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bisluthq · 4 years ago

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*WARNING Domestic violence topic* Could you explain to me why seven could sound queer?, Like I can see how many Taylor songs can be interpreted in a queer way, but with seven I can't see it, like for me it's clearly about domestic violence and the only possible queer thing I can hear it's the closet part...but in this particular case I do not think it refers to sexuality but to literally hiding form your abusive parents. Sorry if this was asked before or if it's disrespectful to ask.

So firstly let me just say that victims of abuse who hear that in the song are so valid. And I’m not here to “take away” a song that speaks to that experience. If it brings you comfort and relief, that’s amazing.

Do I think Taylor meant it as a song about domestic violence or escaping from that? Honestly, no. Because she described herself in LPSS as longing for that time in her life and talked about how she misses being able to throw tantrums and feel more freely and without judgement; in her head she’s thinking about this period in her life very fondly. Now, this is one of those death of the author moments because if you’re an abuse survivor who found comfort in this you... shouldn’t care wtf Taylor meant by it, what matters is what it means to you. Same as how if betty speaks to your sapphic teenage love triangle, it shouldn’t matter that Taylor imagined James as a boy.

But yeah, so for Taylor it was not meant to be about abuse. It was about feeling stuff more freely. And let’s take a look and examine at why it feels so fucking gay to... like... basically every queer woman.

Please picture me

In the trees

I hit my peak at seven

Okay so Taylor is setting up a narrator - presumably herself. Especially in the context of her hyperconfessional marketing and the LPSS explanation we’re literally meant to picture Tay. But tbh that doesn’t matter so much - it could be any little girl. This little girl is “in the trees”... which isn’t really where little girls are supposed to be. In these very first lines Tay is setting up a little tomboy character.... and then she says “I hit my peak at seven” - ergo this rugrat period of abandon, where I was free to play in the trees, is “my peak”. It was the best time in “my” life.

Lots of people feel that, it’s not inherently gay, but for queer women - I don’t know about other shades of queer but suspect yes - childhood often represents even greater freedom than to hets because it’s before we felt deviant. There was nothing to compare ourselves to. Sure, we might’ve played families in het couples like heteronormativity is felt by children too, but that kind of thing was largely asexual and we didn’t know yet that other people felt differently about it all.

Like I only realized I was different in late middle school and I didn’t have the word for it for ages tbh. Like I just knew I didn’t get the fuss about boys. When I was a little kid? I didn’t know what the fuss was really. It was a kind of “peak” so yeah, I feel that in my bones.

Feet

In the swing

Over the creek

I was too scared to jump in, but I, I was high

In the sky

Here we have her playing, once again with reckless abandon - she’s standing on a swing (naughty!) and swinging high over a creek. But she’s slightly nervous. I relate to that too, it’s not a gay thought it’s a little kid thought I think - because while she’s enjoying her freedom and the chance to play, there’s an awareness of the risk. That’s a lot of childhood and what makes her such a greater songwriter is how she’s able to capture these feelings we’ve all had before, in this case the rumbunctious nature of free play paired with the cautious nervousness of knowing you can fall.

With Pennsylvania under me

I mean this simple makes it more autobiographical for her, like if we didn’t know her was her that was the me , now we really do.

Are there still beautiful things?

This is speaks to her nostalgia for this time period and serves to highlight how much she misses it. She wishes she was young and innocent and had that freedom of playing in the trees and above the creek and feeling like she’s flying just because she’s standing upright on the swing. This is meant to be her “peak”.

Sweet tea in the summer

Cross your heart, won't tell no other

The first line is setting up mood again, it’s innocence and suburbia and freedom and the hot days of summer vacation. The second is a common English phrase - for the ESL folks - that means “let’s keep a secret”. It’s extremely common for little girls especially to have secrets with each other. “You’re my best friend and I’ll tell you something I haven’t told anyone else before but cross your heart you won’t tell anyone else” is the kind of thing that has probably happened at a sleepover for every woman (gay or straight). So Tay’s whispering and telling secrets to her best friend aged seven in the heat of the summer and the neat rhymes kinda remind me of those clapping games you play as a kid.

And though I can't recall your face

I still got love for you

Again, I think this isn’t specific to gay kids necessarily - it’s that idea of having lifelong affection for your first best friend even when you don’t know where they are, can’t imagine them in adulthood, maybe can’t even remember their surname and frankly don’t really want to or care... but you still have warm feelings towards them.

Your braids like a pattern

Love you to the moon and to Saturn

So the friend is a girl. And here’s where the non wlw readers will have to work with me a little bit because as I’ve explained before a very common, enteral part of the queer female experience is obsession with other girls’ femininities. We notice things like hair and clothes and makeup on girls far more than straight girls seem to and waaay more than het guys do. A friend of mine who is v butch noticed like minor shit that any of us change in our appearance. Describing in detail a girl’s appearance feels - on a gut level - pretty gay. Now this isn’t a detailed description, but she links this physical trait - this pretty, braided hair her friend has - to loving her.

Now, she is a child in this story. This isn’t a sexual kind of thing in the child’s mind. She’s obviously not “in love” with her friend aged seven. But she is saying her deep, overwhelming love for her friend is inextricably linked - via rhyme scheme - to her feminine appearance.

This incredibly close, quasi homoerotic friendship is a near universal wlw experience and I’m sorry but it differs from straight girls’ close friendships because it’s... a lot. It is “love you to the moon and to Saturn” and obsessing over her clothes and hair and little habits.

And there’s no vocab for this, nothing to prepare you for it and nobody bats an eye because little girls are supposed to be friends with one another but like... you’re way overinvested and often that other girl isn’t and starts to drift away because she isn’t having this language free connection and it’s legit heartbreaking.

Passed down like folk songs

The love lasts so long

This childhood friendship becomes an anecdote, a moment of folkloric storytelling, but it never completely fades away and tapping into this first - not quite sexual but very sapphic - experience is super easy.

