#It's important to spread awareness about the situation however and I think that if they just added more diversity and branched out-

[harmoniouseclipse]

This is so disheartening to see. It feels so weird to add a whole new cast of characters to Genshin and have only one of them be dark skinned. Granted, Iansan will be the darkest character in Genshin when she releases, but I did see a particular issue while talking with my friend; here is the chart I made going in depth about why her skin still feels so off to me (as an artist).

I feel like they are trying (somewhat) to push more out of their comfort zones, which I applaud them for. However, when you release a trailer filled with a whole new cast and only one of them actually has dark skin that isn't pale to medium tan, it creates a bad look imo.

And regarding their other games, it's so odd to make Arlan's whole thing be named with things referring to slavery. I think the devs maybe thought that they were giving empowering representation since most of them have to do with breaking free from oppression, but it really comes off as weird and disjointed. And I also feel like they could have added much better representation regarding Penacony. I don't play HSR so I was very surprised when a friend of mine told me that Boothill was based off of Native Americans, because as an American myself he is very much reminiscent of stereotypical southern country people. Of course I'm glad they didn't go the alternative route by making him a stereotypical Native American, since I have multiple friends who are and they are all very different people, none of them acting like how Hollywood portrays that culture though. And I also have never played HI3 but again, when my friend told me about one of the character's whole thing being that she hates her dark skin and bleaches it I was again shocked. But again, since I don't play these games and I know that HI3 was still one of their earlier games I wonder if it was just the early stages of development and poor aging kind of like old movies. Not as a way to excuse it, but as a way to understand why they went with that choice and from what I have seen they haven't copied that character plot(?) in any of their other games, thankfully.

E made an incredible video regarding the topic of Genshin's colorism so I'll link it here for you to watch since she does a much better job of explaining it than me lmao

I'm gonna end it here but I do have some extra points in the tags I wanna bring up briefly, and I might continue this in another reblog if I have time but for now these are the main thoughts I had ✌🏻

So, I hopped on here and saw nobody talking about the atrocity that is what genshin is doing to Natlan and since it was suggested we move the boycott to where others may not be able to hear Twitter specifically I decided to post something which I've normally never done.

Genshin has taken inspiration for Natlan from a bunch of different ethnic groups around the world, including but not limited to the Aztec, the Mayan, the Incan, the Māori, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and the West African.

The reason this is so dangerous is because it is literally covering up and whitewashing cultures. Hoyoverse promotes itself as a "diverse" and "worldwide" game, but if you can't even represent the people you're taking from properly, then what's the point? When it comes down to it, Hoyo can make beautiful representations based on cultures. One that I find consistently mentioned is Yunjin, who has a popular Chinese opera singer singing for an idle animation.

This extends outside of genshin, too, though. One point that particularly enrages me is the point of one Carole Pepper. Now, I haven't played much HI3, but from what I've heard, this poor woman hates her skin so much that she bleaches it. And to add insult to injury when I showed two side by side pictures of Carole to a friend of mine, said friend pointed out that she dressed more feminine the whiter she got.

Arlan's skill names have also been a cause of concern for a while now. With HSR releasing another person of color, I also beg you to consider the following: "Why did no playable characters on Penacony have darker skin? It was heavily based on America's Jazz Age, so wouldn't they include the people who created said music?" Another point is that of both Aventurine and Boothill. Both of these men were influenced by minorities and heavily whitewashed. Aventurine was based on the rromani peoples, and Boothill was based on Native Americans. Neither has an once of melanin.

I'll be posting more about this issue later but for now I'll leave it at that. I'll be reposting some art I've seen that incorporates more of these cultures and studying up more on what has been portrayed through this new trailer.

[justmywriting1313]

Stupid British Man (John Price x f!Reader)

This is fairly unfinished and an unedited product of my fixation on these stupid military man and every hurt/comfort scenario you can think of but nonetheless enjoy!

PS:- I would really really REALLY love some COD requests since thats where the inspiration for writing is flourishing soooooo yeah please send stuff in thank you<3

Summary: John's a great captain but like all men in love he is also a stupid british man!

Warnings: Talk and direct mentions of smexy times, no aftercare (but not intentional and will come in part 2)

Jonathan Price is a military man...

More than that, he is a captain and a military man...

A captain in the military needs to embody many qualities, one of the most important being the ability to remain strong and stable in the face of adversity, anchored and calm in uncertainty, and always aware of their surroundings, especially when confronted with unprecedented situations that demand logic and rationality.

It's a trait John was not only confident he possessed but one he prided himself on (considering he was the captain of three complete muppets at times). Yet, as he stands there in his flannel pajamas, his member still damp and somewhat aroused from the recent pounding he gave you not five minutes ago, a warm washcloth in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, John has never been more flabbergasted in his life as he watches you cutely jump to pull your leggings up over your waist.

You had already fastened your bra and were now pulling your old university shirt over your head, a shirt John had previously loved. However, given that he had finally slept with you after a two-month deployment, he would prefer to see you in his clothing or nothing at all. Therefore, the sight of the worn-out piece of cloth offended him, to say the least. Even more so, because neither of you had received a lick of aftercare and the lack of it was making him antsy. Instead of waiting for him in bed like you should have, you were rummaging through your duffel bag for something John couldn't be bothered to inquire about. He was certain that nothing was important enough for you to leave the sheets before he had a chance to clean you up properly. So, with as much calm as he could muster, he said,

"What on fuckin' earth are you doing?

The heavy, accented voice of the captain makes you jump as you straighten up, not having heard him come in. You whirl around to face the man you have been infatuated with since your first meeting, the same man who fulfilled so many of your fantasies over the last few hours and is now standing in the doorway of his room with a flabbergasted look about his rugged face. The tears you had been doing a good job of suppressing so far immediately reappear, though you were adamant about not letting them fall… God forbid you be known on base as the girl who cries after sex. Instead, you give him a smile before turning away as you begin to wrangle your hair into a ponytail and reply,

"What do you mean, what am I doing, John?"

John can only splutter at your nonchalant response, his brain having completely short-circuited… Clearly, something is lost in translation.

You only shrug at his shock before continuing to gather your spread-out things into your small bag, trying your best to curb the small, pathetic whimper that is bound to leave your lips if you spend any more time in this man's room surrounded by so much of him. Instead, in the heavy silence of the room, you mull over the events of what got you in his bed in the first place…

You and John met 8 months ago when you were brought onto his military base as a licensed psychologist specialising in psychotherapy for young adults. Your main job was to work with the younger recruits, which included the ones trained by John's own men. John can still recall the first time he saw you as you came barreling in through his door, your angry voice bouncing off the walls of his office. You were a small thing, barely reaching the bottom of the man's chest, with long hair and high cheekbones. You were dressed in leggings that flared at the bottom and drove John insane, with a striped sweater on top, your soft curves visible through the knitted material.

You were the most tender thing he had seen on base, and despite all this softness, you squared off against the military captain, demanding to speak to his lieutenant and give the man a piece of your mind for traumatizing your recruits more than any battlefield could. John had never been rash a day in his life, and yet he had promised himself he would make everything and anything to do with you a personal matter.

You, on the other hand, had not perceived the butterflies the older Brit gave you until the next day when he had come knocking on your door. Dressed in a tight shirt and his camo pants, he was every girl's dream. It didn't help the butterflies in your stomach when he looked down at you with soft eyes while properly introducing himself. He then led you to the rec room of his task force where his lieutenant was sitting and brooding.

Thus began eight long months… Months of teasing glances exchanged across busy meeting rooms that made him grin and you blush. Soft touches shared either against the back of your hand when you stood side by side or across your cheek as he tucked your hair back. Eight long months of late-night talks where he would seek you out, wherever you were, with a drink of your choice in his hand and an endearing look about him as he let you jabber about how you miss baking and he told you about his parents. Eight months spent with your heart in your mouth as you watched him leave with his team, a desperate prayer for his safety on your lips as he held you against him the night before, limbs tangled together innocently yet intimately. Eight months of yearning that would only grow stronger every time he came back, his eyes finding you in a sea of military personnel and lighting you on fire each time.

