THANK YOU – ¯_( ಠ_ಠ)

marius-new-hat-and-coat:

If I see one more post about people being mad because the BBC adaptation focuses on love instead of social justice because “Les Mis isn’t about love!” I am going to lose my mind because that is so fundamentally untrue

Valjean loves his family, so he steals to feed them

Bishop Myriel’s love for his fellow man is what allows Valjean to start life anew

Fantine loves Cosette, so she gives up her own life and happiness to provide for her

Enjolras and Les Amis love the poor of France and are willing to die to make life better for them

Marius’ father loves his son so much that he gives him up to ensure he has a good future

Gillenormand loves Marius enough to put aside their political differences to see him happy

The brotherly love between Les Amis is strong enough that they’ll die for each other

Valjean loves Cosette, so he saves Marius, even though he knows he’s giving up his own happiness by doing so- and later, he cuts himself out of Cosette’s life to shield her from the minuscule possibility that he will be rearrested after all these years

Valjean learning to love is literally the key focus of the plot how can you not acknowledge that

And as for the social justice bit, yes! It’s important. But even then, what does social justice come down to? Love and respect for your fellow human beings? I don’t even need to talk about romantic love! There are other types of love that are equally, or arguably more, important! And that’s what Les Mis is about! Brotherly love! Familial love! Sacrificial love! Love for mankind!

So okay! Maybe the BBC adaptation focuses too much on romantic love. I get it. But you cannot make the blanket statement that “Les Mis isn’t about love!” It’s not about romance but it IS about love!!!!