#i also agree that vacuo is where the family strq conflict will reach its resolution!

[thecapturedafrique]

I think it’s also important to remember the root of these fuck ups, because intention does matter when it comes to analyzing characters as it explains character motivation, and it also affects Ruby and Yang’s perception/opinion of said characters.

Tai was battling depression from the loss of his romantic partner.

Qrow had already been a drunk and hated himself, which means the expectation of any parental responsibility from him as an uncle also started off way differently.

Summer died.

Raven left because she was too scared/weak to be a parent.

Maybe I’m just in better fandom spaces, but when I see Raven as being painted as the worst parental figure of Team STRQ, it’s because her motive is the worst of the group. It’s easier to feel empathetic towards the other 3, and the girls themselves express more empathy towards them than Raven. So it’s not like we as the audience are reaching a conclusion that the narrative is not directly leading us to.

Also, perhaps even more importantly, Tai and Qrow both improved. They demonstrated growth and change which involves recognizing that they are the problem and thus fixing their behavior is the only solution. While Raven when challenged immediately goes on the defensive and lashes out, determined not to accept any guilt or judgment or take responsibility.

Yeah, I agree they were all fucks up one way or another that were still extremely damaging to Ruby and Yang, but one definitely stands apart from the others.

I think it’s time I address what is by far the BIGGEST assumption much of the fandom has made about Ruby’s and Yang’s parents:

That Raven was just the shitty parent who abandoned her daughters, and that Summer and Tai were the uncomplicated GOOD parents who made the good choices. And Qrow was the well-meaning fuckup who’s been able to improve.

When the reality is that ALL of Team STRQ were in fact well-meaning but  MASSIVE fuckups in each their own way.

Like if nothing else, they all bailed on Ruby and Yang in one way or another (Raven and Summer physically, Tai emotionally/psychologically for several years, Qrow a bit of both)

And I have a good feeling that the Vacuo arc will be when Ruby and Yang will finally have to address that shit.