#I'm tired of the strong Black woman trope

[anyaskalliope]

Mel and Jayce Deserved Much Better

After experiencing horrors and walking through valleys and shadows, I truly hoped Mel would break down this season and unleash her emotions. Especially since she spent the entire season unlearning hardness with Jayce being so openly affectionate and emotional. This final act was honestly a slap in the face.

The one person she hoped would offer her that safety net to do this completely shuts her down. Mel was always cognizant of his feelings, constantly looking out for him, advising him, and teaching him. She shared with him her deepest insecurities and vulnerabilities. I can understand if Mel and Jayce are both going their separate ways because of the Noxus plot but to have him be this cold, and distant, and show a lack of understanding toward her plight is bizarre.

Mel comes back with a changed appearance and a different demeanor, and he doesn't even ask what happened. He seems to not care. Jayce isn't even giving her a chance to explain herself and just keeps coming at her and you can see the moment when Mel puts all her walls back up. Don't even get me started on the fact that he held the hammer in his hand for most of the time.

Their interactions during this act paint Jayce as one large hypocrite. He benefitted from all of Mel's teachings, from her providing comfort and affection, to her investments in Hextech. Asking her why she didn't save Viktor like she had something against him was wild.

This is the same Mel who offered comfort to Jayce when Viktor was severely injured during the explosion. The same Mel who immediately understood why Jayce left after their night together, recognized the importance of Viktor to Jayce.

If Mel could protect everybody in that room, she would. When she explains her lack of awareness of her abilities to him, he just keeps going on and on.

And the apology with the "passenger" line was just bad. It lacked a certain level of remorse that I would expect from Jayce of all people. Where is that good-hearted man who could tell when people aren't feeling their best, that person who always wanted to help people and make their lives better?

I think the Survivor Jayce is not the Jayce that Mel fell in love with, this is another man. The Jayce she fell in love with died at the bottom of that cave. The survivor Jayce is Viktor's passenger.

Jayce abandoned not just Mel but also his mother who protected him many times to be with Viktor in the afterlife?? In what universe is Jayce pulling that shit?

Now Mel's heading off to Noxus. A nation that doesn't align with her values and morals and would most likely have to harden herself to rule or have influence there. I hate it all. I hate that Black women always have to be strong. We actually had an opportunity to see a Black woman who grew up in that environment slowly shed those walls with a man who actually loved her and was openly affectionate and vulnerable. I'm so sad that it was taken from us. I'm sick and tired of the strong Black woman trope.

With how mischaracterized her motives and actions towards Jayce are, I for one cannot say that I'm excited for a spin-off series with Mel as a main character. Not with this writing team and this fandom.

To me, this show ended in season 1 with Zaun becoming independent, Jinx not firing the rocket, and Mel and Jayce growing together as individuals and as a couple.

[marzipanandminutiae]

Do you know much about historical cuisine? Saw yet another anime with friends and they went the whole 'modern food always tastes better' bit. I feel tired of the trope and am wondering how different historical cuisine would taste compared to modern times. So anything you happen to know as a historian would be cool to know!

That varies MASSIVELY based on time and location. Like. Much more than fashion does, even, I'd imagine (in a given sub-region- I can talk about Mainstream European and Euro-American Fashion of the 19th CenturyTM but the food was so different in different countries that were dressing the same, if that makes sense? just as an example).

Food is often more globalized in a lot of places nowadays, so the characters might have more diversity of flavors from the regional norm than they're used to. But this could be a good or a bad thing- a woman from 17th-century Japan might love pizza and much sweeter Western pastries, or she might absolutely hate them. Which is not to say regional cuisines haven't evolved, too- a museum here in Boston used to have tastings of 18th-century-style hot chocolate, and it was very different from the modern sort. But that's the largest blanket difference across the globe that I can think of, food-wise.

Not sure what anime this was, so it could have been Japan-specific, but I feel like this gets applied the most to the 19th-mid 20th century UK and United States. The whole Captain America line about "food's better; we used to boil everything," for example, and the general belief that everything was bland mush in those areas until the 1950s and then it was incomprehensible Jell-O mold horrors until approximately the 1980s. And of course, none of that's true- there were plenty of dishes that used spices and different cooking methods, many of which are still popular today. See also: Jonathan Harker, a Normal 1890s Englishman, getting so rhapsodical about paprikahendl that he simply must have the recipe for his fiancee to make. There also WERE bland mushes and fluorescent nightmares, but there's less than ideal food today, as well.

(Note that I'm much less confident talking about the whole English StodgeTM thing as we get into the 20th century. That is outside my history wheelhouse and there's a lot of different stuff embroiled in it relating to class and such that I don't want to talk out my ass about. All I know is that I've seen plenty of recipes from as late as the end of the 19th century, from England and some from urban Scotland if I recall correctly, that made ample use of spices. Nutmeg, mustard, black pepper, rosemary, caraway, and cayenne pepper were especially popular (not all together obviously). There was a belief among the middle and upper classes that strong flavors of garlic and onion were distasteful to ladies, but the fact that cookbooks and such feel the need to mention it implies that those elements WERE being used in cooking generally, in the UK, at that time. So wherever the idea that All British Food Is Beige And Tasteless came from, it wasn't mainstream late Victorian cooking for adults as far as I can tell)

(They gave kids a fair amount of the beige and tasteless because they believed their digestive systems couldn't handle strongly-flavored- okay now I'm getting off topic. Read Ruth Goodman's "How To Be A Victorian." Anyway!)

tl;dr- The answer to "is modern food better?" is "that's literally impossible to answer as a blanket statement, since it's massively dependent on the character's original time, place, social status, and personal taste- and where they end up in the present, of course."

Now, I do agree that the trope is annoying the same way every single princess being totally shocked and appalled when her marriage is arranged gets annoying- not because it can't be true based on history and human behavior, but because fiction treats it as some kind of universal precept. Mix it up a little sometimes! Have a Regency character who comes to the present, finds out that her favorite local cheese isn't being made anymore, and loses her entire mind!

[spywhitney]

Thoughts on ships in The Bear

Sydcarmy (Sydney x Carmy)

I filtered out the tag weeks ago and I haven't undone it yet 💀.

98% of posts on my page in the last 6 months or so is to do with this ship- I've had a lot of thoughts about it.

S3 soured my opinion on it, and I've seen some eyebrow raising opinions emerge after s3 that are kind of wild, but sobering I guess?

