#Defense Leadership

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

What can I say? They're my favorite.

[muffypollz]

when the purge marches or whatever idk i never watched milgram

[aadmelioraa]

When your oldest brother dies on a religious crusade just as you feared he would and your father refuses to deal with his grief just as he refused to deal with it when your mother died (you were a baby btw) and then again when your other brother left home (because your dad was impossible to live with) and in spite of feeling entirely abandoned by your dad you use your newfound higher status to put yourself out on a limb in order to downgrade his punishment and that of your close friend despite grieving their involvement with the queen who led your brother to his death but instead of your father acknowledging your pain and your attempts to do what you believe will bring justice he lashes out at you by comparing your current position to the horrific way your mother died…just Eärien things

[lovethytendytenderly]

The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy // an edit a day til penguins hockey, a countdown (day 11)

x x

[gothicprep]

"criticisms of israel are antisemitic" is almost always a defensive derailment of practical policy discussions or criticism of how bibi and his new friends want what's worst for everyone. that said, since the israel-gaza war broke out, i've been seeing a lot of commentary that does legitimately seem antisemitic and it's knotted my stomach a bit.

i wish i could find the tweet again that i'd saw a few days ago, but the initial one was, "pay attention to media bias during this conflict!" with an attached screenshot that said "x number israelis killed, x number gazan palestinians dead". and i see this and i think, fair, fair to pay attention.

he replies to his own tweet with "here's a substack thing i wrote about how israel and hollywood work together to spread pro-israel propaganda" with this very ~graphic design is my passion~ ass art that's the hollywood sign and the israel flag.

look, i watch a lot of movies. some may call it a hobby. but i can't remember the last time i saw a new release that so much as mentioned israel. i know all nations propagandize but this felt really... off.

[imakemywings]

Actually in relation to that last post, there’s been a lot of discussion about the point of the Quenya ban, and while I think a very good argument has been made that it’s symbolic--that Thingol had to do something to reprimand the Noldor both for their actions and for lying, but could not afford to actually cut them off as potential allies against Morgoth--I think it’s also possible the Quenya ban was demonstrative. When Maedhros sort of laughingly comments on the potential hollowness of Thingol’s claim to being “King of Beleriand,” he focuses I believe on hard power--on the fact that Thingol cannot (or will not) militarily take action against the Noldor. Which makes sense, given the Noldor attitude towards Middle-earth in general (they came here to fight a war) and Maedhros’ position as lord of Himring, which is essentially a glorified military fort. But what Thingol displays when he bans Quenya is a pretty powerful show of soft power and the true reach of his influence. No, he won’t take up arms against the Noldor for their past kinslaying--but at his word, look how many Sindar not only stop speaking Quenya, but refuse to deal with Elves who do. I do believe the Quenya ban was in part symbolic. But I think it also shows the Noldor just how respected Thingol is in Beleriand and that if they mean to really oppose him, they’re going to be facing down more Elves than just the permanent residents of Doriath. If the Sindar of Beleriand, at this point, are forced to make a choice of sides, Thingol shows with a single decree how many of them would choose him.

[littencloud9]

thinking abt kunikida in the sheep au…

[probayern]

btw leon at cb... he's honestly very good in that position

[curiosity-killed]

I know I’m always like “its been a weird day” but its been a really weird day and my body has now decided to break out in hives in time for my last meeting so that’s how this week has been

[cosmic-cd]

late night oc thoughts again!

[sharki-leftishark]

.

[ohhfarts]

Vancouver Vision Zero is winning

[unhypnotist]

The Power of Controlled Strength: Why Every Man Must Be Capable of Violence, But Seek to Avoid It

In a world that often misrepresents masculinity, strength, and violence, it’s crucial to understand the nuanced role they play in a man’s life. Many confuse the capacity for violence with aggression or dominance, leading to either the glorification of unchecked power or the rejection of strength altogether. The truth lies somewhere in between: being capable of violence is a necessary skill for any man, but it should never be the end goal.

As a martial artist with over 40 years of experience, I’ve learned that the essence of training is not to fight but to avoid fighting at all costs. Breaking free from societal conditioning and negative mental trances involves understanding this balance. It means cultivating the ability to protect yourself and those you love, while embodying the discipline, restraint, and wisdom to use that ability only when absolutely necessary.

---

The Role of Controlled Violence in Masculinity

Violence is an uncomfortable subject for many, but the reality is that the ability to act decisively in defense of yourself or others is an integral part of being a man. This doesn’t mean seeking conflict or proving your dominance. It means having the capacity to act when the situation demands it.

