Flow of Madness

There are so many different kinds of bravery and it can be shown in several different ways. All of us are brave or have potential for bravery. This is where I see the bravery with Rich.

Rich’s bravery stems from his convictions. He is someone who is brave enough to stand for something.  Many people in this world refuse or have a hard time speaking their truth. He may be awkwardly shy, but when it comes to what he believes in he is not afraid to say what he thinks. His passion drives his actions and his convictions makes him one of the most consistent characters Skins has ever written.

He has this belief about the world in terms of what is wrong and what is right. When we first meet him that list was quite narrow and excluded the majority of humans on earth. With new influences that list modified at his own discretion though he still has it. He has a sense of what it means to be a good boyfriend, a good friend, and a good person. He stands up to Mini when she pushes the limit and insults him. He has the courage to make decisions based on his own judgment opposed to others. I admire that about him immensely.

I think he is also brave in terms of the way he loves. Many people run from love and he ran right towards it as soon as he realized he wanted Grace. He fights for what he believes and he fights for what he loves. Nothing stops him. Not the fear of being expelled or anything. After Grace died it is this bravery that exists solely on his convictions and passions that carry him through tragedy. He could have lost himself. He could have used Grace as excuse to blame, mope, or be angry at the world. Instead his convictions and his love of Grace made him mature and made him even more brave to face the world. To march through tragedy as a better person.

He does not do things because people tell him to do it. He does things because he wants to do it. Sometimes bravery comes with just having the courage to be yourself.