But unfortunately I've hyperfixated on this ship now so I won't let go until it's over. So yikes for me I guess.

Like I've invested so much attention to it and the odds are looking terrible, but I hope it works out anyway?!?!

Sydrichie (Sydney x Richie)

It's the older man/younger woman trope. That's all it takes for me lol.

I read these fics when I'm tired of the above ship lowkey.

Their dynamic is so interesting to me.

If there weren't so many ****** **** ball sucking/suit licking on Richie while simultaneously trashing on Syd I'd like it a lot more (probably).

I was going to say how Richie treated Syd in s1 is what turns me off too, but I ship Syd with Carmen so, welp.

If they got together it would piss so many people off. Like the hater in me is cry-laughing thinking about how upset certain people would be lmao.

Wish we saw more of them in s3, it would've made so much sense too.

Sydmarcus (Sydney x Marcus)

Um, are the sydmarcus shippers even alive?

Y'all were done dirty. Y'all didn't deserve that man.

I never got the impression Syd liked Marcus however, but still.

If she did, they would've been so cute, like omg.

Marcus has had Syd's back the most and is arguably the only friend she has.

He treats her like a friend/overtly asked her out as more than a friend too etc etc.

The fact Syd didn't even acknowledge the fact Marcus made a dessert and named it after her is wild though.

Their dynamic has a healthy balance of reciprocation, exercised respect and care.

Obviously there are some that insist they should('ve) got together because they don't want sydcarmy which is ridiculous.

Then there's the "Syd deserves better" crowd which while I understand and somewhat agree, I also believe people choose what they deserve, so that's her business lowkey.

Saying all that I'd be all over Marcus. He's passionate, fine as hell and he's super chill?! Already climbing that man personally.

Claircarmy (Claire x Carmy)

I don't care about Claire, so it's hard to care about the relationship.

As much as the Claire hate is entertaining to me (and very valid points have been made about her), I'm pretty neutral on her for the most part.

I will say, the fact that their relationship has been shown to be perfect up until the s2 finale and Carmy calling her a waste of time was all it took for her to walk away is hilarious.

Like, if you can't deal with Carmy saying one mean thing about you, you're not ready to be with him girl lol (especially when compared with--)

The show pushes this a lot so if they're endgame fine, I just want that plot point to be done my goodness.

Carmrich (Carmy x Richie)

I've read a couple of fics and woah?

I like this quite a bit.

Their dynamic is so engaging in the fics I've read.

I almost feel like I don't appreciate their relationship enough in the show.

Sydluca (Sydney x Luca)

Kind of yummy if it was endgame, eh if otherwise.

I'm being dramatic, see my post here for more context.

The actor is british so maybe my bias is showing with this ship ngl.

He's one of the few actors I recognised also.

They look kind of cute, or whatever.

Fak x Richie

They have moments for sure.

I get it.

Marcus x Luca

I never saw this honestly.

To me, it was feel-good to just see a black man eagerly learning in a healthy environment.

I want Marcus for me though, like I said so lol.

Nat x Pete

They're canon.

They go well together, though I will say I don't have a strong opinion on them.

I guess since we don't see any significant conflict with them/they're very stable there's not a lot of emotional weight?

Nat x Richie

I felt some vibes here and there, you know?

They're sweet.

Richie x Jess

It would make sense as a part of Richie's arc.

Funny how some people that ship them based on a couple of looks hate sydcarmy with 3 seasons worth of interactions though.

Michael x Richie

I feel like I'd like this like camrich, but also it might break my heart, so idk if I want to see what's up.

Marcus x Chester

Chester was chill, shame he only got two seconds in s3.

Knowing Marcus had someone outside the restaurant who's supportive was comforting.

Tina x David

They were adorable in "napkins".

Makes sense they're married irl.

Tina x Michael

Felt a vibe for a split second when she talked about him in s1 ngl.

If she didn't have a husband atp--

Sydney x Claire

I think I saw a fic with this on ao3. Don't care about Claire, so you know.

Richie x Tiff

Clearly there's still love there, shame with what happened to them.

Carmy x Luca

I don't see why not.

Carmy x Chef David

😳 I mean, I get the appeal but in the context of the show, yikes. (Not that I haven't shipping something "worse").

[lemonhemlock]

I think at this point Aemond x any OC that isn't a Targaryen is by default much better than the countless Rhaenyra's daughters and the rest of Targ OCs out there that are all the same character more or less; an aggressive grilboss who's not like other girls, is a great fighter, an amazing dragonrider and treats Aemnd and his family like shit but for some reason he's still madly in love with her and will switch sides by betraying his mother and siblings for her…I don't know why so many authors and readers are in love with this type of female characters but some of these have been so comically bad like how can one person not have any flaws at all, how can they do anything they want without suffering any consequences for their bad behavior, not even once? And why do they believe a woman can be strong only when she's antagonizing everyone else around her? And only when she's picking up swords and rides a dragon? Also, why do they believe any man - Aemond in their case - will fall in love with a woman who fights with him all the time and shits constantly on his mother and family, let alone betray them for someone like this?

Since most of these stories are clearly written by hardcore team black stans, it's not surprising they are repetitive and seek to make the Greens a laughing stock in their stories. And yes, including Aemond, I really don't think they like him as a character, they just think he's hot and that's all. Oh and they love the idea of having him on their side. OCs from random houses (and especially from houses that sided with the Greens like the Lannisters, but there aren't so many OCs like this out there sadly :() are clearly superior since they don't have to make most characters act irrational by introducing insane betrayal plots like TB stans do it with Aemond in their fics. I have to add the fact that I'm not even opposed to the idea of Aemond x TB Niece OC/Targ OC but omg, it gets really tiring when after all this time even a significant part of the newer fics are still recycling the same plots. In a way it's a pity because there's potential behind a story about him falling in love with someone from the other side, but most stories don't even want to explore that properly except for the Blacks - good, the Greens - evil & let's make Aemond redeem himself through his love for the OC by switching sides and betraying his family.

I understand your frustration, anon, but, like I said, it's a good chance those authors are quite young themselves and are just exercising their writing muscles, so will not be able to portray complex female characters and feel more comfortable playing around with tropes and (what, to us, looks like) Mary Sues. I also want to facepalm often enough going through AO3, but then I think - what if this person is literally like 13 years old and I'm despairing because they're not providing me with the next great American novel. :)) Believe you me, I'd write the most self-indulgent Aemond x Lannister OC if I had the patience or the talent, but other than that, I'm going to console myself by having a go at actual published books for the time being. Maybe future seasons will bring more fans in, who will be willing to give us the content we crave.

