The Golden Girls remains a timeless classic, but as viewers re-watch the show, they can't help but notice the stark differences between Rose and Blanche's characters. While both women are essential to the group dynamic, it's clear that their views on life are vastly different. Unfortunately, as time goes on, Blanche's prejudices have aged terribly, while Rose's empathy remains a shining light.
Blanche is often portrayed as a vain, self-centered woman who always needs to be the center of attention. She flaunts her sexuality and often judges people based on their appearance or lifestyle. However, it's her prejudices that have not aged well. Blanche is often dismissive of people who don't fall into her narrow view of what's acceptable. She often makes jokes about minorities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. While this may have been acceptable in the '80s, it's not something that would be tolerated in today's world.
On the other hand, Rose is the embodiment of warmth and empathy. She's always quick to offer a kind word or a listening ear to someone in need. Rose doesn't judge people based on their appearance or their lifestyle choices. She's always willing to learn, grow, and understand different perspectives. Rose's empathy is highlighted in many episodes, but one that stands out is when she shares her experience of losing her husband. Her speech is poignant, and it's clear that she cares deeply about her friends.
This episode highlights the differences in their characters, with Blanche's shame of having a disabled brother utterly indefensible, while Rose just showed basic decency.