1. Strength as a Foundation

Strength is a core attribute of masculinity, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. The capacity for controlled violence stems from strength:

Physical Strength: The ability to protect yourself and others starts with physical capability. Without it, you’re vulnerable to threats beyond your control.

Mental Strength: The discipline to train, prepare, and remain calm under pressure is just as important as physical skill.

Emotional Strength: True strength includes the ability to control your emotions, ensuring you act rationally and with purpose.

2. The Necessity of Preparedness

The world is unpredictable. While most of us will never face life-threatening situations, the ability to respond effectively is invaluable. Whether it’s defending your family from harm or diffusing a tense situation, preparedness provides a sense of confidence and security that extends far beyond physical combat.

3. The Restraint to Avoid Conflict

Violence, when unchecked, leads to destruction. But the capacity for violence, combined with the wisdom and discipline to avoid it, creates a powerful dynamic. Men who are capable of violence but choose peace are not weak—they are masters of their own strength.

---

Breaking the Negative Trances Around Violence and Masculinity

Many men fall into societal trances that distort their relationship with strength and violence. These trances either glamorize violence as a measure of masculinity or vilify it as inherently toxic. Breaking free from these narratives is essential for reclaiming authentic masculinity.

1. The Macho Trance

Some men equate violence with dominance, using physical strength as a way to assert power over others. This mindset often stems from insecurity, creating a cycle of aggression that ultimately leads to isolation and failure.

Breaking this trance means understanding that violence is not a measure of worth or manhood. True strength is quiet, controlled, and purposeful—not loud or destructive.

2. The Passive Trance

On the other hand, modern culture often portrays any expression of masculine strength as dangerous or undesirable. Men are encouraged to suppress their instincts to protect and provide, leading to passivity and disconnection from their natural roles.

Breaking this trance requires rejecting the notion that strength and violence are inherently bad. Masculinity is not the problem—misguided or unchecked use of power is.

3. The Fear-Based Trance

Many men avoid conflict altogether out of fear—fear of failure, fear of harm, or fear of standing up for what’s right. This trance keeps men trapped in inaction, unable to protect themselves or their loved ones when it matters most.

Breaking free involves confronting these fears and developing the confidence to act decisively when necessary.

---

The Discipline of Avoidance

The ultimate goal of cultivating strength and the capacity for violence is to avoid its use. Martial arts, at its core, is a discipline of peace. It teaches that the highest form of mastery is not in fighting but in resolving conflict without violence.

1. Confidence Reduces Fear

When you know you’re capable of defending yourself, fear no longer drives your decisions. This confidence allows you to approach tense situations with calm and clarity, often diffusing them before they escalate.

2. Respect for Others

Training in controlled violence instills respect for its power and consequences. You learn to value life and the well-being of others, making you less likely to engage in unnecessary conflict.

3. Focus on Solutions

The ability to avoid violence stems from a problem-solving mindset. Instead of reacting emotionally or impulsively, you learn to think strategically, seeking solutions that preserve peace and protect everyone involved.

---

How to Cultivate Controlled Strength

For men seeking to reclaim their masculinity and break free from negative trances, developing controlled strength is a crucial step. Here’s how to start:

1. Train Your Body

Physical training is the foundation of strength. Whether through martial arts, weightlifting, or endurance training, developing your body builds confidence and resilience.

2. Train Your Mind

Mental discipline is just as important as physical skill. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or focused breathing to cultivate calmness and clarity under pressure.

3. Learn Self-Defense

Enroll in martial arts or self-defense classes to develop the skills and confidence to protect yourself and others. Remember, the goal is not to fight but to be prepared if you must.

4. Embrace Responsibility

Understand that your strength is not for personal gain but for service. As a protector, your role is to safeguard those you love and contribute positively to your community.

5. Practice Restraint

Strength without control is dangerous. Practice restraint in all areas of life, from managing your emotions to avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

---

The Outcome: A Man of Strength and Peace

When you cultivate the capacity for violence while choosing peace, you become a man of strength and integrity. You’re no longer reactive or driven by fear, but calm, confident, and prepared to act when necessary.

This balanced approach transforms not only your relationship with violence but your entire life. It deepens your relationships, enhances your leadership, and allows you to live with purpose and clarity.

---

The Balance of Strength and Peace

Being capable of violence is not about seeking conflict or proving your worth—it’s about preparedness, confidence, and responsibility. When you break free from the trances that distort masculinity, you realize that true strength lies in the ability to protect without aggression, to lead without domination, and to resolve without violence.

As a man, your capacity for controlled strength is not just a skill—it’s a gift. Use it wisely, and you’ll not only protect those you love but inspire others to rise to their highest potential. Because a man who is both strong and peaceful is a man who cannot be stopped.