And despite all this wanting, two months ago, the night before he was sent out for the longest mission yet, you overheard him with Ghost in the rec room. The box of cupcakes you smuggled into the base held tightly as the tall, rough captain unknowingly broke your heart.

"You say professional sir but everyon' sees the way you look at 'er... the little medic..." "Don't know what you're talkin' about Simon..." Price chuckles and you assume Ghost gives him a look as John continues, "Hell even if I wanted to and I am no' saying I do, I cant do anything about it can I?... she's a kid AND she's military personnel" "Then the late nights in your office are what... just meetings to go over paperwork yeah? Just a little overtime is that it?" "Come on gotta pass the time between deployments somehow" "Is that so then mind if I tell Soap–"

Thats all you had the stomach to hear, although had you stuck around you would have heard the captain confess his love. Instead you made your way to his office where you left the box of baked goods on his table and fled to your room. You spent the night muffling your tears as you came to terms with what you were to John versus what John is to you... The following morning, as you waved some of your recruits bye, your eyes met John's hurt ones, his gaze heavy with questions about where you were last night but you looked away.

Unbeknownst to John his worst worry was coming true when the two months of his deployment gave you enough time to misunderstand your importance to him. That while John was the sun to you, you were a small star in a distant galaxy that had no hope of being anything more than that... And yet you knew you would take anything he gave you, no matter how much it would hurt.

Which is why when he knocked on your room door in the middle of the night, his hair still wet from the shower he had barely managed to squeeze in, eyes tired, lost, and desperate you didn't hesitate. You didn't hesitate when his arms went around your waist drawing you into his chest, head pressed into the crook of your neck as you pressed him into you. You didn't resist or clue him on the turbulence in your head when he pulled away although barely. His hands moving from gripping the back of your shirt to your waist, grip tight as he hefted you into the air forcing your legs to wrap around his waist. Any shock on your part absorbed by his mouth as his lips found yours, your hands coming to hold his face. The kiss was desperate, it was messy. A clash of tongue and teeth as he quickly took control. You hadn't stopped to think or really breath, instead letting John fill the crevices of your mind as he carried you through the empty hallways of the barracks. Somewhere in the back of your head you wondered how no one spotted you but you were quickly distracted by his hand on your ass which kept you pressed up against him. The other on the back of your neck never letting you pulling away long enough and following your mouth as you did so. You never stopped to spill the pent up hurt that had festered unknown to the man as you whimpered into his mouth when his fingers found just the right spot, his muttered praises only getting you to your finish faster...

Your little trip down memory lane as you stuffed another shirt into your bag gave John time to get over his shock, taking a deep breath as he placed the washcloth and bottle on his nightstand. His surprise was now replaced by a desire to fix the situation.

Another aspect of being a captain was observing people, learning to read the little things about how people behaved, and now that the shock had worn off, that's what John set about doing. He watched the tension in your back gather as you stuffed your things into your bag… mementos left over from other nights that John treasured. Things that he would be pulling out of the bag as soon as he had things sorted. He watched with narrowed eyes as your face got redder, the desperation with which you were trying to hold yourself together scaring him…

Something was wrong, and he had been so consumed by his need to see you, to feel you, to know that you were alright, that he didn't stop to consider how things had been left off… To remember that you never came to his room the night before he left and that you didn't look at him at the drop zone. John realized then that whatever had upset you that night had two months to fester in your mind and that he couldn't let you leave in any capacity before everything was laid out.

He shuffled his way over to your figure as you rummaged for your ID card in your bag, needing it to get back to your room. His large hands slid into place on either side of your waist. You jolted at the sensation, registering that his hands were warm while straightening up. John didn't let your tensing stop him as he gently turned you around, his grip turning a little forceful when you tried to resist, but eventually you gave in. Your splotchy cheeks and bitten lips greeted him, and he couldn't help himself when he pressed his lips against your forehead, muttering into your skin as he did so,

"Sweetheart... whats going on?" "What do you mean John?" "I mean whats going on... whats got you packin' up your bag hmmm? Can't imagine you've got an important meetin' this time of the night have you? We also hadn't really finished had we?"

Johns doing his best to catch your eye as he talks but its futile when you keep your gaze steady on anything but his face.

"You wanted to go again?"

John balks at that response. Is that really why you think he wants you to stay? Is that really what you think of him?

"What? No no darlin' I mean you were up before I gotta chance to clean you up... I don't know about the men you've been with before sweet girl but a gentleman cleans up his lady... and of course a cuddle after..."

He pouts through the last part though you don't look up to see it. Your eyes remain trained on his muscular neck and John does his best to remain patient. He knows you, no matter how foreign your apprehension of him may feel right now. He knows you and he knows you're hurting which is why you're avoiding his eyes because the minute he gets you to see him you break,

"Oh... oh you don't have to John... I'm alright I can just go, I'm sure you're tired and want to rest and i don't want to keep you..."

John groans lowly in frustration at you not getting his point, his grip subconsciously tightening as if you would run off the minute he lets go and to his credit thats not a difficult situation to imagine,

"Fuckin' hell, okay sweetheart lets try this another way. Why do you think you have to go anywhere huh? I though' we could lay down and have a cuddle... even took the day off tomorrow to spen' it with you yeah? Want to know what you've been up to? Maybe step off the base and take you out for a proper meal?"

With each word out his mouth your confusion and hurt climb reaching a crescendo until your ears are ringing and you need to get away from this sweet talking brit before you crumble. However, Johns a stubborn man particularly when he sets his mind to something so no amount of squirming on your end makes him let you go as you begin to blabber each source of pain out in the open,

"Let me go, let me go, let me go John... You're so mean you know that? So so so mean... You come into my life all soft and sweet and gentle with me calling me pretty things that I've only imagined being called and you came in and made me care about you when I was so happy in my own bubble but still I started to care and then I find out its only for me to be something you pass time with nothing more and then you come back and I love you so much that ill take anything I can get from you even if its one night and then you have the audacity to stand there and be all sweet and caring when you and I both know that this will never be anything more and you know what maybe I am a child because this is too much–"

Your ranting is cut off by John whose own pulse has become frantic at all that you've laid out before him. You love him! Wait why do you think this is a one night thing? what do you means passing the time? One hands grips your upper arm, the other forcing your face up to look at him as your fists continue to push but to no avail,

"Whoa whoa okay look at me... look at me sweet girl... not letting you go until I ge' your eyes on me yeah? You can fight all you wan' but 'm not letting go until you get you damn eyes on me yeah? Come on... there you go good girl now what do you mean something to pass time with huh? What got that daft idea into that pretty head or that this would be a one night thing? Talk to me yeah "

John's barely finished before the words escape you in a breathless sob

“You, you stupid British man!”

Okay I was too excited to post it so here but if the reception to it is you know good ill post the second bit which is already written 👀

As always please reblog yes? yes okaieee byee

[thedeepmiracleperfection]

As most are already aware, Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual assault by two women. The nature of this news is horrific in and of itself. Assault is a disgusting and abhorrent crime, no matter who it is committed by, and the victims deserve healing, peace, and justice, regardless of public awareness of the crime. It is already extremely difficult for victims to come forward about their abuse in the most normal of circumstances. If you add on the fact that the abuser in question is a well-loved public figure, then I imagine that these women are going through one of the most difficult periods of their lives at the moment. I wish them safety, and I sincerely hope that they are well supported during this time.

There has been some discussion on whether talking about the affects this news has had on the fandom is insensitive to the victims. I believe some people feel that Good Omens fans have been too quick to focus on the ramifications for the show rather than the affects the public allegations will have on the victims themselves. While I do think there is a conversation to be had there, I want to remind everyone that fandom is the reason this case is relevant to so many of us in the first place.

