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Embracing the Eddie Munson Effect: A New Lens on Learning and Belonging


The latest season of Netflix's hit series, Stranger Things, introduced fans to the newest member of the show's eclectic ensemble: Eddie Munson - portrayed by Joseph Quinn. People absolutely adore Eddie Munson, and I want to explore why that is, and, most importantly, what it might be able to teach all of us about parenting and education.


When we first meet Eddie, we learn that he is the leader of Hellfire Club - Hawkins High School’s Dungeons & Dragons group. We are also told that he isn’t a great student and has failed to graduate in the past, perhaps multiple times - but perhaps this year will be the lucky year. Eddie is also openly and comically disdainful of the popular cliques in school and conformity in general. But even his disdain, although very real, comes off as playful and lighthearted. And it also appears to be a reaction to years of ill treatment from peers like the basketball team. But it’s obvious to us that Eddie has a good heart, made evident by the kind way he treats cheerleader Chrissy Cunningham when she comes to him for help. And, most of all, we see it in the way he benevolently acts as a shepherd for all the freshmen “lost sheep” like Dustin and the boys. His relationship with and his impact on Dustin in particular proves to be very meaningful. And of course that good heart becomes more and more clear the more you get to know Eddie. But what is it about the story of Eddie that makes him such a ravenous fan favorite? After all, the 4 main stars of the show have been playing D&D and not fitting in for years. So how and why has the character of Eddie sparked so much adulation so quickly?


I think a large part of it is because his character is explicitly written as the champion of a cause. Not only is he a geek, but he’s a champion and a shepherd of geeks. And what he represents is easy to digest and explain. He is the person you should have gotten to know better. And he is also the antithesis of everything that is wrong with public education. Eddie is an artist. He’s obviously incredibly imaginative and a talented storyteller, based on his leadership role in Hellfire Club. He’s also an extremely talented guitarist, which is clear to see in one of the most epic scenes of the season and perhaps the entire series. It’s the scene that brought Metallica back to the charts, and you’ll know it when you see it.


And if we’re talking about education, those two things alone should be enough to declare Eddie a smashing success of a human being - an extremely talented child with interests, dedication, and passion. Instead he’s had lots of trouble graduating, he’s been made to feel like a failure, and he’s been turned into a social outcast. This story may be set in 1986, but this sad state of affairs is as true today as it was then. As far as education is concerned, we still have it almost entirely wrong. We put far too much emphasis on grades, tests, memorization, and the need to devote equal time to every subject - subjects that have been arbitrarily chosen as important.

When I think about Eddie Munson, I’m immediately reminded of the best TED Talk ever - Sir Ken Robinson’s Do Schools Kill Creativity? I highly recommend watching the entire thing. In it, he very eloquently describes how our hierarchy of school subjects is profoundly mistaken, and how the consequence is that “many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not.”



I’m also reminded of The Little Prince when I think of Eddie - specifically the scene where the boy describes his artwork:


"...since the grown-ups were not able to understand it, I made another drawing: I drew the inside of a boa constrictor, so that the grown-ups could see it clearly. They always need to have things explained. … The grown-ups' response, this time, was to advise me to lay aside my drawings of boa constrictors, whether from the inside or the outside, and devote myself instead to geography, history, arithmetic, and grammar. That is why, at the age of six, I gave up what might have been a magnificent career as a painter."


It’s heartbreaking to read, and it’s the reason the image of a boa constrictor eating an elephant means so much to me. And I also think it’s basically the same reason Eddie Munson is so universally beloved. I think he’s exposed the major shortcomings of our education structure and our misplaced priorities in society on one of the biggest stages in history. The same stage that was able to catapult music from the 80s onto today’s charts.


Of course, many of you feel the exact same way about all of this that I do, and that’s likely why you fell in love with Eddie. But, to me, his popularity feels like much more than mere preaching to the choir. Even if it happened subconsciously, I think many viewers had their eyes opened by Eddie. And now we all have to remember why we love him so much. Eddie's gender plays a significant role in how he is perceived and why he becomes a fan favorite. As a male character, Eddie breaks away from traditional masculine stereotypes often seen in media. His interests in Dungeons & Dragons, his artistic talents, and his emotional depth challenge conventional depictions of masculinity. This is particularly impactful in a media landscape where male characters are often expected to conform to certain norms of toughness or emotional reserve. Eddie's portrayal shows a different side of masculinity, one that is more nuanced and relatable, especially to audiences who feel that their own complexities and interests aren't represented in typical male characters. His representation as a multi-dimensional character who defies gender norms makes him relatable and appealing to a broad audience. His struggles, passions, and kindness resonate with viewers who are tired of stereotypical male characters and who find inspiration in his more holistic depiction.


To all the teachers and administrators out there, Eddie is every kid in your school. Help them find their passions and talents and celebrate them for whatever their interests are from the first day they walk into your school. Help send them down a path of happiness and curiosity for the rest of their lives. And to all the parents out there (or uncles like Wayne Munson), you have the very same mission - with the added difficulty of convincing your kids to ignore the opposite messages they are getting from the priorities that are stressed in school every day (until they finally fix the system of course).

It’s easy to watch season 4 of Stranger Things and think to yourself - “Eddie Munson is a misunderstood, good-hearted person with hidden talents and passions that other people should know about.” What’s difficult is remembering how insanely common this scenario is in real life, how it’s a product of our system, and how we should absolutely still do something about it.


Did you fall in love with Eddie Munson in season 4 of Stranger Things as well? What do you think he has to teach us? Let me know in the comments!

