You guys, I'm glad that ridiculously tropey comedies are now so feminist and ethnically diverse.... we've come a long way and I can't wait to see how much more progress we can make in another ten years. So as far as romantic tropes are concerned, I think we're actually making more progress than is immediately obvious. I noticed a few moments or characters in the last few things I've seen that I think begin to build the path to authentic aromantic characters being represented in these mainstream spaces. Maybe at least an acknowledgement, eventually....

And please comment with your own examples that you've noticed!

1. Mitchell and Claire Pritchett - Modern Family

Modern Family isn't so modern anymore, if you happen to look back. But Mitchell and Claire are tell-tale arospec, but with societal pressures causing them to break character and do what is expected of a monogamous romantic partner. Mitchell finds his partner Cam is very romantic and tries to propose because it's the thing to do when Gay Marriage is finally legalized. Claire is often dismissive of her wholly romantic partner, but when she has the bandwidth, is sure to appreciate that she has the romantic partner that every woman should love and deserve... Lots of headway to make here, but at least it's pretty honest of what happens to some aromantic people who can fit into romantic relationships.

1. The obligatory love interest of the feminist teenage movie, Moxie

We can't ask for too many progressive movies to be devoid of a romantic storyline apparently. Just look to the awful sequel to such a refreshingly acceptable no-prince-charming movie as Frozen. So it was refreshing to see at least that the love story wasn't going along the lines of romantic-sexual tension, expected first kiss at the end of the first date, formulaic bullshit that makes us aromantics feel like dating has this uncomfortable etiquette that we have to go through with, or explain away why we're "just weird about" doing something, or avoid dating altogether. It would've been nice to see the date end on a high note without the kiss needing to be had, but that's just too crazy progressive and I guess they were both romantics. The kiss definitely ended up feeling like this chivalrous guy was "doing the right thing". Que the eye roll and avert your gaze till it's over.

I'll add to the list as I keep noticing.... What other aromantic trope-breaking moments have you noticed lately? If you really feel a strong connection to a character, please include what arospec label you think they best fit! and how they do and do not empower you IRL. 💚🤍🖤