think people are getting confused about the extent of the abuse and the dynamic of the relationship, as well as why idolization of them as “relationship goals'' has been so prevalent.”Despite this seemingly positive portrayal, the Joker continues to abuse Harley which ultimately contradicts the goals of a healthy relationship. Pettine demonstrates how the media manipulates audiences into accepting and romanticizing abusive behavior. While the film intentionally hints at the subject of abuse, it does not actively advocate against it. Moreover, the film leaves a confusing impact on young and impressionable audiences, thus allowing for the misinterpretation and romanticization of Harley and the Joker’s relationship to persist. Hollywood’s romanticizing of abusive