[liaromancewriter]

Just For Tonight

Premise: Nothing in Max and Sienna’s relationship goes according to schedule, including their first official date.

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Sienna Trinh x M!OC (Max Valentine)

Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.

Words: 1,905

Trope: And they go on a Date / First Date

View Series Masterlist

A/N: This is set during the original Maxenna series, taking place during the latter part of Love Somebody before their discussion in the last text message. As I was working on Piece by Piece, I thought it'd be fun to revisit their relationship before everything changed. And a first date was something I hadn't covered before.

I'm participating in @choicesficwriterscreations Flufftober event, Prompt "First Date".

By the time the knock came on her door, Sienna Trinh had done the best she could to make herself look pretty and presentable.

The second half of her shift had been unusually long, partly due to the patients assigned and mostly because of the anticipation of finally seeing Max Valentine after almost nine months.

The last time had been on his birthday in October when they’d spent an early fall evening on Edenbrook’s rooftop enjoying the view of Boston’s skyline under a full moon.

The goodnight kiss captured by the tabloids and the intense scrutiny that followed had them stepping back from each other, pretending that it had been a passing fling rather than a beautiful friendship that had just started to become something more.

It had all been part of their plan, thought Sienna, but she hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to see him in the arms of other women, each more beautiful and interesting than the next.

And certainly, none of them looked haggard or felt rundown after spending fourteen hours or more on their feet dealing with sick patients, cleaning up puke and other bodily fluids.

He could do so much better than her.

There were times when it felt like the strong smell of hospital antiseptic was permanently embedded in her pores, no matter how hard she scrubbed at it in the shower. Still, she spritzed the floral fragrance her parents had sent her as a birthday present and hoped it was enough.

Sienna checked herself in the full-length mirror hanging on the back her bedroom door. The black off-shoulder dress with its flared skirt was stamped with red poppies and fell in graceful lines down to her knees. The gossamer black scarf, a gift from Cassie, would work well as a wrap in case the early June evening turned cool.

She’d kept her make-up light, just enough to cover the tired lines from the day. Her jewelry consisted of chandelier earrings in the shape of a Celtic Love Knot and the Dara necklace he’d once given her.

Because her idea of fancy likely differed from that of a Valentine, she hoped she looked respectable enough for what he had planned.

Taking a deep breath, she walked out of the bedroom and past the living room, glad to see that her roommates had made themselves scarce. Swinging open the apartment door, she deflated with disappointment when it wasn’t Max that waited for her.

“Doctor Trinh?” said the man, his black uniform and chauffer’s cap giving away his identity. “From Mr. Valentine.”

Sienna smiled when he handed her a bouquet of hyacinths, her favorite flowers, unfolding the note attached with a blue ribbon. There were just two words written inside: Happy Birthday.

“I’ll wait, Doctor, if you’d like to put them in water first,” said the driver.

“Thank you. I’ll just be a few minutes.”

Twenty minutes later, the black town car with its shaded windows turned into an underground parking garage. When the car stopped, someone opened her door from the outside and Sienna recognized the woman as Lauren, the assistant manager she had met last year.

“Welcome back to the Hudson Back Bay, Doctor Trinh,” she said with a smile. “Please follow me.”

Sienna followed Lauren into the elevator, watched her insert a key before pressing the button to the penthouse floor. Nervous, Sienna locked and unlocked her fingers as the car ascended, the doors sliding open within minutes.

And there stood Max Valentine, handsome in an expensive, dark suit, his blonde hair neat, the style shorter and smoother than the last time they’d met. His smile matched the one she could feel spreading across her face as she stepped off the elevator and placed her hand in his outstretched one.

They had eyes for no one else. Her brown eyes stared in wonder at his green ones, so like his sister’s and therefore so familiar to her.

“Thanks, Lauren,” she heard him say just before the elevator doors swooshed shut.

“Happy Birthday, Si,” he whispered when they were alone, his lips brushing her cheeks, first right, then left before they closed over her lips in a brief kiss.

“Come on,” he said, clasping her hand in his as he led her through the open double doors.

When Sienna stepped over the threshold, her hand dropped from his at the sight of more hyacinths in shades of white, blue and pink sprinkled around the penthouse suite. Their scent enveloped the room so that she felt as if she was walking into a spring garden.

The faint sounds of jazz drifted through the air and the twinkling fairy lights further transformed the hotel suite into something magical.

In front of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Charles River, she could see an elegant table set for two, lit candles flickering inside colored glass and silver domed cloches matching the light gray tablecloth.

“Max…” she started, her voice soft and awestruck as she turned to face him.

He was leaning back against the now closed doors. To Sienna, he always looked confident and so self-assured ─ something she envied ─but observing him now she could also see the nerves around his eyes and in the way his hands slipped inside the pockets of his pants.

Stepping closer, she rested her hands on either side of his face, his shaved skin smooth against her palms. This time, she closed her lips over his, showing him without words how much she appreciated everything.

“Thank you,” she said when she pulled back. “Everything looks magical and lovely.”

“It’s not every day one turns thirty,” he said simply. “Come. You’ve had a long day and I’m sure you’re starving.”

He held out her chair, waiting until she was seated before lowering himself into the chair opposite her.

“Traditional beef pho,” Max said as he removed the cloches covering the dishes with a flourish. “For dessert later, we’re having strawberry shortcake.”

He poured wine into her glass and then his. A pinot noir, she noted that went well with the rich flavors of the broth.

“How did you know these are my favorites?” she asked with surprise, reaching for the chopsticks and spoon for the broth.

“Did you forget who you live with?” he teased thinking of his sister, Cassie, as a secret keeper and picked up his own chopsticks. “I know you don’t like to eat a lot the later it gets, so I hope it’s okay that I kept the menu light.”

“It’s perfect,” she smiled, digging into her meal. “Are you staying in Boston a few days?”

“No, I can’t,” he said regretfully. “I need to be at the office in Arlington tomorrow and then I’m off to Cape Town for about a week.”

Sienna stopped at that. “Max, did you come here just for me?”

“Of course,” he said as if it was that simple. “How’s the pho?”

“Delicious,” she said absently, still reeling from his statement. “If you’re about to tell me that you made this…”

He burst out laughing.

