MovieChat Forums > The Last of Us (2023) Discussion > Kathleen and other women in positions of...

Kathleen and other women in positions of power in a post apocalyptic world


In a show with zombies, the least believable thing was someone like Kathleen assuming control of a "rebel force" as large as hers was. I'm not saying she couldn't be menacing. For instance, I would hate reporting to Bank Branch Manager Kathleen, or Kathleen from HR ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But I get it, strong independent woman ☑

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It's clear she was a close second to her brother and inherited the power after he died. There was no one else to fill the job. That all.

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I don't know why people make a stink about this. Not everyone in positions of power are necessarily charismatic. It's not Negans everywhere.

It could be enough just to be known and competent (which she may have been before revenge took over her mindset).

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All you need to be a post apocalyptic tyrant is the abilty to spit a good game to the commoners, one loyal right hand man who can get things done, and a solid collection of toadies willing to bust heads when someone gets out of line. The actual person in charge doesn't have to be physically imposing in any way.

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All you need to do is go back to the not-so-distant past to see that in times of war/struggle etc. women were never in charge, especially not retail store managers

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Sorry, are we going down the path now of "any women in charge in a dystopian/post-apocalyptic setting is woke"?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Luxemburg

Also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_women_who_led_a_revolt_or_rebellion

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You're right, but its really rare. The fact that there is a even list when there have been countless revolutions etc. goes to show that point.

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It's also rarer in a historical context, not so much a modern one.

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Just the closest comparison we can make to a zombie apoc. Imo many things would "go back to the way they were" and even ideologies would likely change - but who knows

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I think it had to do with her brother. She was his right-hand man and when he died it was a natural progression the masses would look to her to continue his leadership.

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Succession for a woman when there are 0 rules in society is tough

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I hate to say it but I agree with you. I kind of thought it was a little far-fetched but went with it. It would have been interesting to show a scene where she took leadership and how. I guess her going in and shooting the doctor was supposed to show her resolve.

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She displayed 0 leadership quality that would make anyone want to follow her. She sounded like a kindergarten intern, substitute teacher or depressed gas station cashier.

Logically, her second in command bearded operator stereotype would be the one rebels turn to for guidance.

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A) It seemed like her brother was the leader, who was betrayed, and them killed by FEDRA. Leading to the revolution.
It also seems that this occurred recently because she was still interrogating and rooting out the collaborators who betrayed her brother.

B) It is not uncommon for female leaders (usually the wives of former leaders) to draw power from the men they arer associated with.
Some Examples:
-Isabel Peron - President of Argentina. 3rd wife of Argentinian dictator Juan Peron
-Corazon Aquin - President of the Philippines. Wife of assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. She went on to be the leader of the movement that deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
-Cristina Fernández de Kirchner - President of Argentina. Wife of former president Nestor Kirchner.
- Winnie Mandela - South African Politician. Wife of former President Nelson Mandela.
- Hillary Clinton - American Politician - Wife of former President Bill Clinton.

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These are terrible examples and even if it does happen, it's super rare. Just is what it is.

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Thanks for your flippant disregard of my input.
Why do I even bother trying to have intelligent discussions with less intelligent people.
IGNORE!

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Hilary Clinton? Your example makes no sense in this setting clown.

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I thought it was bad enough she murdered the doctor after he begged for his life and reminded that he delivered her.
But for me what really sold it as to how powerful and evil she truly was is when she ordered all those prisoners, even the squealer, to be murdered.

I loved, loved, loved watching her death.

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I assumed she was good friends with the guys who could handle the tough jobs. Her being the sister of their former leader, perhaps their loyalty to him was so much that when she planned out their revenge they stuck by her side. She doesnt look menacing, doesnt sound menacing, but these guys werent Grade-A psychopath raiders, these were a rebel group (with families) that finally overthrew their oppressors and got control. Didnt even seem like a long time had passed since they rose up. With enough time its possible they would have voted in a different leader. They just stuck by her because she was the one who planned a successful event for them to overcome and not that much time had passed since then.

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