Now if THIS is not an unpopular opinion I don't know what is:

I like Heather Duke and why I mildly dislike Heather Mac., let me explain:

I like Duke because it shows a different kind of character arc. A hero (or a good person) to a villain.

And I personally think that Heather C and Ms. Fleming(?) caused this kind of arc.

We all know that Duke has bulimia, that alone plays a role on her arc, but also Heather C out right teased her on having a eating disorder. And it looked like Ms. Fleming ( who is a FREAKING GUIDANCE COUNSELOR ) didn't care at all.

Bulimia is really serious and could possibly leave you in the hospital if delt incorrectlyand yet is anyone, in the show or fandom, caring for Duke?

I also have this theory that the reason Duke lashed out at Heather M was because on how Ms. Fleming and the other students acted when Heather M said she had suicidal thoughts.

When Heather M said she was suicidal, everyone seemed to care, even Ms. Fleming (who only cared because there where camera's recording). How would you feel if people teased you when everyone saw you where bulimic and when your friend, who was the only one who really cared for you, said she had suicidal thoughts all of a sudden everyone cares? That is messed up, so of course Duke was mad.

This doesn't excuse Duke's acton's, it never will, telling someone to KYS is awful. But it explains why she did what she did.

Here is some common arguments people have made, "Heather C told Duke to shut up to keep Duke in check." This point infuriates me because, even if it were true, that is probably one of the worse ways to deal with it. Repression only makes things worse.

For example, I was forced to hold in a lot of anger in my family. As a result, I got angry for the smallest reasons. I fortunately was able to control my anger when some teachers helped me (They didn't know they helped me but they taught me a lot of things)

Next up, "Heather C is a 'good' leader."
Ok I'll admit, Heather C's intention was to keep the school in check. Her intention is pure. However, even if you have good intentions, you could still be wrong. Look at the students, they all have to fend for themselves while the popular kids are safe

Quote from Beautiful: "[The Heathers] never bothered, never harassed"

That is not a good way to run a school

Same goes with Heather M, saying 'Maybe you should go see a doctor Heather.' To someone with bulimia is not a good move ( it just feels like a slap in the face) Once again, Heather M has the best intentions, just poor execution.

Now my problem with Heather M.
I really don't have a problem with her, it's the fandom.

She is overrated and the fandom treats her like she has done nothing wrong in her life and that just because she is suicidal and depressed all her actions and mistakes are excused.

If they do that with Heather M, why not with Duke? And before you say Heather M was pressured into becoming popular and mean so she wont be treated like trash like LITERALLY THE REST OF THE SCHOOL IS, that still doesn't excuse it, she had a choice and she decided to be mean.

Same with Duke, she was friends with Martha but when they got older Duke had to look out for herself, like Heather M, and be mean.
But like I said with Heather M, that doesn't excuse her actions, Duke had a choice as well.

Tldr: I am just saying stop treating Heather M like a cinnamon roll who did nothing wrong and look into reasons on why Duke lashed out. And give her a chance at redemption. And stop saying she should die. (Don't be a JD)

Veronica LITERALLY says in Prom or Hell:

"They were just seventeen. Still time to make things right. They could have turned out good but now we'll never know."

Duke is still seventeen, she could turn out good. Just like Veronica says.