#Animation Production Market Analysis

[lalsingh228-blog]

Animation Production Market Projected to Show Strong Growth

Global Animation Production Market Report from AMA Research highlights deep analysis on market characteristics, sizing, estimates and growth by segmentation, regional breakdowns & country along with competitive landscape, player’s market shares, and strategies that are key in the market. The exploration provides a 360° view and insights, highlighting major outcomes of the industry. These insights help the business decision-makers to formulate better business plans and make informed decisions to improved profitability. In addition, the study helps venture or private players in understanding the companies in more detail to make better informed decisions. Major Players in This Report Include, Walt Disney Studios (United States), DreamWorks Pictures (Amblin Entertainment) (United States), Warner Bros. (United States), Cartoon Network Studios (United States), Nickelodeon Animation Studio (United States), Illumination Mac Guff  (France), Moving Picture Company (Technicolor SA) (France), Sony Pictures Imageworks Inc. (Canada), Nippon Animation  (Japan), Sunrise Inc. (Japan), Industrial Light & Magic (Unites States), Toei Animation Co., Ltd. (Japan), Double Negative (United Kingdom), Studio Ghibli, Inc. (Tokuma Shoten) (Japan) Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/92166-global-animation-production-market Animation production involves the process of designing, drawing and creating layouts and preparation of photographic sequences which are then integrated into multimedia and gaming products. There are various types of techniques and methods involves in animation production such as modeling, surfacing, rigging, layout preparation, and many other things. The animation production is basically the exploitation and management of still images or drawings to generate the illusional movement. The animation is widely used in media and entertainment, construction, healthcare, education industries. With the prevailing COVID 19 pandemic around the world, the animation production is steadily growing as the makers are still working, people are in quarantine at home and there is still an opportunity for the industry. Market Drivers

Increasing demand for high definition, immersive visual content for children as well as adults as a way of teaching and for entertainment which presents the content in an engaging way

Market Trend

Increasing Consumption of Animation Among Kids

Technical Advancement in Animation Production

Opportunities

Surging Demand for Animation Production Across the World While the COVID-19 Pandemic is Prevailing

The Emerging New Generation of Distribution Channels

Challenges

Lack of Awareness about Animation Production as a Career

Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/92166-global-animation-production-market In this research study, the prime factors that are impelling the growth of the Global Animation Production market report have been studied thoroughly in a bid to estimate the overall value and the size of this market by the end of the forecast period. The impact of the driving forces, limitations, challenges, and opportunities has been examined extensively. The key trends that manage the interest of the customers have also been interpreted accurately for the benefit of the readers. The Animation Production market study is being classified by Application (Media and Entertainment, Construction and Architecture, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Education and Academia, Manufacturing, Others), Animation (Cel (Celluloid) Animation, 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Motion Graphics, Stop Motion), Method (Modeling, Surfacing, Rigging, Layout / Set dressing / Anim Prep, Character Animation, Others), Channels (Television, Smartphones, Head-Mounted Device, Others), End User (Kids, Adults) The report concludes with in-depth details on the business operations and financial structure of leading vendors in the Global Animation Production market report, Overview of Key trends in the past and present are in reports that are reported to be beneficial for companies looking for venture businesses in this market. Information about the various marketing channels and well-known distributors in this market was also provided here. This study serves as a rich guide for established players and new players in this market. Get Reasonable Discount on This Premium Report @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/request-discount/92166-global-animation-production-market Extracts from Table of Contents Animation Production Market Research Report Chapter 1 Animation Production Market Overview Chapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Industry Chapter 3 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Global Revenue (Value, Volume*) by Region Chapter 5 Global Supplies (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Chapter 6 Global Revenue (Value, Volume*), Price* Trend by Type Chapter 7 Global Market Analysis by Application ………………….continued This report also analyzes the regulatory framework of the Global Markets Animation Production Market Report to inform stakeholders about the various norms, regulations, this can have an impact. It also collects in-depth information from the detailed primary and secondary research techniques analyzed using the most efficient analysis tools. Based on the statistics gained from this systematic study, market research provides estimates for market participants and readers. Contact US : Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) AMA Research & Media LLP Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA – 08837 Phone: +1 201 565 3262, +44 161 818 8166 sales@advancemarketanalytics.com

[marketresearchreportss]

3D Animation Market Expands Horizons with Advancements in Rendering and Modeling Technologies

In the realm of digital art, the 3D animation market has emerged as vibrant and dynamic. 3D animation is a universe where creativity meets technology; even the sky isn’t the limit. It is evident, even for a classic Disney enthusiast, that the world of animation has come a long way since the days of flipbooks and cel animation. Today, 3D animation reigns supreme, bringing characters and stories to life with stunning realism and endless creative possibilities. Let's dive into the booming 3D animation market and explore its exciting future.

The Magic of 3D Animation

3D animation breathes life into static objects, making them move and interact like in the real world, take Tokyo’s massive high-tech 3D billboards, for instance. From the enchanting realms of animated movies to the lifelike characters in video games, 3D animation is everywhere. It’s not just limited to entertainment and advertisement; industries like architecture, healthcare, and education also harness the power of 3D animation for various purposes. The magic of 3D animation, starting from every kid’s Marvel and DC superhero, even extends to the manga market.

Rendering the Market Landscape

The 3D animation market has witnessed exponential growth over the past few years, valuing USD 22.67 billion in 2023 and growing at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 12.3% from 2024 to 2030. This surge is driven by the increasing demand for 3D animated films, the rise of virtual reality, and the use of 3D animation for medical visualizations. Moreover, the advent of 4D technology and the increasing adoption of cloud-based 3D animation software are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for market expansion.

Order a free sample PDF of the 3D Animation Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Demand Drivers: Several trends are propelling the 3D animation market forward; here are a few of them:

Increasing Demand for High-quality Content: Audiences crave visually captivating experiences, and 3D animation delivers. From Hollywood blockbusters and immersive video games to healthcare and education, 3D animation enhances the world of precision, storytelling, and engagement.

The Rise of Metaverse: Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality experiences heavily rely on 3D animation to create realistic and interactive environments. As VR/AR technology becomes more accessible, the demand for 3D animation expertise will soar, highly influencing the metaverse market.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are increasingly used in 3D animation to improve efficiency and accuracy. AI-powered tools can automate modeling, texturing, and lighting tasks, allowing artists to focus on more creative aspects of the animation process.

E-learning and Remote Work: The shift towards online learning and remote work has opened new avenues for 3D animation. Explainer videos, interactive training modules, and virtual conferences leverage 3D animation for effective communication.

Cloud-based Rendering: Cloud-based rendering is becoming increasingly popular. It allows artists to access powerful computing resources remotely and reduces the need for expensive hardware. This trend is expected to continue, providing greater flexibility and cost savings for artists and studios.

Real-time Rendering: Real-time rendering is another popular trend, particularly in the gaming and virtual events industries. This technology allows for creating interactive 3D environments that can be updated in real-time, providing a more immersive experience for users.

3D Animation in Advertising: 3D animation is becoming more prevalent, providing a unique and engaging way to communicate brand messages. This trend is expected to continue as advertisers seek to differentiate themselves and capture the attention of their target audience.

3D Animation in EdTech: 3D animation is increasingly used in the education industry, especially in the medical field, to enhance patient education, improve surgical planning, and facilitate medical research. This includes creating detailed models of organs and tissues, simulating surgical procedures, and visualizing complex medical data for better understanding and diagnosis, thereby boosting the education technology market.

Key Players in Crafting Dimensions

The 3D animation industry is dominated by key players, such as Adobe Systems, Autodesk, and Corel Corporation. These companies continually innovate and upgrade their offerings to stay competitive. For instance, the introduction of AI in 3D animation software has revolutionized how animators create scenes and characters.

Perils in Pixels

The 3D animation market isn't without its challenges. The industry requires skilled professionals and powerful software, which can be expensive. Here are some of the challenges faced by the industry:

High Costs: The cost of producing 3D animations can be prohibitive for smaller businesses or individuals, as it requires specialized software, technology, and expert labor. High costs can lead to longer production cycles and greater expenses.

Technological Restrictions: Creating 3D animation is a difficult process that requires specialized knowledge and can take a long time. This complexity can result in longer production cycles and higher costs. Despite advancements, rendering times and device specifications can still limit considerations in 3D animation. These restrictions can hinder the adoption of 3D animation in certain industries or applications.

Regulatory Difficulties & Piracy: 3D animation companies may encounter difficulties adhering to copyright laws, licensing agreements, and other regulatory regulations, particularly when utilizing intellectual property that originates from external sources. Compliance with industry standards ensures the production of high-quality content while safeguarding intellectual property rights.