Before I go further, I will make it clear that I believe and support the victims. Like I said above, even if this was a random case of assault between completely average individuals, the crime would still be disgusting, and the victims would still be deserving of support. The abuser in this case being a public figure doesn't change that. However, the fact that the abuser in question is the creator of the very pieces of media that this fandom centers around is the only reason many of us know about it. Unless you are personally involved with any of the people in this case, chances are the only reason you know about this case in particular, is because the abuser involved has a direct affect on the media we consume. That is not to say that this case is only important because the abuser involved is high-profile. It is important because it is a crime and should not have happened. I would feel the same about any case of sexual assault I knew about. I'm just saying that the reason we know about it to begin with is because of fandom involvement. For most of us, the fandom is the only connection through which this case is at all relevant in our lives. I truly believe we would be concerned about any sexual assault we were made aware of, but the level of disruption this case has caused within this online space is a direct consequence of the notoriety of the specific person involved.

All of this is to say, I resent the messages others have been spreading, saying things like, "if two people have been assaulted and the only thing you're talking about is your fave show then you're heartless and disgusting." Babygirl the only reason I even know about any of this is because of my fave show! The show is the connection through which this news is relevant to me. And the same is true whether you know Neil Gaiman from this show or any of his other works. This case is public because he is public, and he is public because we consume his works. It's only natural that I'm going to want to discuss the direct consequences it will have in my life. Like, if I received news that my dentist had assaulted two women, my first thoughts would be in sympathy for the women and in hoping that my dentist had been brought to justice. But then my very next thought would be "But now I have cavities that need to be filled, and no dentist, How will this situation affect me personally?" Like! I don't think it is inherently cruel to wonder how the actions of another person will affect our own lives. It is a bit fucking silly to complain that we are taking too much about our faves on the "talking too much about your faves" webbed site. The reason we are here in this community in the first place is because we have an invested passion in this particular media. I don't think it is cruel to be concerned on some level about the future of this community. And the fandom wondering about the effects on the fandom doesn't mean that we don't care about the victims involved. Two things can be true at the same time.

I think it is important to remember that this fandom has had a profound effect on many people's lives. Some people rely on this community to make a living selling art and merch. Others rely on it as the only form of connection and belonging they have. For me personally, the characters of Crowley and Aziraphale have been greatly influential on my queer identity and journey of self discovery. Fuck's sake people have gotten married because of this show! It has a huge place in many of our lives. It is not selfish to want to discuss how and in what way that might change!

Also important to remember: what people post online is not the entirety of their opinions. I have many thoughts and feelings regarding this situation that don't make it onto tumblr.com because I am a whole ass person outside of what I post. It can be tempting to say that blogs which post only about how the show will be affected by Gaiman's actions are only concerned about the show. But that is just because that is what is publicly available online. You do not know what private thoughts and conversations people have had on the matter. This is the Good Omens fandom, we're going to talk about how this news affects the Good Omens fandom. If that upsets or disgusts you, you need to be responsible and leave this online space for another. That's not even broaching the subject on whether or not we can morally continue consuming this media, which is a whole other discussion with heated opinions on both sides. I'm talking about the people who think it is wrong to be focused on Good Omens at all during this time.

Like I said before, I truly feel that we as a fandom would be concerned over any case of sexual assault we were made aware of. It's just that this particular one has an influence on our community, therefore there is more discussion surrounding it. We can absolutely support the victims while also discussing how to move forward as a fandom. The two are not mutually exclusive, and to suggest otherwise is not helpful to any meaningful discussion.

[aphrodeiities]

𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔢𝔰

follow for more content :)

paid chart readings are open!

paid intuitive readings are open!

♇ so before i explain all grand trines, i'll explain "what" a grand trine is.

♇ a grand trine occurs when 3-4 or more, planets/axis/important asteroids [eg. juno, lilith, chiron etc] within the same elements [fire, earth, air and water] are situated in 120°, what the planets do to each other is that they electrify and energise each other so they activity and the themes of the planets/elements/signs can work at its best.

♇ when someone has a grand trine, whatever they put effort in, [especially when the goal/theme has something to do with the element the planets are in, for example, air = learning/communicating], it will come effortlessly for them and will be a strong strength and gift.

[how to check if you have a grand trine astro-charts].

FIRE GRAND TRINES

celebrities who have a fire grand trine ⬎ 

⟶ elizabeth taylor, richard madden and whitney houston.

elizabeth taylor has her grand trine in venus in aries, uranus in aries, jupiter in leo and ascendant in sagittarius.

richard madden has his grand trine in midheaven in aries, ascendant in leo, venus in leo and saturn in sagittarius.

whitney houston her grand trine in moon in aries, jupiter in aries, sun in leo, venus in leo and midheaven in sagittarius.

♇ having a fire grand trine increases the characteristics of an individual to show and spread warmth, optimism and joy for life. they are very ambitious for the future, and fire grand trine people can easily influence people, [intentionally or unintentionally, it'll still happen].

♇ however, as this is the fire element working at it's best, they can be very impulsive and chaotic people if they do not have any squares in their chart. due to them being people who are chaotic and abrupt, they're likely people who are not aware of the risks that might come with their actions and outcomes.

♇ majority of the time, these people don't let fear stop them from achieving their goals, these people are about action and commotion, they like to feel alive thus why they always involve themselves into projects.

♇ they can be very reckless people, and might always think that luck is on their side so they cannot get in trouble. due to them always liking action and excitement, they like to create drama so they can be entertained.

EARTH GRAND TRINES

celebrities who have a earth grand trine ⬎ 

⟶ zendaya, brendan fraser and elizabeth olsen.

zendaya has her grand trine in moon in taurus, sun in virgo and jupiter in capricorn.

brendan fraser has his grand trine in moon in taurus, pluto in virgo, venus in capricorn and midheaven in capricorn.

elizabeth olsen has her grand trine in mars in taurus, ascendant in virgo, saturn in capricorn and neptune in capricorn. [she is also an air grand trine].

♇ having an earth grand trine makes someone protective with what they have materially and physically earned. they like to be financially independent, [and independent in many other themes of their lives], and they like to be secure with themselves.

♇ they're people who like to create and invent things, they perceive it as their way of growing as a person, in knowledge, financially and skill. these people are work-oriented and financially and security driven, they like to be in a comfortable place, but sometimes it might always cause them to always want to be doing something and actually never being comfortable in their situation.

♇ they are down to earth people, and like to be in connection with their soul and the outside world. they like a balance. they know how to take care of themselves and know how to tender to other people, they're nurturing and don't like to hold that side of them back.

AIR GRAND TRINES

celebrities who have an air grand trine ⬎ 

⟶ mackenzie foy, ciara and sharon tate.

mackenzie foy has her grand trine in jupiter in gemini, mars in libra, neptune in aquarius and midheaven in aquarius.

ciara has her grand trine in chiron in gemini, venus in libra, midheaven in libra and jupiter in aquarius.

sharon tate has her grand trine in saturn in gemini, uranus in gemini, neptune in libra, sun in aquarius and mercury in aquarius.

♇ when someone has an air grand trine, they are people who immediately learn things that stimulate their mind, on the other hand it doesnt necessarily need to be things that stimulate their mind, they're people who can easily catch on with patterns and systems of a subject.

♇ they like to learn and experience situations, and other people's situations as well, they're the type of people who were students that rarely noted down anything, and just vibed with what was being taught.

♇ having an air grand trine strengthens the individuals interest and curiosity for everything, they over-work themselves because they want to become a jack of all trades.

♇ as figured, they want and like mental stimulation, and they like to discuss and debate with other people. but they get bored easily, especially when other people are conversing with them, which can make other people insecure about their verbal entertainment. and might think that the air grand trine person thinks of them to be a boring person, which is usually true.

WATER GRAND TRINES

celebrities who have an water grand trine ⬎ 

⟶ ariana grande, jensen ackles and marilyn monroe.

ariana grande has her grand trine in sun in cancer, midheaven in scorpio and saturn in pisces.

jensen ackles has his grand trine in mars in cancer, uranus in scorpio and venus in pisces.

marilyn monroe has her grand trine in north node in cancer, saturn in scorpio and mars in pisces.

♇ those who have water grand trines can be very dependent people, they're people who have needs that usually are needed to be tended to or met. they are people who need to feel secure like earth grand trines, but with water grand trines it is usually emotional security that they need and is important for them.

