#AND THIS SHOW IS CRITICALLY UNDERRATED

[thebookofthefaeries]

there are a criminally low amount of posts for this give my boys some love

[gwynbleiddyn]

even though it hurts, even though it scars, love me when it storms, love me when i fall, every time it breaks, every time it's torn / love me like i'm not made of stone--

something about broken-hearted barbs and choosing to love as much as they hurt really gets me in the honey nut feelios

[rise-my-angel]

I've come to the conclusion that I really like the music in the final montage of the House of the Dragon finale, but that it very much is not in any way in the essence of Game of Thrones.

The only two parts that feel like it belongs in that universe is the remix of the Stark theme and the Lannister theme, because the music from Game of Thrones perfectly captured the spirit of that world and story. But, the show doesn't get credit for those two parts being as good as they are, because they wouldn't exist without Game of Thrones doing them first.

The rest of it is very beautiful and epic in scale, but it feels nothing like music that belongs in the same world that the music from Game of Thrones did. It feels like it belongs in a completely different fantasy world.

The show has some great music, like the build up score to the battle of Rook's Rest. But the problem is that the music does a lot of heavy lifting for the lack of the show's writing ability. It feels like the music is telling me how I should feel, rather then enhancing how the story already makes me feel.

This show's music perfectly encapsulates it's identity problem. The music is either great but ill fitting of the story and world it's set within, or it is completely bland and forgettable. Whereas the music for Game of Thrones is as memorable as the show itself.

Both in the season 2 opener and the finale, they tugged at my heartstrings by playing scores from the Stark theme's. And it stands out at how little the rest of the soundtrack fits into that style, because the show itself doesn't understand how to fit itself into the world of Game of Thrones despite trying very hard to remind us that it's set in that universe.

I get it's a different show with a different story, but the music really just does not suit the world it exists within. A lot of the scores with mild singing in it, do not feel like it suits a world where in universe, The Rains of Castamere is a song that actually exists and both suits the world and the narrative the music is playing alongside.

Like the music, some of this show is really good, but none of it actually fits the world it's set itself within. The music at all times feels like it's grasping for straws to find a place to fit in, but never does.

And as good as the finale music is, it is a standout in an otherwise very bland and forgettable soundtrack that do not feel as if they suit the same story that opened this season with something as memorable, and emotional and iconic as "The North Remembers."

Part of what made Game of Thrones identity, was that the music matched the scale of each story being told, and it used it expertly to enhance a scene without overpowering the emotions on screen.

House of the Dragon is a mixture of forgettable music, and overpowering ill fitting music that it's using as a crutch to do the hard work the writing is failing to accomplish. And using a style that does not match the world it even is claimed to exist within.

I'm not saying the music had to all be the same, but it certainly is not anywhere near as powerful as they think it is, this time around.

[andromeda3116]

Propaganda:

1. No one has managed this yet at this point in the story. The Homunculi are always listening, always knowing what the heroes are up to, always one step ahead. The only thing that has surprised them is Roy killing Lust, but that was only because she got cocky and left him to die instead of killing him outright. Olivier, in the middle of a massive attack on her fort by a creature behind her comprehension, finds a way to get the truth from Ed -- who has refused to tell her on the basis of Bradley's threat to Winry, and who we all know is a stubborn little bastard. She gets the answers, and she gets them without the Homunculi or the high brass guessing that she now knows their entire plan, and is high enough in the hierarchy of power to seriously damage them. For once, she puts the heroes a step ahead of the Homunculi.

2. Note that this is not Ling holding his own against Bradley (that's not underrated at all) -- this is the compassion and loyalty to his people that leads him to severely hinder his own escape because his servant is critically injured and he absolutely will not, under any circumstances, leave her behind. "A king is no king without his people", indeed.

3. Like Olivier above, Riza manages what has up to now been nearly impossible from right under Bradley's nose. She devises a perfect code with every name she needs and knows how to make sure Roy is getting it. Her intelligence and ingenuity absolutely shine, and she manages to also put them a step ahead of the Homunculi, from right under their thumbs.

4. Winry is a teenager who hasn't seen any medicine beyond what it takes to attach automail in years, but she draws on the textbooks she read -- which, aside, she was reading, comprehending, and remembering medical textbooks as a child -- delivering a healthy baby with no complications, alone.