And I've been meaning to tell you

I think your house is haunted

Your dad is always mad and that must be why

And I think you should come live with

Me and we can be pirates

This sets up the narrative some people - I understand where y’all are coming from and I am here for it - hear of domestic abuse. The thing is, it’s not Tay’s character who is getting abused. Tay is a small child - and she’s envious of and nostalgic for that era of her life, when she thought that her best best best friend’s asshole dad was simply reacting to ghosts. It speaks to an innocence her character has which may not be shared by her friend, the girl with the braids.

But Tay is innocent and she says “come with me” and run away so we can be pirates together. Now, on a very basic and superficial pop culture level it’s worth noting Keira Knightley in POTC is pretty fundamental to any queer millennial woman’s sexual awakening. However, that’s not what Tay’s referencing here. She’s saying, at least on some level, let’s run away and be gender nonconforming. Again, she’s a small child. She doesn’t know why she wants that. But she doesn’t tell her friend “let’s run away and be princesses” - she wants to be a pirate. It links to the first scene in the song of her being a tomboy in the trees and on the swing, honestly. There were also a number of cross dressing female pirates, many of whom were gay back in the day so it’s a subtle nod to how a lot of childhood fantasies actually are rooted in possible historical fact.

But also come on, every queer girl wanted to be a pirate idk why really we just did. Like I say I can explain it as a desire not to conform to gender norms but it’s also just... another weirdly common fantasy that she’s tapping into.

Like idk this song is so fucking gay and it’s not trying to be but every line is just... felt in my bones. Like little me is seen by this song.

Then you won't have to cry

Or hide in the closet

This is obvi the line people go on about and look. The friend’s dad is clearly an asshole like that’s established. But the line has a double meaning. She’s saying if you run away with me to be a pirate on the high seas you won’t have to cry anymore and you won’t hide in the closet. It’s an innocent thought but it’s also a double meaning, right? You won’t be abused, you won’t be sad. And you’ll be with me out of the closet. It could’ve been “hide under the bed” or “behind the curtains”. But she picked closet. And that word gives this verse a second meaning, which is particularly palpable given as I say this is a very gay song from a thematic standpoint.

And just like a folk song

Our love will be passed on

Again, this is a deeeeep love. This is someone she wants to run away with. And she probably doesn’t know why, she probably doesn’t have the words. She’s a little kid. But this friend of hers is the person she wants to rescue and run away with and be together with even though she - Tay - is pretty content otherwise. In fact, she longs for this time in her life. It was full of beautiful things. And yet despite being happy, she was willing to drop it all for her little female friend she was clearly preoccupied with.

Please picture me

In the weeds

Before I learned civility

I used to scream

Ferociously

Any time I wanted

I, I

Again, this reiterates she is nostalgic for this time period. It was a good time in Taylor’s life. It was a time when she could be herself, before she had learned civility and what was expected from her by society. Which ties back to that thing I said right in the beginning, about how this first quasi sapphic friendship is cherished by queer women because we didn’t know it was weird. We hadn’t “learned civility” yet. We could scream, we could run around and climb trees, and we could ask our friends to run away with us not knowing those thoughts didn’t occur to them with the same intensity.

Sweet tea in the summer

Cross my heart, won't tell no other

And though I can't recall your face

I still got love for you

We’ve discussed this already. It’s still queer coded to me.

Pack your dolls and a sweater

We'll move to India forever

Passed down like folk songs

Our love lasts so long

So she’s once again cementing the fact that this is a little female friend with the dolls, and again suggests running away together and says even though none of that happened and she grew up and realized this... was actually a fairly specific experience not a universal universal one and she learned civility and heteronormativity but this foundational, pure, innocent gay love... will always remain in its complete innocuous harmlessness but immense power.

And so, yeah. This song is probably Taylor’s gayest shortly followed by Treacherous.

But if it means something else to you, I’m by no means taking it away. Anyone can enjoy her music in any way they like.

It’s just weird that most queer women feel their childhood selves are completely seen by this song if it was a complete accident 🤷🏻‍♀️

#tw domestic violence #tw domestic abuse #sapphic themes in tay’s music

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trueislamfacts1 · 4 years ago

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Is Islam a Religion of Peace?

Islam was founded upon principles of peace and harmony to establish love, affection and collective responsibility towards the spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing of all of society. ‘Islam’ a name given by God Almighty to this religion (Qur’an 5:4), is an Arabic word which literally means obedience and peace. ISLAM is derived from the Arabic root “SALEMA” meaning peace, purity, submission and obedience. So ‘Islam’ means the path of those who are obedient to Allah and who establish peace with Him and His creatures. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) defined a Muslim as one whose word or deed cause no harm to others. ‘Peace’ is the greeting of Muslims and ‘Peace’ shall also be the greeting of the dwellers of Paradise.

Hence, any person that does not adhere to these principles of peace, harmony and collective good, is outside the boundary of this definition.

Deeper Dive – Who speaks for Islam?

So, what about all of the negative media rhetoric against this peaceful image of Islam? Well, first and foremost we have to ask who has an authority to speak about what “Islam” is and what it stands for? Is it Media? Is it ISIS? Is it the president of a ‘Muslim’ country? Or the Muslim down the street from you?

None of these. The truth is that when we desire to know what any organization, company, country etc. stand for, we must look at its constitutional document. What any other person says or thinks is irrelevant, and if any person associates their actions towards this constitution, then cross-examination can easily manifest the truth from falsehood.

So, what is this constitution and basis of Islam? It is the following:

The Holy Qur’an (the perfect revealed word of God) Sunnah (practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)) Passed down through practice, from the time of the Holy Prophet (sa) to present. After a few early decades, some practices were recorded in books. Ahadith (sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)) Traditions and narrations passed from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) to his companions, and eventually future generations. These have varying levels of authenticity, for which early Muslim scholars developed an entire science of examination. The most important rule to remember is that a narration should not contradict the Holy Qur’an.

DOES THE QUR’AN TEACH PEACE?

