I have to say that having an opinion (contrary to popular one) is not bashing. I don't think that any work/ character of fiction can inspire a uniform lovefest among all and at all of the times.
It perhaps comes from the unique vantage view that we have of the story. We the audience, at most points know the whole truth. The characters on the other hand only have half-truths and blatant lies to go along with. They grapple with the problems based on that. It is hard not to be affected by the moral dilemmas they face and the eventual decision they make. Watching beloved characters do self-destructive things is frustrating and perhaps the 'bashing' comes from there. On the issue of domestic violence, I think the issue is a little more complex than bashing a character – does the show in some manner romanticize this kind of violence? That is the real question. And some people think that it does. I think it is okay they think that. It is an important issue after all and if more people begin talking about it, no harm can be done.
But the bigger question, beyond ASR is, why are so many among us, all of us women, are resisting to accept that violence is just wrong. That to me is far more troubling that Arnav whacking Khushi – deliberately or otherwise.
Also, the argument – you don't understand and hence you 'bash' is a supremely arrogant one and I don't think anyone deserves that kind of a patronising attitude. Most people who are troubled by either characters are people who are pretty wedded to the show and I daresay understand and read the characters very well.
I personally don't like dissing of characters, so Arnav's aggression is okay in my book. That is him. Just like Khushi's stupidity (last week's favourite punching bag) was okay too. And people should be allowed to defend and diss both the characters. Yet, the blatant double standards become far too glaring to ignore after a while when Khushi's stupidity (allegedly) is far more troubling than Arnav's I-am-so-angry act.
But really, the main thing is, we all love the show, to the point of pathological obsession. And we love this forum and without all these conflicting opinions that constantly challenge and drive us mad, it would be like sailing in the Dull Lake, yes?
So why can't we all just disagree and get along.
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