Psychology | TV | Hazbin Hotel
Trying to Change Means Staying the Same
Want to change who you are? Accept who you are…
In Season 1 of Hazbin Hotel, Angel undergoes one of the most significant character arcs, learning to confront himself in a manner that enables him to acknowledge his truths without continuing to limit himself.
Despite realizing that Husk’s assistance comes from a genuine place, Angel resists. There are glimpses that he truly wants a different life…he wants to change. However, a fear of change is what holds him back. What would it mean to have a healthy or, dare I say, “boring” life?!
He is Ambivalent.
Ambivalence occurs when an individual simultaneously desires change but also wants to remain the same. They know they need personal growth, yet fear surrounds the potential consequences of making those changes. The question remains:
Who are you when you have to leave the you that you know behind?
Angel’s entire identity revolves around being a renowned adult film star capable of taking care of himself. Yet he struggles with self-esteem issues and self-doubt — he doesn’t believe he deserves better.
He has such incredibly low self-esteem and self-doubt. He feels low. He feels he has nothing to live for. He feels utterly worthless
Which is why Husk calling him a “loser”…was absolutely genius.
It was so unexpected! And it was that shock of hearing it put so bluntly that opened him up to hearing what Husk had to say.
Paradoxical Theory of Change
According to the Paradoxical Theory of Change, change occurs when a person embraces their current state rather than attempting to force change. Coined by Arnold Beisser, the theory states that…
“change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not.”
This theory emphasizes that by trying to force change when we aren’t ready, we may actually hinder our progress. But when we take the time to understand what is going on inside of us and the conditions are right, spontaneous change will occur.
Understanding and accepting our present situation, vulnerabilities, and struggles creates the strong foundation necessary for meaningful change.
You can only take your first step from the place you’re currently in.
In that moment, Angel’s focus shifted from believing his flaws defined him to recognizing that his flaws don’t have to limit him. Despite Husk using the term “loser,” it wasn’t entirely negative; it served as a means to connect with Angel.
By openly sharing his own mistakes and shortcomings, Husk provided the support that Angel truly needed. There is something about sitting in the gutter with a former Overlord singing about how you screwed up your life that makes you feel not so alone.