The Holy Qur’an is categorical on its teachings about peace, after all, it is the key text of the religion that literally stands for peace. Let’s examine what it says about any and all sort of violence against an innocent person:

Whosoever killed a person – unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land – it shall be as if he had killed all mankind. (Al Maidah, Ch.5: v. 33)

Explaining this verse, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community states

‘A person who kills a person unfairly or who kills someone who had neither rebelled, nor became a source of violating peace amongst the people nor created disorder in the land, it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind. In other words, to kill a person without any cause is, according to God Almighty, like the murder of the entire human race. It is obvious from this verse, how big a sin it is to take the life of another person without reason.’ (Lecture Chashma-e-Ma’rifat pp 23-24: Commentary by the Promised Messiah Vol.2: p.405)

In fact, he goes even further to state emphatically the need for peace and kindness:

He who abandons kindness abandons religion. The Holy Qur’an teaches that whosoever kills a person without justifiable cause will be as if he has killed the whole world. In the same way, I say that if someone is not kind unto his brother, it is like he has been unkind to the whole world.’ (Al Hakam Vol. 9 No.15 dated 30 April 1905 p.2: Commentary by the Promised Messiah, Vol.2: p.405)

Freedom of Conscious and Religions

Let us look at another core and fundamental pillar established by the Holy Qur’an regarding religious freedom over 14 centuries ago:

لَاۤ اِکۡرَاہَ فِی الدِّیۡنِ There should be no compulsion in religion (2:257)

The Qur’an has given a clear-cut message of religious tolerance and freedom in this verse. Any person that suggests or acts otherwise steps completely against the command of Allah the Almighty and the practice of His Chosen Prophet (sa)

The Holy Qur’an protects freedom of conscious and religion in an extremely lucid and clear manner while stating:

‘It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will believe, and let him, who will disbelieve.’ (Ch.18:V.30)

Hence, there exists no injunction on any person to be forced or coerced into following Islam in any manner whatsoever. If force had ever been the desire of God Almighty would it have been difficult for Him to compel all of humanity to believe? Absolutely not. It is to this effect that God states in the Holy Qur’an:

‘And if thy Lord had enforced His Will, surely, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Wilt thou, then, force men to become believers?’ (Ch.10:V.100).

Highlighting this crucial verse, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aa), Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community, stated in an address:

“This verse clearly states that God, as the Possessor of all Powers, could easily force all people to adopt the same religion; however, He has instead given the people of the world the freedom to choose – to believe or to not believe.” (Address at Houses of Parliament in London, UK on Centenary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in UK 11 June 2013)

This can clearly be seen in the practice and life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) and his companions. When the Banu Nadir were exiled from Madinah when they failed to fulfil their promise to maintain peace. At that time, they also had many children of the Ansar (Muslim inhabitants of Madinah). These children had begun to live amongst the Jews, because in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance, amongst the Arab tribes of Aus and Khazraj, those who had no male children used to pledge that if the next child were born a male, they would make him a Jew. Thus, there were many boys from the Aus and Khizraj tribes who had been handed over to Jewish families. When the Jews of Banu Nadir were exiled because of their transgression, the Muslims wanted to get back their own descendants from the Jews. The Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) refrained them from their action on the very basis that ‘there is no compulsion in religion’ that once you hand over your own son to someone else and that someone else makes your descendant a follower of Judaism, you cannot take him back: he would have to go with the Banu Nadir.

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aa) describes another incident relating to a slave of Hazrat Umer (ra):

“Then there is the account of a slave of Hadrat Umar (ra) who narrates that although he was a slave of Hadrat Umar (ra), Hadrat Umar(ra) never forced him to become a Muslim. Hadrat Umar (ra) most certainly used to explain to him with love and affection to become a Muslim but the slave would refuse and Hadrat Umar(ra) would only say: There is no compulsion in faith and fell silent after that. Finally, before his death, he set this slave free. Now who can, therefore, say that there is any room for compulsion or causing a breach of peace in Islam?” (A lecture at the Universite D’Abomey-Calavi Cotonou, Benin. 8 Apr. 2004)

Therefore, there should remain no confusion regarding this aspect of Islamic teaching. Islam is against any and all type of compulsion in religion, and lays the accountability of belief at the behest of God Himself. No other entity, organization, structure, or person has any right to do or say otherwise.

LIFE OF THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD – THE PARAGON OF PEACE

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) is the primary practical exemplar for all Muslims. His practices and sayings are held sacred, after the Holy Qur’an, perhaps there has never existed any other individual who has ever been emulated to this capacity. So, let’s see what his life tells us about whether Islam is a religion of peace or not.

First and foremost, we have the testimony of the Holy Qur’an regarding the preaching efforts of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his burning agony for the guidance of people while focusing entirely on peace:

‘I swear by his repeated cry “O my Lord!” that these are a people who will not believe. Therefore, turn aside from them, and say, “Peace;” and soon shall they know.’ (Ch.43 Vs 89-90)

This verse also states that in response to the Holy Prophet’s(sa) message of peace, his opponents did not only reject his teachings; they even ridiculed and insulted him. Indeed, they went even further and opposed him with enmity and created disorder and strife. Upon all of this the Holy Prophet(sa) pleaded to God that:

‘I desire to give them peace, but they do not give me peace. Leaving that aside they even strive to inflict pain and agony upon me.’

In response, Allah the Almighty consoled him by saying:

‘Ignore whatever they do and turn away from them. Your only task is to spread and establish peace in the world. You should respond to their hatred and transgressions by simply saying “peace be with you” and tell them that you have brought peace for them.’

The Charter of Medina – the First Constitution based on principles of Peace

Prophet Muhammad (sa) actively promoted peace, tolerance and compassion for all non Muslim minorities living in Arabia. He did not simply demand religious tolerance of his followers; his Sunnah was to provide legal and constitutional protections for religious minorities. This is perhaps best illustrated by two historic documents prepared by Prophet Muhammad (sa). The first document is the Charter of Media written in 622 A.D. – a formal agreement between Prophet Muhammad (sa) and all of the significant tribes and families of Medina, including Muslims, Jews and non-Muslim Arabs. Many scholars refer to this document as the first ever written constitution of a nation-state. The Charter of Medina pre-dated the English Magna Carta by almost six centuries.

