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In defense of Josh and Donna.
So I’ve read many, many times how Josh and Donna’s relationship is toxic, that Josh sexually harasses Donna. I don’t think this is fair.
In defense of Josh and Donna.
So I’ve read many, many times how Josh and Donna’s relationship is toxic, that Josh sexually harasses Donna. I don’t think this is fair.
So first of all, I fully acknowledge Josh has said sexist things to her. I mean it’s a Sorkin show so that’s to be expected innit. The thing that come to mind first is Josh making the joke about Donna wearing a Catholic school girl outfit. (A gross, common Sorkin trope).
And while I fully admit Josh isn’t perfect and says dumb shit sometimes, I think it’s important to note that here when Donna tells him to stop (I need you to not be like. You. For a second.) Josh stops.
If he annoys her, Donna speaks up and says something. Josh listens.
If he annoys her, Donna speaks up and says something. Josh listens.
I feel like when people bring up arguments against them, people forget that Donna is a character who stands up for herself. If she doesn’t like how she’s being treated she says something.
- I want my $20 back
- Pinching Josh’s ear when he won’t listen
- The James Madison notes
- I want my $20 back
- Pinching Josh’s ear when he won’t listen
- The James Madison notes
And Josh listens. When Josh is short with her over the James Madison notes, Donna corrects him and Josh is receptive to that, apologetic.
Donna also treats Josh in a less than professional manner often.
She whacks him upside the head, pinches his ear.
She also says things like “you’re the only one i think is handsome”, “you’re a powerful and handsome man” etc when she wants something from Josh.
She whacks him upside the head, pinches his ear.
She also says things like “you’re the only one i think is handsome”, “you’re a powerful and handsome man” etc when she wants something from Josh.
Another thing I think that’s important to note, is when it comes to actually being her boss?
Josh is a good boss. I think the prime example of this is when they’re chasing after a vote in 4.12 and Donna let the names slip which makes the whole operation collapse.
Josh is a good boss. I think the prime example of this is when they’re chasing after a vote in 4.12 and Donna let the names slip which makes the whole operation collapse.
Josh never once loses his temper over this, he doesn’t express frustration with her. He knows it was an honest mistake and he treats it as such.
When Donna is upset at her mistake, Josh tells her to brush it off. Remember that Josh said he was resigning if this didn’t pass?
When Donna is upset at her mistake, Josh tells her to brush it off. Remember that Josh said he was resigning if this didn’t pass?
Another example of Josh being a good boss is something he gets shit on for, which I find a bit confusing. The “TeleDonna” phrase coined by West Wing Weekly seems to take on the assumption that Josh is doing something other than just teaching. Donna has never worked in politics...
In her life. There is SO much to learn about how the government functions and Josh always takes the time to explain things to Donna.
Yes, it’s a plot device to explain things to the audience, but it also shows a caring and patient side to Josh. He wants her to learn.
Yes, it’s a plot device to explain things to the audience, but it also shows a caring and patient side to Josh. He wants her to learn.
So basically my point is this, within the context of Josh and Donna’s relationship which is flirty, goofy, and often unprofessional. I find it very unfair that people attribute Josh’s behavior as sexual harassment. They both say things that would get HR pissed.
They have a level of comfort within their relationship that saying these things doesn’t phase the other. They know the boundaries in place and if a boundary is breached, something is said.
Neither is intentionally made to feel uncomfortable.
Neither is intentionally made to feel uncomfortable.
Josh never abuses his position over Donna or their friendship to get what he wants, he never makes a move on her.
Even at the end of the series, it’s Donna that initiates everything between them. It’s Josh who is still reluctant.
Even at the end of the series, it’s Donna that initiates everything between them. It’s Josh who is still reluctant.
Josh goes above and beyond frequently for Donna (breaks the law for her, offers to pay her rent when the gov is shut down, offers to buy her shoes etc).
Donna goes above and beyond for him. (Taking care of him after Rosslyn.) Their relationship is built on affection and trust.
Donna goes above and beyond for him. (Taking care of him after Rosslyn.) Their relationship is built on affection and trust.
I will say the majority of these opinions are based on S1-4. I have a big issue with how Josh was written to be the enemy in Donna leaving the White House during S6, but that’s a discussion for another day.
That’s it! Thanks for reading if you got this far.
Don’t be afraid to comment if you disagree!
Don’t be afraid to comment if you disagree!