Framing the Next-generation

Looking ahead, the future of the 3D animation market seems brighter than ever, crossing the thin line between reality and the metaverse. With the advent of technologies like AR and VR, the demand for 3D animation content is expected to skyrocket. Furthermore, the increasing use of 3D animation in mobile applications and games is another trend to watch out for. From visiting historical monuments by traveling through space and time to zooming into the DNAs and decoding genetics, 3D animation can be used in a vast spectrum.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the 3D animation market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field with immense potential. As technology advances, we can expect even more exciting developments in this arena. Whether an animator, a business owner, a fan of 3D animation, or someone who has just read or watched “Ready Player One,” there’s no better time to be part of this exciting journey!

Stay tuned for more updates on the fascinating world of 3D animation!

[animal-care]

The Booming Global Animal Health Market

Market Overview

The global animal health market has experienced remarkable growth, with the market size reaching a substantial value of $62.4 billion in 2023. This robust market performance is projected to continue, with the market expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2024 to 2030, ultimately reaching a market size of $97.5 billion by 2030.

Regional Dynamics

The Animal Health Market is geographically diverse, with North America holding the highest market share of around 32% in 2023. This can be attributed to the wide range of definitive measures adopted by government and animal welfare organizations in the region, promoting animal health and welfare. Other key regions contributing to the market's growth include Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, each with their unique market dynamics and growth drivers.

Market Segmentation

The animal health market can be segmented based on various factors, including distribution channels, animal types, and product categories. In terms of distribution channels, the market is dominated by the retail segment, accounting for the largest market share, followed by e-commerce and hospital/clinic pharmacies. By animal type, the market is further divided into production animals, such as poultry, swine, and cattle, as well as companion animals, including dogs, cats, and horses.

Key Players and Competitive Landscape

The animal health market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including Zoetis, Ceva Santé Animale, Merck & Co., Inc., Vetoquinol S.A., and Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. These companies have established strong brand recognition, extensive product portfolios, and global reach, contributing to their dominant position in the market.

Drivers and Trends

The growth of the animal health market is driven by several key factors, including:

Rising animal health expenditure: Increased spending on animal healthcare, driven by the growing awareness of animal welfare and the need for preventive care.

Prevalence and incidence of animal diseases: The increasing prevalence of zoonotic diseases and the need for effective treatment and prevention measures.

Concerns over zoonoses: The growing focus on addressing the risks of diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Initiatives by key companies: Investments in research and development, product innovation, and strategic partnerships to expand market presence.

Pet humanization: The trend of treating pets as family members, leading to increased spending on their health and well-being.

Opportunities and Challenges

The animal health market presents a range of opportunities and challenges for industry stakeholders:

Opportunities:

Expansion in emerging markets: Developing economies, such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, offer significant growth potential due to rising pet ownership and increasing awareness of animal health.

Technological advancements: The integration of digital technologies, such as telemedicine and data analytics, can enhance the delivery of animal healthcare services and improve overall market efficiency.

Sustainable product development: The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and the development of eco-friendly animal health products can create new market opportunities.

Challenges:

Regulatory compliance: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape, particularly regarding the approval and marketing of animal health products, can be a significant hurdle for industry players.

Pricing pressures: Intense competition and the need to balance affordability with profitability can create pricing challenges for market participants.

Supply chain disruptions: Disruptions in the global supply chain, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can impact the availability and distribution of animal health products.

Conclusion

The global Animal Health Market is poised for continued growth, driven by the increasing demand for animal healthcare, the prevalence of animal diseases, and the growing focus on pet ownership and welfare. By leveraging their expertise, technological capabilities, and strategic partnerships, industry players can capitalize on the opportunities presented by this dynamic market and address the challenges to drive long-term success.

[crop-protection-market]

Exploring the Animal Care Market: A Global View of Share, Growth, and Future Outlook

The Animal Care Market, a domain driven by compassion and dedication, plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of our cherished animal companions. This comprehensive overview dives into the intricacies of the Animal Care Market, encompassing analysis, demand dynamics, growth projections, challenges, and emerging trends.

Compassionate Care: Unveiling the Landscape of the Animal Care Market

Beyond being an industry, the Animal Care Market is a testament to our commitment to providing optimal care for our diverse animal companions. Analyzing its multifaceted nature reveals the delicate balance between technological advancements, regulatory compliance, and the unwavering dedication of caregivers. The Global Animal Care Market Size is poised to reach USD 100 billion by 2025, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 6%. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region leads the way, holding a substantial 35% share of the total market revenue.

Meeting the Demand: Addressing the Needs of Pets and Livestock

Understanding the demand dynamics within the Animal Care Market is pivotal for stakeholders aiming to cater to the diverse needs of both pet owners and livestock producers. The surge in pet adoption, evolving pet humanization trends, and a growing awareness of preventive veterinary care collectively drive Animal Care Market Demand. Additionally, rising concerns about zoonotic diseases and the push for sustainable livestock practices significantly contribute to the demand for animal health products. Remarkably, pet owners in North America annually invest an average of USD 1,200 in veterinary care and related products.

Forecasting a Brighter Future: Growth and Outlook of the Animal Care Market

Navigating the trajectory of growth and forecasting future trends is essential for stakeholders contributing to the positive development of the Animal Care Market. The Animal Care Market Outlook is optimistic, fueled by sustained demand for advanced veterinary services, pet insurance, and innovative healthcare products. Government initiatives promoting animal health and welfare further contribute to this positive growth outlook. The Latin American region is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate in the Animal Care Market, with a projected CAGR of 8% over the next five years.

Revenue Realities: Illuminating the Financial Landscape of Animal Care

Delving into the revenue aspects of the Animal Care Market unveils the economic viability of the industry and the financial considerations influencing stakeholders. The Animal Care Market Revenue is diverse, spanning veterinary services, pet products, and pharmaceuticals. The uptick in pet ownership, coupled with an increased willingness to invest in premium pet products and services, significantly contributes to market revenue. Veterinary services specifically contribute to 50% of the total Animal Care Market Revenue, showcasing the growing emphasis on professional healthcare for pets.

Sizing Up: Animal Care Market Size and Emerging Trends

Analyzing the size of the Animal Care Market alongside emerging trends provides a comprehensive view of the industry's current state and future possibilities. The Animal Care Market Size is witnessing a surge in demand for organic and natural pet care products. Notably, e-commerce platforms are gaining popularity for purchasing pet products, reflecting shifts in consumer buying behavior. Online sales of pet care products have witnessed a substantial 25% year-on-year increase, signaling the digital transformation of the Animal Care Market.

Challenges on the Horizon: Navigating Animal Care Market Challenges

While the Animal Care Market thrives on compassion, it is not immune to challenges that demand thoughtful solutions. Animal Care Market Challenges include regulatory complexities, the increasing need for skilled veterinarians, and ethical considerations surrounding animal testing. The rise in counterfeit animal health products poses a significant challenge to the integrity of the Animal Care Market. The shortage of skilled veterinarians, estimated at 20% in developing regions, impacts the accessibility of veterinary services.

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Animal Care Market Trends

Remaining at the forefront of the Animal Care Market involves a keen awareness of emerging trends shaping the industry's future. Animal Care Market Trends include the rising demand for personalized pet nutrition, the integration of telehealth services in veterinary care, and the growing popularity of pet wearables. Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are gaining prominence, with consumers seeking ethically sourced and environmentally conscious animal care products. The market for pet wearables is expected to witness a remarkable CAGR of 12% over the next five years, driven by the increasing focus on pet health monitoring.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Compassion and Innovation

The Animal Care Market stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our animal companions. Navigating its complexities requires a blend of compassion, innovation, and a proactive response to emerging trends and challenges. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain adaptable and dedicated to ensuring the health and happiness of the creatures we cherish.

[playfulsparksp]

Easy Steps to Daily Market Your Product and Services

Contents to Market Your Product Basic Schedule Social Media Posts Market Your Product Direct Link to Your Product Email Marketing Blog Advanced Facebook Group Posts Job Boards Hiring Social Media Hiring Instagram Community Youtube Community Pinterest The Nice Things Post Work on Online Portfolio Communities Join Forums Cold Email These are our day-to-day marketing strategies for…

[ali3nboyfriend]

i’m not saying you have to become an expert on every level of production but i WILL say that knowing a basic gist of what goes into the different parts of different levels of production (when it comes to p much any form of entertainment, but esp TV and movies) will make your media analysis more thoughtful in general, because it makes you more open to analyzing something for what it is rather than what it is not

examples of this include, like, knowing what gets decided in a writer’s room vs what gets decided in editing and post production, how cinematography and music can recontextualize dialogue, how and by whom release schedules get determined, or even things like what sorts of animals or breeds are more common for trainers who work in entertainment to have access to, what can be safely done on screen in a live action production, and what determines ratings and how that effects what gets kept vs what gets chopped due to marketing concerns (disappointing because Capitalism Is The Death Of Art, but does mean poor decisions in this area are often the fault of studios and not creators)

it’s just a mindset that lets you give art a little bit more grace, and it helps you stay curious. when you see a bad decision on screen, you end up going “okay, but _why_ did they make this decision?” rather than just getting initially frustrated

[jesncin]

Thinking about Disney and how we talk about Cultural Representation

(concept art by Scott Watanabe)

Old essay originally written on Cohost in November 2023. With additions.

