Daria and Politics

The political views of the characters of the Daria show is a frequent topic of debate among fans. Because Daria Morgendorffer herself is so thoroughly characterized as both cynical and sarcastic, and fully lives up to those labels, it is hard to know whether to take her seriously when she offers her "opinion." It is generally believed that she, like most of the show's characters, has a mild leaning toward the political left. Her parents have much stronger attitudes about politics, but even they have moderated their views since their teenage years.

This article investigates what political attitudes various characters on the show are believed to have, based on canon sources from the TV series, the two MTV Daria books, the MTV Daria website, and scattered bits of material from the Beavis and Butt-head show. It also examines the political persuasions of characters in Daria fanfiction.

Daria's Politics in Canon Sources

In virtually every canon source available, Daria is outspokenly contemptuous of many aspects of late-1990s life in America. She reviles the middle-class way of life and its value system, mocks and challenges authority at every turn, and scorns her peers in every category from their intellects to their moral code. Her verbal barbs do not go unnoticed; Mr. O'Neill writes a letter to her parents in The Daria Diaries to complain about her disrespectful and wounding remarks, and Andrea confronts both Daria and Jane with the consequences of their sarcasm in "Mart of Darkness." One of Daria's most persistent nemeses, Ms. Li, even gives Daria a special award at the latter's graduation in Is It College Yet? for "dazzling academic achievement in the face of near-total misanthropy." (other examples)

The Politics of Other Daria Characters, in Canon

Jake and Helen Morgendorffer

(hippies, "The Lawndale File," "Sappy Anniversary" flashback)

Angela Li

Principal Li is best known in the series for her grossly authoritarian and ruthless management style that borders on Stalinism, mixed with a very large dose of paranoia. (principal style, letter to Bush)

Penny Lane

(rants in "Lane Miserables," The Daria Diaries, MTV website)

Politics in Daria Fanfiction

(examples in fanfic)

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