Why Does Everyone Consider DBZ Broly's Reason for Hating Goku Thoroughly Dumb?

DBZ and its characters have fascinated fans for years, but the reasons behind certain character behaviors can be highly debated. Many people question why Broly, one of the most powerful characters in the Dragon Ball series, would have such a deep-seated hatred for Goku. This article delves into the psychological aspects of this issue, offering a deeper understanding of the character's motivations.

The Origins of Broly’s Hatred towards Goku

The story of Broly's anger towards Goku begins long before they face each other in battle. King Vegeta, fearing the young warrior's potential, decided to eliminate any future threat. As a newborn, Broly was disowned by his father and left to die, accompanied by his father's inert body.

While this action by King Vegeta may seem harsh, it was an attempt to protect the planet from a potential future opponent. However, Broly's hatred towards Goku is not because of his father's actions. Instead, it is rooted in psychological triggers that were deeply imprinted on Broly's psyche.

The Power of Childhood Memories: A Case of PTSD

Baby Broly, at the tender age of one, would not recall the face of his father as clearly as an older child would. However, he would remember Goku's daily cries, which were a constant source of distress. These frequent and painful cries triggered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Broly. Any reminder of Goku, including hearing his voice, would instill a deep-seated fear and anger in him.

PTSD in adults can be triggered by specific sounds or smells that remind them of past traumas. Similarly, Broly was conditioned to associate Goku's voice with pain and death. This phenomenon is not unique to fiction; it is a common occurrence in real life. For instance, a World War II veteran might experience a sudden panic attack at the sound of a firecracker, a stark reminder of the explosions they once faced.

In Broly's case, the trauma was extremely intense, exacerbated by his youth and inability to cope with the situation. His hatred towards Goku is a psychological response to this traumatic experience, amplified by the fact that Goku was the one causing distress during his infancy.

Broly's Lack of Understanding: More Than Meets the Eye

It's natural for people to question why a character who barely remembers the face of their abuser would still hate their tormentor. However, Broly's hatred is not solely based on visual recognition. His resentment is rooted in the anguish and fear that persisted since his first memories.

Paragus, another character in the series, mentioned that Broly felt threatened by Goku's underdog status despite his physical shortcomings. This fear can contribute to the development of PTSD, further cementing Broly's negative perceptions of Goku.

Moreover, the idea that Broly should not know who Goku is or have a deep-seated hatred towards him lacks foundation. Bouts of PTSD can manifest in unexpected ways, often leading to extreme reactions to triggers.

Alternative Motivations and Catalysts

While Broly's hatred is understandable from a psychological standpoint, it is also worth considering other motivations for his actions. Perhaps during training sessions, Goku and Broly cause one of the alien children to cry, leading Broly to lose control. Alternatively, Broly could be targeting Goten or Trunks, who might cry after training or in response to a tantrum, reinforcing the subconscious connection between crying babies and his own traumatic past.

Another potential scenario involves Broly targeting a baby Trunks, symbolizing the passing of Vegeta's grievances to him. Broly, as the future ruler, might see it as his duty to rectify this wrong and seek revenge.

These alternative motivations provide a more balanced and plausible explanation for Broly's actions, emphasizing the complexity of his character and the psychological underpinnings of his behavior.

In conclusion, Broly's hatred for Goku is a multifaceted issue rooted in psychological trauma and PTSD. While some aspects of his behavior may seem irrational at first glance, a deeper understanding reveals that his actions are the result of deep-seated emotional ties and past experiences. This insight not only enriches the narrative of the Dragon Ball series but also demonstrates the real-world applicability of psychological principles.