With all the promo stuff about Disney's upcoming animated film Wish, I can't help but think about Raya and the Last Dragon again. I spent a year intensively researching things about that movie and the discourse surrounding it for a series of videos on Xiran Jay Zhao's channel, and oh boy did that reveal a lot about the current way we talk about cultural representation in casual media criticism.

Lately we've grown a habit of looking at signifiers to culture, things like a cultural dish, a nod to a martial arts style, a piece of clothing, maybe a hairstyle, a weapon and so on, and then projecting a bunch of intentions onto the work regardless of authorial intent. I witnessed this a bunch of times in discussions surrounding Raya and the Last Dragon.

You basically get a bunch of 4d chess-style justifications for the lazy implementation of culture in Raya.

random examples cuz there's too many to name:

The movie will do something like make the leaders of the villain nation women, and people immediately assumed it was some kind of bespoke reference to Minangkabau matriarchical society.

the art book of Raya specifically stated that they purposely misplaced things as a stylistic fantasy choice "we could take something that is known and place it in an unexpected location, like coral in the desert and cacti in the snow". But when people saw a water buffalo placed in the desert they assumed it was some super clever environmental story decision.

The movie will tell you it includes things like Borobudur, Angkor wat, Keris, and most people will take their word for it without hesitation. Never mind that Southeast Asians could barely recognize these nods to our culture through how amalgamated the designs are.

(early concept art by Scott Watanabe)

Moving forward, I think we need to talk less about "what" parts of a culture are being represented in these movies, and more about HOW they're being included, we need to ask:

What is this piece of media's relationship with the cultures it represents?

Because Raya and the Last Dragon is not a cultural movie, it's a monolith film pitched and written by white people and a Mexican director with 2 SEA writers added later in production to avoid backlash. Culture serves the purpose of aesthetic set dressing in the film, as opposed to something that informs its themes and characters.

it wasn't even initially pitched as a Southeast Asian movie. The white writers who pitched it were going for a vague East Asian sci fi fantasy story under the working title "Dragon Empire". Southeast Asian culture was an aesthetic change added much later.

This is what happens when a corporation tries to put representational value on a shallow aesthetic. Because of the way Disney constantly marketed Raya as this big authentic cultural film, it primes its audience to read cultural intention in the most benign details. And when we get lost in the details, we lose sight of the bigger picture.

Contextualizing Cultural media criticism

(visual development art by April Liu)

We need to start demanding more context in our analysis. The next time we see a reference to culture in media we consume, take a step back and ask what purpose it serves in the narrative. And most importantly!! What Is Its Relationship With The Culture It Represents? We shouldn't just accept things at face value.

start asking yourself,

through what lens is this cultural dish and its spicy flavors being presented to us? Are the customs surrounding the food being respected?

If martial arts or dance is represented, how is it translated in the adaptation? Are you getting generic hollywood-fu or are you seeing specific movements with purpose and motivation? Are the philosophies or spiritual contexts of these traditions present in the text?

Are the clothing, hairstyles, and presentation of the characters being de-yassified through a colonial filter? Is the non-conformity of the cultures' different framework for gender presentation being adjusted to fit a more recognizable binary?

If language is present, what role does it serve? Is it presented as other through being exclusively used by villainous beings? Is it being made a monolith as one "non-English" language?

is this temple actually a place of worship or is it just a set piece for a goddang Indiana jones booby trap action fight sequence

This way, instead of unquestionably defending a piece of media because a character wore a traditional outfit one time, or because some characters took their shoes off at a temple, or because there were Arnis sticks in that one fight scene, we can approach the text with a more nuanced and holistic understanding of how culture informs narrative.

To quote Haunani K. Trask (author of From A Native Daughter):

“Cultural people have to become political… Our culture can’t just be ornamental and recreational. That’s what Waikiki is. Our culture has to be the core of our resistance. The core of our anger. The core of our mana. That’s what culture is for.”

[vldunchartedregions]

Voltron Season 8 Meta - The Ground Work

Before we start our episode-by-episode deep dive & broader analysis of Voltron Season 8...

I wanted to address our main philosophy and themes we will be touching on our journey together.

Firstly, every frame, expression, shot, angle, storyboard, character placement, dialogue? It is all intentionally chosen to cater to the story. Animation is expensive and Dreamworks banked on this show being the success. It was greenlit for 78 episodes off the bat, sectioned into 3 parts (26 episodes each).

MM: Okay. So at that time did you know it was a 78-episode contract?

JDS: Yes.

LM: Yes we did. That was probably one of our biggest lies. You know, sadly. We try not to lie too much, but I’ll tell you, I’m gonna blow-blow the whole industry up right now: if an animated show tells you they don’t know if they have a second season, they probably know they have a second season.

Let's Voltron - Episode 175 - Transcript by Team Purple Lion

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Oh yes, Dreamworks & Netflix were banking on this project. Budget comes into play and the show would've had an overall budget set in stone for animation, voice actors, writers, background artists, the showrunners, directors, marketing, events, etc. the works.

Moving forward, we must keep this philosophy in mind - every decision reflected within an episode - the title, all frames, shots, character placements, and dialogue choices within an episode that we'll be dissecting always has the following:

Intentions - The What?

Motivation & Purpose - The Why?

In a great audiobook I listened to from Reggie Fils-Aimé, called Disrupting the Game (highly encourage you to listen to it if you're curious about his time as President of Nintendo), he goes through his career journey chapter-by-chapter, tells important stories that helped shape him into who he is, and then ends each chapter with "The Why."

Why am I saying this? ADHD, but I do also have a point; walk with me here.

We will be looking at each episode with the lens of dissecting the double meaning of the episode titles - including the what and the why; identifying the layers in each episode that reflect the title's original intention and purpose. Neil Kaplan explains this notion well with "Launch Date" in his interview with Afterbuzz TV (Season 8, Episode 1 & 2 Recap)

[Timestamped: 3:07] 2. We will be dissecting scenes with the notion of the "What & "Why?" - from character expressions, to placement, to how the edits in post-production that were requested disrupts all of the original intentions of the episode and/or shots.

3. We will be looking towards my secret source (apologies to you all, but I'm NOT revealing who it is - sit down with some popcorn instead and enjoy the ride) with the information they have provided + other sources of information we've uncovered or have been informed of, to make informed conclusions with evidentiary support. Every step we take will be an informed conclusion.

In short, everything has a purpose and we will be walking through all of this with some lovely nuggets of (alleged) truth to feed our conclusions from my sources.

We also must keep in mind: explanations, intentions, and motivations can change throughout this meta. Our conclusions now might not be the ones we decipher later on. Not everything we know may be the truth, and even if we are to assume that what I've been told is all facts (allegedly; for entertainment purposes only), some facts even from my source may shift our current knowledge into a new truth.

When I tell you we have been binge watching these episodes again, and again, and tearing them apart limb from limb with the information we have, we are not exaggerating. We keep uncovering more with each rewatch and my friends, it is fascinating.

With ALL of this in mind, let's dive into some of the broader themes of Season 8:

In the first half of Season 8, we are shown that the paladins have not always made the correct decisions in their time defending the universe. Their actions DO have consequences, and their decision making from the past bites them in the ass.

...Case in point. 2. In the second half of Season 8, we unlock a few new themes: Love, Rebellion, & Redemption.

We will also address the Macross Theory™ Love Triangle.

Religious themes that go much deeper into the show than we initially thought. Further influence from many mecha shows (oh yes, this includes Evangelion here, friends - get in the robot, Lance).

Please see a screenshot from a DM from my valuable source from New Year's Day:

I was going to censor this message a little... however, I think it's a bit more fun to give you a teaser for what's to come. It's probably not what you're expecting.

Again, I must implore to you all - these changes were asked for last minute, hence why Season 8 is such a hard watch to old fans and new:

It was DONE. COMPLETE. FINISHED.

BEFORE Season 7 dropped.

They were ready to take a grand ol' break before Season 8 was meant to drop. Walk the dogs, paint some walls, eat some food. Y'know, they were on holiday mode - ready to book flights, job well done team!!

There was an incredible story awaiting us that unfortunately ended up on the cutting-room floor. This was even mentioned by LM at the NYCC panel in 2018, but for this purpose, I'll use a quote from the Afterbuzz TV podcast - February 25th, 2019:

LM: It was–there’s a ton of stuff that just hit the-hit the, kinda, cutting room floor, storyboard-wise, just because we didn’t have the time and so we’re looking like, it’s a kids’ show technically still, even though we’re trying to make it more than that. You have a-a scene that’s basically an act long that’s just in a white floaty space with people talking about, like, you know–

JDS: Bigger emotional stuff-

LM: Yeah. And, uh, you know, letting that go any longer than that is just like, “You can’t do it!”