♇ they're protective of others, and themselves, which can either lead them to be people who are closed off, or people who wear their heart on their sleeves. compared to the other elemental grand trines, [fire, earth and air], water grand trines are better at processing their emotions than other people.

♇ they know how to present themselves, and even if they process their emotions better than other people, they could have a hard time being about to "communicate" how they feel, unless there are some air energy playing into their charts, or even earth.

♇ these water grand trines are very creative, and they can use that as a way to display their emotions for other people to understand. expressing it through music or art, thus why people could view most water grand trines are musical experts/musically creative.

chart readings are open!

intuitive readings are open!

masterlist

♇

[xclowniex]

I want to talk about the recent situation where some Palestinians are trying to drag black people into the role of "oppressor" because black people are wanting to vote for Kamala as well as that there are black people in the US military.

Here is a good video by a black creator on the matter to open things with.

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A post shared by לילך לוגן🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 (@lilaq_logan98)

I would also like to preface before I get into my own personal take, that I am not black, this is simply my opinion. Please do listen to black voices on this matter more than my own. Now, onto my thoughts.

I'm not sure if this is a jew specific thing which has just spread to black people, or if it's a general thing which jews just happened to be the first ones to be subject to this, but there is a lot of history being erased by pro Palestinians, to further make themselves seem like the most oppressed group.

And this is not to say that they aren't oppressed, as they very much are. It's just that what Palestinians are going through is bad enough, distorting and lying about history is not needed for what Palestinians are going through to be bad.

There is also just a lack of awareness surrounding oppression other groups are experiencing. I would share a source however I don't want to dox myself, but I have shared the source on another social media with some close mutual on here, but in a report done by my synagogue, in New Zealand since Oct 7th, antisemitism has increased 600%. The reason you see a lot of jews speaking out about antisemitism, is because our safety is at stake currently. This is similar with black people in the US. If trump gets in, it's fucking over for any minority, especially black folk in the states. Of course they are going to vote for Kamala. Not only does she ensure that they have the same or more safety, her policies surrounding Palestine is better than trumps policy!

Secondly, there is also a distortion of history. Black folk for centuries have been oppressed by arabs. With slaves trades and sex trafficking, which still happens today! The houthi sex traffick women from Ethiopia and run child slavery rings. It's not like this shit happend centuries ago and it's all flowers and sunshine now, it is still happening to this day.

Now, onto the claim surrounding black US soldiers. Yes, black people do serve in the military. However any issue with the US military, is to do with the US military, not black people as a race. Let me say this again, the issue lies with the US military, not black people as a race or collective group.

Now, this isn't to at all say that there isn't any anti arab racism held by black people, as there most definately is. Racism knows no bounds, and no group is excempt from being racist. There is just a difference between "this group actively oppresses arabs" and "this group holds anti arab sentiment".

And circling back to my opening thought of jews also experiencing this same rhetoric, in my opinion, antisemitism is also involved potentially. Like it depends on someones specific thoughts but there are a few different lines of thinking which leads someone to think that rhetoric.

Israel is an extension of the US/the US is an extension of Israel/The US is allied with Israel - and Israel bad, jews bad so I am going to take the same tactic being used against jews to be bigoted to another minority in the US (the antisemitic option)

This is all just a continuation of arab oppression against black people, by using a similar tactic which is used against jews, but not relating black people to jews, just simply using a similar tactic (not antisemitic just anti black option)

Political fuckery by creating divisiveness within the left so the left essentially just turns on each other so propaganda is easier to spread (not glaringly antisemitic or racist, but using jews and black people as props for your politcal gain is both antisemitic and racist)

It is important to note that with any conversation surronding this, it is important to note that a lot of bot accounts/psyop accounts will be participating in this. Whilst it seems like this rhetoric was either mainly started by or perpetuated by a real person as a video was created with a real person in it, bots and psyops will be jumping all over this for their own gain for whatever group is behind those accounts. Whilst I hope for now that this means its not a wide spread belief held by real people, if people do not recognize bots and psyops, there is a chance it could become more widespread.

Also I would like to say again, that this is all my opinion, please do listen to black creators on this matter, and I will be continuing to do so too as it gets talked about more moving forward.

[fallingforfictionalcharacterss]

Hellooo,

I want to request a story where Mclaggen flirts with the reader and gets to close, so she kisses her best friend Draco to get rid of him. But he gets pissed when he finds out that she only did it to get rid of him. Happy ending pls

Thank you so much for your request, I really enjoyed writing it! I feel my writing style is closer to my older fics again at this one (I´m not sure if this is a good thing yet). However, I hope you enjoy reading it!

Friends to lovers

Warnings: alcohol consumption, harassment

A/N: Just a quick note for all the girls out there (and everyone else who will ever get in a situation like this): Please remember that it is always okay to speak up if someone makes you feel uncomfortable and never be afraid to make a scene if necessary (only if you feel like it´s safe obviously), regardless what other people around you might think or say about it. These feelings are completely valid and much more important than what others might think.

Also, since this fact might get lost in this fic: Consent is always key, always remember this, regardless of what situation you are in or what the relationship with the other person might look like.

“So what do you think? The silvery or the green one?”

You narrowed your eyes as you tried to conjure the images of the dresses in your mind.

“The green one. With some silvery jewellery.”

“Maybe the necklace you got me for my birthday?”

You grinned at your friend.

“I was thinking the exact same, Pansy.”

“Oh yeah, and what do you think, Draco? Which shirt should I wear tonight? The black one or the black one?”, you were suddenly interrupted by a deeper voice.

The blond boy pouted as if he would actually think about his answer.

“I think you should wear the black one, Blaise.”, he finally answered. “It stresses your eyes.”

“You´re too kind, Draco. And such an amazing help.”

You shared an annoyed glare with Pansy, which made the boys give in and burst into laughter.

“But honestly”, Blaise stated when they had finally calmed down again, “I don’t get why you make such a fuss about it.”

“It´s just a party. The two of you should calm down a bit.”, Draco agreed with his friend.

You nudged him playfully.

“Says the boy who takes about an hour to style his hair every morning and still gets it ruined in the first ten minutes afterwards.”

Draco touched his hair, looking slightly offended as a rosy shimmer spread across his cheeks.

“A malicious allegation. It looks like that naturally."

You shared a knowing glance with Pansy, fully aware of the fact that what Draco had just stated was nothing but a lie.

“It´s nothing to be ashamed of, Draco.”, you chirped as you smiled at him sweetly.

“It´s actually very attractive if a guy cares about his appearance, you know?”, Pansy added, making Blaise almost choke on his pumpkin juice.

The four of you were sitting in the Great Hall at breakfast and the most important topic of the day was the upcoming party tonight. By now, you had finished all your exams for the year and Salazar, that was for sure a reason to celebrate. And at one of the biggest parties of the year, Pansy and you obviously wanted to dress up at least a bit, eager to escape the everyday look of your school uniforms. And to do so, you were even willing to take some rude comments from your friends.

“As if I would be in need of such things.”, Draco returned, shooting Pansy a deadly glare, while Blaise still tried to catch his breath.

“Because unlike some of us”, Blaise stated, when he had finally recovered, as his eyes darted from Pansy to you and back to Pansy, “we don’t have to put in any effort to look great.”

“While Pansy and I, unlike some of us, are aware of how we can maximize our God-given beauty. It wouldn´t hurt you to try this as well at some point.”

“So you can´t even argue with the fact that we´re just irresistibly attractive, can you?”, Blaise grinned.

“It makes me want to worship the ground you´re walking on.”, you said, your voice dripping with sarcasm.

But while you were making fun of it, even you couldn’t deny that Blaise, as well as Draco, actually had some kind of effortless beauty. They were attractive, you couldn’t deny it, however, you would rather bite off your tongue than ever actually admit it to the boys.

“That doesn´t mean you couldn´t optimize it though.”, Pansy stepped in. “Maybe some eyeliner for Blaise and I bet Draco´s eyes would pop out more if we would curl his lashes…”

“And maybe ruffle up his hair a bit…”, you added, laying your arm around Draco´s shoulder in a sneaky attempt to get your hand closer to the neatly styled hair, but Draco realized immediately what you were up to and caught your hand with his.