The Charter consists of 47 clauses which set forth the formation of a sovereign nation state with a common citizenship for all communities. The Charter protects fundamental human rights for all citizens, including equality, cooperation, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion. Clause 25 specifically states that Jews and non-Muslim Arabs are entitled to practice their own faith without any restrictions. In short, the Charter of Medina was the first document in history to establish religious freedom as a fundamental constitutional right.

Then, secondly there is the Charter of Privileges that was granted to the Christian monks of Sinai. Western Islamic scholar, Marmaduke Pickthall, comments on this letter as follows:

“The Charter which Muhammad (sa) granted to the Christian monks of Sinai is a living document. If you read it, you will see that it breathes not only goodwill, but also actual love. He gave to the Jews of Medina, so long as they were faithful to him, precisely the same treatment as to any Muslims. He never was aggressive against any man or class of men . . . The story of his reception of Christian and Zoroastrian visitors is on record. There is not a trace of religious intolerance in any of this.”

What About All the Wars (Jihad) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)?

So, if the prophet of Islam taught peace, then why did he engage in so many wars? This is often a very naïve question raised against the holy personage of prophet Muhammad (sa), while ignoring the facts of history completely. Let us look at the entire picture.

Makkans, the place of the Holy Prophet’s birth and early preaching, outright rejected the message of the Holy Prophet (sa) to a large extent. The few that followed the prophet of Islam, were heavily persecuted. They were dragged through the streets, starved, cursed, boycotted, and even ripped apart in front of their family members. What was their crime? Simply that they believed in one God, and followed Muhammad (sa).

When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) had finally established a just and peaceful society in Medinah, the Makkans were furious and vowed to destroy the Muslims. They could not let them live in peace even in Medinah. Hence, God Almighty finally gave permission to the Muslims to fight back in self-defense in the following command:

اُذِنَ لِلَّذِیۡنَ یُقٰتَلُوۡنَ بِاَنَّہُمۡ ظُلِمُوۡا ؕ وَ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ عَلٰی نَصۡرِہِمۡ لَقَدِیۡرُ Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them

الَّذِیۡنَ اُخۡرِجُوۡا مِنۡ دِیَارِہِمۡ بِغَیۡرِ حَقٍّ اِلَّاۤ اَنۡ یَّقُوۡلُوۡا رَبُّنَا اللّٰہُ ؕ وَ لَوۡ لَا دَفۡعُ اللّٰہِ النَّاسَ بَعۡضَہُمۡ بِبَعۡضٍ لَّہُدِّمَتۡ صَوَامِعُ وَ بِیَعٌ وَّ صَلَوٰتٌ وَّ مَسٰجِدُ یُذۡکَرُ فِیۡہَا اسۡمُ اللّٰہِ کَثِیۡرًا ؕ وَ لَیَنۡصُرَنَّ اللّٰہُ مَنۡ یَّنۡصُرُہٗ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ لَقَوِیٌّ عَزِیۡزٌ “Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty” (Ch22:V40-41)

Fair-minded commentators have utterly rejected the false barbaric image of early Islamic wars. De L O’Leary, for example, writes:

“History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.” (Islam at the Crossroads, p.8)

Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aa) states regarding this issue while highlighting the need of the time:

The underlying point to consider is that the use of the sword or force is only permissible when a religious war is waged against Islam. In today’s world no one, be it a country or a religion, is physically waging war and attacking Islam on the basis of religion. Thus, it is not justifiable in any way for Muslims to attack any other party, in the name of religion, because this clearly violates the teachings of the Qur’an. )” (A lecture at the Universite D’Abomey-Calavi Cotonou, Benin. 8 Apr. 2004)

The fact is that the Islamic wars were in self-defense after the Muslims had been pushed beyond all bounds of reason.

After 10 difficult years of fighting to establish religious freedom and peace, the Holy Prophet (sa) returned triumphant and victorious to Makkah. What did he do at this time? Kill his enemies? Destroy their houses and property? No. He proclaimed:

“There shall be no punishment upon any of you for I have forgiven you all. I am a messenger of love and peace. I have the greatest knowledge of Allah’s attribute of being a ‘Source of Peace’ – He is the One Who gives peace. Thus, I forgive you of all of your past transgressions and I give you a guarantee of peace and security. You are free to remain in Makkah and to freely practice your religion. No one will be compelled or forced in any way.” (Bukhari)

The Holy Prophet readily granted amnesty to his persecutors, the magnanimity of which softened the hardest of hearts. Bitter enemies of the morning became warm friends by midday. Even the most die-hard enemies of Islam could not resist the healing balm so generously and so effectively applied by the Holy Prophet.

Commenting on this conquest of Makkah, the Rev. Bosworth Smith writes:

“Now would have been the moment to gratify his ambition, to satiate his lust, to glut his revenge. Read the account of the entry of Muhammad into Mecca side by side with that of Marins or Sulla into Rome. Compare all the attendant circumstances, the outrages that preceded, and the use made by each of his recovered power and we shall then be in a better position to appreciate the magnanimity and moderation of the Prophet of Arabia. There were no proscription lists, no plunder, no wanton revenge. From a helpless orphan to the ruler of a big country was a great transition, yet the Prophet retained the nobility of his character under all circumstances.” (Muhammad and Muhammadanism)

PEACE IN ALL ASPECTS

Therefore, Islam promised peace and delivered peace. The later fanatical politically fueled agendas of the extremist ‘Muslims’ that we see today have nothing to with Islam. Islam is a complete code of life, and promises to deliver peace in all aspects of life. From individual to family to social to international. No other religion delivers such a complete teaching without falling short on any matter.

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forlackofabettersound · 4 years ago

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Ochungulo Family is a More Ethical Ethic

Yeah I said it.

I was initially afraid this statement might be a bit classist coming from me, a middle class suburb bred 20-something year old. But the genre has risen from its gritty hood predecessor, ‘genge’ and moved up the street into the Boiler Room co-signed Jason Dunford aka Samaki Mkuu spitting ‘gengetone’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4jko8AHWIU

Did Ethic walk so that Ochungulo Family could fly?

