“The Last of Us” is a critically acclaimed video game series that has been adapted into a highly anticipated TV show. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal outbreak, the narrative explores human survival, loss, and the complex relationships that arise in such a brutal environment. However, one of the more controversial aspects of the show, especially among viewers and critics, is its handling of homophobia in the post-apocalyptic context. In this article, we will examine how the depiction of homophobia in “The Last of Us” reveals a superficial and often unrealistic portrayal of a society that, despite its collapse, still clings to outdated social prejudices.
The Post-Apocalyptic World: A New Context for Old Biases
In many post-apocalyptic stories, the breakdown of societal structures and norms is a central theme. “The Last of Us” presents a world where governments have fallen, cities are abandoned, and survivors must fend for themselves against both the infected and other hostile human factions. Yet, despite the total collapse of civilization, certain prejudices—like homophobia—persist. The show’s depiction of homophobia in this new world raises interesting questions about the survival of societal biases.
While the apocalyptic setting offers the possibility of a fresh start, free from the constraints of pre-collapse norms, “The Last of Us” seems to suggest that bigotry is somehow an inherent part of human nature. The show occasionally portrays homophobic attitudes through characters who, despite being in life-or-death situations, hold on to narrow-minded beliefs about sexuality. This portrayal can be seen as a reflection of the persistent nature of homophobia, but it also begs the question: why does the show rely on these outdated views when it has the opportunity to build a new, more progressive society?
The Introduction of Homophobia in the Show
One of the most notable instances of homophobia in “The Last of Us” comes through the character of Bill, a survivalist who lives alone in a fortified town. Bill is depicted as a gruff, isolated man who has clearly endured much in the post-apocalyptic world. In the game, Bill’s relationship with his partner Frank is only hinted at, and players learn of Frank’s death through a letter. The romantic relationship between the two characters is explored more explicitly in the HBO adaptation of the show, where viewers are given a deeper look into their backstory.
In the series, Bill’s initial reluctance to openly express his feelings for Frank reflects a more traditional, homophobic worldview. His inability to fully embrace his love for Frank can be interpreted as the result of the harsh world around him—a world that has no place for such vulnerability. While Bill’s character is complex, his homophobia is played for emotional effect, as the show tries to emphasize the harshness of the world. This approach raises the issue of whether the show is truly challenging homophobia or merely using it as a plot device to explore the emotional devastation of the apocalypse.
A Superficial Exploration of Homophobia
While the depiction of Bill’s relationship with Frank is heartfelt, it also reveals the superficial nature of how homophobia is portrayed in the series. The show offers a glimpse of the difficulties of queer individuals in a post-apocalyptic world, but it fails to delve deeply into how these characters might navigate their sexuality in a radically changed society. Instead, homophobia is treated as an obstacle for the characters to overcome, rather than a complex issue that might persist even in the face of societal collapse.
This treatment of homophobia as a background issue rather than an integral part of the narrative can be seen as a missed opportunity. The post-apocalyptic genre allows for the reimagining of social norms and conventions. However, in “The Last of Us,” homophobia is framed as an external challenge—something that is thrust upon the characters rather than an element that emerges from within the world the show creates. This superficial treatment diminishes the impact of the message that could have been conveyed by exploring homophobia in a post-apocalyptic context more thoroughly.
The Question of Progressiveness in a Broken World
One of the central themes in “The Last of Us” is survival, and the show emphasizes the importance of building relationships and communities amidst the collapse of civilization. In this context, it is curious that the show does not explore the possibility of a more inclusive, progressive world where sexual orientation is not an issue. Instead, it falls back on familiar tropes of homophobia, presenting it as an unavoidable reality even in a world that has moved beyond the rules of the old society.
The show hints at the idea that a post-apocalyptic world could be more accepting of diverse sexualities, as some characters demonstrate a more accepting attitude toward people who are different. For example, Joel’s relationship with Ellie is based on trust and mutual respect, with no hints of judgment about Ellie’s sexual identity. However, these moments of progressivism are overshadowed by the persistence of homophobia, which seems to be framed as an inevitable part of human nature.
This approach leads to an interesting paradox: while the world of “The Last of Us” has ostensibly collapsed, the prejudices that defined the old world continue to hold sway over the characters. This contradiction undermines the potential for the show to present a more progressive vision of society in a post-apocalyptic world. By relying on outdated societal biases, the show limits its exploration of the possibilities for human connection and understanding in a new world.
The Impact of “The Last of Us” on Queer Representation
Despite its shortcomings, the inclusion of queer characters like Bill and Frank in “The Last of Us” is still significant in terms of representation. Queer characters in video games and TV shows are often marginalized or stereotyped, and the show’s attempt to present a complex and emotional relationship between two men is noteworthy. However, this representation is tempered by the fact that the homophobia depicted in the series is never fully addressed or challenged in a meaningful way.
“The Last of Us” has the opportunity to use its platform to challenge societal norms and promote greater inclusivity, especially in the context of a post-apocalyptic world. By confronting homophobia head-on and depicting a more nuanced portrayal of queer relationships in this harsh new world, the show could offer a much-needed commentary on the resilience of love in the face of societal collapse. Unfortunately, the superficial treatment of homophobia in the series limits its potential to make a more profound statement on the subject.
Homophobia as a Reflection of Human Nature
One of the most frustrating aspects of the show’s handling of homophobia is that it suggests this prejudice is simply an inherent part of human nature. In the world of “The Last of Us,” survival is paramount, and yet the show chooses to portray homophobia as an obstacle that cannot be overcome, even in the face of existential threats. The implication is that homophobia is something that endures beyond social structures and institutional frameworks, rooted deeply in the human psyche.
While it is certainly true that homophobia exists in the real world, the post-apocalyptic setting of “The Last of Us” provides an opportunity to imagine a different, more inclusive world. The failure to fully explore this possibility points to a broader issue in how LGBTQ+ characters are often treated in media. Too often, their struggles are depicted as something that can be overcome, but not without difficulty. The result is that queer representation remains constrained by the same societal prejudices that the media should be working to challenge.
The Potential for a More Progressive Narrative
The post-apocalyptic genre has long been a space for imagining new possibilities and reshaping the norms of society. “The Last of Us” could have used its setting to explore how a breakdown of civilization might lead to a more inclusive and progressive world. Unfortunately, the show misses this opportunity by maintaining a narrow view of human nature, where old prejudices continue to define relationships and societal structures.
In future seasons, the series has the potential to dive deeper into the complexities of LGBTQ+ life in a post-apocalyptic world. By moving beyond the superficial portrayal of homophobia and presenting a more inclusive and forward-thinking narrative, “The Last of Us” could offer a more compelling and progressive vision for queer representation in media.
Conclusion
“The Last of Us” provides a vivid and emotional portrayal of life in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the show’s treatment of homophobia reveals a superficial understanding of how prejudice persists in such a society. While queer representation is present, the homophobia in the series is never fully explored or addressed in a meaningful way. This missed opportunity reflects the broader limitations of the show’s approach to social issues. By relying on outdated prejudices rather than imagining a more inclusive world, “The Last of Us” falls short of its potential to present a truly progressive narrative in a post-apocalyptic context.
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