“Don’t you dare. Do you know how much time it takes me to get this done? Won´t let you ruin it just like that.”, he growled.

“So you admit it.”, you stated with a triumphant shimmer in your eyes.

Draco looked at you irritated.

“Admit what?”

“That you style it."

Your friend hesitated a moment, before he grumbled: “Never said I wouldn’t. I just pointed out that you have a tendency to exaggerate.”

You rolled your eyes.

“Sure you did.” You sighed and rested your head on your friend’s shoulder. “But jokes aside. You look… well, let’s say at least acceptable, styled hair or not.”

Draco let out a low chuckle as he wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you even closer.

“Likewise, princess.”

And on the other side of the table, Pansy and Blaise couldn’t hide the smirk on their faces as they watched the scene in front of them, sharing a glance in silent agreement.

Later that day, Pansy and you made your way to the Slytherin common room. Pansy had indeed chosen the green dress, certainly enjoying the compliments you had showered her with as you had seen her all dressed up. You had dressed up yourself, not looking too bad as well and certainly more than just acceptable and -as Pansy noted- even Draco wouldn’t be able to help himself but admit that you did so.

And in fact, when you entered the common room, where Draco and some of your other friends were already waiting for you, the blond boy´s eyes widened slightly as he noticed you.

“So, what do you think? Is this acceptable?”, you smiled at Draco as you walked up to him.

Draco´s eyes wandered up and down your body, as he took his time to come to a conclusion. When his eyes met yours again, there was something in his gaze that you couldn’t quite grasp, something that made you blush for some stupid reason, but it was soon replaced by a cheeky grin.

“Finally, I don´t have to be ashamed to be seen with you for once.”, he responded.

When your attempt to slap his arm in response failed and Draco laughed at your pathetic try, you took some time to eye the boy as well. The Slytherin looked unfairly good in his black suit he always wore to such occasions. It somehow made the twinkle in his eyes only look brighter, especially now, that he tilted his head as he laughed. And also…

“Your hair!”, you stated in surprise as you noticed how some strands of Draco´s normally neatly styled hair framed his face.

The grin on the boy´s face only grew wider.

“Only did so for you, love.”, he teased.

“Oh yeah, for sure.”

“So what do you say? Do you like it?”

You eyed him sceptically. But no matter how hard you tried, you had to admit that there was absolutely nothing to criticize – neither about Draco´s hair nor about any other part of his appearance. For a second you got lost in the way he smiled down at you, way too smugly, yet in your eyes still looking just perfect.

“What? Got lost for words?”, Draco chuckled as he noticed your gaze.

You snapped out of your trance and quickly shook your head, not only as an answer to his question but also as an attempt to get rid of the strange feeling in your stomach as you looked at your friend.

“I told you it would suit you. Isn´t that surprising I was right once more, is it?”, you said with a shrug of your shoulders.

“You aren’t complacent at all, are you?”

“Says you”, you countered right away.

“Are the two of you done flirting now, or do you want us to excuse you for tonight?”, you were suddenly interrupted by Pansy´s mischievous voice.

You turned around, glaring at your roommate.

“You don’t actually expect me to answer this, do you?”

Pansy just shrugged her shoulders in response, pulling a face that made you suspect you rather didn’t want to know what she would say next. So you linked your arm with hers and pulled her towards the exit.

“What are we waiting for then?”, you asked.

The party was already in full swing when you arrived. It always amazed and irritated you at the very same time when you saw the students of the different houses in harmony with one another. Since none of you were wearing your school uniforms anymore, from time to time it was hard to even recognize which house the different people you barely knew were from. However, many of them -especially Slytherins- stuck to the colours of their houses, making it easier to at least suspect where they belonged, and somewhere on the other side of the room, you noticed Luna Lovegood, who had created some jewellery from eagle feathers. People were dancing, talking and laughing, on the dancefloor, at the improvised bar someone had built up or just lazily sitting in one of the seating areas.

The moment you stepped through the door, someone handed you a drink and you carefully sniffed on it. Just from the smell, you were pretty sure that whatever had been mixed into it, the night would be a very certain kind of fun.

Pansy had already raised her glass.

“To the end of torture and oppression!”, she cheered, before taking a way too big swing from her cup.

“To the end of torture and oppression.”, you agreed laughingly before you nipped on your cup as well, pulling a face. You certainly would need to take it easy if you didn’t want to wake up with some bad headache tomorrow.

When you had finished your drink, Pansy practically pulled you on the dancefloor, while Draco along with Blaise found some poor excuse to get over to the comfortable couches, meeting up with Crabbe and Goyle.

You didn’t even know how long you had been dancing, just enjoying the music and the company of your friends, when suddenly Pansy nudged you.

“Draco´s looking over!”, she yelled into your ear.

You turned your head, looking to the boys who still remained rooted in their spots in the seating area, and saw that Draco was indeed watching you. When he caught your gaze, you waved at him excitedly, which made your friend curve his lips into a small smile. But that smile quickly fainted as you tried to beckon him over, signalling him you wanted him to join you dancing. But while Draco was extraordinarily good in standard dances, he detested the stiff frippery without any clear rules with every fibre of his body. That´s why Draco just shook his head firmly at your efforts and quickly turned his head to his friends, engaging in the conversation again.

With a shrug of your shoulders, you turned around to Pansy again.

“If you don’t want it, you already have it.”, you said, slightly disappointed, yet not actually surprised at Draco´s rejection.

“I highly doubt it´s the dancing he´s interested in.”, Pansy mumbled under her breath and over the loud music, it was hard for you to understand.

“What was that?”

Pansy sighed.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

You threw your friend an irritated glance, but Pansy didn’t seem to want to deepen her explanation.

But while Pansy just went back to dancing, you felt your throat slowly getting dry from the yelling and the heated temperatures in the room.

“I´ll get myself a drink. You want something too?”

Pansy gave you a thumbs up and you made your way to the bar on the other side of the dancefloor.

You had just grabbed your drinks and wanted to make your way back through the crowd when suddenly someone touched your shoulder. You turned around and groaned quietly. Cormac McLaggen was standing there, grinning down at you. You detested this guy more than any other student in this school, not only because he was a Gryffindor, but mostly because he had a certain reputation regarding his handling of girls. You still remembered how -not long ago- he had tried to get close to Hermione Granger, and even though you didn’t exactly like the smart-alec Gryffindor girl, you had felt slightly sorry for her when you had watched the constant inappropriate attempts to get the girl. And the fact that he was standing now in front of you with that slimy grin on his face made you suspect that he was up to no good.

“Lovely (Y/n). I see you got me a drink as well.”, he grinned, stepping even closer to you.

You resisted the urge to step back and instead straightened your back, trying not to show how uncomfortable he was making you feel already.

“It´s for Pansy.”, you answered cooly.

“But I´m sure Parkinson can get herself a drink, can´t she?”

“So can you.”

“But then I wouldn’t have a reason to keep your company any longer.”

“That´s the plan.” You really weren’t in the mood to stay quiet or polite just out of respect for a guy’s feelings, especially if said guy happened to be McLaggen.

But he didn’t seem to mind the slightest.

“You´re really a tease, (Y/n), aren’t you?”, the Gryffindor chuckled, as he stepped even closer and put an arm around your waist.

“Let go of me. Right now.”, you hissed through gritted teeth, having to use all your willpower to not hex the boy on the spot.

“Why should I?”, McLaggen responded.

You looked at him in disbelief. Was he actually that stupid that he actually didn’t get how uncomfortable he made you feel? Or did he simply not care about it? And most importantly how would you get out of this situation most elegantly. You weren’t scared to make a scene in front of all these people, but you were pretty sure that McLaggen would hold it against you and even though you would be able to get rid of him like this for now, you weren’t sure how long it would last. So you took a deep breath, trying to get calm yourself down again.

“I need to get back to my friends."

“Why? You think they would grudge you some fun?”

“This isn’t fun for me, McLaggen.” You stressed his last name, trying to make clear that you didn’t feel like you were on a first name basis with him at all.