ABTV Voltron February 25 Season Review with Showrunners in Studio - Transcript by Team Purple Lion

---

Now that's all addressed, I do want to lay some ground rules as we proceed through this meta. I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I want to make this clear to the fandom:

It was NEVER the crew, cast, or showrunners intention for Season 8 to pan out this way. They had an entirely different vision as to where the show was heading + they were probably confident it wouldn't be changed by the time they finished it. There was direct, last minute, executive intervention here. Do not hunt down all parties for this as it has been several years.

We implore you to approach this meta with empathy and kindness. How heartbreaking would it be to be the crew, let alone the showrunners, to be asked to amend and revise all of Season 8 after painstaking, hard work and having the season done already? With NO budget left? You can agree to disagree with me here, but this is how we will be approaching this meta. Be kind.

Your feelings are valid - abusive, unwarranted behaviours and opinions are not. We were not there and we don't know the full story and how it unfolded, no matter how much context and bits of information we were given. We DO have evidentiary support to fuel this meta and piece together a look at what may have been the original ending (allegedly; don't get me wrong) but I wanted to make this clear - no sending hate to anyone.

In light of all of this, let us begin with a teaser: I'll share one confirmation I had from my source...

Lotor was meant to be brought back to life from the rift.

Check out my Twitter page for any and all updates in regards to this insanely detailed meta; including teasers and screenshots! Please and thank you.

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Disclaimer: The one thing I humbly request is PLEASE... No hate towards the showrunners, cast, crew, or the official Voltron IP holders. There's a lot that has changed culturally and intrinsically within the industry over the years and this outcome was not something they could simply control. Let's be adults, look at this open conversation with empathy and love, and respectfully, let's indulge in this topic with grace - your feelings, however, are incredibly valid when it comes to this meta and what we uncover, as there's many alleged finds that may shock the fandom.

[hoelandah]

This will probably be my most controversial Homelander take:

As a black woman, TV!Homelander is accidentally the most "black man" coded white male character I've ever seen.

My reasoning and analysis is under the cut.

Let me preface that I'm aware that the subtext and mirroring I'm about to explain is likely not intentional in any way, shape, or form. Take this for the speculation and art analysis it is. This is also not Homelander apologia.

Warning: includes discussion of racial violence and SA.

Okay so. I'm one of those people who thinks that the Trump comparisons aren't correct. It's dead wrong. It's the writers and marketing clumsily trying to advertise the show by lampooning the conservatives. So, just leave the Homelander = Trump shit at the door.

1. His Dehumanization

It's no secret how much violence and dehumanization minorities go through. I'm going to elaborate on the specific markers of black male dehumanization.

Throughout European history the depiction and treatment of the black man has been "animal" and all the connotations that come with that word.

Violent. Stud. Low intelligence.

Black men were literally seen as not human. The idea of a black man having personhood would have genuinely been laughable to consider to whites in earlier history. They were no better than bulls.

Made to work. Made to breed. Made to be owned.

Homelander, like black men, never got the keys to "humanity." He was dehumanized before he was even a thought. A product of a "bull" that was so called "good stock" (Soldier Boy).

He was raised in isolation and abused by his owners to be ready to make his owners profit. His body was never his own. He's an asset. A product.

2. False/Conditional Privilege

Cut now to him debuting as The Homelander. Homelander is shallowly privileged by his looks and celebrity the same way black performers, particularly athletes, are: as long as they do the job. "Shut up and play, boy."

These teams are usually "owned" by rich white men. The black athlete should never do anything else but what they're paid to do. If they just do their job they get the conditional keys to "white male privilege." But only if they perform and never cause a stir or "take a knee."

During this time Homelander is groomed, intentionally and unintentionally, into what he is by everyone around him who only see him as a tool. And Homelander tries to always be "valued" in the public because what else does he have?

3. The Predatory Black Man Trope and "Jeromes" and "Tyrones"

Note: this section is likely reaching a little, take it with lots of salt.

This next section discusses the whole Becca thing.

Let the record show that I know and understand that Becca was raped. Full stop. I have some thoughts as to how much Homelander is aware of the gravity of what he did since he's a giant toddler whose moral compass has been made to point straight down to hell but it's obvious he does not care about how much he hurt her.

The show just puts some weird ass ambiguity around the whole incident. They don't really go into the specifics, we can only guess his motivations based on other women he's "been" with. And considering he legit didn't understand that Stillwell felt nothing but fear for him and he has no understanding of relationships or boundaries and his love for dominance due to deep insecurity he could totally think, in his fucked up mind, that he didn't do anything wrong.

"She's just a human, who cares? They use me, I use them." - Homelander, probably.

I just want it clear that I'm not exonerating him or minimizing Becca's hurt in this next section.

Anyway, this Becca situation loosely mirrors the "black men, "Jeromes" or "Tyrones" as some racists call them, are predators that prey on or seduce white women and give their husbands mixed babies" stereotype. And Butcher's hatred for Homelander never seems to be for Becca's sake. It's selfish, singly focused and possibly includes guilt and a sore ego.

It's also bigoted.

Superpowers or not supes are kind of minority coded like the X-Men. Think of them as an intersectional category like minorities that are rich or people with disabilities that need less support than people with more severe disabilities. Like sure, they'll like fair better in the current system but

The rich minority is still a minority.

The disabled person with less support needs is still disabled.

Vought (the elites) more or less run supes and they are assets. Many of them were injected with compound V as children by greedy or hopeful parents coerced by capitalism so it's a systemic issue.

It speaks to Butcher's character that Becca ran to Vought of all places and didn't tell her husband. He hates supes that much.

Homelander is then kept from that son like black men have been separated from their families, even after black men were no longer forcibly taken as away as slaves they were forced away by welfare policy that would only support black women if they weren't married. It was more feasible to never marry your man and tell welfare you were single because he didn't earn enough to take care of the family.

And likely Vought would have continued the cycle of violence with Ryan if Homelander had not found him. Vought wasn't gonna keep Becca and Ryan safe for free, I assure you.

4. He'll Never Be A "Real Man"

Homelander also occupies that "never quite a man" category that black men are put in. They're painted as dangerous and virile. They're "men" when they're a threat. Yet also belittled and never afforded real manhood. A "boy" when they're being looked down on. "Boy" is a touchy word for black men for this reason. It has as much history and hurt to them as more obvious slurs.

Homelander is lied to and belittled by Vought ofc. He's denied true manhood like them but is made to perform it to a cartoonish degree that I would argue he's actually not happy with. If Vought exists, he will never be free and will never live in genuine peace because his crimes will follow him. Ruling the world would be his only option and that would only "fix" so much.

They made sure he has no real tools or skills to actually run things effectively (he's confused during board meetings and doesn't understand shit). He was purposely made too intellectually incurious and emotionally stunted to truly learn (he deflects and gets angry). He's actually surprisingly inept in some ways. His only skill is that he's scary and dangerous.

High intelligence and manipulation are usually put down as his skills and like sure, he's far from dumb and he's really sneaky. Everyone around him is the most morally fucked liar to ever exist...but I'm gonna be real: his manipulation is not that impressive. Most of it is just intimidation. Folks don't wanna get lasered.

So, he substitutes this denied agency and lack applied skills with hyper violence, materialism, flashiness, cockiness, etc.

A "thug," basically.

"Thugs" are usually just young black men clamoring for real manhood in a world that will never give it to them so they sometimes turn to these things in disenfranchisement. Sometimes they become cops for the same reason.

5. "The Boys," as A Phrase Makes Me Think of Lynch Mobs

This one is pretty subjective so take it with salt as well.

"The boys" is harkening to calling for one's group. And due to Butcher's hard on for killing supes because of his hatred with his group it kind of puts me in the mind of posses of white men that would be informally gathered (sometimes even aided by law enforcement) to enact "retribution" on black men and boys "who have stepped out of line." See Emmet Till.

"Round up the boys, we're gonna hang us a..."

You know the rest.

If Butcher was fully depicted as the morally fucked protag he is in the comics this wouldn't bother me, thematically it would fit. But they hedge on Butcher's morality a little, making him less of a genuine bastard and more like someone with lapsed judgment or faculties who's the "lesser of two evils" so it's just uncomfortable.

Anyway, that's it. I'm just fascinated by the unintentional mirroring. This is likely why, even though Homelander is who he is, women, queer people and POC have a complex love/fascination for him. The only thing that makes him so hard to sympathize with is that his crimes are particularly abhorrent and physically he's more powerful than anyone else and a genuine threat.

I've never been so afraid to hit "Post" in my LIFE.

[shayminlucario07]

Content warning: Genshin Impact

Yes I know shut up I need to rant about this

Spoiler Warning for the end of the Natlan Archon Quests, if you care.

People are really out here saying that they should've fridged Mavuika so that they could compromise Capitano's entire story just to keep him around? Fandom is going to be true to its extremely sexist nature, I know, and truly my expectations for the Genshin fandom could not be lower, but WOW the lack of critical analysis skills is truly abysmal and somehow I'm disappointed. I didn't even know that was possible at this point.