If so, then the Kansoul crawled so that Ethic could take it’s stumbling baby steps into the receiving arms of the Nairobi mass market. Meaning Jua Cali and Jimwaat swam like sperm to egg so that the Kansoul, 2 lads from the cabro streets of Ridgeways with the sole exception of Mtoto wa Khadija, Mejja who gives the Kansoul it’s much needed mtaa edge, would be accepted by both the clipped english accents of Capital FM and the tongue chewing sheng of Ghetto Radio.

Now that the scene has burst open like the ripe fruit it is, there’s so many of them: Boondocks Gang, Zero Sufuri, Sailors. The question I’m not going to answer today is “When did Gengetone stop being snubbed by Naija-blaring establishments and became the flag-waving sound of the nation it is today?

The question I WILL answer today is: What’s the difference between Ochungulo Family and Ethic that makes the former a boy band of insinuating heart throbs, and the latter cancelled by KoT?

Perhaps a brief history of both camps is in order. Let’s start with Ethic.

These kids broke out of the precinct of Umoja and into the scene with the finger-licking club banger, ‘Lamba Lolo’ back in 2018, stirring a country-wide frenzy. The beat is a simple repetitive stock synth melody backed by the easiest bassline. The low-budget music video shot in their neighbourhood features REKLES, SWAT, SESKA and ZILLA on what seems like a regular weekend dusk, where they called their friends out to come jam- the bottles and cups ubiquitous in hip hop music videos swapped for Big Boms and Pin Pops.

Analogy: If Ethic is Pin Pop. Ochungulo is Chupa Chup.

It’s clear from the jump that REKLES is the most lyrically adept, with SWAT’s notoriety stemming from being the cutest face. The track isn’t so much a wine and dine as it is a ‘let’s skip to the good bits’ as it’s opening line states, “Piga Goti (eeh) Panua Domo basi (eeh)” with a chorus that repeats the question, “Ushailamba lolo?”

Browsing through their discography, their second single ‘Postion’ was a smash hit with the co-sign of the Kansoul, providing us listeners with beloved catch phrases such as ‘Geuka Nikubeng’ ‘Ganja Farmer ni wale wajanja’ ‘Ushaiguswa uskie tu kunyora ushaiguswa uskie tu kuoga’ and of course, ‘shuglibagli shugblibagli nden nden nden nden.” One of the laziest verses of Okonkwo’s career in my opinion but I digress.

So now let’s jump to their 3 most controversial tracks, ‘Pandana’ ‘Tarimbo’ and ‘Soko’.

In ‘Pandana’, the phrase that came under fire was Rekles’ use of the word ‘Tunabakana’ ; Baka meaning rape in kiswahili. However with Rekless use, ‘tunabakana’ translates to ‘we are raping each other,’ a double non-consent which cancels each other out and alludes to consent. While rape in any construct or form should not be encouraged, this line may have been taken out of context by KoT. Rekles probably meant no harm in its use, simply suggesting that they are aggressively in each other’s body business. However from this faux pas, Rekles should have learned. He did not.

In Tarimbo, less innocently, he raps, “Mi huchapa mi humwaga hata bila permission” One thing should be clear, doing anything to anyone’s body bila permission is non-consent aka sexual assault. This lyric can not be as easily forgiven.

It gets harder and harder to defend these guys with ‘Soko’, which Rekles opens with the line, ‘Kuna toto na ameiva iza’ ‘There’s a child and she’s ripe sorry’ bringing to our moral imagination the fact that the object of this rhyme is a minor. Contrast this with SWAT’s badly interpreted line in ‘Pandana’ where he says ‘Toto yako iyeke fiti nitaikulala’ and you can see that the use of the word ‘toto’ in each of these songs is different. In ‘Pandana’, SWAT uses toto as a euphemism for lady parts. In ‘Soko’. Rekles’ toto is an underaged girl. While both are lewd, Pandana is suggestive whereas Soko is criminal.

Speaking of criminal, let’s dive into Ochungulo family and compare see whether they’re anymore saintlike or if we’re a public who ignore dirty things if they’re dressed clean.

https://twitter.com/ethicofficial/status/1270784205308526593

This is the tweet that started this whole investigation. Ochungulo broke out with the Nelly the goon led track, “Bora Uhai’ an ode to life and all it’s sweetness. Followed shortly thereafter by ‘Krimino’ and a rain of smash hit singles following the likes of ‘Na Iwake’ ‘Aluta’ ‘Kaa Na Mamayako’ where Alejandro Chief Inspekta compared thee’s nipples to a nectarine blossoming flower’s in the less shakespearean format. “Nipple zako nazinyonya kama nectar’

Alejandro Chief Inspekta aka Benzema, formerly EDM producer with the electronic collective Lectronica Circle has found more success and notoriety and ease in the world of gengetone than in Dance Music. Already, gritty grimy gengetone and synthesized programmed European Dance Music are contrasted by a class divide. You won’t hear Martin Garrix being introduced by Mbonoko on the radio during your work day commute. Only the middle classed suburb youth had fantasies of jet setting to Tomorrowland with their pocket money savings.

More specifically diving into the track in question, ‘Ngwatiology’. ‘Ngwati’ being sheng for porn hence ngwatiology meaning ‘a deep analysis of the effects of pornography on the human psyche through a thorough hand-genital exploration’ Masturbation folks.

While hilariously lewd, there’s no foul play in ‘Ngwatiology’ just a play by play of the natural phenomenon that is ngwatiology.

“Did you know porn hub awards, hu-happen once, ile time ya cramps?”

“Did you know arsenal fans? Hao hukuwa ass-anal fans?”

In conclusion, yes. Ochungulo Family are the more ethical ethic. While both teams are explicit, straight-to-the-point, no-beat-around -the-bush-just-beat-this-meat when it comes to the content of their lyrics, there’s a line in the distant horizon that cannot be crossed. And the name of that line is consent. Ethic have crossed that line whereas Ochungulo Family have not. This does not make any better or worse than the other. In today’s morally policed jungle, both bands are prey and Ezekiel ‘Pornstache’ Mutua is the predator sending cringe emails to Youtube like an uncle who still doesn’t understand how the internet works.