“I’m good, Sienna, but I’m not that good,” he said, his laughter dispelling the sudden awkwardness.

“I remember you went to Cape Town a couple of years ago too,” she said, her statement a half question as she tried to find a neutral topic.

“When I was in my old role,” he confirmed. “We’ve been looking to expand The Hudson Group into Africa, particularly South Africa and then potentially Morocco, as they’re both tourist hotspots. I had identified a few properties back then that could work for us.”

“The deal finally closed last month,” he continued, refilling her empty wine glass. “In my new role, I need to go back and finalize the operational details before we can break ground. In about 14 to 18 months, we should have the first Hudson Hotel & Resort on the continent.”

Sienna watched the way his face became animated when he talked about his work, and the satisfaction he must feel at everything he had been able to accomplish. She knew from all their discussions before how hard he worked when he could have used all the benefits of his last name and just coasted.

But, like his sister, he wasn’t content to be a Valentine in name only. And just like Sienna, he earned everything he achieved. The distance between them didn’t seem as unsurmountable now as it had when she was getting dressed earlier, but it was still there.

“Sienna, is everything okay?”

“Yes,” she said, shaking off her reverie at the hesitancy in his voice.

“You’re so passionate about what you do,” she explained. “Everything you just talked about sounds so much more interesting compared to the daily grind of hospital life.”

“I think you’re the remarkable one,” he said with sincerity. “We have very different jobs, but yours is to literally save lives. Not many people can say that and mean it. I know I can’t.”

Feeling nervous again, she raised the wine glass to her lips to wet her dry mouth.

“What are we doing here, Max?” she asked, her voice betraying confusion and uncertainty as she put the glass down and folded her hands on the tabletop. “With your name, your looks, you could have anyone. Someone you could share this fascinating world that you inhabit, be able to go anywhere around the world, do anything.”

His hands reached for hers, the warmth of his palms seeping through hers.

“To answer your first question, Sienna Trinh. We’re here on our first, official date,” he said, squeezing her hand. “Every other time, we were two friends hanging out. But for tonight, you’re Sienna and I’m Max. We’re two people who are attracted to each other, having a lovely dinner, some conversation, and hoping to see where it goes next.”

“And the answer to the question you’re afraid to ask is simple. There’s no one quite like you,” he continued, tightening his grip when she tried to pull away. “And one day, when we stop playing this game with the tabloids, and you’re truly ready to hear it, I’ll be happy to tell you exactly why you.”

With that, he let her go.

Sienna continued to sit, watching him move around, expertly clearing their dirty dishes, putting them away in the room service cart off to the side before topping off her wine glass. She remembered he’d told her once about working in room service and it showed.

“May I have this dance?” he asked, smiling gently when Sienna placed her hand in his, allowing him to pull her out of her seat and into his arms.

He held her close as they swayed to the music; her head on his shoulder, content for now, but reality wasn’t far. She stiffened at the thought, her heart skipping at the realization that this time away from everything couldn’t last. Not really.

“Let go, Si,” he whispered in her ear, his tone pleading. “It’s me and it’s you. Please. Just for tonight, forget everything else.”

The arm around her waist pulled her closer so that her head now rested against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, knowing that hers moved in tandem with his.

And Sienna let go.

At midnight, the carriage would turn into a pumpkin and she back into a pediatric resident in scrubs. Until then, she would let herself pretend, just this once, just for tonight, that she was exactly where she belonged.

Perma-tags: @jamespotterthefirst @starryeyedrookie @genevievemd @forallthatitsworth @queencarb @ohchoices @openheartfan @danijimenezv @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @schnitzelbutterfingers @mainstreetreader @tsrookie @bex-la-get @chaoticchopshopheart @headoverheelsforramsey @thegreentwin @dorisz @custaroonie @pixelnathayes @adiehardfan @takemyopenheart @dickgraysonsscrumptiousbooty @jerzwriter @choiceskatie @mm2305 @a-crepusculo @barbean @beastlyinstrument @electroniccreatorwerewolf @rosebudde @lucy-268 @crazy-loca-blog @writer-ish @pixelberrygirl @wanderingamongthewildflowers @trappedinfanfiction @rookiemartin @drakewalkerfantasy

@openheartfanfics

Max & Sienna only: @alj4890 @clanlahela @gryffindordaughterofathena @utterlyinevitable @katrinegrey

[mostly-mundane-atla]

Well I got at least two people interested (@esmeralda-anistasia and @deathsmallcaps) so why not.

Quick disclaimer: I understand that some fans can be very sensitive to this topic and take general criticisms as personal attacks and jump to the defensive. Please don't justify your ships to me if you have that reaction to anything said in this post. It's not my business and if I'm honest I really don't care. Your experiences are not mine and will not change mine and nothing I'm about to say is meant to be read as an insult.

Okay onto the rarepairs in question!

I was ten years old when the episode Zuko Alone first aired and Ursa fascinated me. She was so elegant and sweet, and yet the implication was that she was also capable of assassination. Her disappearence and the fact everyone involved kept pretty hush-hush about her gave her character an air of mystery and Zuko's memories involving her made him a great deal more interesting and sympathetic (i still rolled my eyes every time he showed up and thought he didn't deserve all the cute moments with Mai until The Day of Black Sun, and even then still thought Jet was cooler in every way, but you can't please them all). She had quickly become a favorite character and I've held onto that adoration for about 15 years now.

I also really wanted her to kiss Hakoda.

They had compatible personalities and deserved some luck in love after all the heartbreak and trials, and they both loved their children despite having to leave. Ursa was never treated as dead, just gone. She could have been anywhere and there was nothing to say she couldn't have crossed paths with Hakoda and his men.

There was also something about it I didn't quite have the words or media exposure to explain. Often, in fandom or canon, if a relationship is biracial, the partner who is fairer-skinned and/or of the dominant or invading culture, who the audience sees themselves in, is the man and the one who is darker-skinned and/or marginalized or colonized is the woman (heteronormativity got a head start on this one). There's a lot of ugly "taming the savage" rhetoric in this, usually paired with blatant misogyny that's supposed to be in the woman's favor (like suggesting that a woman could only be complicit in this culture because it was what she was told and didn't know any better). The woman's family and friends who oppose this are depicted as unfairly prejudiced against this strange man as if their distaste for people who can be or have been responsible for things like genocide or subjugation is the same as the other side seeing these people as deserving of genocide or subjugation for the crime of not being like them. Sometimes it's the other way around, where the partner seen as "more civilized" is the woman and the one seen as "less civilized" is the man, in which case the woman is often abducted or otherwise the man's defining feature is his brutishness. This supposed brutishness is both intimidating and attractive to the oh so delicate if a bit repressed captive/wife (as well as the audience) and can manifest as being fiercely protective of her, which is how he shows his affection if there is a language barrier between them. And if you grow up Native, this is easy to pick up on and often in the back of your mind, because at least 90% of your media representation likely has some aspect mentioned above.