Capitano's story was literally entirely about bringing peace to his dead soldiers in Natlan. This ending was set up well in advance, to the point where I literally saw it coming months ago. Just because it's a gacha game and Capitano had a unique design doesn't mean he was going to be playable, Signora proved that. And on the subject of Signora- yeah, I get it, Capitano is a hot guy with a sad backstory, ambiguous morals, and a badass design. People are going to like him. But I've never seen that same energy for Signora, and I wonder why that is? (Answer: It's sexism.) It was not "wasted potential" to kill of Capitano, it was not bad writing, it was literally basic setup and payoff.

And of course they're not going to kill of Mavuika, she's an Archon for fuck's sake. Yes, they killed of Focalors, and that was probably the most well-written storyline they've ever done, but it was good because of the misdirection. We thought Furina was the archon, but she wasn't, and they didn't kill off Furina at all- for narrative reasons, yes, but also because she's the main character of Fontaine and the center of all of the region's marketing. It would be an extremely dumb decision from a financial standpoint to invest the majority of the marketing budget for the entire region into one character and then kill them off, which is why they didn't do that, and you're an idiot if you think they should've. For multiple reasons.

I understand that people may not like Mavuika- that's fine, you're not obligated to; the idealistic, self-sacrificing leader woman has never exactly been an uncontroversial character archetype, I'm a Horizon: Zero Dawn fan and I know that from experience. (GET BEHIND ME ALOY I WILL DEFEND YOU UNTIL THE DAY I DIE.) Hell, I'm a Xenoblade Chronicles fan. (If you don't know about the widespread dislike (read: Hatred) of Melia Antiqua, god I wish I was you.) But whitewashing aside (Which is not a Mavuika issue but an issue with Genshin as a whole, and no I'm not ignoring it), Mavuika is not a bad character. Even the motorcycle isn't bad design. If you can believe that Xilonen can be a Roller Skating DJ, you can believe Mavuika has a motorcycle. If you can believe that the Fontaine Research Institute made a pair of extremely advanced Mek ice-dancer combat units and a gravity-manipulating ring-thing (seriously what is that boss), you can believe Mavuika has a motorcycle. If you can believe that Ayato drinks boba tea in his idle animations, you have no excuse for Mavuika's motorcycle breaking your suspension of disbelief. Boba tea was invented AFTER THE INVENTION OF THE MOTORCYCLE. (Boba tea was invented in the 1980s, the concept of the motorized bicycle dates back to the 1880s at least and what we would recognize as the modern motorcycle was in standard production during the First World War to be used by soldiers.) Just because it's fantasy doesn't mean it doesn't have technology. Historical context is important, and also, it's fiction and is not analogous to any specific real-world time setting, as evidenced by the outfits even in Mondstadt.

TL;DR, fandoms are sexist, Genshin fans are dumb and lack basic critical analysis skills, Capitano's death is a World of Warcraft reference (Bolvar Fordragon at the end of Icecrown Citadel, if you know you know), and Mavuika is hot as fuck. Fire Bayonetta can run me over with that dragon motorcycle any day.

[yakutarts]

Yakut’s Commission Sheet 2025

[OPEN]

Finally made a brand new commission sheet!! I really like the way it turned out, and if I spot any mistake now I Will cry myself to sleep, because GODAMN it took fucking 12 hours to make this.

Transcript, T.o.S., and other important information under the cut!!

Yakut Arts Commission Sheet

Sketch

Headshot - $5

Bust - $7

Half body - $10

Full body - 15

Line Art

Headshot - $17

Bust - $22

Half body - $28

Full body - $36

Flat Color

Headshot - $20

Bust - $26

Half body - $32

Full body - 45

No line art: + $5,50

Cel Shaded

Headshot - $30

Bust - $36

Half body - $42

Full body - $55

No line art: + $15,50

Soft shaded

Headshot - $46

Bust - $52

Half body - $64

Full body - $76

No line art: + 25,50

Detailed

Headshot - $60

Bust - $70

Half body - $90

Full body - $130

Other stuff:

More characters: + %50 of the price per character

Background: + %70 of the price

Complex design: + %15 - %30 of the price

Hard to draw: + %10 - %40 of the price

Currencies that I accept:

$ - United States Dollar (USD)

€ - Euro

R$ - Brazilian Real (BRL)

Payment via:

PayPal

Stripe

PIX

* All the prices are the same, no matter the currency. If you want a $20 Flat Color Headshot but only use euro, then you will pay €20;

* If you are american or european, you CANNOT pay in BRL;

* While PayPal is the most popular and most used option, I highly recommend Stripe, because you don’t need an account to pay and I can safely send you an invoice via e-mail.

Prices before and after comparison:

I will draw:

Furry, Anthro, Feral, Animals, Creatures, Fanart, Fruit/Candy/Regular gore, NSFW, kinks, suggestive art, Complex designs, Partially mecha, Horror, Weapons/Armor, Cosplay, Magic, Skeletons/bones, Latex, Copyrighted characters, and others.

I won’t draw:

Humans, Extremely heavy gore, Fully mecha (Synths are an exception), Offensive art, Some fetishes, Watersports, Scat, Things that make me really uncomfortable, Commercial commissions, Things I can't draw because it's above my current level.

Terms of Service

1. Commercial Commissions:

- I do not work with commercial commissions. Any use of your commissioned artwork is for personal, non-profit purposes only.

- It is not permitted to use the commissioned artwork for commercial purposes, such as resale, mass reproduction, or any other form of profit.

2. Usage Restrictions:

- The commissioned artwork is not allowed to be used for artificial intelligence training or any form of data analysis.

- Reselling the commissioned artwork, especially as an NFT (non-fungible token) or any other form of tradable digital asset, is strictly prohibited.

3. Copyright and Intellectual Property:

- I retain all copyrights and intellectual property rights to the commissioned artwork, even after delivery.

- The client does not have the right to claim authorship of the artwork or use it in any way that infringes upon the artist's rights.

4. Use of Images and Promotion:

- I reserve the right to use images and information about the commissioned artwork, including the final product, for promotional and marketing purposes, unless specifically agreed otherwise.

- When reposting the images, it is highly recommended that you repost the version that is watermarked and/or glazed/nightsahded, which will also be delivered to you along with the "clean" version of the image, to prevent stealing and it being fed to A.I. models.

5. Custom Designs:

- Custom designs created by the artist are not to be resold or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission from the artist.

- If reselling is permitted, the price of the resold design must be equal to or lower than the original price set by the artist, but never higher.

6. Payments and Refunds:

- Payments for commissions must be made as agreed between the client and the artist before the start of the work. All transactions must be conducted in United States Dollars (USD), unless otherwise agreed upon.

- No refunds will be granted after the commencement of the creative process unless there are exceptional circumstances agreed upon by both parties. In that scenario, if the client does not want to continue the project, a partial refund will be granted based on how far I have completed the commission, but if for any reason I am the one who cannot work on your project anymore, I will give you a full refund.

- If you are Brazillian, you will have the special option to use the currency Brazillian, Real R$ (BRL) and pay via PIX.

7. Privacy:

- During the payment and commissioning process, both parties may have access to private information such as full legal names, addresses, and contact details. Both parties agree to respect each other's privacy and refrain from disclosing or doxxing any private information shared during the transaction. Breach of this clause may result in legal action.

8. Limited Liability:

- The artist will make every effort to provide high-quality work and meet the client's expectations. However, the artist is not liable for any damages arising from the use or interpretation of the commissioned artwork. [Example: The infamous YouTuber Verbablaze commissioned a $50,000.00 animation of him and the Hazbin Hotel character, Charlie, where they were being shown in a suggestive situation. Verbablaze posted the animation and got criticized and made fun of because of it. If you were to commission me, and then get into a controversy because of what you commissioned, I would not be held responsible and I will reserve the right to rather or not make a statement on the situation and/or get involved.]

9. Delivery Timeframe:

- While I do not work with strict deadlines, it is generally expected that the commission will be completed within a timeframe of 1-2 weeks to 1 month. However, please note that the actual delivery time may vary depending on the complexity and workload of the project.

10. Revisions:

- I understand that clients may have specific requirements or preferences. I am open to accommodate up to 10 major changes to the commissioned artwork. Please note that these revisions must be requested and finalized before the rendering process begins. Once the rendering process has started, I can accept up to 5 additional minor revisions, but major changes may not be feasible at that stage. Any revisions beyond these limits may be subject to additional charges or renegotiation.

11. Modifications to the Terms of Service:

- The artist reserves the right to modify these terms of service at any time, with prior notice to clients.

By proceeding with an art commission from me, Yakut, the client acknowledges that they have read and agree to these terms of service. Any violation of these terms may result in appropriate legal actions.