5. Gluttony's belly is supposed to be inescapable, an entirely different plane of reality, and Ed looks at all of this surrounding him, says "I'm not dying here" and concocts a wild plan to get them out by repeating the ultimate taboo and throwing himself back through the Gate of Truth -- and it works.

6. Scar's brother is a scholar who has lived his entire life in a culture that despises alchemy. He knows only what he's read of it, and he not only recognizes that Amestris is a massive transmutation circle but also devises a circle that will counteract it, and hides that behind layers of code and the physical shape of the papers, so that only his brother can find it.

7. Riza cannot speak. She can barely breathe. She is bleeding to death. And she still refuses to allow Roy to betray himself. No words, no breath, no reason to believe she may yet live -- but she tells him do not save me at the cost of your principles.

8. Like Ling above, Roy's loyalty to his own people drives and commands and powers him. He never forgets about Jean, and the first chance he gets, he sends someone to heal him, even if it means staying blind for longer. There was no need to wait, except that he refused to put his people second to himself.

[andi-o-geyser]

Sure, we may have gotten the Purvan jokes made in canon for the animated show which is a massive win, but if we don’t get a running gag of 50 "I assume” jokes made when Seeker Assum Emring shows up I’m personally starting a riot. I need it animated and I need it now

[juniperhillpatient]

I’m realizing I rarely post about new girl despite it being one of my favorite shows ever beginning to end & one of my most re watched shows but I think it’s just because I have so few criticisms of it 😂 like that seems weird to say but what is there to say about a show you think is just about perfect? top tier character arcs hilarious & heartfelt there’s literally almost nothing I’d change. I guess I usually post more about shows there’s more to say about idk

[akajustmerry]

I really think people have lost all grip on what "underrated" "hidden gem" and "cult classic" mean. the fact that people make tiktoks and tweets listing "underrated" media that unironically includes TV shows like Fleabag, or Lost, or includes mainstream English language films that are major studio releases like Annihilation or Stardust or fucking Hereditary - insane! Terms like "underrated" used to mean that the film or TV show was overlooked or ignored by most critics and audiences. The term cult classic was specifically used to describe media overlooked by mainstream audiences but maintained small strong CULT-like followings. A show like Lost that's iconic and achieved permanent syndication is NOT underrated, nor is the multiple Emmy-award winning series Fleabag. Neither of them are underrated in anyway, yet I've seen them referred to as such SO MANY TIMES. it's crazy how terms like "underrated" "obscure" media etc has functionally come to mean: "media I personally didn't know about until recently."

[fandom]

Top 23 of 2023

Have you been aching to get your hot little hands on 52 weeks of data around original posts, likes, reblogs, and searches, all weighted and ranked and tied up into categories with a nice little bow on top? Well, today’s your day! It should come as no surprise that Artists on Tumblr reign supreme: from stunning traditional art, jaw-dropping digital art, fanart, sculptures, textile art—you name it, basically—this year’s list shows that Tumblr truly is the home for art and artists. Thank you, Artists on Tumblr, for enriching our dashboards day after day. 

Rounding out the top three, we have two iconic shows: Good Omens is live-action, and The Owl House is animated, but both have a heck of a love story at their core. The second season of Good Omens blessed us with not one but two ineffably exquisite ships, while the final season of The Owl House broke and then healed fans’ hearts in equal measure. Thanks, @danaterrace! Actually, come to think of it, the Good Omens finale kinda did the same in reverse. Thanks to you, too, @neil-gaiman! We can’t wait for season 3. 

Speaking of heartbreak and healing, Our Flag Means Death’s second season offered both in droves. The entire cast gave stellar performances, and fans couldn’t have been happier to see the kinds of representation the show displayed. Last year’s #1 topic, Stranger Things, may have dropped a bit, but trust us, you wouldn’t know it from the amount of meta, fanart, and fics in the tag. And did you hear about the live-action adaptations of both The Last of Us and One Piece? They were a preeeetty big deal this year, too. Check ‘em out if you haven’t yet (lol, of course you have). And we’d be remiss not to mention the hugely dedicated fans, fanartists, and fic writers devoting their time to all things Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Y’all deserve a little pizza, as a treat.

