| Let's Talk About Justin |
[Sep. 6th, 2010|11:07 am] |
When I was writing my last fic and thinking about how everyone would react to the 5th anniversary of the bombing, I realized Justin didn't have a particularly strong presence in the story. And since I often filter QAF through Justin's experience, I found this rather odd. When I thought more about it, I came back to what Brian says to him in 511, "I thought if anyone could come through this unruffled, it'd be you." Despite the horrid canon inconsistency of Justin's reply, Brian's not wrong.
My initial reaction to that scene was that Brian's statement was as wrong as Justin's answer. How could he have expected Justin, of all people, to not struggle with what happened? Would any of us have been surprised if the bombing had triggered memorized of the bashing or brought back the anger of the Pink Posse? Instead, we do see Justin come through the bombing more emotionally intact than the others. Why?
My answer comes from what little we see of Justin after the bomb. It's obvious he stays for quite a long time, and my personal assumption is that he stays to help. Helping people out of the building, helping them find each other, offering whatever comforts are available, coffee, blankets etc. I think this is again supported by what we see although not explicitly spelled out. So in this case, he is not helpless. Not only is he unhurt, he is able to come to the aid of others. Instead of feeling like a victim again, I think he gets the control he was seeking during the Pink Posse only this time he channels his energy in a positive direction instead of trying to make others feel victimized like he did.
So what do you think? Am I on the right tract, or is their another explanation? Maybe Justin is just stronger than I give him credit for. |
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