SPN forgives Dean for the things he's done and said because he had 15 seasons of redemption. The relative age of the fans also changed, but I remember when people *hated* Dean for how he acted towards Sam. So, once again, Billy fans are correct in that more people would like him if he had time to learn and grow.
Agreed. Dean was able to grow and change, because he was given plenty of time. Plus the narrative wasn't painting him out to be a villain, so there's that too.
That's the argument this fandom makes for Steve Harrington's redemption arc and all, but they completely miss the mark when it comes to Billy.
Yes, Steve did and said questionable things, but he was given the chance to change. Characters around him gave him a chance. The narrative and the writers never gave Billy either.
That is the argument we're making here. That he deserved a chance.
Even if Billy was racist or homophobic (one is debatable and the other is ridiculous to even imply), these are beliefs. Beliefs can be changed! They can be unlearned. Steve made a homophobic comment in season 1, then he was able to learn from that because he had time to have those beliefs challenged (and I don't think he was ever genuinely homophobic, I think he was misguided by the people he was around and high schoolers say shit they don't understand all the time 💀).
And like... that's what we're saying about Billy.
Antis argue that he needs to apologize to people, be held accountable or whatever. Putting aside the fact that his last words were an apology... these same people also say that they're glad he died. But hes dead. Tell me, how is he supposed to be held accountable??
It's the same thing with Henry fans! Killing is something you cannot change. It is a behavior that cannot be undone.
Racism is bad. We know this. But people acting on their racism is when it becomes more than a belief. When it becomes something like murder and hate crimes.
Trying to cancel fictional characters and their fans will not end racism or killing in any way shape or form.