2023 was also a year for blockbuster movies, which of course hasn’t escaped anybody’s notice here on Tumblr. Barbie smashed box offices worldwide and left us reeling with every re-watch. How can one describe Greta Gerwig’s pink-filled opus? It certainly is one of the movies of all time. Meanwhile, with its incredible animation and soundtrack, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse introduced us to a whole new multiverse of Spider-People, opening the portal to a veritable flood of incredible OCs. And then, of course, we got a fresh perspective on an old classic when cinephiles introduced Martin Scorscese’s cinematic masterpiece, Goncharov (1973), to a new generation of film aficionados who resoundingly agree that it is, in fact, the greatest mafia movie ever made. We’re so glad this underrated film finally got the acclaim it has long deserved.

In the realms of gaming and tech, the long-anticipated Baldur’s Gate 3 has basically become everyone’s new favorite D&D/dating sim combination. Of course, the Pokémon franchise, games, shows, and Hatsune Miku collabs remain perennial favorites. Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter, sorry, we mean of course X, made waves across the internet. Similarly, the Reddit blackout drove Redditors to new venues, and Tumblr users welcomed the folks from r/196 with open arms—we’re huge fans of your memes, y’all, and you fit right in. Welcome, we’re glad you enjoy the chaos. Here’s a fun fact: if we included post metadata in Year in Review rankings, #polls, introduced in January of 2023, would have been the #5 topic on Tumblr this year. Phenomenal. 

And, oh right. Taylor Swift had kind of a big year, what with the albums, the epic global tour, and the movie and stuff. Fantastic work, @taylorswift, the Swifties on Tumblr thank you for everything.

This is Tumblr’s Year in Review.

Artists on Tumblr

Good Omens

The Owl House

Barbie

Pokémon

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Critical Role

Goncharov

Taylor Swift

Genshin Impact

Stranger Things

The Last of Us

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Elon Musk

196

Star Wars

Our Flag Means Death

Crowley | Good Omens

LGBTQ

Cottagecore

Baldur's Gate 3

One Piece

Aziraphale | Good Omens

[nosweetprinceoflove]

Something that really surprises me within the Psych fandom is how sometimes people can boil Henry down to just being a bad father that only belittles Shawn. Because,, he’s really not.

He’s harsh on Shawn, definitely. Henry’s constant criticism and impossible expectations of Shawn probably heavily contributed to Shawn being “highly intelligent but shameful” and his using his antics to deflect away from that fact. And coupled with Henry’s tough, matter-of-fact exterior, it makes sense how Shawn “lives in fear of showing weakness.” However, I think that the complete avoidance of showing (and honestly, experiencing) emotion from both of them is also simply a product of its time. Henry’s not the first “toughen up, kid” Dad we’ve seen on TV. He falls into the gruff but caring character trope we see so often in media (and definitely not unlike another character in this very show). And it is shown time and time again how much Henry cares about Shawn. He literally has Shawn’s back from day one. And every time Shawn puts himself in serious danger, Henry’s running after him, cussing and screaming, but not willing to let anything bad happen to his son.

The show even calls out when Shawn himself starts seeing his dad in a different light, after his mom clarifies that it was her that left him, not vice versa. Shawn looks at his dad and sees a man trying. Succeeding? Ehh… but trying. And I think that their relationship is a very underrated part of the show.

[koiir]

SWEETEST LOVER

Blue lock boys who are the BEST lovers ( I’m bias) Relationships with them { not proofread }

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ Chigiri, hiori, reo, isagi, kurona

CHIGIRI H.

Chigiri is the definition of “best friend and partner” he’s rather open to you (having known for years) and also being the person who’s the best boyfriend you can could ask for.

The advice he gives is one of harsh criticism yet the most truthful, many would be surprised by how blunt he can be with you although it shows in how he cares and truly only wants the best for you. If opening your eyes with a hard truth will help then he will take that route.

Although of course, he isn’t heartless. He comforts you with a warm smile, heart beating at how attentive he becomes with you. Giving you the princess treatment one would die for. He knows comfort can differ in various ways, so he will always try and communicate on what you need.

I feel as though chigiri struggles with communication concerning his wants, so he tries to grow in order to be the best version of himself he can give you. Yet there will be moments where this can “problem” can arise and he will always realize his faults.

Other than that, his knack for his wellbeing swells into you as well. Hair is rather important for the guy, so when he comes to you with a grin about a new hair secret, expect a days worth of hair care. The two of you are seen as rather “gossipers” yet you two just find anything and everything interesting. Really, anything with chigiri can turn into an interesting conversation. Thus making him an amazing boyfriend and best friend in one<33 ( I could go on about him but I’ll save that for later)

HIORI Y.