#kenyan music #kenya #kenyan #music blogging #music blog #play ke music #ochungulo family #ethic entertainment #genge #gengetone #jason dunford #samaki mkuu #kansoul #the kansoul

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princess-of-france · 6 years ago

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MONTJOIE (Bardic Asks)

[BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENT!]

This reply marks my 1,415th post on Tumblr.

1415 CE is, of course, a very important year (and one that is very close to my heart) and it seems only right that I honor that number with this particular set of responses. <3

“Then call we this the field of Agincourt, fought on the day of Crispin Crispianus...” (H5, 4.7)

❤️ why I love this character

Because Montjoie always comes back. Always. There’s always one more appearance, one more appeal, one more heady confrontation. Henry just can’t shake him off, and Montjoie just can’t leave the king well enough alone. They are the ever-attracting North and South poles of a magnet.

💙 why I hate this character

He only has 53 canonical lines of text in the First Folio.

That is not nearly enough for my angst-loving soul, Will!

⁉️ what initially drew me to this character

The fact that he shifts seamlessly from prose to verse the moment he realizes King Henry is addressing him in iambic pentameter. Talk about smooth.

Also, he wastes no time in taking Henry’s sassy cue and using “thee/thou” (which is to say: informal) pronouns with the KING OF ENGLAND, which is such a complete boss-bitch move, I can’t even—

💕 who do I think this character is in love with (if anyone) and why

I mean, he fights his way to Henry’s side in the middle of monstrously bloody battle against his own countrymen just to beg the king to exercise his empathy, if he has any, and to cease fighting.

That’s just...not a herald’s job. There are retreat horns for that.

And yet...

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 what do I think this character’s feelings about their family are

I think Montjoie’s family IS the French army.

I get the impression from the text of the Folio that he’s a bit like the Constable: he’s been in the army for at least a decade, his whole life is wrapped up in the military, and he has little in the way of a personal life outside his royal duties.

I tend to think Montjoie was raised by moral, upstanding, hardworking Frenchpeople...probably minor nobility, or some such. But he wasn’t the eldest son, so inheritance was never really on the table. And he found his calling and true vocation in serving as messenger/herald for King Charles.

It suits him to serve France as a peace-sower, rather than as a warrior. Killing people is just not one of Montjoie’s interests or skills.

🕰 what do I think this character enjoys doing in their free time

I think Montjoie is a voracious reader. French, English, and Latin. Like, dozens of books a year. How else do you explain the easy phasing in and out of English verse?

👿 who does this character hate more than anyone else

Montjoie reaaaallly doesn’t strike me as the kind of person who “hates” people. I mean...dislike people? Sure. Distrust people? Comes with the job. But hatred? Actual loathing? That just doesn’t seem like a ready-made emotion for a guy whose literal job entails seeking peaceful accordance with enemy forces.

(That said, I’m sure he agrees with the Constable that the Dauphin can be ridiculous at times.)

🌈 what is their relationship like with their romantic partner(s)

If his romantic partner is Henry, then I’d say their relationship is the Facebook Fraternity Brother Profile definition of the phrase, “It’s complicated.”

🌕 happy headcanon

Montjoie and the Constable are longtime friends and they enjoy playing chess together over fine brandy. (Montjoie nearly always wins.)

🌑 sad headcanon

Montjoie leaves the white rook from his chess set on the grave of Charles d’Albret, after he’s buried. It was always d’Albret’s favorite piece in the game.

📂 random/obscure headcanon

Montjoie has an exceptional memory, and he’s memorized the birthdays of every single child of King Charles and Queen Isabel (including all the ones who passed away). The royal children love him for this and look forward to hearing his well-wishes on their special days, year in and year out.

(When he goes to wish the golden-haired Princess Catherine a happy 14th birthday, however, Montjoie can’t help but break down in tears. It’s only been 48 hours, after all. And she’s so young. So innocent. And now her fate is sealed. And his king is irrevocably gone.)

📱favorite/personal modern interpretation

The world needs more fem!Montjoies. That’s all I’m going to say.

📺 favorite film interpretation

??? This is the same problem I had with Hotspur. Not enough films.

I do think it’s worth noting that Jessica Ko was SUBLIME in Rosa Joshi’s minimalistic, monochromatic production of Henry V, however.

(Oregon Shakespeare Festival // 2018 season)

🎻 a song I associate with this character

“Incomplete” by James Bay

📕 my ideal epilogue for this character (if they survived)

Ideally? His friends would’ve survived Azincourt. Especially the Constable.

However, although it’s probably treasonous to say so, I can’t un-wish Henry’s victory in that battle because it’s too endemic to why I love him and Henry V (the play) in the first place.

“The day is yours.”

I mean, wow.

My life was over the day I read those words for the first time. The rest of my life will be haunted by them.

📗 what I think would’ve happened to this character if they HAD survived

He did survive. That’s the tragedy.

@skeleton-richard

#henry v #shakespeare #asks #montjoy #montjoie #the herald of the french

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plotbunbun · 3 years ago

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tag essay speedrun any%

In DMC5, William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience are a significant motivating factor behind Vergil's psychological resolution and re-attainment of social ties, as a facet of DMC's greater thematic statement of how humanity - i.e. love, empathy, familial connection - are the only true sources of strength, psychological, social, or otherwise.

Blake's Songs are first linked to humanity when Vergil is in his half-complete, human form, V. As V, Vergil takes comfort in Blake's verses because they hail from his pleasant childhood, and Vergil did not let himself profoundly reflect on those days before he was split into V and Urizen (his demon form). Vergil prevents such reflection because he believes indulging in sentiment is weakness; a belief he takes so as to favour his demon side, which he presumes to be unfeeling and powerful. This presumption is part of how Vergil reconciles the psychological conflict between his desire for love and protection - which was denied to him after his traumatic separation from his family and society, and the constant threat of demon assassins - and his trauma-prompted fear of helplessness - which drives him away from social connections and towards seeking power to compensate for his fear; he lords his demonic nature - associated with his pursuit of strength - as powerful over his presumed-weak human nature - associated with his trauma - in the absence of therapeutic influence to help him process the corresponding abandonment and inferiority issues.

