Heroic Heroine: Harley’s Villainous Abuse by Stephanie

Heroic Heroine: Harley’s Villainous Abuse by Stephanie - June 2022 Scholarship Essay

The tales of women avenging themselves after suffering through abusive romantic relationships are endless. Women who would undergo countless beatings, verbal assaults, and disrespect, then fight back to redeem their freedom. One of those tales is the story of Harley Quinn. Her story has been told both in print and in film. The present-day, modern Harley has escaped her abuser, The Joker, and is finally able to develop her character. She was manipulated to the point that she completely changed her brain chemistry–there’s no going back to the woman she was before meeting him. Yet after eluding her abuser, she develops into a woman who is stronger, braver, and more in control of herself. Harley completely changed herself for a man, then blossomed into a new beautiful woman capable of defending herself.

I was in an abusive relationship for seven years and found comfort in Harley’s character. She taught me that no matter how much of yourself you lose, you can always find yourself again. Not only that, but she taught me that no matter how much you love someone or something, you can not sacrifice who you are for it. There is no greater price to pay than losing who you truly are. I need to stay true to who I am and not allow the pressure, judgment, or fear of others to change that.

In past relationships, both abusive and not, I have had great difficulty not changing myself to please others. I would behave, speak, or react differently than I wanted to. Day-to-day I would even dress or accessorize so others would accept me. I experienced tremendous abuse from someone who was supposed to love me instead of standing up and defending myself. I thought so low of myself that anyone else’s ideas seemed better. No matter what advice someone gave me, I wanted to obey it. I didn’t trust my own judgments, so I instantly followed the word of others–a sheep to the slaughter. Harley taught me to stand up and be my own hero. Though a villain, Harley Quinn has become a hero for many women and victims of abuse. I find her story of enduring abuse and hardships to reach her full potential inspiring. Harley is the heroine I’ve always envisioned myself to be.