SO UNDERRATED I LUV HIORI. Ugh he’s the sweetest I mean cmonnn…

With his already calm and polite demeanor, falling in love with him is that of a warm spring that flourishes into a bond greater than words can say.

A quick learner, can easily pick up your moods and will give it his all for you! Very much a giver and will cherish whatever you give him, hiori becomes emotional seeing how much you give to him, already viewing your love the best thing he could every ask for.

From his childhood, he was told he was loved, although feeling it would come and go. Yet when you come into the picture, it’s as if he experiences the feeling of being loved for the first time ever. His past one of hallow that now with you, it beams with hope and joy, making him the more doting on you with showing how much he truly cherishes what you have given to him.

The type of guy who would let you drag him anywhere, as his face is filled with adoration for you, soft smile evident as he lets your body take the lead as he follows you to no end. Out and about, would definitely rub your wrist gently before crossing the street whispering a faint “be careful” that causes your heart to race in seconds.

Can’t forgot how he would definitely, want you to game with him. Even if you don’t he finds a way for you to be near or engage with him. Whether that be you seated next to him or him lying across you, the peace hiori has in being close to you is infinite. A safe space he never wishes to let go of.

Seems squishy (don’t ask)

ISAGI Y.

GREEN FLAG I REPEAT ULTIMATE GREEN FLAG. Might be bias but cmon it’s isagi

The boyfriend who literally will do ANYTHING you wish for (as long as it’s reasonable ofc) Follows you around like a lovesick puppy as he comments on places he thinks you would like or you two should go to. Will love to get stuff where it compliments the other, almost as if something that matches.

He once asked you what you were going to wear and showed up with a similar color combo, mind you he bought you two the same shoes for days where you want to match.

The kind of guy who will hold eye contact whenever you talk, even if you can’t hold it with him because of how intense his gaze is. He will continue looking at you as id you’re all he can stare at. How can someone make you flustered without anything at all?? That’s isagi for you

Isagi is someone you admire, someone you learn from even as you two grow in the relationship. His kind heart giving you the courage to try new things as he supports you all the way, words of encouragement making a hue of light shine in your life.

Overall, a loving caring guy who always has your back and a cutie

BACHIRA M.

Bachira just like anyone has his…quirks. Although nothing severe to the point of destruction or hurting you. If anything he’s the most loyal and treats you with such care, fearing that one day you might perish or realize he’s not so called normal.

His insecurities one that you know from the beginning, tending the wounds he has held from years of the past. His reluctance to thank you with the best he can give you, his affection and loyalty to you one of scarce of losing you. He can’t fathom this, you with him. Together. So it’s only natural he wishes to show you what others cannot see.

There’s never a dull moment with him, his vibrant persona melting into you as you intoxicate in the newfound confidence he gives you. Bachira is the type to move you out of your comfort zone, making a break to see you in a new light that he’s lucky enough to see and be the cause for.

His affection spreads throughout every aspect, in public he resembles a dog that clings onto its owner that holds eyes filled with adoration.

His warm hands allowing for yours to bask in his warmth, feeling more as he squeezes yours and grins from ear to ear viewing your flushed expression. “There’s that face I adore oh so much!”

Eyes wander to your figure as bachira sees the shiver in your figure, cold winds swirling around causing you to feel the cold sensation of the winds. His embrace eternal, fitting like a puzzle as he snuggles up behind you swaying your bodies side to side. The norm would be teasing words, yet for now he embraces the delight with you in his arms.

Ah bachira

KURONA R.

Cutest boy I mean cmon he has shark teeth

No matter the time being, kurona can’t fathom that you’re truly his, his mornings being filled with a lovesick smile at the thought of you.

His teeth hold many stories, the most memorable being how insecure he is because of them, smile showing less due to this fact. But the day you tell him to smile, hands on his cheeks as you gaze into his eyes, the crack in his lips breaking as he smiles at you softly.

It’s only natural for kurona to want to be the reasons for your smiles, indulging in what will make your smile come to fruition so he can also gift you with his smile.

His adoration for sharks weaves into you, no matter what he makes a correlation between you. Expect matching trinkets of any shark related item. Plushies that greet you in a pair that hold eachother, his lips spilling the words of “look, it’s us”

What may come to a surprise is his ability to make you swoon with his words, maybe not directly, but on paper. The reassurance kurona needs is spilled onto messages late at night, showing his vulnerability on text because he cannot bear with how you might respond. He knows you would comfort him, although he knows his heart will experience speed to limits unknown.