Here are some artwork quality examples:

Commission sheet creation Timelapse:

To make a commission request, you can send me a direct message (DM) to me on Tumblr, Bluesky, Twitter, or Instagram. I am not active on Discord so there’s a 90% I won’t see your message.

[pals-pet-project]

Pal's Pro Pet Tip #1: Dog Food

We're gonna start this blog off with a bang: selecting the right brand of food for your dog.

"But Pal," you say, "That sounds really boring. Surely it can't be that important."

Wrong.

There's a lot of nuance to dog food. It can get really complicated. But, luckily, it's also really simple.

First, what to avoid.

A lot of people think that the more "natural" foods are best. After all, dogs are descended from wolves. Shouldn't we be feeding them like wolves?

No <3

Here's a PDF of the potential dangers of feeding raw

TL;DR: There's a higher chance of bacterial contamination in uncooked foods. Additionally, there is a serious danger of nutrient deficiency when feeding homemade, refrigerated, or raw diets.

Even if you're not feeding raw, lots of brands will advertise themselves as "holistic" or "natural." In my opinion, this is a good reason to run away. Those are buzzwords. They mean nothing. They're not good for your dog because they're focused more on the marketing than the research behind their products.

Second, what to look for.

Lucky for you, there's an easy answer to all of this. But I'm gonna go through the finer details first.

What do we want, then? If natural is bad and raw is bad, then what is good?

Science. Science is good.

So, when you're looking for a food, I always recommend following WSAVA guidelines. (And we trust WSAVA because they're a global organization that has put decades into researching pet foods in order to make sure their needs are being met) I'm gonna summarize this below, but if this is too much to read, I'll simplify things at the end.

Basically, you want a brand of food that:

Has an Animal Nutritionist on staff. They have a nutritionist--who either has a PhD in Animal Nutrition or is certified by either the American College for Veterinary Nutrition or European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition. Many, many brands are like "Yeah we have a specialist :)" But fun fact: That's a title anyone can give themself. It means nothing. Another important distinction is that they are on staff--not an outside consult. They are always there overseeing the research and the process.

Has a trustworthy pet food formulator--someone with a Masters or Doctorate in Animal Nutrition. Maybe their Animal Nutritionist is cross-trained. Maybe it's someone else with a PhD. Regardless, it's not just anyone--it's someone that knows the intricacies of not only nutrition, but also how to handle raw materials and process food. These are things not taught in veterinary school, and they're certainly not things readily available to breeders or trainers.

Has a good quality control process. First off, do we know they meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or European Pet Food Industry Federation guidelines? (That just means they meet the profile of nutrition a dog needs.) How do we know that? They should be running tests on their food pretty much constantly--ingredient validation, final diet nutrition analysis, toxicology, bacteriology, and packaging/shelf-life screenings prior to these foods being released.

Bonus: Dedicates themselves to product research and nutrition studies. This isn't a requirement of WSAVA, but it does show a dedication to the health of the animals they're feeding.

"Wow. That sure is a lot of information. How the hell am I supposed to check all that?!"

Good news.

Kind of.

Out of the hundreds of brands of pet food, there are five brands--FIVE--that meet all these requirements. Those brands are:

Iams

Purina (ANY purina brand--so Pro Plan and One are both good!)

Hills Science Diet

Eukanuba

Royal Canin

That's it. Those five brands have put in the necessary money, hours, and experience to make sure you're getting a science-based food that's good for your dog. Other companies may claim to be WSAVA approved, but don't be fooled. That's not a thing. It's not an accreditation organization. They simply offer guidelines that a brand does or doesn't meet. There's a sixth brand that funds the WSAVA, but they do not meet the guidelines!

Bottom line?

When recommending a brand of food, I stick to those 5 brands. There's a wide range of affordability within those brands, so there's something for everyone!

That being said, I also never shame someone for what they're feeding. Fed is best at the end of the day, and lots of people don't know better. You can educate and redirect, but the most important thing is that a dog is eating.

[evidence-based-activism]

Sex Industry Masterlist

To make my resources more accessible, I am now going to have separate posts linking to each of my feminism subcategories. These are intended to catalog my resource posts, not every post on my blog.

This is the masterlist for my #sex industry tag, which includes (but is not limited to) posts on prostitution and pornography.

Most of these posts are mine, but I will include the occasional resource from others.

Please see my main masterlist for other topics.

This post will be edited to include further resources, so check back on the original post link for updates. (Last update: 03/2025)

Prostitution

Harms of prostitution:

Prostitution is inherently exploitative and dangerous.

Prostitutes are at a severe power disadvantage to the men “buying” sex.

Both indoor and outdoor prostitution are extremely unsafe.

The harms of prostitution are found outside of shelter/help center samples.

You cannot make prostitution OSHA compliant.

Prostitution is harmful to all women and particularly women of color.

In a metaphor about drug addiction: women are the drugs and pimps the dealers.

Models to respond to prostitution:

Full legalization of prostitution (i.e., legalizing selling and buying) increases human trafficking; in contrast, the Nordic model does not. (Another source.)

The Nordic model mitigates harms to prostitutes and shrinks the industry.

Pornography

Relationship between pornography and misogynistic beliefs/behaviors:

My analysis of how pornography could be related to maladaptive beliefs and behaviors and why the exact direction of this relationship is irrelevant.

Pornography use is associated with many rape myths and rape-related behaviors.

Pornography use is associated with more misogynistic beliefs and behaviors, particularly when violent.

Exposure to pornography increases endorsement of rape myths.

Natural experiments help indicate a causal relationship between pornography and rape.

Studies with a pro-pornography stance suffer from methodological problems, misuse of population data, and other factors that refute their stance.

Pornography does not result in less rape.

Exposure to violent pornography is linked to teen dating violence.

Pornography use is prevalent in criminal populations.

Other effects of pornography:

The effects of violent mass media are not equivalent to the effects of pornography.

Pornography addiction is well documented and harmful.

Research on animated pornography is very limited, but what exists is not optimistic.

Non-academic and sources based around self-report do not make valid defenses against academic studies illustrating the negative effects of pornography.

Pornography promotes unsafe sex education/behaviors.

There are also significant negative effects of pornography on the people who watch it.

Harm inherent to the production of pornography:

You cannot make pornography OSHA compliant.

Pornography causes harms above and beyond that of capitalism.

Male performers in gay porn are exploited and victimized by the industry.

You cannot know that everything in a pornographic video is consensual.

Sex differences in pornography use:

Many men use pornography on a very regular basis.

Women do not watch pornography for various reasons, including their maintenance of morals in sexuality.

Pornography companies resist even very basic regulations, choosing to completely exit markets rather than comply with age verification laws.

Endorsing pornography is like if horror movies “sometimes” included actual murder and people were fine with watching it anyway.

Other:

Harms from pornography can be divided into the harms inherent to the production and the harms emerging from consumption.

Modern pornography has not always existed and is uniquely harmful.

Masturbation is a normal, healthy behavior; it also does not require pornography.

There is a rise in sexual deepfakes being created about female public figures.

[animal-care]

Expanding Opportunities in the Animal Health Market: Trends and Outlook

Introduction

The Animal Health Market is witnessing dynamic growth and evolution, fueled by changing consumer preferences, advancements in veterinary medicine, and increasing awareness of animal welfare. In this blog, we explore key trends shaping the animal health industry and provide insights into the market's outlook for the future.

Rise of Pet Ownership

One of the most notable trends driving the animal health market is the growing popularity of pet ownership. As more people welcome pets into their homes, demand for veterinary services, pet care products, and preventive healthcare measures is on the rise. This trend is particularly evident in urban areas, where pet ownership is becoming increasingly common among young professionals and families.

Focus on Preventive Care

Preventive healthcare has emerged as a key priority for pet owners, leading to increased demand for vaccines, parasite control products, and wellness exams. Veterinarians are increasingly emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and preventive treatments to maintain pets' health and detect potential issues early. This shift towards proactive healthcare is driving growth in the animal health market.

E-Commerce Boom

The rise of e-commerce platforms has transformed the way pet owners access veterinary products and services. Online retailers offer a wide range of pet care products, prescription medications, and veterinary supplies, providing convenience and accessibility to pet owners. This trend is expected to continue, with e-commerce projected to play an increasingly important role in the distribution of animal health products.

Focus on Animal Welfare

Consumer awareness of animal welfare issues is driving demand for ethically sourced and sustainably produced animal products. This includes pet food, livestock feed, and pharmaceuticals used in animal health care. Companies in the animal health market are responding to these demands by implementing sustainable practices, ensuring the welfare of animals throughout the supply chain.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing the practice of veterinary medicine, with innovations such as telemedicine, digital health monitoring, and artificial intelligence gaining traction. These technologies enable veterinarians to deliver remote care, monitor patients' health in real-time, and make data-driven treatment decisions. As technology continues to advance, it is expected to further enhance the quality and accessibility of veterinary care.