(Man that was a lot of academic style analysis)

But the dynamic between Hakoda and Ursa wouldn't leave room for any of that. Hakoda, as an absent parent backstory, is defined by having to leave despite how much he loved and would miss his children. Ursa, as an absent parent backstory, is defined by the crime she was willing to commit for her children (for Zuko specifically, but how long would it actually take for Azula to shoot her mouth off at the wrong place and time and also be targeted by Azulon?). Ursa was the one whose willingness to kill sent her fleeing into the night. The culture of her nation betrayed her and made her choose between her own safety and that of at least one of her children. Hakoda is charismatic and a good leader, but he is also soft spoken and understanding, and above all else, gentle. He isn't here to hurt innocents. He's here to see to it that the next generation of his people will not fear invaders or raids or even know that snow can be black from soot. And he's someone Ursa can finally feel safe around and confide in, and she could be the same for him. Someone he doesn't have to be the leader for, to whom he can admit that he just wants to be home and let the tears fall.

I'm honest enough to admit that one of the reasons I liked The Search was that Ikem wore his hair a lot like Hakoda did and that was close enough to it being canon for me.

Another one is Jin/Smellerbee. Something about their personalities strikes me as being so wonderfully harmonious and I like to imagine Jin, smooth-talking and streetwise but still the most genuine person, being the one to sit Smellerbee, who never really got a chance to think about these things, down and explain that anything she might be is okay. That it's okay to not be in love with a guy friend who gave her a purpose and loyal companionship. That it's okay to like girls. That she can have more than one partner. That it's okay to be different from what's considered normal and proper and not have an easy word to describe it. And eventually she'd realize it's true. And eventually she'd realize that she wasn't teasing when she called her beautiful in a wild sort of way.

I also like to think that Smellerbee clearly has more specialized fighting skills and is very good at what she does but Jin is strong enough to bench press her no problem. And Smellerbee acts all tough (because she is) but blushes whenever Jin calls her cute or pretty because she's not used to it.

Sometimes Longshot is involved too. Not as a third wheel or the exact same kind of partner, more like a ghibli style relationship with Smellerbee. Like is it a gentle romance? Is it an intimate friendship? It's love and they know that and don't have to define it by others' perception. And Jin gives Longshot kisses so he doesn't feel left out, which gets him a bit bashful because she really could have anyone, she already has Smellerbee of all people, and she still finds him deserving of a peck on the cheek. They probably all bunk together.

This actually started from a fic I wrote but don't intend on posting more than snippets of. Basically, i was tired of a lot of fanfic tropes, especially those having to do with friends to lovers and soulmates (this world is not kind to aromantics and the last thing I wanted in my escapism was romance being established as a level up for relationships), so I wrote something to actively subvert all of them. Jet and Smellerbee were each convinced they owed the other a romantic relationship after all they'd been through together, even though neither actually wanted it, because that's how all the stories go. So after he dies, she remembers all those times that would have been romantic if either was actually interested, but were instead just uncomfortable because it was entirely social convention and no feeling. But then she comes across Jin, who she's never met before, but who takes her in her arms and reassures her and sympathizes with her, and in this tiny apartment in this seedy side of town, she feels safe. She seeks permission for every touch and kiss and tells her this encounter doesn't have to be anything she isn't comfortable with. And when Smellerbee has to leave, Jin insists she take a candle to light her way, and winks when she says she can return it the day after. She gives her an excuse to visit again. And Smellerbee blushes and accepts it.

And then there's Teo/Haru and Teo/Ty Lee. No special reason I just think both would make a cute couple and want Teo to be happy. He's a good boy, more people should love him. Let him impress people with wheelchair tricks and get smooched.

[cheryls-blossomed]

I don't think Eric even realises that Strong Black Woman trope is a form of misogynoir which is so disappointing. I'm sure he means well, but he's approaching Iris incorrectly under his personal assumption that this portrayal is empowering to black women. It's disturbing how they continue to make Iris give to everyone/sacrifice or compromise her comfort for everyone while no one gives to her. And it doesn't even cross their minds how incorrect and messed up this is because they lack diversity of experience and thought in the writing room. And they can't be bothered to learn or improve. If he consulted with black women, he'd maybe understand how the trope he is employing is perpetuating harmful stereotypes. And if he let black women write Iris, I'm sure we wouldn't keep getting this "she has to be strong 100%, her needs don't need to be met, she supports the weight of the world on her shoulders while asking for nothing back" tired ass writing.

Very well said. I agree that Eric very likely does not realize that the Strong Black Woman trope is a form of misogynoir; from his perspective, showcasing Iris's strength and ability to overcome all odds is empowering. He does not realize why it's damaging, especially when Iris is still constantly denied moments of vulnerability and of support and of comfort and of catharsis. I definitely think Eric genuinely means well; you can tell by the way he speaks about Iris that he is very proud of her and what they're writing for her, so I think it's clear that he fully believes they are giving her empowering story-lines. My problem with his conception of this is that he's framing it from a (frankly) out-dated perspective, which is that superhero leading ladies typically fell into the damsel in distress trope back in the day, and he wants to actively ensure that that's not Iris. But that's never been Iris, and as we've discussed frequently, the implications of damsel in distress don't apply to Black women, regardless, because they are very rarely afforded moments where they are saved and protected and comforted onscreen.

And exactly: this is why there needs to be diversity at every level, so harmful, misogynoiristic tropes can be actively avoided. I'm glad that he has hired Black women into the writers' room, but there definitely needs to be more consultation with Jess and Christina to avoid the perpetuation of the Strong Black Woman trope against Iris, and in general, there needs to be Black women who have larger story-telling say.