So when morning dew comes and you wake up with his messages, your heart grows fond seeing just how much the boy wants you to know, his heart is all yours and he wishes to hold it for the eternity to come.

a/n; MONTHSS of not posting anything…prob cause I’m almost out of school and have inspo

edit; guys I’m sorry reo wasn’t added my ass was just tired after writing for bachira😞

[nataliescatorccioapologist]

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated dynamics in Yellowjackets: Nat and Tai

Nat and Tai have such a troubled little sister/protective big sister dynamic that is not talked about enough.

Before the crash, there is clearly a lot of tension in Nat and Tai’s relationship. Their personalities clash a bit, as Tai is driven and ambitious while Nat is more reckless and directionless. Tai doesn’t understand Nat’s drug use and promiscuity and openly criticizes her for it. Tai is focused on the success of the team and she sees Nat and her behavior as an obstacle to this success.

However, I think there is some care behind her harsh statements. We can see her tough love approach towards Nat starting to develop. She wants Nat to get better, she just has a gruff way of showing it.

We see Tai begin to develop more of a softness for Nat after the crash. I think, as Tai begins to experience what it feels what it’s like to be in survival mode (and starts to lose control of herself) as Nat has been for most of her life, she begins to understand Nat and her coping mechanisms more.

Another important part of their dynamic is that they were the last two skeptics remaining in the Wilderness. When Natalie would challenge Lottie, Tai was often the first (and only) person to back her up. They are both grounded in pragmatism and logic.

Nat and Tai also have the shared experience of watching their partners “go the the dark side” (AKA join Lottie’s cult). Van and Travis are arguably some of Lottie’s most devoted followers towards the end of Season 2, and both Tai and Nat struggle to grapple with this and the rift it creates in their respective romantic relationships.

After they are rescued, Taissa manages to pick herself back up while Nat falls apart, and their little sister/big sister dynamic grows even more as a result. Tai pays for Nat’s rehab, tries to keep her away from Travis because she knows he’s bad for her, keeps pulling her back up and trying to keep her on her feet. I think it says a lot that Tai is the first person Nat thinks to call when she’s arrested.

And then, of course, there’s the scene where Tai defends her decision to pay for Nat’s rehab and continue to try to keep her clean. This scene breaks my heart and shows the caretaker role Taissa has taken on for Nat after the crash. She understands why Nat copes the way she does, and she knows that, unlike Shauna and herself, Nat doesn’t have a support system to rely on.

Even when Nat is being crowned as the new AQ I feel like you can see the concern on Tai’s face. Tai pledges her support of Nat’s new leadership, but you can tell she is also wary of the burden being placed on Nat, and how that might affect her.

Tai’s face is somber like she’s worried about her, but she gives Nat’s hand a small little squeeze of reassurance.

Anyways, I just love how Nat and Tai’s relationship transforms and grows over time. Tai has an empathy and care for Nat that the other survivors just don’t seem to have. I can’t wait to see more of their dynamic post-rescue as Tai struggles to keep Nat afloat and pick up the pieces after her toxic stints with Travis.

This has been way longer than I intended it to be, I’ll just leave y’all with this last clip of Nat giving petulant little sister vibes with Tai that I absolutely love…

[bahja-blix]

Challenge Accepted ',:) (A Tumblr🧵 REQUESTS OPEN)

*Critically Cracks Knuckles*

Let's begin shall we? ',:)

Better shows I have in mind are:

Demon Slayer

My Hero Academia

Attack On Titan

Full metal Alchemist

One Piece

One Punch Man

Uzaki Chan Wants to Hang Out

The Owl House (from Disney to indie)

Little Witch Academia

Lackadaisy (indie)

South Park (old classic still running)

The Amazing Digital Circus

The Amazing World of Gumball (childhood Nostalgia)

Regular Show (childhood Nostalgia)

The Punk'd Pooch Pilot (indie)

The Original Classic Powerpuff Girls (childhood Nostalgia)

Bluey

Smiling Friends

Mao Mao Heroes of Pure Heart (underrated classic)

Any Vintage Cartoon Classics

And trust me, we can do this All Day :)

REQUESTS CONTINUED:

Batman The Animated Series (Vintage)

