**Harley Quinn Takes on the Media: A Today Show Interview**

Prompt: Dc fanfiction Harley is interviewed on the today show about her new book about how insane asylums were used to stop women’s rights activists

The camera focused on Harley Quinn as she sat on the plush, brightly colored couch on the set of the Today Show. Her signature red and black attire popped against the soft pastels of the studio backdrop, drawing in the eyes of viewers across the nation. The host, a polished gentleman with a warm smile, leaned forward, eager to dive into the conversation. “Welcome to the show, Harley Quinn! You’ve been creating quite a buzz with your new book, *Mad Hearts: The Dark History of Female Voices Silenced*. Tell us, what inspired you to write about such a heavy topic?” Harley flashed a wide grin, her pigtails bobbing slightly. “Thank you for having me! You know, I’ve always been a gal who loves a good story, especially if it involves a little chaos and a lot of heart. But I noticed something crazy—no pun intended—when I started digging into the history of mental health treatment for women. Many of these facilities weren’t just places for healing; they were used to shut down women’s rights activists, and that’s just downright bananas!” The host nodded thoughtfully, his expression inviting her to elaborate. “It sounds like you uncovered some surprising information in your research. Can you give us a brief overview of your findings?” “Absolutely! So, back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you had this wave of women pushing for rights—voting, education, and all that jazz. But instead of applauding their bravery, society decided to label them as ‘hysterical’ or ‘insane.’ Can you believe it? Women were committed to asylums just for speaking out! It’s like, excuse me, did you read the room? They were standing up for change!” The host raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And that’s a key theme in *Mad Hearts*, how these institutions were weaponized against women. How did you go about researching such a challenging topic?” “It was quite the ride!” Harley chuckled, leaning back. “I went through mountains of dusty old books, letters, and patient records. I even got to chat with some amazing historians and feminist activists! Each story was like a puzzle piece, and when I put them all together, I realized just how deeply rooted this injustice ran. It wasn’t just about the patients; it was about silencing voices that dared to challenge the status quo.” “So, what do you hope readers will take away from your book?” the host asked, adjusting his glasses as he listened intently. Harley’s expression turned serious for a moment, the glimmer of mischief in her eyes now tempered by sincerity. “I want people to recognize that the past isn’t just history; it’s part of our present. Women today are still facing silencing tactics, just in different forms. I hope my book inspires readers to speak out and advocate for themselves and others because when we raise our voices together, we become unstoppable!” The host smiled, clearly impressed. “You definitely have a unique way of getting your message across. How did your own experiences influence your writing?” “Ah, well, let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with institutions—setting the record straight here! My time with the Joker gave me a front-row seat to the madness of society’s expectations. I’ve felt the pressure to conform, to be ‘normal’—but I’m just me, and that’s more than enough! Embracing my quirks has helped me turn my chaos into creativity, which flows throughout the book. Plus, I can’t resist the urge to mix a bit of humor with all the heavy stuff. Who doesn’t love a good chuckle?” “Indeed! Humor can be a powerful tool,” the host replied, nodding. “You’ve certainly approached a deeply troubling subject with your characteristic flair. But do you think there are risks in challenging conventional narratives?” “Definitely! People don’t always like to hear the truth, especially if it messes with their version of reality. But if I can ruffle a few feathers along the way, so be it! The world needs to see how ridiculous some of those narratives are—like trying to box every woman into a ‘proper’ role or making them feel ashamed of their strength. Just like the deep dive into asylums, it all connects back to freedom. Women deserve the same rights as men, and I hope my book pushes that message forward.” “Speaking of pushing boundaries, you’ve become somewhat of a cultural icon. How do you feel about taking on this role?” Harley grinned mischievously. “Oh, it’s a wild ride, darling! Being a symbol of rebellion comes with a great deal of responsibility, and I don’t take it lightly. I want to show that being true to yourself is the most heroic thing you can do. I’m just a jester in a world of seriousness, making my way through the madness!” The host chuckled along with the audience, clearly charmed by Harley’s exuberance. “And what are your plans for the future? Any upcoming projects?” “Fun you should ask! I’m already cooking up a sequel! I want to further explore the tales of women who fought against these oppressive systems, showcasing their strength and determination. Plus, I might even bring a few of those historical figures to life in some zany comic panels. If the first book caused a stir, wait until you see what I whip up next!” “Brilliant! We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Thank you for sharing your story and insights with us today, Harley. It’s been a pleasure.” Harley leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Thank you for letting me shake things up a bit! Remember, everyone—be a little mad, and stand up for what you believe in!” As the cameras began to fade out, Harley Quinn waved enthusiastically at the audience, her infectious energy echoing in the studio. Amidst the laughter and applause, she had managed to blend humor with history, chaos with compassion, igniting a fire of inspiration in the hearts of everyone watching.