Regulatory Landscape

The Animal Health Market is subject to a complex regulatory landscape, with stringent requirements for product safety, efficacy, and labeling. Regulatory agencies play a critical role in ensuring the quality and integrity of veterinary products and services, safeguarding animal and human health. Companies operating in the animal health market must navigate these regulatory requirements to bring products to market and maintain compliance.

Global Expansion Opportunities

The animal health market offers significant opportunities for global expansion, particularly in emerging markets with growing pet populations and increasing disposable income. Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are emerging as key growth regions for the animal health industry, presenting opportunities for investment and market expansion.

Conclusion

The animal health market is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory developments. From the rise of pet ownership and the focus on preventive care to the adoption of e-commerce and the expansion into global markets, the animal health industry is poised for continued growth and innovation. By staying abreast of key trends and embracing opportunities for innovation and expansion, stakeholders in the animal health market can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving industry.

[crop-protection-market]

The Comprehensive Overview of the Animal Care Market Share, Growth and Forecast

The Animal Care Market, a crucial and compassionate industry, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and health of our beloved animal companions. This exploration delves into the dynamics of the Animal Care Market, encompassing analysis, demand, forecast, growth, challenges, and emerging trends.

Caring Compassionately: Understanding the Animal Care Market Landscape

The Animal Care Market is not merely an industry; it's a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible care for our furry, feathery, and scaly friends. Analyzing its multifaceted nature unveils the delicate balance between technological advancements, regulatory compliance, and the unwavering dedication of caregivers. Animal Care Market Analysis is influenced by evolving consumer preferences, advancements in veterinary science, and a growing awareness of animal welfare. The Global Animal Care Market Size is projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2025, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 6%. The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest share in the Global Animal Care Market, accounting for 35% of the total market revenue.

Meeting the Demand: Satisfying the Needs of Pets and Livestock Alike

Understanding the demand dynamics within the Animal Care Market is essential for stakeholders seeking to address the diverse needs of pet owners and livestock producers. Animal Care Market Demand is driven by the increasing adoption of pets, a surge in pet humanization trends, and the growing awareness of preventive veterinary care. Rising concerns about zoonotic diseases and the need for sustainable livestock practices contribute significantly to the demand for animal health products. Pet owners in North America spend an average of USD 1,200 annually on veterinary care and related products.

Forecasting a Brighter Future: Animal Care Market Growth and Outlook

Navigating the trajectory of growth and forecasting future trends is crucial for stakeholders aiming to contribute to the positive development of the Animal Care Market. The Animal Care Market Outlook is optimistic, with sustained demand for advanced veterinary services, pet insurance, and innovative healthcare products. Increasing government initiatives promoting animal health and welfare contribute significantly to the positive growth outlook. The Latin American region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the Animal Care Market, with a projected CAGR of 8% over the next five years.

Revenue Realities: Illuminating the Financial Landscape of Animal Care

Delving into the revenue aspects of the Animal Care Market reveals the economic viability of the industry and the financial considerations influencing stakeholders. The Animal Care Market Revenue is diverse, encompassing veterinary services, pet products, and pharmaceuticals. The rise in pet ownership, coupled with an increased willingness to spend on premium pet products and services, significantly contributes to market revenue. Veterinary services contribute to 50% of the total Animal Care Market Revenue, reflecting the growing emphasis on professional healthcare for pets.

Sizing Up: Animal Care Market Size and Trends

Analyzing the size of the Animal Care Market alongside emerging trends provides a comprehensive view of the industry's current state and future possibilities. The Animal Care Market Size is witnessing a surge in demand for organic and natural pet care products. E-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly popular for purchasing pet products, reflecting changing consumer buying behavior. Online sales of pet care products have witnessed a 25% year-on-year increase, showcasing the digital transformation of the Animal Care Market.

Challenges on the Horizon: Navigating Animal Care Market Challenges

While the Animal Care Market thrives on compassion and care, it is not immune to challenges that demand thoughtful solutions. Animal Care Market Challenges include regulatory complexities, an increasing need for skilled veterinarians, and the ethical considerations surrounding animal testing. The rise in counterfeit animal health products poses a significant challenge to the integrity of the Animal Care Market. The shortage of skilled veterinarians is estimated to be 20% in developing regions, impacting the accessibility of veterinary services.

Embracing Trends: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Animal Care

Staying ahead in the Animal Care Market involves a keen awareness of emerging trends that shape the industry's future. Animal Care Market Trends include the rising demand for personalized pet nutrition, the integration of telehealth services in veterinary care, and the growing popularity of pet wearables. Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are gaining prominence, with consumers seeking ethically sourced and environmentally conscious animal care products. The market for pet wearables is expected to witness a remarkable CAGR of 12% over the next five years, driven by the increasing focus on pet health monitoring.

Conclusion

The Animal Care Market stands as a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our animal companions. Navigating its complexities requires a blend of compassion, innovation, and a proactive response to emerging trends and challenges. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain adaptable and dedicated to ensuring the health and happiness of the creatures we cherish.

[mariacallous]

On April 1st, the day before President Donald Trump’s tariffs cratered global markets, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters “to trust the President’s instinct on the economy.” In the days afterward, Johnson’s message was echoed by legions of online supporters, who, amid plunging stock prices and predictions of a global recession, reminded one another to “trust the plan,” a catchphrase popular on QAnon forums.

For many devotees, Trump was a political savant. He was playing “4-D chess,” they said, supposedly outsmarting billionaire backers like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk, analysts who expected trade wars and job losses, and the twenty-three Nobel Prize-winning economists who cautioned that his policies would cause “higher prices, larger deficits, and greater inequality.” Elsewhere in the MAGAverse, self-proclaimed prophets announced that a divine plan was under way. In an April 7th video that’s been viewed nearly four hundred thousand times, the Iowa-based evangelist Julie Green claimed that God had warned her of the economic crash before the tariffs were announced. “Your economy, and all the markets, have been overtaken by the enemies from within,” God reportedly told her. “Their control over your nation, and its economy, is all collapsing in front of you.”

The tone marked a vibe shift from the technocracies of yesteryear. “I know that sometimes when I was President, and even when I was a candidate, folks would say, ‘Barack, you’re talking too long. You’re too professorial. You’re explaining stuff too much,’ ” Obama said, in 2018. His was a politics of complexity and deliberation, of data and binders and reasoned debate. Trump’s first term began in this style. Working alongside institutionalists like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell, and through appointees like Gary Cohn and H. R. McMaster, his Administration kicked off with a familiarly wonkish feel. But, in the eight years since Trump first took office, procedure has given way to prophecy. For millions of his followers, the President is no longer the Administrator-in-Chief but something closer to the hero Rama in the Hindu epic the Ramayana: a divine avatar destined to wage a holy war against evil.

Trump’s messianic appeal may seem like a twenty-first-century creation, a product of partisan rage, epistemic drift, and American-style evangelicalism. This is the conclusion of much of the analysis on the convergence of conspiratorial thinking and spiritual yearning, often termed “conspirituality.” In “The Age of Magical Overthinking,” the writer Amanda Montell treats the phenomenon as an algorithmic aberration: “Combine our organic animism with capitalism and tech-powered misinformation spread, and you get conspirituality.” Likewise, the scholars Charlotte Ward and David Voas, in their 2011 paper popularizing the term “conspirituality,” described it as a historically contingent synthesis: a fusion of the “female-dominated New Age (with its positive focus on self) and the male-dominated realm of conspiracy theory (with its negative focus on global politics).”

But to treat the right’s politico-mystical fervor as a modern malfunction is to miss its deeper logic. The Trumpian mystique echoes a dynamic that has occurred for centuries and across cultures. Its core ingredients—an alleged league of pedophiles, a godlike miracle worker, promises of an Edenic restoration—resemble archetypes that have long occupied humanity’s imagination. Trump’s followers may communicate through memes and message boards, but their faith belongs to a much older mythology: the eternal face-off between shaman and witch, prophet and cabal.

In 1987, an army of between seven and ten thousand soldiers advanced toward Uganda’s capital, Kampala. They were led by Alice Auma, a fishmonger turned spirit medium in her early thirties. A photograph from that period shows her seated between two followers. Dressed in a plain white top and a long patterned skirt, she looks less like a rebel commander than she does a schoolteacher or a market vender. To her supporters, though, she was a prophet possessed by the spirit of an Italian captain named Lakwena (“messenger,” in the Acholi language) sent to cleanse the land of sin and corruption. Known thereafter as Alice Lakwena, she pledged to destroy witches, purify warriors, and unite Ugandans against the President, Yoweri Museveni.

Alice was a healer before she was a fighter. Her first acolytes were fellow-members of the Acholi ethnic group. They feared extermination after Museveni, an ethnic Hima, overthrew Tito Okello, an Acholi officer, and the army demanded that all Acholi surrender their weapons. Her fighters later told missionaries, “The good Lord who had sent the Lakwena decided to change his work from that of a doctor to that of a military commander for one simple reason: it is useless to cure a man today only that he be killed the next day.”

