With the premier of Suicide Squad on August 5th, many people have written articles talking about Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, and inevitably delving into the history and lore of her character. While many of these articles talk about similar themes of hyper-sexualization and domestic abuse, many of them seem to warn young girls from idolizing Harley Quinn as a character.
There is a difference between idolizing Harley Quinn, and idolizing Harley Quinn in relation to the Joker.
Harley Quinn is an interesting character because her origins can be found in the animated show, Batman: The Animated Series (aka the greatest Batman cartoon ever). Additionally, her character was not created to be a stand-alone villain; instead she was created with the intention of being a kind of sidekick to the Joker. Well, her character was well perceived, and Harley made her way into comics, establishing herself as the Joker’s lovesick henchman.
However, here is where problems arise. Harley and the Joker’s relationship is toxic. The Joker repeatedly abuses Harley, mentally, physically, and emotionally; and despite Harley’s best efforts, she repeatedly returns to this abusive partnership. Harley’s relationship with The Joker is a cautionary tale of domestic abuse. However, DC Comics, and other companies like Hot Topic, have taken their relationship and romanticized it; praising Harley for her unwavering devotion to the man she loves, and disguising The Joker’s manipulative tendencies as reciprocated affections. It is not uncommon to see comics or merchandise that reflect this façade of romance, ultimately perpetuating justifications for domestic abuse.
While I strongly believe that idolizing or advocating for a relationship like Joker/Harley is deeply problematic, and normalizes domestic abuse, idolizing Harley Quinn as a character should be encouraged because:
- Harley Quinn’s character has changed dramatically since BTAS
While her character was originally created with the intention of being the Joker’s right-hand woman, she has since detached herself from her abusive boss/boyfriend and established herself as a unique and well-loved anti-villain in the DC universe. Harley Quinn has gone from being featured in Batman arcs accompanying the Joker, to spending time (apart from the Joker) with the Suicide Squad, to forming an anti-villain girl gang with Catwoman and Poison Ivy, to most recently being featured in her own solo series. Harley Quinn’s character is so dramatically different from the Harley we were first introduced to in BTAS; she is her own villain/anti-hero in her own right, spearheading her own solo series, and is doing (un)surprisingly well without a man in her life.
- Harley Quinn is simply better than the Joker
The premise of the Joker’s character is the seemingly eternal war with Batman. The Joker constantly tries to capture and eventually kill the Batman, or push Batman far enough to kill the Joker. However, the Joker’s struggle to off the Batman went on for years, to no avail. However, shortly after Harley Quinn’s introduction, she is able to do what the Joker could not do, capture the Batman with the intent of killing him to impress the Joker.
The New Batman Adventures: Mad Love
- Harley Quinn got out of her abusive relationship
For anyone who does not follow Harley Quinn’s character in the comics, Harley Quinn broke up with the Joker. She acknowledged his abusive tendencies and ditched him.
Harley Quinn #25
- Harley Quinn is a woman in STEM
Dr. Harleen Quinzel has a Ph.D in Psychology.
While I discourage anyone from identifying with Joker/Harley, if you ask me, Harley is a great role model for young girls. So what’s so wrong with idolizing Harley Quinn?
The Angry Geek Girl 