[foureyedfreezy]

I would have rather directly commented on your post but since I can't (and since I'm not sure if your post was just rethoric or if you really wanted an answer) sending you this ask. First Riri, that would definitely be too close to Ironlad power/skill-wise, and replacing him wouldn't make any sense, he's the one who created the team in a specific situation for specific reasons, also Kang has been cast as a Black man so that's good. Now I also do not want Kamala nor Peter on the teams simply because I don't want more straight people in one of the few mostly queer teams. Cassie and her boys, and whatever Eli and (lol)Kate had going on, were already awkward & embarassing enough thank you. Does it still sound petty? I'm okay with it, I'm a tired queer person, and I'm tired of straight people ^^ not sorry.

Also. I'm thinking about Sam's Avengers. That gotta be one of the New Avengers rooster or a mix of some. To me it would make way more sense to have a more diverse this time and "family friendly" (urgh) team for the Earth Mightiest Heroes movies, so : Sam, Bucky, Kamala, Peter, Riri, possibly Yelena, 1 or 2 others, and maaaybe the introduction of the Mutants with one of them as a new character here. Anyway, just my opinion, as an old Spidey fan as well as all those new diverse heroes. It's really not a question of dumb "it's not like that in the comics" case ;)

Here is why I don't agree with the following reasons:

One, there is no proof Riri is replacing Iron-Lad's story. The idea of her connection to Kang is just a fan theory. She has her own story. Her is about a black girl raised in a dangerous neighborhood while suffering PTSD and having black women loving and supporting her struggles. That is rare and important for black women like myself who has insecurities and illnesses but we're generalized with the "strong black woman" trope . No offense to Nate, he's great. But MCU (and DC) is oversaturated with white male geniuses. Ironheart is the only Marvel project with a black female lead. And her presence isn't that random; she is friends with the Young Avengers.

Two, I agree with Peter as a Young Avenger is unnecessary. He has many movies and t.v. shows in the course of 40 years that we don't need more Peter Parker content in general. But Kamala is needed. Yes, she's straight but she's also a Pakistani-Muslim girl who is represented as a normal teen girl; not someone "oppressed" by her religion and culture for a white savior. People of color are still underrepresented, cis/straight and LGBT. And adding Kamala will not change the fact America, Kid Loki, Billy, Tommy are LGBT and they're confirmed in MCU.

Three, part of Riri and Kamala's character development is being around other children. Kamala's leadership consist of the younger generation standing up for themselves and Riri needs to learn socialize with people her age since she's a kid genius surrounded by adults. It would be difficult if they're only around adults 30+ their senior. MCU plans for a Young Avengers/Champions combo and I see nothing wrong with that. As a black bisexual woman, we get to have a dark-skin black girl with a mental illness and a Pakistani Muslim girl as a nice addition to an already diverse team of children of color we desperately needed.

[eskamtrash]

What you mean the misogynistic in the other skams? I only watched skam Spain for now, cause wlw it's what I'm here for but I'm curious to know the others too

Pufffff okay im going to ask to everyone reading this to add their take too because im probably going to miss a lot of stuff

Starting with the og we have a beautiful girl called Eva who started as a well thought character and then was forgotten for the rest of the season to be just the drunk girl at parties who nobody takes seriously. Most of the remakes are taking this route

Second we have Noora, a feminist girl with principles that gets demonized by the guy she ends up with, who says shes stupid for thinking how she thinks and who she then loses everything for, to the point of making her entire storyline about them after s2. Manon in skamfr is specially affected by this trope, and his bf is a rape apologist who she forgives.

Then we Chris, who is just the fat girl. Thats her character, sadly, when it could have been much more and had so much potential

This is only the og btw

Then we have Liv from skam nl, for example, a strong woman who started a great season and then got the worst sa storyline of all of them, and its coincidentially the only black woman on that season

Imane from skamfr: god what they did to Imane was horrible, making the entire squad be against her, just for the sake of drama

All of the Emma characters (Ruben in skam españa i guess) are treated like shit and the writers want us to hate them

Theres lesbian baiting in almost all of the remakes, but specially in the og with nooreva

Speaking of Emma we also have the Sonja character (that would be Eloy) who we also are made to think its on the wrong and we should hate, specially Britt form wtfock

I dont remember the specifics but La Argentina in skamit is a character who's only there to,, idk make the boy squad hot and they're always sexualizing her

This is not all but im tired fhdhrjxjdhd so if anyone has something to add feel free!!

[space-malex]

I would like to add as a Malex shipper myself, I'm tired of being accused of hating Maria. I love Maria. I want her to have her own story, she deserves the world. Heather is fantastic. I love Maria & Michael's dynamic, but as a friendship only in this narrative. I want to point out that when Maria finds out about Malex, I believe she's going to chose her friendship with Alex over being with the guy he loves. Friendships should come first over a guy imo. Maria is a strong woman & her own savior.

I agree, and I want her to have a great romance as well! I’m not out here perpetuating the strong black woman trope, saying “Maria doesn’t need a man.” I have no problem with her having a man, though personally I would prefer a woman for my sapphic goddess 😍 (I ship Mabel (if Noah dies or is evil) and also like her with Cameron cuz damn). But inserting her into this deep existing love story between two other characters is not good. It’s bad writing for her. It’s a bad writing for malex. And it’s just going to result in a huge mess if they decide to go that way. I want more development, story, and romance for Maria. AND I want malex. I just don’t understand why we can’t have both? Why can Maria’s development only hinge on a relationship with Michael? It makes no damn sense.

[rollerskatinglizard]

*headdesk*

I'm tired of making compromises to enjoy books. I want to read Fantasy where not only do queer people exist, but ALSO they don't get called "unnatural", and they're more than background characters. I want to read Fantasy that's not an overwhelmingly white cast with one black character thrown in for spice, and oh by the way her father the king considers his many wives and children disposable, and has them killed whenever it suits him. *snarling noises* Did you not notice the racist overtones there, author? Did it not occur to you that if two of the visiting princesses were black, or even a reasonable fraction of your cast, that wouldn't be such an issue?

Also I'm really tired of these het gender tropes in my romance, where the man is steadfast and stable and strong and the woman thinks of him as her shelter, her rock to lean on. Like. It's nicely done, it's cute, okay, that's fine. For one book. But for every book you write? Can you step outside gender roles for two seconds and think of these characters as PEOPLE, and focus on how they could fit together in a way that's NOT painfully gendered?

I'm gonna have to go read all my Martha Wells books again, wash the taste of this nonsense out of my mouth.