The absence of such an influence, that can bridge the gap between his need for power and his need to re-connect with love, safety, and humanity in general, is resolved through Blake. Vergil's emotional attachment to the poems allows V to draw demonic strength from reciting them, since the powers of human-demon beings in DMC are directly related to the magnitude of their empathy-and-love-driven emotion, which makes re-connecting to his humanity through Blake a viable and more healthy alternative for strength than the pursuit of demonic artifacts. So when Vergil takes comfort in Blake's verses in DMC5, unlike his bids for power, they successfully become a therapeutic influence on him. Not only that, the Songs make Vergil reminisce on both his childhood - where any psychological conflict related to his cambion nature was minor, not intensely distressful through trauma, so he was not pushed to pursue strength even at the cost of life to relieve the mental tension - but also their content, which revolves around rejecting the corrupt, adult's state of disillusionment with community for the divine, child's state of empathy and love (esp. of family), i.e. unearthing one's humanity after oppression has buried it. This re-evaluation of the poem content, his past, and the strength he draws from them contributes to Vergil's newfound appreciation for his human sentiment, and thus - parallel to the moral of the Songs - his shift of perspective towards the more empathetic and regretful.

Aided by Blake, this shift in perspective and the kinder regard of his humanity, results in Vergil's psychological resolution, because it leads Vergil to take Nero - a highly caring, and human-favouring part-demon - as an ally and confidant. Convinced by V's confidance, Nero helps Vergil reach Urizen, by which Vergil literally reunites his human and demon halves and restores himself to his most demonically powerful form to-date. Since Nero made the restoration possible, Vergil's respect and gratitude for Nero raises, so Vergil considers and accepts Nero's proposal to end his duel with Dante. The end of the rivalry permits a truce, so Dante accompanies Vergil to the underworld - to end the crisis started by Vergil's psychological conflict reaching its peak (the split into V and Urizen) - and Nero awaits their return in the human world. Thus, because the Blake tome is one of Vergil's reminders as to his humanity's worth, Vergil attains discoverable sources of love, protection, and family connections with Nero and Dante, and gains a guard against helplessness with his powerful body - i.e. a physical and psychological reconciliation of Vergil's inner conflict.

Overall, Blake's poetry significantly factors into Vergil's realisation of the value in his human sentiment, especially the sentiments of familial love and empathy that Vergil has to exercise with Nero and Dante as V. The realisation of his humanity's value relieves his psychological conflict because a greater appreciation for his emotions prompts Vergil to develop connections with Nero and Dante, which assuage Vergil's fear of helpnessness & weakness and desire for love & protection, because he now has familial bonds to explore and his connection with Nero yields him strong demonic ability. Therefore the meaning of DMC5 - symbolised by Blake's poetry - serves the greater message of DMC: re-connecting with one's humanity - love, empathy, family - is a source of wellbeing and strength over all other pursuits.

poetry gets me like not evil anymore i want to be loved now

#this essay is trash and it's missing citations but i aSSUME THAT YOU WHO READ THIS ALREADY KNOW THE MATERIAL I'M TALKING ABOUT LMAO #this essay was originally *legit* in the tags but a lack of commas made the essay ulcer-inducing to read so here you are #please for the love of God forgive my misuse of the semi-colons and colons lmao #i would polish this more but uh #i spent. way longer on this than i should have LOOL #also to add on: love that Nero is the one keeping Vergil's tie to humanity and his childhood safe #he's the *literal* guardian of Sparda's legacy in this case because if Blake's tome represents the value of humanity as strength #that's all Sparda baybeeee #also also to add on further: that inferiority complex has been tied to Vergil's demonic side fOR SURE #but again - you can't really separate his sides #(not TRULY)#it's not a neat split and the split is largely based off of what Vergil *associates* with either nature (because demons can be sentimental)#that's the point #his natures are entwined... while thy branches mix with mine and our roots together join. V knew damn well what he was saying #BUT YEAH THAT'S WHAT I MEANT BY THE INDIRECT THERAPY THING ALKSFDJAS #V TOOK SOLACE IN BLAKE AND IT HELPED HIM

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fidelitasadmiralandcvl · 7 years ago

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Verse: F I N A L F A N T A S Y X V

A 28-year-old Niflheim citizen, Emiko is a runaway commander from her own nation and is currently in hiding at the outskirt of Tenebrae. She would hardly interact with civilians, but nonetheless, would lend her assistance out of kindness. Many would see her wandering about, but would never be so sure as to where she resides in. It's possible to get small talks out of her should the magitek soldiers not be present on the premise. This is all but an attempt to keep the people and old allies from acknowledging her true identity as the publicly known-cruel but misunderstood commander or the traitor of Niflheim who assisted in the capture and conquers of the Fenestala Manor in M.E. 744.

She goes by the fake name of " Emi " and doesn't spill her last name to the public. A single slip-up of her actual name would blow her cover to everyone for being the very person who is a part of the problem Lucis and Tenebrae suffers. The ex-commander constantly beats herself up for her past mistakes and refuses to get close to anyone in fright of their possible demise for getting involved. Despite her wariness of others, she would take up requests from Tenebrae’s citizens if needed. Most of her work consists of research and identification of individuals. On rare occasions, she would take up riskier tasks.

As a child, she would be faced with intense oppression and regulated by the laws of the nation. Compared to Lucis, only Hell and terror awaits those that don't abide by the rules. Regardless, her parents did their best to raise her as a useful citizen. Though they made small remarks to escape from the nation, it never became a reality for her parents. Nevertheless, this brought up Emiko to be a young female fit in the role of a commander in the not-so-soon future. Her reason? To climb up the social ladder and, hopefully, change Niflheim for the better. Had it not been for her parents’ treatments, it’s unlikely that she would land in a prestigious position at a tender age of 16.