Alice’s rise was not anomalous. As I explore in my new book, “Shamanism: The Timeless Religion,” upheaval often begets messianic revelation. When colonialism disrupted social orders in New Guinea and the surrounding islands, so-called cargo cults emerged, led by shaman-prophets who promised material abundance, the return of ancestors, and, in many instances, the end of foreign rule. In South Africa, the teen-age seer Nongqawuse foretold that the European settlers would be swept into the sea and a golden age would dawn—if only her people slaughtered their cattle and burned their crops. And in mid-nineteenth-century China, at a time of disasters, crippling taxation, and Western humiliation, a failed civil-service candidate claiming to be Christ’s brother launched the Taiping Rebellion, vowing heavenly rule on earth and the expulsion of demons.

Such movements share a predictable structure. People in crisis exhibit an instinctive paranoia. They are quick to blame suffering on individuals, especially the distrusted and powerful. Charismatic figures co-evolve with these understandings. They name enemies, invoke cosmic stakes, and present themselves as exceptional in precisely the ways necessary to vanquish agents of misfortune. They offer futures that are prosperous and pure but also backward-looking—lost paradises regained through sacrifice.

Core to all of this are depictions of evil. Conjured opponents are more than malicious—they’re inhuman, perverted, and often supernatural. In Alice’s sermons, they were sorcerers. In the Taiping Rebellion, they were demons dressed as bureaucrats. When I analyzed beliefs about harmful magic across sixty diverse societies, I found that the most feared malefactors were suspected not just of causing calamity but of engaging in moral depravity, with a cross-cultural fixation on cannibalism and sexual deviance. Among the Tlingit of the Pacific Northwest, witches (both male and female) were said to have sex with corpses and their own family members. The Santal, in South Asia, believed that witches (always female) copulated with spirit familiars and devoured the organs of children. Similar fears haunted Europeans and British Americans during the early modern period; one need only consult the witchcraft paintings of Francisco Goya, which show covens of half-naked women killing babies, eating people, and cavorting with the Devil.

These depictions serve a purpose. Portrayed as cannibals, child-killers, and corpse-defilers, enemies become existential threats and the worst imaginable offenders, lying beyond the pale of redemption. The fear of them galvanizes collective action and deepens devotion to leaders. Unable to be reformed, opponents must be destroyed.

Trumpism revives these mythic structures. This fact is nowhere clearer than in QAnon, the sprawling super-conspiracy centered on three beliefs: first, the government, mainstream media, and élite financial institutions are controlled by Satan-worshipping pedophiles who exploit children in a global sex-trafficking ring. Second, Donald Trump was recruited in a secret campaign to dismantle the cabal. Third, there will come a moment, “the Storm,” when mass arrests and public reckonings will purge the country of evil and restore the rightful to power.

QAnon arose during Trump’s first Presidency, growing from obscure online chatter into a mass movement. Its adherents numbered in the tens of thousands in 2018 and surged to millions by 2020. After Biden was inaugurated, in 2021, QAnon seemed like it might fizzle. Its central predictions—that Trump would win, that Hillary Clinton would be arrested, that televised tribunals would expose hidden debaucheries—failed to materialize. Q, the anonymous figure whose posts drove the movement’s folklore, stopped writing on message boards.

But the creed didn’t die. Like a spore-filled fungus, it ruptured, disseminating itself across the far right. By the end of 2021, polling by the Public Religion Research Institute revealed that more than one in six Americans accepted QAnon’s core beliefs, while only a third completely rejected the doctrine. Prophecies about salvation, spiritual warfare, and diabolic foes merged seamlessly into American evangelicalism; the disorientation of the pandemic deepened the appeal, and Q’s ideas found believers among yoga instructors, wellness influencers, and suburban moms.

The normalization of QAnon has coincided with a broader reënchantment. Astrology is booming, especially among millennials. Instagram teems with tarot, spell jars, and manifestation memes. WitchTok garners billions of views. In the 2021 census, “shamanism” ranked as the fastest-growing self-reported religion in England and Wales, beating out Zoroastrianism and Rastafari. Atheists, too, are feeling the vibes, with more than a quarter telling Pew, in 2023, that they’ve been contacted by a dead relative.

The two trends are connected. Trust in traditional sources of authority has plummeted. The public’s faith in Congress, the Supreme Court, and the media is scraping historic lows. Even confidence in scientists and doctors—long among the most trusted groups—has fallen. Between 2020 and 2024, the share of Americans who trusted scientists to act in the public’s best interest slipped from eighty-seven per cent to seventy-six per cent, while trust in physicians and hospitals plunged thirty points, to around forty per cent.

This climate of distrust has eroded institutional legitimacy. The German sociologist Max Weber famously observed that societies undergo a “routinization of charisma.” They use rules, procedures, and bureaucracy to tame the instability of magnetic leaders, with authority becoming less personal and more institutionalized. But today that process is unravelling. As many question the fairness and neutrality of political systems, the model of an ideal leader shifts from the administrative back to the messianic. And as faith in science and expertise recedes, it unleashes older, more intuitive ways of knowing—astrology, shamanism, divine revelation, and witchy paranoia.

The question, then, is whether the fervor will outlast the figurehead. Trump feels inherent to Trumpism. He also seems to have been uniquely prepared for a populist Presidency by a lifetime in the spotlight, including more than a decade as a reality-TV star. But, if his prophetic aura reflects a deeper, more universal pattern, what happens when he fades away? Does the mythology collapse? Or will a new messiah rise to take his place?

Alice’s power began to fade on September 30, 1987. Museveni’s military located her troops in the Tororo district, some two hundred kilometres from Uganda’s capital. The two armies had clashed many times before. Weeks earlier, Alice’s soldiers repelled his forces, nabbing a radio, AK-47s, and other weapons. This time was different. Museveni’s army encircled them and, for hours, pounded them with mortar fire. Alice’s troops eventually broke the siege, but at a cost. Nearly a third of the forces got separated and misdirected. Her civilian followers escaped into the swamps and lost their way. The battle was one of her bloodiest and most demoralizing.

Alice’s crusade had endured failures before, yet it had always managed to produce a scapegoat, often Alice herself. On at least two occasions, the spirit Lakwena—using her as his vessel, supposedly—rebuked her for disobedience. But, this time, the spell had been broken. Five hundred soldiers left immediately; in the month that followed, the movement bled support. On November 2nd, when Lakwena called on fighters, only three hundred and sixty answered. Days later, this remnant was scattered by Museveni’s army, and Alice disappeared into Kenya.

In interviews with Alice’s former soldiers, the German anthropologist Heike Behrend came across numerous theories for the defeat: the spirit Lakwena had punished them; it had deserted Alice for defying orders; Alice was a witch; Museveni had hired a “witch doctor” from far away who supplied his army with medicines powerful enough to counteract Lakwena’s blessings.

Yet, through another viewpoint, Alice’s movement didn’t die. It evolved. New prophets competed to revive her army in their image. Her father, Severino Lukoya, attracted two thousand followers and preached his own brand of end-time revelations, which centered on a “New World” in which God, humans, angels, and animals coexisted peacefully. His tenure was short-lived, however: within a year, he was declared a sinner and imprisoned by another Acholi prophet: Joseph Kony.

Claiming to be Alice’s cousin, Kony hijacked her campaign, turning it crueller and more militaristic. He made familiar promises of destroying evil and ushering in an age free of suffering, yet his techniques were more grotesque. He named his organization the Lord’s Resistance Army, and it became notorious for abducting tens of thousands of children for sex and warfare. In the nineteen-nineties and the two-thousands, the L.R.A. ravaged communities across east and central Africa, displacing some two million people and provoking the United States to spend millions a month to try to stop it. All the while, Kony retained his prophetic posture. In 2004, after the Ugandan President reportedly reached out for peace talks, Kony replied, “I will communicate with Museveni through the holy spirits and not through the telephone.”

Kony’s cannibalization of Alice Lakwena’s movement carries a dark lesson. Prophets may fail. Their predictions may go unfulfilled. They may die or abandon their followers when ruin is imminent. Yet new narratives can emerge to justify the collapse: the prophet was false; we were betrayed; the enemy had unnatural powers. Whatever the story, prophetic energy can survive, awaiting a new commander to channel it toward a more ambitious purification.

Trump is brusque and erratic, but he is far from irreplaceable. Although he has no clear successor, there are numerous contenders who orbit his office like hungry ghosts. These include the dynastic heirs (Donald Trump, Jr.), the administrative acolytes (J. D. Vance, Stephen Miller, Pam Bondi), and the new-media influencers (Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon). Carlson, for his part, has begun speaking in occult terms, claiming this past November that he was “physically mauled” by a “demon.” Whether any of them will manage to consolidate Trump’s power remains to be seen. But unless the grievances that fuelled his apotheosis are reckoned with, his downfall may only clear the stage for someone else—more polished, more destructive, more ruthless—to ascend his holy throne and finish what he began.