Stop Judging Portia, She’s Just You In A Different Font
Image Courtesy: The Cut
Season 2 of White Lotus has arrived, introducing us to an entire set of new characters. From crazy twists to poor decisions, there's no doubt these people are entertainingly interesting. One character, in particular, has been especially controversial. When looking closer, she is riddled with the deep symbolism of our generation. She portrays Gen Z so accurately it's irritating. Whether you like her or not, there is something undeniably relatable about Portia.
Many people have voiced their annoyance with Portia. She makes questionable decisions and can be annoying, not to mention the audience's disapproval of her outfit choices. However, she is similar to us. Her personal struggles and internal conflicts are something we all face similarly at this stage in our life. She resembles the state that almost all of us are stuck in– feeling lost.
Portia is very unsure of who she is. She is trying to figure it out but is not doing a very good job. She says she is unhappy with where she is and wants more in life. Yet, she doesn't know how to get there. What's more, her efforts to get there are arguably mediocre. One scene that captures her predicament is in episode three, where she talks with Albie; "I just feel like there must have been a time when the world had more." She continues to explain how she feels technology has taken away the mystery and adventure from the world. This is something I'm sure most of us can find relatable. Many of us are unable to find meaning in things, as shallow technology usage has taken away from the substance of real-world activities. Portia is feeling pulled down by technology in this way, but at the same time, she is a hypocrite.
Portia knows how technology makes her feel but doesn't attempt to lessen her usage. She told Ablie how she wished she could just throw her phone away, that it was taking away from her life. But she doesn't. Furthermore, in episode seven, while in bed with Jack, she is baffled that he doesn't have an Instagram. The concerned look on her face demonstrates how deeply she's entangled in the online world. Haley Lu Richardson, who plays Portia, talks to W Magazine about her character: "She talks so much about not wanting to be a part of the social media verse, not wanting to be controlled by that… But the sad irony is that she is so deep in it and so controlled by it. She couldn't throw away her phone if she was paid a billion bucks." Our generation has this unique struggle. We know that our phones hold us back from many things in the world, yet, we cannot let go of them. Our phones are what we know. It's a constant battle between different internal values. We know there is a problem, yet we feel so trapped in it.
In addition to the inner conflicts with technology, Portia encapsulates the "lack of direction" many college-aged adults feel. We are unsure of who we are, make bad decisions, and are uncertain about where to go next. These things make us very uncomfortable, and we may feel annoyed with ourselves for feeling unsure of our life. Is it possible that we feel hostility toward her because Portia portrays all of the insecure parts of being a young adult? No wonder we are so irritated with her.
Portia may say and do some annoying things, but so do we all. Even if you have not experienced the same entanglement with technology and the lack of direction that comes with being a young adult, many people have. You may not like her, but Portia is the much-needed wake-up call for our generation. Let's look into our internal struggles, not ignore them. It's ok to feel lost. I know I do.
Strike Out,
Ally Nelson
Boca Raton
Ally Nelson is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Her passions include studying psychology, creating art and fashion, and drinking margaritas. You can reach her on Instagram @a.l.l.y_n or email @ nelsonalyssa.h@gmail.com.