[alziclio]

I've been operating for years with these problems and have a lot to show for it however, I think it's time I lay my cards down and just actually get help. I have no support system as it relates to my mental issues and everyone considers them an excuse since I was little. I function so well so I must be lying. If it means giving up what I have worked for and what I have as the sole person who understands what I am going through I will admit myself for my own safety. I do not seek riches only to get up one day and decide I need to end it all and leave it behind. I do not seek to be in the public eye and be scandalised for having a breakdown. I have been doing everything on my own for years and have had to endure abuse, being homeless, being trapped, raped and used. These things have shaped my responses to things in life and I do not want these things to be what define who I am. If the bone of my finger is infected I have to cut it off before it spreads to my arm. I apologize to myself for adhering to the strong black woman trope. I deserve care and tenderness especially after years of harshness and uncertainty. I deserve mental stability after years of abandonment and empty promises. After years of being silent and silenced I deserve to speak, be heard and understood without struggle. I deserve peace when my mind is in turmoil. After sleeping on the street side, being beaten into submission and a miscarriage and being raped by the very friends I've helped in life...I just want peace, understanding and a silent mind. I'm tired of shouting, begging to be heard and have it thrown at me as if it's a crime, and being told that my emotions are too much after years worth of weight since I was a child. I am waving the white flag for the sake of my sanity and getting admitted because mental care is honestly too expensive anyway.

[jayenator565]

Clexacon Day 2

Did someone say Cluxa?

One Day at a Time panel and then Bisexual Representation in media. I had to leave odaat a bit early to make it to the bisexual rep but I'm glad I got to see both.

Missed the wayhaught panel as part of my shift volunteering but I did get to make it to the last half of Black Lightning. Nafessa is so gracious and so proud to give us the rep we need. You know you can really tell from how she talks about it that she genuinely cares about representing not only a strong black woman but a strong lesbian black woman. She really is such a gem and I will forever be thankful that I got to meet her.

Then it was time for the CLEXA MEETUP. I met up with my gays @khaleesileksa @purplekaos @megpinoe @poalakoala @seasinkarnadine @soldierofthenight and @lannister the doggo.

FINALLY got to meet @sabrinushka in person ;-; and you gave us so many awesone manips. Imma post my clexacon haul later but Sab really is the best.

We covered a good amount in an hour. From fanfic tropes (coffee shop Aus, fake dating aus, This Heart Fossilized and Silent) to fandom memes (decalexas, candles, lexacoon and lion Clarke, clexa pick up lines, incorrect clexa quotes, chip Lexa x Clarke, Fish the dog, Aden and Madi being their kids). We talked about seeing Anya and Lexa interact, Lincoln and Luna all the lost potential really. What we wished we could have seen and what we did get to enjoy.

@soldierofthenight really tried to call me out on my unfinished fics luckily no one there knew who I was xP.

Caught up a wee bit with my roomie from last year @sunspill still as devious as ever. Guys if you ever need someone to help you sell your art at clexacon sunspill is who you need behind you're booth. She's oddly persuasive

Got to finally hang out in the vendor area with the kru (here's that group pic I mentioned from day 1)

Actually met and talked to blindwire and KL freaking Morgan. Anyone on clexa haven knows how much I screeeeee when into the Shallows or (my) Destruction Within your Mouth or THE RED KING AWAKENS updates. Ok but now imagine that in real life. Me and @soldierofthenight were actual messes. Like legitimately we were fangirling.

No one can tell KL and blindwire about how much of a mess we were on the inside Ok? Ok. Glad we sorted that. I was as cool as a cucumber.

Then we had dinner well got a but lost on the way to dinner too but it was a great evening with all the kru previously mentioned as well as @gumshoegeek @gillytweed and @reshopambassador

Had to say bye to tweedster that night ;-; and was WAY too tired to even try Ascencion even with a free ticket but I think Day 2 may have been my favorite despite the craziness. I got to spend even a smol amount of time with everyone that day and honestly that's the main reason why I went.

[chonkyspacekitten]

Sorry for the rant I'm gonna go on, it is not directed at you, I just agree with you and want your input on my page. Just gotta say this. Ive never seen Atlanta. Specifically cause of this scene I saw here.

Not the representation I want. Tired of this trope of the loud uncouth black woman who is bitter and resentful. Looking for fights. It's a stereotype that I find myself trying to fight everyday almost, subconsciously. I just be chilling man, there's no fighting here. Yet it manages to affect how I interact with my(supportive) partner sometimes with my valid emotions because I don't want to be the "typical black woman" as my ex put it. He was Dominican too🙄 LMAO surprise surprise (not)

Tired of our valid feelings being treated like a joke too. We are human too. We are allowed to have a loud personality, be bitter, and/or resentful. And we deserve to heal and be loved from any of the hurt we have.

I'm not gonna lie, while this scene may be overacted, some black women genuinely feel this way. And I've seen black women give the side eye to black men with white women. But why laugh at a black woman who is obviously been hurt and let down by black men before. That's the only reason usually if they do feel this way, self hate. And it isn't funny

Why are we crucified for being anything other than a reserved "strong", emotionless black woman.

I'm not saying I agree with the ladies in this, it's the stereotypes that ends in charicatures like this. So many Black men act like we are not as Black as them and perpetuate the erasure of us through television. It just isn't okay and I don't know why so many black women are laughing at this like it's okay. The Black man with the unambiguous or white wife trope in television with black children...when's the last time we've seen two dark skinned people together? Do they not exist? Of course they do.

Date your white woman, black men. Just leave us the fuck alone. Black men usually have more to say about black women with white men from what I've seen. Go out of their way to degrade us. And this is coming from a gay black person with a spouse who just so happens to be white. Leave us alone. Don't be complicit in our abuse, erasure, and then gaslight us like we are crazy. So sick of this.

BITCH I LOVE HIM TOO 😂😂

[cheryls-blossomed]

Saw the teasers for 7x02 and *sigh* I think I'll wait until the end of the season to binge the show. Week to week is just not worth the effort. I'm gonna be honest. I don't like Eric's writing of Iris. Todd/Aaron/Greg did better by her character. I almost feel like Eric hates her character. And he certainly isn't a fan of WestAllen.

Based on the teasers I think Iris will sacrifice herself so Kamilla (and Singh?) can be freed or she will save herself and them too. Then once she's out she's gonna have to talk Eva or Mirror Eva from the desteoying the city putting aside the horror she put her through.

