Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-6175354-20130930170041/@comment-23906605-20131001201828

I am very much aware of what the diagnosis is for ASPD, thank you very much.

I completely understand why many people might not like Snow. Or even hate her, as you clearly do. I really like her as a character, but of course, I don't blindly agree with everything she does or how she acts. But calling her a sociopath is a big stretch, in my opinion. And saying that she is more likely to be one than Regina? Please.

Don't get me wrong, I also really like Regina as a character. I don't want her gone and I think she's one of the characters who most deserves a chance at having her happy ending (one that doesn't involve another curse, hopefully). And yes, she does have her struggling moments, when she is trying to do right by her son and be a good person, but that's exactly my point. I completely disagree when you said Regina was  the only one who shows any kind of character growth or learning. On the contrary! She is not trying to be good for herself. "See where good gets you?" she once asked Snow. She doesn't want to be good, she is only TRYING to be because that's what Henry wants. And the biggest proof of that is that she ALWAYS, no matter how hard or long she tries, she always reverts to what she believes is her true self, the EVIL Queen. I mean, crushing the heart of someone you supposedly have strong feelings for (Graham) just because he seems to care for another person is empathetic? Seriously? Not to mention having a gigantic safe filled with hearts of people you don't even remember who they were just because "there were so many".

Again I have to disagree that Snow shows no regard for what's right or wrong. She does take some of her decisions based on how it will affect herself or her loved ones. But tell me, who doesn't do that? Does that make you " morally bankrupt"? I don't think so. She knew killing the mermaid was wrong and she was afraid of the repercussions if they did, but she did emphasize they were not killers. And pulling the "she killed Cora card"? At least she tried to stop it (albeit too late) and she felt horrible about it. Remorse. Something sociopaths lack, I advise you to look that up.

Besides, you're confusing Snow's lack of ability to undertand certain things with lack of empathy. Just because she doesn't fully understand what or how Emma is feeling right now or just because she wouldn't understand why Charming wanted to move back to the Enchanted Forest doesn't mean she doesn't have the ability to empathize with her family! She even later changed her mind about the whole Enchanted Forest idea.

Snow doesn't think she is right because she is better. Nor have I ever seen her claim she is morally pure (if you have a reference for this one, I'd love to see it, please). She sticks to the idea of being a good and positive person because that's what her mother asked her when she was dying. Something that is extremely common in many original fairy tales.

Do you honestly think convincing Belle to kiss Rumple in Skin Deep to achieve her own personal twisted goals is less "morally bankrupt" than Snow basing decisions to protect herself and others? You said yourself Regina uses and manipulates people whenever she feels like it and yet you say she is an extremely empathetic person. I'm puzzled by that remark.

And I'm sure that if Charming felt his relationship with Snow was poor, abusive or not healthy as you say, he wouldn't have stood by her when he was clearly disappointed with her regarding the whole Cora debacle and he definitely wouldn't make endless demonstrations of his love for her.