Bojack Horseman

Gravity Falls (Childhood nostalgia)

Infinity Train

Total Drama Island (childhood Nostalgia)

Avatar: That Last Airbender (childhood Nostalgia)

Ramshackle (Indie)

Murder Drones (Indie)

Tuca & Bertie (Underrated classic)

I WILL ADD MORE TO THE LIST ALL REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED FOR THIS THREAD 🧵 :)

[mikelogan]

THE GOOD WIFE (2009-2016) created by Michelle & Robert King

The Good Wife is an American legal political drama that aired on CBS. It focuses on Alicia Florrick, the wife of the Cook County State's Attorney, who returns to her career in law after the events of a public sex and political corruption scandal involving her husband. The series stars Julianna Margulies, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi, Chris Noth, Alan Cumming, Matthew Goode, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Cush Jumbo. The Good Wife was acclaimed during its run and considered by several critics to be network television's "last great drama." It won numerous awards, including five Emmys. The performances of the show's cast have been particularly recognized, with Margulies, Panjabi, Baranski, and Charles receiving widespread acclaim. The show was also lauded for its insight on social media and the internet in society, politics, and law. A spinoff titled The Good Fight, centered around Baranski's and Jumbo's characters, premiered in 2017. Elsbeth, a second spinoff, premiered in 2024, focusing on Carrie Preston's recurring role on The Good Wife. x

@pscentral members' choice - event 33: underrated tv & film [insp.] [insp.] [insp.] [playlist template]

[sunlit-mess]

you are criminally underrated. *holds out hands like a sad victorian child* any tips for a young artist? :)

im a very. tired. artist.

To aspiring artists, I'm not sure what 'tips' or advice I can give that were not already said by another. However, I'll remind you anyway.

"There's no secret to art... just begin and keep going. That's all we can do."

Always set your pace, and take your time learning. Art is something that isn't rushed, rather it grows through experience. Think of it like exp points or something, the more you gain, the more you know and skills acquired. It doesn't mean you HAVE to abide by the principles or rules either, though it's best to know them. Knowledge comes in different ways and your method is yours to explore.

As for motivation, it's something you'd find attached to, a mission and values thing per se. Find your dedication, how will you strive, how much are you willing to pursue. What keeps you going? What WILL keep you determined?

We take criticism critically: Don't get your ego attached to every work, everyone has their own perspective. What I mean to say is to understand errors and find improvement. Be HONEST with yourself and your work. Nothing is ever wrong in art, hell- even the most fucked-up ones can look so beautiful and meaningful.

In social media or sharing artworks, it's cool to show them to your friends or relevant platforms your craft would be in, just gotta learn the long process of algorithm somehow... It's a pain, but never lose confidence! Believe in yourself. Even the tiniest of work, effort is counted as special. Because it's from you!

Lastly, enjoy what you do! Have fun once in a while, and best that you find fun all the time in your crafts! You create for a cause and not just to please. Art shouldn't be a cause to break you, rather it builds you.

I hope this message is enough? ::)

I've been drawing since I was young, now as an adult- my art is meh compared to other artists out there, but I still try my best to keep my mark around.

So much has happened in my life and I'm still VERY lost, especially in a path as an 'Artist'. Though, I fell off in art, burned out, and relapsed more than I can count,

nothing or no one can kill the part of me that just wants the world to see that I can still... Create.

[letters-to-lgbt-kids]

My dear lgbt+ kids, 

An underrated health and wellbeing tool is play. 

When you think about playing, you may immediately picture little children - but by definition, play describes “any activity engaged in purely for enjoyment and recreation with no definite practical purpose” and those activities stay important throughout your whole life. 

Why are those activities important? 

Play is good for your body. Intentionally doing something just for fun helps to activate the “rest and digest” mode that is necessary to recover and heal from stress. It signals that you’re safe and helps your body relieve tension. 

It’s also good for your brain. It can stimulate your imagination, visualization and critical thinking skills, which can help you build skills like resilience and adaptability. 

Play can also foster empathy and understanding of others as it can help you see things from another’s perspective. 

Playing can make you laugh, and laughter comes with a whole sleeve of health benefits, such as decreasing blood pressure and even improving your immune system! 

Playing together can strengthen relationships. Positive, fun social interactions are important for your emotional wellbeing. 

