I Love Mistystar So Much. In A World Filled With Representation Of Stereotypical Conservative Grandparent,

I love Mistystar so much. In a world filled with representation of Stereotypical Conservative Grandparent, Mistystar represents all those grandparents who are like. So close. They tell you all these stories of the Horrors they lived through and how that spurred their incredible political activism, and there's so much that the two of you agree on. They're a breath of fresh air at family gatherings because you know that if things turn to Politics, you won't be out here alone against all your conservative kin. But. She just can never take that extra step! She's Meemaw Fascist Murderer, but things like criticizing capitalism are off limits! And you just wish you could shake her and be like come on! You're constantly on the edge of this huge political epiphany, Meemaw! Come with me! And then. Some days. She comes home and is like "You know, my friend said something about [insert insane conservative talking point], and I think she might have a point" and you just want to scream! Meemaw NO! (G-d I hope this is a relatable experience)

It ABSOLUTELY is relatable lmaooo, I've been there in the trenches with you, Nonnie. It is such a unique kind of stress when you have an older family member like that just teeter-tottering on the edge of ONE extra step foward and they DONT TAKE IT

You can file the worst members of your family under "Objective: SURVIVE" and it gives you so much more of a shield against them. You expect dumb shit from Uncle Fungleblock, the Republican Elf, never to the point where it stops hurting, but to the point that you're prepared for the fight.

But nothing prepares you for Meemaw suddenly not having your back when you needed her, because she's genuinely considering that talking point from her friend.

So now you're using the Measured Meemaw Tone, trying to legitimately address her argument the way that sometimes soothing the horse can make it drink, while Fungleblock is casting Racism Fireball at you and you can FEEL his Slur Cooldown ticking away.

You think back to everything she's been through, how gutwrenching her stories are, the things she's experienced, violence and bigotry she's WITNESSED changing over the course of her own life... but on some level, it's as if she's stuck believing that progress is just about fighting The Bad People, or making an argument convincing enough that the good guys win fair and square, and she's gotten as old as she is because she has a support network that your allies may not.

So she never really will truly protect you from Fungleblock himself as long as he behaves just enough. She helps but she isn't your hero. And she'll still keep falling into bigoted traps, because she never will crack that nut and realize the difference between racist stereotypes and material conditions.

Love, pride, and disappointment. How do you hold them all at once? You just let them swirl as they please.

In my experience, at least, lmao. But hey, my own personal Fungleblock threw himself out of Thanksgiving with a tantrum so. Life is good B)