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10 Comments


SHIREENA BAIG
Dec 01, 2023

oof the quote from the little prince is IMMACULATE! the thing often we put a lot of emphais on the educators ofc to an extent rightly so, however our entire education and work system is based on following the rules not thinking outside of the box and that is what is rewarded.

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25020455
Dec 01, 2023
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Thank you for your insightful comment! You're absolutely right; the quote from "The Little Prince" poignantly captures the essence of creativity being stifled by rigid educational and societal norms. It's a powerful reminder of how our systems often prioritize conformity and rule-following over innovative and creative thinking.

Indeed, while educators play a crucial role in shaping the learning environment, the broader systemic structure of education and work often undervalues creativity and non-conventional intelligence. This can limit the potential of many individuals who think and learn differently. Eddie Munson's character is a testament to the richness that diverse talents and perspectives bring to our world. It's essential to advocate for educational and workplace reforms that celebrate and nurture diverse forms of…

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Annum Shehryar
Annum Shehryar
Dec 01, 2023

Your perspective on Eddie's character and how he is a figure of relatability amongst college and university students who struggle with a sense of belonging in an educational system that is rigid, fast-paced, and only celebrates and recognizes those who fit into the criteria of "book smart, obedient, consistent and all rounded" resonates with me as well. I was attached to his character as I saw bits of myself in him in terms of how the education system and peers around you fail to recognise skills and talents that lie outside of academia, and how hidden passions, individuality and creativity is overlooked

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25020455
Dec 01, 2023
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Thank you for sharing your connection with Eddie Munson's character! It's truly significant when a fictional character resonates so deeply with real-life experiences, especially in the context of education and personal identity. Eddie's portrayal as someone who doesn't neatly fit into the conventional academic mold yet possesses unique talents and passions reflects a common struggle many students face in higher education environments.

The rigid, fast-paced nature of most educational systems often leaves little room for recognizing and nurturing diverse talents, especially those not directly linked to academic achievement. This can lead to a sense of alienation among students who, like Eddie, have much to offer but find their skills and interests overlooked or undervalued. Eddie's character serves as a reminder…

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Having watched the show and feeling robbed off when Eddie was given the saddest ending i never really realized that the reason i felt so attached to his character was not by the comedic depiction of his character or him being a new addition into the cast but as you perfectly highlight it was the multi-dimensionality of him as he represented the exact opposite of the conventions of a highschool student that we see often in media, he brought a sense of freedom from the shackles of society to fit the model student look as you mention throughout this well articulated post.


Finding a glimpse of relatibility in a character as Eddie shows how it feels to have your self…

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25020455
Dec 01, 2023
Replying to

Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on Eddie Munson's character and the broader implications of his portrayal in "Stranger Things." Your observation about feeling a deep connection to Eddie, not just for his comedic value or as a new addition to the cast, but for his representation of a break from conventional high school stereotypes, is quite profound.

Eddie's character indeed challenges the typical portrayal of high school students in media, offering a refreshing perspective that many find liberating. His non-conformity and multi-dimensional personality resonate with viewers who feel constrained by societal and educational expectations. As you mentioned, the sense of freedom he embodies from the 'model student' archetype is compelling and relatable for those who have felt detached from…

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moazyfayyaz
Dec 01, 2023

This analysis of Eddie Munson's character in Stranger Things eloquently delves into the societal impact of his representation, particularly in the context of education and gender norms. The blog insightfully connects Eddie's artistic talents and passionate interests with the broader issues in our education system, questioning the emphasis on grades and standardized subjects. The comparison to Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk and The Little Prince adds depth to the critique of the educational hierarchy. Moreover, highlighting Eddie's significance in challenging traditional masculinity norms in media contributes to his universal appeal. The question at the end encourages readers to reflect on Eddie's role and what he symbolizes in the broader conversation about education and representation.

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25020455
Dec 01, 2023
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Thank you for your appreciative feedback on the analysis of Eddie Munson's character! I'm glad to hear that the connections made between Eddie's portrayal in "Stranger Things" and the larger societal and educational issues resonated with you.

Indeed, Eddie's character brings to light critical conversations about our education system's current structure and its often narrow scope of recognizing success and talent. By questioning the overemphasis on grades and standardized subjects, we're invited to consider a more holistic approach to education, one that values diverse talents and learning styles.

Additionally, your point about Eddie challenging traditional masculinity norms is vital. His character offers a refreshing deviation from typical media representations, allowing for a more inclusive and varied understanding of what masculinity…

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maheendanish2012
Dec 01, 2023

The analysis of Eddie Munson's character in "Stranger Things" is eye-opening. Eddie challenges typical ideas about how guys should act, showing a more complex and relatable side of masculinity. His interests, talents, and struggles resonate with many people who feel they aren't represented in usual male characters. I'd love to hear the your thoughts on how schools and families can create a more supportive environment that values diverse passions like Eddie's. How can we make sure every student feels encouraged to explore their unique interests while still navigating the challenges in our education system? Are there any other shows other than stranger things talking about this?


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25020455
Dec 01, 2023
Replying to

I'm glad to hear that the analysis of Eddie Munson's character in "Stranger Things" resonated with you, especially in how he challenges traditional masculinity and represents a more multifaceted character. Creating a supportive environment in both schools and families that values diverse passions, like those of Eddie, is crucial for the development of well-rounded individuals. Here are some thoughts on how this can be achieved: Schools and families can foster an environment where diverse interests are celebrated. This includes recognizing and supporting talents in arts, music, sports, technology, and other non-traditional areas, not just academic achievements. Educators can implement teaching methods that cater to different learning styles and intelligences. This involves moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and incorporating a…


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