“C´mon (Y/n).” Well, that certainly didn’t work. “We´re just getting started. I promise you won´t regret this.”

But if he wouldn’t let go of you soon, he certainly would. But instead, he pulled you even closer.

“I´ll pass on this.”

You looked around, trying to find a familiar face to get you out of your misery, a place you could save yourself to, but the only people you spotted were Pansy and Draco who were standing next to the dancefloor, their eyes wandering through the room, probably already looking for you since you had already disappeared for much longer than you had originally planned.

“What is it (Y/n)”, McLaggen whispered into your ear, making goosebumps creeping over your skin in the most uncomfortable way. “Don´t got someone else to do the job, do you?”

Oh, if McLaggen only knew how much he had just scored his own goal.

“Oh well, you know, actually I do have someone to -as you just expressed so elegantly- do the job.”

You smiled at the boy sweetly, while the Gryffindor frowned.

“You do?”

“How come you don’t know yet? I thought most people did by now.”

You didn’t even have to hide the grin on your face as you saw McLaggen looking utterly confused.

“I didn’t.”

“Well, now you do.”

You quickly wriggled out of the boy´s grip and wanted to leave with a smug grin on your face, but McLaggen caught your wrist and held you back once more.

“Who is it then?”

You hesitated for a moment before you looked over to your friends still standing a bit off the beaten track and your gaze settled on a certain blond boy, who was talking to Pansy, for now completely unaware of his spontaneous promotion. You turned back to McLaggen and locked your eyes with his, not blinking once, as you said: “Draco of course.”

McLaggen looked at you in surprise.

“Draco? You mean Draco Malfoy?”

You rolled your eyes.

“Do you know any other?”

“But I always thought the two of you were just friends.”

“Ever heard something about the term friends to lovers? Honestly, McLaggen read a book someday.”

“But this is the real world, (Y/n).”, McLaggen frowned.

You had to try really hard to hold back a groan. That guy was harder to get rid of than the juice of a Mimbulus mimbletonia.

“But my fairytale has come to life. So if you´ll excuse me now, my boyfriend”, you stressed the word, “is probably already looking for me and I really want to get back to him.”

And without waiting for a response, you turned on your heel and made your way back to your friends.

When you had almost reached them, a smug grin still covering your face due to your recent award-winning performance, you turned your head around one last time, only to see McLaggen still watching you, lips pursed and arms crossed in front of his chest. Maybe you hadn’t been as convincing as you had hoped or maybe it was just his wounded pride, but if he would keep on watching you that closely, he would realize rather soon that what you had just told him had been nothing but a bluff. At that moment a second terrific idea followed the first one. And without thinking twice, you walked up to your friends with the sweetest smile on your face.

“Finally, (Y/n), what took you so long?”, Pansy asked you as you handed her the drinks.

“Sorry, I was delayed.”, you said, before you turned around to Draco.

“But you couldn’t stay away from me too long, could you?”, he teased with that familiar twinkle in his eyes, as he grinned down at you.

You returned his smile immediately.

“You have no idea.”, you responded before you grabbed him by his collar and pressed your lips on Draco´s without hesitation.

It was fireworks exploding.

You weren’t quite sure what you had been thinking when you had decided to kiss your friend, but it didn’t matter anymore.

You weren’t quite sure, how you had been expecting his lips to feel on yours, but you certainly hadn’t expected them to feel so soft against yours and fit just so perfectly.

You weren’t quite sure how you had expected to feel when you would kiss Draco, but it hadn’t been like this. You hadn’t expected the electricity buzzing through your body the moment his lips touched yours. You hadn’t expected the relief you felt as Draco didn’t push you away but pulled you only closer. You hadn’t expected to feel like air was only the second most important thing in your life as his lips slowly started to move against yours as well.

You heard Pansy gasping somewhere in the back of your mind, but it sounded muffled, just like any other noise around you. Every sensation that wasn’t linked to Draco and the moment you just shared felt just doll compared to the intense feelings rushing through your body. Every centimetre of your body was on fire and Draco´s heated skin against yours only fuelled the fire. The taste of the drink he had had still lingering on his lips felt intoxicating, just as the way your hands slowly wandered from Draco´s collar to his hair, while he pulled his arms around your waist, holding you so close, you felt as if your bodies might immerge with one another.

You didn’t know how long you stayed like this, holding each other tight, but finally, you ran out of air after all and slowly, you backed up again. As you opened your eyes, the sight in front of you was truly magical. Draco´s cheeks were rosy and his swollen lips slightly parted, as he panted heavily, his hair not only slightly ruffled anymore, but a total mess.

The Slytherin leant his forehead against yours and grinned down at you.

“Well, that was unexpected.”, he said, his voice sounding unusually raspy.

You didn’t answer and just nodded as you stared at him in awe.

You had never seen Draco as much more than a friend. You had always been really close and you had always been aware of the fact that he was quite attractive, but you had never seen him in the same way you did now. You had never felt the butterflies in your stomach somersaulting, had never had the urge to be as close to him as you did now, had never wanted to press your lips on his again so badly.

Draco brushed a strand of your hair that was falling into your face behind your ear, before his thumb traced over your cheek and finally your lips, which probably looked like a mess by now since you saw some light traces of your lipstick on Draco´s.

“So tell me, love, how did I deserve this special kind of attention from you tonight?”

For a second you were almost irritated. What did Draco think why one would kiss someone else? But then you remembered that your intentions for the kiss had originally been slightly different from the ones you had on your mind now.

When you didn’t answer and the boy in front of you saw the look of indecisiveness in your eyes, his face fell.

“Salazar, (Y/n), please don’t tell me you´re already so drunk that you just run around and kiss random people.”

The sharpness in his voice made you snap out of the trance you had been in ever since your lips had first touched his.

“What? No! No, I´m not drunk at all!”, you objected before you realized that this was probably just what a drunk person would say. So you took a deep breath and continued: “It´s just… McLaggen came up to me when I just got the drinks and was… well, he was McLaggen and he wouldn’t want to leave me alone, so I told him I had a boyfriend. And you were the first to come to my mind and I knew he probably didn’t believe me, so I thought if I´d kiss you he´d leave me alone.”

Only now that you said it out loud, you realized how stupid you must have sounded. Draco and you had never been anything but friends. What in Merlin´s name were you thinking to just walk up to a boy who had never shown any romantic interest in you and kissed him without even explaining the situation to him or asking him if he was okay with it?

“That´s what this was about?” Draco´s voice sounded even sharper than before, making you flinch.

“Look, Draco, I´m sorry. I know this probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I… I don’t know, I wasn’t thinking, and I panicked and I somehow thought you´d be okay with this and…”

“You don’t have to explain yourself, (Y/n).”, Draco cut you off. “I get it. McLaggen is an idiot and I… I´m just glad you got yourself out of the situation, alright?” But Draco didn’t sound like he thought it was alright at all.

You nodded, eyeing him sceptically.

“So, you´re okay with this?”

Draco shrugged his shoulders. When he looked at you, the warm look in his clouded eyes had disappeared, and instead, his eyes were sparkling coldly at you now.

“Obviously. That´s what friends are there for, aren’t they?”

You gulped. For some reason, the word friends wasn’t quite fitting anymore for what you saw Draco as. You hadn’t believed that a stupid kiss could ever change your feelings the slightest, but somehow it did. Even though you weren’t quite sure if your feelings for Draco had actually changed within the last few minutes or if you had just become aware of something that had been buried under all those memories and experiences of the last few years, but what you knew for sure was that when Draco called whatever the two of you were friends, your heart clenched in a way you had never felt it before.

Still, you nodded.

“Yeah, you´re right. Friends. That's what they´re there for.”, you echoed weakly and forced a smile onto your lips.

For a moment, the two of you just stared at each other, before Draco finally nodded as well and took a step back.

“Well, since my job is done now, you don’t need me anymore, do you?” And without even waiting for an answer, he added: “I´ll get some fresh air now. It´s too crammed in here.”

With that, he turned on his heel, leaving you alone, staring at the spot he had stood only seconds ago.