Now some of you may think “that’s all nice, but how do I even play as an adult?”. While play is a natural behavior of human beings, many adults need to re-learn how to play - it depends on your specific environment and social circles but you may feel a lot of pressure to be productive all the time and play is by its very nature not productive. So, the first step in re-learning play is to give yourself permission to just *be* instead of *do* (and that can be a huge step!). 

Some ideas on how to ease back into play: 

Think about your childhood. (Or if you can, ask a parent, sibling or childhood friend, that can be a great way to bring back memories!) What were your favorite ways to play back then? What did you love about your favorite game? Does any particular memory immediately give you that “I wish I could do that again” feeling? (You may not necessarily find anything that you want to just replicate as an adult as-is, this is just meant to kick-start your imagination!) 

Gameify everyday tasks. Try to spot as many yellow items as possible on your commute to work. Make up a silly song about laundry while putting away the laundry. Pretend to be on a cooking show while making dinner. Do what you always do, just allow yourself to be silly about it! 

Do something creative, even (and especially) if you’re not good at it. You may not think of drawing, writing etc. as playing but those are activities you can do for pure entertainment! 

Moving your body doesn’t need to be purposeful exercise (and certainly not hating yourself in the gym), it can also be playtime: Do a silly little dance to your favorite song! Tippytoe, crawl, jump, walk backward.. from your bedroom to the kitchen, just for the fun of it! 

Rethink toys. While it is fully okay for a grownup to buy, own and play with toys, and we should abolish the negative stereotypes about it (it’s creepy, it’s inherently a sign of poor mental health etc.) these stereotypes do exist and you may simply not feel comfortable. Luckily, there are a few toys that are generally considered socially acceptable for adults or are even marketed towards adults, such as board games, stress balls, adult coloring books, certain Lego sets or fan/collectors toys (like action figures). And when there are no judgy eyes watching, you may also have fun just playing with household items such as cardboard rolls! No need to go out and buy something! 

Keep in mind that play isn’t a competition to win. You can’t play wrong - that’s the beauty of it! Just let your curiosity and enthusiasm guide you. 

With all my love, 

Your Tumblr Dad 

[iongsiyi]

pocahontas: the princess at the bottom of the hierarchy (part 1)

(see disclaimer at bottom of post)

what better way to spend a 3 hour plane ride than to write a tumblr post about the most underrated disney princess of all time - pocahontas

at the time of release, it received immense backlash for creating a love story between a native american and a colonizer. however, my blog post is solely looking at it through a fictional lens.

their love story properly began with the song “colors of the wind”

“you think you own whatever land you land on, the earth is just a dead thing you can claim, but i know every rock and tree and creature, has a life, had a spirit, has a name”

“you think the only people who are people, are the people who look at think like you”

“come run the hidden pine trails of the forest, come taste the sunsweet berries of the earth, come roll in all the riches all around you. and for once, never wonder what they’re worth”

those are my favorite lyrics from the popular song since it captured the essence of pocahontas and john’s differences. pocahontas is essentially teaching him her way of living, showing him a new side of the world, and as the song progresses, their bond grows stronger. disney used the duration of a single song to showcase them bonding, having fun together, and allowing john smith to realize that life isn't about conquering lands, it's about understanding the land around you.

there are not many similarities between them, they grew up, lived, ate, drank, and spoke completely differently. but there is one thing they have in common - their loyalty, their love for their people, and the extent they would go to protect the ones they love.

considering their background, their differences in living, how they both have different missions in life and more important things they need to hold onto (see previous post) they knew for a fact, from the start, that they would never end up together. and let’s face it, there’s no rooting for it, love doesn’t stand against everything. because as i’ve said, there are bigger things in life that one needs to hold onto.

and they did just that, holding what they love dear.

Disclaimer:

I acknowledge history and the trauma, the damage, the hurt that indigenous people or anyone in history who has been mistreated, abused, or slaughtered has been through, and my blog is in no way trying to glorify history, change history, or reverse the damage they have been through. My blog is looking at stories solely through the lens of fiction. I am not trying to speak on behalf of anyone who created the stories but myself, who is only here appreciating fictional characters and stories.

however, i will not be replying to anyone who expresses anything regarding my posts. any reblogs with a reply i will ignore, criticism or not.

i am also here as a fellow blogger to encourage you to keep posting your opinions, on your blogs or reply to mine. that’s an important thing about tumblr, our opinions are what keeps this platform going.

thank you for your time and i hope you have a great rest of your day.