I don’t think he hates her at all, but I think he has a bad habit of boxing her into the Strong Black Woman trope, and there’s this constant need to have her save herself and everyone around her... and it can be very dehumanizing, such as in episodes like 6x19, which are steeped in misogynoir. It’s a pervasive issue in the way he chooses to frame Iris’s stories: filled with trauma and contingent on her saving herself.

One reviewer said that this was one of their least favorite episodes for Barry, while the one whom I usually read and trust said that there are side-eye worthy moments for Barry. Which troubles me, again, because I feel like the show is once again potentially playing into Iris being forced to save herself. I absolutely don’t want to see her sacrifice herself again. We know she’s going to come out and defeat and redeem Eva, without the narrative really considering the level of inhumanity that Eva put her through. I just... idk, like I’m not looking forward to the resolution of this arc at this point. I’m tired of the bait and switch crap. The CW is not fooling me this season again with their misleading promo. 

[brownthrussy]

Hey I saw your tags, & I was just wondering what is racist in su & gf? I'm just genuinely curious!

Well first of all sorry about the late reply i've been pretty busy! Second of all this might be a pointless reply, considering these fandoms, but fuck it. Stevies university and its fandom loves to preach itself as being diverse and woke yet does the same stuff that other fandoms do. Remember when Garnet or Amethyst got an arc for themselves? Me neither. Literally they're both "fusion" and the "fat friend" at this point. Both get little to no development for themselves which becomes ridiculous when theres been an interesting amount of focus and detail concerning Pearl. The Sardonyx arc, you know the arc which should have shown that Garnet is allowed to show that she can be vulnerable and that hurting others has consequences, was established as a Pearl arc. Literally it focused on the one that caused said problem instead of the one that got hurt when it shouldve focused on both atleast. Its also interesting how Garnet was stoic and silent when she was Darker in season 1 yet after her immediate regeneration in the end of the season she becomes lighter and more open. It probably wasnt intentional, considering Garnet got some growth by the season to become more open since Stevie met her halves, but its a tiring trope or "Stoic black woman finally gets to have a personality out of being serious and strong" which lasted a season. By season 3 shes literally the fusion friend. Aka the only episodes where she gets some focus are concerning fusion, which isnt wrong considering she is one, but it gets ridiculous not giving her anything else to work for. Amethyst was used as a "self hate" trope, which was great initially however it got repetitive and nothing was truly done. Remember season 3 when Amethyst was like "i hate myself thx Jasper" and Stevie was like "i hate myself too ok" and had a episode dedicated to it. It didnt seem necessary to have a competition on who hates themselves more when they could've, oh i dont know, learn and show compassion to one another as well as understanding each others. While it isnt exactly racism, i just dislike how the emotions in this show is just cry cry and we never mention it ever again. "Bismuth" was a display of "angry black woman' considering Bismuth wanted to kill a dictator and Stevie was like "b-hut th' hat'll make us just as bad l1ke them!!!1" and then Bismuth got poofed for wanting to kill dictators cause she was black and mean :// i get the whole "she tried to kill stevie" she thought he was rose and before anyone says "still murder tho" well ya faves Pearl Lapis and Peridot did the same shit too while the big bad butches Bismuth and Jasper suffer forever :). "Earthings" was a favorite of mine but I thought it used Smoky Quartz at the wrong time. Like the episode literally says that Amethyst could never beat Jasper no matter how she tries which really wasnt a good lesson tbh "hard work doesnt pay off, genetics does!!". Smoky was formed from a emotional bond which was nice but i thought it wouldve been better if Amethyst had accepted stevies help and that they could be fucks up together and said fusion would happen naturally instead of using fusion as just "wow we cant do shit on our owns :/// thanks rock genetics". The rubies literally got left in space to die when they were so easy to dispatch and Steven pulled the "i wanted to help eyeball" while he left the other 4 rubies to die instead of giving them a chance since wow they're??? Their own gems and deserve a chance. Said fandom demonized Navy and called her a sociopath for gaining Stevie's and the barn lesbians trust and taking the ship. These were some detailed reasons why the fandom and show seem hypocritical when they pull their "we care about diveristy but we aint gonna bother showing it" aka if youre not white coded rip you. Connie and Lars' heritage? Not necessary since theyre not white lol. Lars got a confirmed race like 4 episodes before he became pink so if we hadn't seen him before he got pink then we wouldve never known since he wouldnt look like a poc and he doesnt talk about his heritage so he wouldnt sound like one either. The fandom was also like "omgggg look at this one pic of Connie's mom wearing Indian clothes" while refusing the claim that we dont need to hear about anyone's heritage since it isn't "realistic" for POC to talk about it. Interestingly, most white fans say this claim hmm. Blue Diamond had some concerns syrrounding whitewashing, which appears to be due to lighting/ not official design. The problem was that BD was shown to be crueler in Season 2 when she was going to kill Ruby for doing her job. Yet by her official appearance she's neon, looks white despite the Indian asthethic vibe displayed on "The Return" and her display on the Moon, and sad cause her co-worker/ gf died or some shit despite Becky Sugar saying that BD was supposed to be a representation of homophobia. A stupid trope where the homophobe was just a closeted gay. She also became so sad and gay that the fandom woobified her to being a innocent gem despite being a dictator, trying to murder a main character, owning a human zoo. The show also made her cry like 99% to make you feel sad for her cause oh no how dare our white saviour Rose Quartz murder a dictator. This also brought a stupid belief of Steven that "the diamonds woildnt be here if it wasnt for my mom !!! Fuck her" considering killing PD looks like it was the only good thing Rose has done and like out of all the things steven has a right to be mad about it was about his mom killing a dictator??? Also Amethyst's and a Gem named Concrete had their own racist beta designs. Amethyst had a chola design and Concrete, a literal black coded gem that couldnt read (an advanced alien species and the only one that cant read is the black gem?),were displayed on the art books because the crewniverse doesnt really consider the racism that theyve displayed for children to see. This show has a lot of problems and its still good, could be a whole lot better if some issues were addressed, but considering the writers and fandom refuse to address any criticism by using the "its a show for kids!!!1) says the 30 year old white gay on tunglr. Org who praises stevies university for being woke!!1 and having a gay couple. Jeez this got long but I just think its hypocritical that everyone praises this show for barely doing the bare minimum yet refuses to address any problems.While I havent watched the whole show, Gravity falls has displayed a lack of POC in their whole show. While it is a small city, it became interesting that a lot of POC were in prison.