“What in the name of Merlin was that all about?”, you suddenly heard a soft voice next to you.

When you looked up, you saw Pansy standing there, still holding the drinks you had handed her before your attack on the boy who called you his friend.

“I… this was… well, you heard what this was about.”, you responded defensively.

“Well, you can´t tell me that this was about you getting rid of that nasty Gryffindor.”

 “Would that be so hard to believe?”

“After I´ve seen the two of you almost eating each other up and looking at each other like some fools in love? Trust me, it is.”

“Neither we ate each other up, nor are we fools in love.”, you snapped back, probably a bit too harsh for just trying to set the record straight.

“Oh yeah, this was purely platonic.” Pansy rolled her eyes.

“It was supposed to look real.”, you contradicted.

“And Draco knew that too?”

No, he didn’t. He had had no idea why you had been kissing him, still, he had kissed you in a way you hadn’t even dared to dream of.

“It was just the heat of the moment. I surprised him. And he would have felt bad to turn me down.”

“Oh, yeah, you have already assumed this for him, didn’t you?”

You looked at your friend irritated. You weren’t in the mood for guesswork right now, too many thoughts were running in circles around your mind.

“I mean, you kiss that poor boy like no one has ever done before and the next moment you explain to him that it was just to get rid of some jerk?"

“I know I should have just asked him first to make sure he is okay with it, but…"

“You really think that this would make any difference?”, Pansy interrupted you.

You sighed fretfully.

“If you got anything to say, Pansy, just spit it out. I´m really not up to your games right now.”

Pansy let out a small huff, not sure if she was supposed to laugh or grab you by the shoulders until you would finally realize it yourself.

“You really can´t be that blind, can you?”

You only frowned and Pansy sighed.

“(Y/n), you are aware that this guy had been head over heels for you since forever, aren’t you?”

“Who?”

“Draco, you foolish lunkhead! Who do you think we´re talking about?”

You stared at your friend in disbelief.

“Pansy, this isn’t funny.”

“Oh, I know, it really isn’t. It almost hurts physically to see the two of you interact with each other and how you are completely clueless to everything he does, even if Draco is behaving like a complete idiot around you.”

“You´re serious about this, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am, silly. Salazar, the way the two of you act is really so much more than anyone could ever make up in their head.”

“So you really want to tell me that Draco has a thing for me.” “Being hopelessly in love with you is more fitting, but if you want to put it this way, yeah, that´s what I´m trying to tell you.”

You felt the butterflies erupting in your stomach once more as your cheeks heated up to an unknown extent.

“I… I didn’t know…I mean, if I… I really had no idea…”, you stuttered, not quite sure what to say.

“Don’t you say.”, Pansy responded sarcastically, but then she grew more serious again. “The real question now is how you feel about it.”

How did you feel about it? On the one hand, all you wanted to do was run to Draco and kiss him until you were out of breath again for the rest of your life, but on the other hand, this feeling was so new and strange to you that you weren’t quite sure how to deal with it.

“I don’t know. I mean, I never even thought about the possibility that Draco and I… that we might ever be anything more than friends. It´s all we ever were, and I never had any doubts that we always would be.”

“But what about now? How do you feel about him now?”

You hesitated for a moment before you responded carefully: “Different.”

“And is this a good thing or a bad one?”, Pansy asked, but from the look on your face she already knew the answer before the words even left your mouth.

An uncontrollable smile spread across your face as you thought about the feeling of Draco´s lips on yours and the way that he had looked at you right after they had parted again.

“It´s a good thing. Really good.”, you smiled.

“Then you should probably tell him, shouldn’t you?”, she asked, the smirk on her face clearly visible in her voice as well.

You nodded.

“I will.” You shot your friend a thankful glance. “Thanks, Pansy.”

And with that, you turned around, following Draco into the dark.

The castle grounds were quiet at this time of the night. A few people were standing here alone or in small groups to get some fresh air, but still, it was quiet and from time to time you had the feeling to be all alone out here.

You weren’t quite sure how you knew where to go, maybe it was because of the strong tie between Draco and you that you had misinterpreted so badly, or maybe it was something else, but somehow your feet carried you to the place Draco was standing without fail. You spotted him leaning against the wall of the castle right away, his light hair shimmering in the dim light shining through the windows, mixing with the one of the moon shining down on you. You were pretty sure Draco had heard you approaching him, or maybe he was too lost in his own thoughts to do so, but as you got closer to him, the boy kept on staring into the void, showing no signs of recognition.

“Draco?”, your voice was soft, so soft you weren’t even sure if he had even heard you because he still didn’t react.

You cleared your throat before you tried once more.

“Draco?” This time your voice sounded stronger.

Draco however, still didn’t look at you, but a small shrug of his head signalized you that he had heard you. You took this as a sign to step even closer. Your heart was beating fast in your chest. You were scared. Scared that you might have ruined whatever relationship you had with Draco beyond repair, and if it didn’t yet, that your next actions would do so after all.

“I was looking for you.”, you spoke up again, not quite sure how to start the conversation properly.

“You found me now, didn’t you?”, Draco responded, his voice sounded cold and his eyes were still fixed on an invisible point in front of him.

You took another step towards the boy and leant to the wall next to him, not close enough to touch you, yet close enough to feel his presence next to you. You felt him tense as you did so, yet, he didn’t shy away.

A few moments of silence passed, as neither of you said a word. You looked up into the sky, letting your eyes getting used to the darkness until they finally spotted some stars glistening above you.

“It´s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”, you tried again.

Draco just hummed in response.

After another few minutes of silence, you couldn’t bear it anymore and tore your gaze apart from the night sky and looked at the boy next to you instead.

“Listen, I´m really sorry about what happened earlier. This wasn’t okay.”

“I already told you, it´s alright.”

You shook your head vigorously, even though you weren’t sure if Draco could even see.

“No, it really isn’t. I behaved like a complete idiot in there. Not only that I… that I just kissed you, but also what I said to you afterwards. I really screwed this up.”

“It doesn’t matter, (Y/n)”, Draco said, his voice still apathetic. “You did what you thought was best at that moment. And, I mean, it didn’t mean anything anyway, did it?” The last few words sounded different, a mix of bitterness and the hope that you might contradict. Before your talk with Pansy, you probably wouldn’t even have noticed, but now you did. And it almost broke your heart.

“That´s not true.”, you contradicted in a low voice.

Draco´s gaze flickered in your direction for a second, before he looked away again. Yet, he didn’t answer.

“It meant something. I mean, I know it did for you and I…” You paused for a second, thinking about what you should say next. “It meant something to me too, you know? I didn’t know that it would but it did. Much more than I ever thought it would.”

“It didn’t. Neither for you nor for me. I think we both made that very clear.”, Draco spit out, his voice not nearly as calm as it used to be, even though he tried really hard to hide it.

“Did we?”

“We did. We´re friends. That is what you said and what I said as well. We´ve always been and we always will be. Ain´t that hard to understand, (Y/n), is it? Even you should understand that.”

“I know you have a thing for me.”, you blurted out. You didn’t mean to do so. You had wanted to approach the topic more carefully, trying not to hurt Draco´s feelings or embarrass him, but the way he behaved like a stubborn child, made it impossible for you.

Draco froze for a second, before he shrugged his shoulders, looking anywhere but at you.

“And if I did? Would it change anything?”

The fact that he didn’t contradict you right away, didn’t call your assumptions ridiculous or even laughed at you, made even the last doubts you still had had about Pansy´s words disappear. Your heartbeat quickened even more, even though you weren’t quite sure if it was from annoyance or affection.

“Would it… Draco, this would change everything!”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Draco this… what happened tonight… the kiss… this wasn’t just about McLaggen.”

“You said it was.”

“Because it was. I mean kind of. But not like this. I… Merlin, Draco. At first, I kissed you because of him. But all of this felt just so… When I kissed you it just felt so good, and then you kissed me back and I had the feeling as if all the stars would suddenly align. It felt as if it was the right thing to do and it made me wonder… no, it made me know for sure that this is what I want. That you are what I want. Not as a friend but as… more. And I know that I´m an idiot that it took me that stupid kiss to realize and if you are mad at me now, you got every reason to be, but if you let me ruin the possibility of… of us just because I screwed this up then you are just as much of an idiot as I am.”