Looking back at her achievements, she is known to be resilient and can decently hold herself in a physical combat of up to two individuals at the same time. Any more than that and there is a likely chance Emiko would fail to knock/kill them. Her average strength is balanced by her intelligence and calculating tactical mind. This proved extremely useful during a minor operation to protect General Glauca from daemons when she is but a mere messenger on the battlefield. Her position as a commander is almost a given thanks to General Glauca's notion to promote her. As a result, the 16-year-old Niflheim female follows his every order and assisted in strategizing for their next move until the end of Fenestala Manor's event.

Due to her selfless, but young naive and almost oblivious nature, Glauca and many others manipulated the information in order to fool the teenager to continue working for them. Lies about neighboring nations sweetly whispered into her ears and truths such as the origin of the magitek soldiers were obscured. This gave Emiko an even more tragic role as the commander pushed onward to assist in their missions. Her passion led to the deaths of many innocents unbeknownst to her. At a young age too, maturity came a little too late as she relied too much on her emotions to get through the operation. (Hence, most of her tactics involve greater collateral damage to the enemies.) The eventual discovery of their dirty plot to keep her as a part of their army led to an immediate resignment from the army.

Unlike many of her unfortunate friends and comrades, she was granted luck by the Gods to avoid an unfortunate injection of the Starscourge. By lying and faking any necessary documents and symptoms, she managed to fly by without its effect. All of that is for naught though once suspicions arouse from Glauca during the climax of Fenestala Manor's event. Another reason as to why Commander Yori is forced to flee from the battlefield. Yet... isn't it possible to still contract it? So far nothing abnormal has occurred within the past 12 years since her abandonment of her duty...

As of her abilities right now, she's rusty in it. Her durability has lessened thanks to an almost-solitude lifestyle. Although her physical forms may be weakened and not up to par with her original status, Commander Yori's intelligence remains quick on its feet thanks to her vigilance in studying. She has yet to learn how to cast magic. As a result, she heavily relies on firearms and a dagger. Since the ammunition type for her guns could only be found on the magitek troopers, she rarely uses her guns. (Which consist of a revolver, a shotgun, and a sniping rifle.)

#░▒▓ rogue commander (( verse;; final fantasy xv ))#((//yolo i bet this is trash but wtv i hope this is good enough to make do of some interaction))#((//a;lskjfd this took longer than expected))#((//lmk if there's weird information that shouldn't be there cries))#((//now time to work on the other verses lol why do i do this))

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shirleydazzle · 7 years ago

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Parental Alienation and Custody

In most child custody cases, children do not spend an equal amount of time with both parents. As a family lawyer, I think this is the unfortunate part of the divorce many families face today, especially small children who often feel they do not spend enough time with mom or dad. Then, parental alienation comes in the picture.

A divorcee may influence his or her child against the other parent causing the child a lot of emotional distress. Attorneys dealing with these types of cases find it difficult as a parent may request having sole custody of the child or the child having little contact with the ex-spouse. While some parents’ irresponsible behavior may have provoked these harsh battles, collaboration between parents and focusing on the best interests of the child can be very helpful when developing a child custody plan.

HOW CAN PARENTAL ALIENATION AFFECT CHILD CUSTODY?

Parents who don’t agree during child custody battles can impact their children in a negative way. According to recent studies, children who have been involved in these battles tend to have more mental and addiction problems. Due to the severe impact parental alienation can have on the children, the court may order a change of custody after they find out that one of the parents is trying to alienate the children.

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In some cases, parents can be a bad influence on minor children, therefore, the little contact they may have with them is excused. These cases are generally linked to child abuse, domestic violence, and drug abuse. Parental alienation is quite different. This is when a child rejects a parent with no foundation. In other words, someone is influencing the child negatively against the other parent. Another factor that may contribute to the child’s dislike or rejection of one parent is the family social dynamics.

There are different levels of parental alienation. It all depends on the behavior of both parent and child. A good example of parental alienation is when one parent talks about the other in a disrespectful manner, tries to change child visitation arrangements, says that the child was abandoned by the other parent, and interferes in the child’s relationship with the other divorcee. Family law attorneys know how to effectively navigate these complex cases. They may file a motion for a change of custody based on the magnitude of the alienation.

Get Legal Help

Parents involved in child custody disputes should seek legal assistance and be supportive during this difficult time in their lives. Children as well as divorcees can greatly benefit from mutual cooperation. A family law attorney well versed in child custody matters can explain what your options are and achieve a positive outcome on your behalf. You need someone to help you present to the court your suspicion of parental alienation. Some judges may be ignorant of how parental alienation can impact the child negatively, and your attorney may have to educate them. Your attorney will work along mental health experts who can testify in court and diagnose the problem when necessary.

CAN AN EX GET ALIMONY TO COVER COST OF FREEZING EGGS?

There are many considerations made when calculating alimony in Utah. The court may consider factors such as the earning ability of each spouse, the financial needs of each party and the length of the marriage; but what about the cost of broken dreams? Can a court put a price tag on something like a failure to have children during marriage? And if they could, should an ex-spouse be reimbursed for the lost shot at parenthood?

That is what one lawyer is trying to find out. He is representing a woman who, at the age of 38, does not want to lose her chance at motherhood. With time running out in terms of her biological ability to conceive, she wants to freeze her eggs. As part of her divorce settlement, she is asking her soon-to-be-ex to pay $20,000 to cover the procedure, as well as related expenses. The lawyer explains that because the couple had unsuccessfully tried in vitro fertilization several times during the marriage, those fertility treatments should be considered a part of the marital lifestyle and maintained even after divorce.

There are likely to be opinions on both sides of the tracks. On one hand, some believe it may make sense to award alimony for eggs, because losing a chance to have a child while married may be seen as a form of sacrifice. On the other hand, there is the worry that putting a price tag on fertility could lead to putting a price tag on other things, such as the price of a face-lift to make up for lost youth during a marriage. Either way, the outcome of this case will likely affect future divorces, as there has been no state case law on the topic thus far.

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need help with a family law case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Ascent Law LLC8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite CWest Jordan, Utah 84088 United StatesTelephone: (801) 676-5506

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