#if I were still in uni I’d analyse this show in one of my feminist politics classes that’s how wild it is

[adragonprinceswhore]

Perhaps my biggest beef with HotD is that it actually fails to depict misogyny. The story is not exploring patriarchal structures, it’s continuously reinforcing a dated, essentialist view of gender politics where women are essentially good.

You know what actually explores patriarchal structures? Alicent scheming to put her son on the throne because she knows that his mere existence is a threat to Rhaenyra’s claim since he is a son. The Dance is a direct consequence of how patriarchal societies disregard women and always put men first, that’s why Rhaenyra has to fight so hard for the throne, and that’s why Alicent fears for her sons (and grandsons) lives.

The issue with Westeros is not that “men are in charge and they’re essentially bad”. That’s a shallow understanding of how a patriarchal system works. The issue is that misogyny is ingrained in the foundation of the society.

If Rhaenyra ruled, the realm could never know peace because her reign would constantly be questioned, no matter what daddy said. And as long as Aegon lives, people would call for him to be king, making him enemy no. 1 whether he wants the crown or not.

The writers of HotD seem to think that misogyny is a choice in Westeros. It is not.