You hadn’t even realized how much you had raised your voice until you fell silent again and you couldn’t hear any other noises but the muffled music coming from inside and your own heartbeat echoing in your ears.

A few moments passed and neither Draco nor you said anything. Your thoughts were racing and in your mind, you already prepared yourself to not only lose the potential relationship Draco and you could have, but also the one that you had had ever since you came to Hogwarts. But just as you wanted to apologize and leave Draco alone again, the boy suddenly let out a sigh and stood up straight again, turning around to you.

The expression on his face was unreadable as he said: “Love, you should know that I´m way too smart to be an idiot.”

It took you a moment to process his words, but as you did, a small spark of hope lit up in your chest again.

“Does that mean, that...”

“It means”, Draco interrupted you, “that I´m willing to give this a chance.” He smiled at you smugly as he saw the uncontrollable grin spreading across your face. “If that´s what you want to, of course.”, he added slyly.

“I think to know this for sure, I might need to try something again at first.”, you responded.

And this time you didn’t have to pull Draco down to you, but he leant down willingly, meeting your lips halfway.

And even though this time you were prepared for the feeling, it still almost swept you off your feet with full force and you had no doubt that your legs would probably have given in if it wouldn’t be for Draco holding on to you tightly.

When you pulled back this time, you felt neither conflicted nor confused. All you could feel was your love for the boy in front of you rushing through your entire body and the only critical thought that was left was the question of how you could have ever mistaken your feelings for the blond Slytherin for anything else but love.

You leant your head onto Draco´s chest, listening to his steady heartbeat that was far too fast, a fact that you would have probably teased him for if you wouldn’t have known that yours did just the same.

“You have no idea how long I wanted to do this.”, Draco mumbled, before placing a small kiss on the crown of your head.

And he was right indeed. You had been completely oblivious to his feelings for so long, but now that you finally knew, it was making you happier than you could ever find the words to describe.

“Merlin, I love you, (Y/n).”, Draco mumbled, making yet another wave of heat flush through your body. But before you could even answer, he quickly added: “You… you don’t have to return this or anything. I just… I wanted to tell you for so long and… well, now I just had to.” You smiled as you heard the insecurity in his voice, something he barely ever showed to others.

“It´s not like I… maybe just take me on a date first, okay? I just… I don’t wanna rush things right now if that´s okay with you.”

“Anything for you, princess.”, Draco smiled, making your heart practically melt, as you snuggled yourself even closer to him.

“But one thing you have to tell me.”, Draco spoke up after a few minutes of comfortable silence. “You didn’t just have a brainwave, did you? Someone told you that I… well that I might like you more than just a friend.”

You felt your cheeks heating.

“Maybe Pansy gave me a little hint.”, you mumbled into his chest, making Draco chuckle deeply.

“A little hint?”

“Well, maybe it was more than that.”, you admitted. “She pretty much threw it in my face and I still didn’t catch it.”

“I always knew that you´re not the fastest broom in the sky.”, he grinned, making you frown.

“At least it didn’t take me… how long? Weeks? Months? To get a girl and then not even telling her but letting others do the job.”

“Actually it´s been years, if you really want to know. But I guess now McLaggen was good for something at least once.”, Draco responded. “Doesn’t mean I won't hex him the next time I´ll see his stupid visage.”

“If you´re hoping for me to stop you, I certainly won´t.”

“I was rather hoping you´d help me with it."

“So we can serve detention together? Romantic.”, you laughed.

Draco cupped your face with his hands and made you look up at him. You could see the mischievous sparkle that you had always loved so much glistening in his eyes.

“That´s just how I am, love.”, he responded, before he pulled you in yet another kiss.

And it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

Taglist: @xodracomalfoyxo @marigold-morelli @army24—7 @lbhmoon @cappgyuccino @writingwitch007 @myomy0ss @tinafuentes @dmslvt @Slytherin4eva @foulkryptonitepeanut @chillcheesecake @pottertea @webswatts @jaiistg

[kingsandbastardz]

what we know about Wuyan and his relationship with Di Feisheng

While rivals/nemesis/friendly-antagonist relationships are my bread and butter. I also have a thing for unusual 'servants'.

So let's have a look at Wuyan.

We know very little about him but we can draw conclusions based on what does get told to us:

He's Di Feisheng's 'personal guard'

So what's it like being the bodyguard of the man who's gongwu/jainghu's strongest and rivaled only by Li Xiangyi the legendary prodigy? DFS has to sleep, use the toilet, and bathe at some point in the day so it's easy to assume guarding him during off hours is one of his duties. However, we don't ever see Wuyan personally doing this. The only times we see DFS in a sleeping context is when JL and her people are there, or he's at the Lotus House. If Wuyan is around then, he stays out of the way to the point it's like he doesn't exist... and he does not ever reveal himself during dangerous situations. So while his rank says he's mean to be close physical protection for a guy that doesn't need it -- his actual role, when physically present, is to be an observer or something that doesn't require fighting in public. This has interesting implications on what DFS actually uses him for.

His duties don't seem to include acting as a forward guard/scout and alerting DFS of any dangers that are approaching. Which, considering how he's out of sight and often around DFS, it would make sense for him to do so. Unless, he nor DFS sees the need. It doesn't seem to be happening off screen, either.

Being a personal guard is likely a pretext or a throwback to a previous position - Wuyan functions more as an executor or physical extension of DFS' will. He knows what DFS knows, understands his desires and how he thinks, and can execute these desires with minimum orders. He knows when to check in to keep DFS informed and how to solve issues on his own. Jiao Liqiao is aware of his actions and if he's seen moving, it means DFS is moving.

He has access to DFS where no one else does: he'll be able to go to DFS when he's on the toilet or in the bath. He is the only person with access to any of the private waterfalls DFS goes to

Is likely the person providing food and wine for him at the waterfall - In contrast to JL who brings DFS an entire banquet spread, he seems to be the only known person at the Alliance that makes concessions for DFS' issues with food. He provides whole fruit, which has a higher shelf life, can be eaten or carried anywhere, is easier to see if its rotten or been tampered with. Has vitamins. Is water resistant.

At the emotional level, Di Feisheng doesn't see him as a servant

We see the camera pointedly showing us that DFS has noticed Wuyan lurking outside of the main room during his return ceremony. Then, in the infodump scene where DFS is mourning Li Xiangyi's death, he asks why he hadn't come out sooner. Either DFS expected him to meet and greet him at some point before he got to the waterfall location, or he thought Wuyan would be one of the people assembled in the main hall to greet him. He cared enough that he brings it up, though it's phrased casually. Very "Dude, I saw you, why weren't you there-there instead of being weird in the back?"

DFS says that Wuyan and the Three Kings are second to only him in the Alliance. This is DFS pointedly telling him that he sees Wuyan, his personal guard, as being equal to the other 3 male leaders. That he too is a founder of the Jinyuan Alliance who risked his equally important life for him. Again, there's a mild undercurrent of "Why are you being weird?" in that conversation -- like this is a conversation they've had before.

DFS smiles, laughs, and talks about personal things to Wuyan in this scene, establishing he has a stronger emotional connection to DFS than most others. In fact, this emotional connection and dependence DFS has with Wuyan is the connection Jiao Liqiao wishes she had

As an original founder of the Alliance, which likely means he knew DFS during his Di Fortress escapee days, Wuyan has personal first hand knowledge of the true DFS. The DFS that reveals his sense of humor, has a sense of drive, isn't going through the motions and is comfortable enough to whine, or mourn, or otherwise show an actual personality that doesn't fit the narrative of Sect Leader. This is also the first hint we get of his personality as a-Fei during the amnesia arc.

It is Wuyan who is careful to enforce the appearance of boundaries in their relationship even in private, not Di Feisheng

DFS' gentle reminder that he sees Wuyan not as a servant and in fact as someone with higher standing than most of the Alliance - results in Wuyan continuing to act like a servant

DFS broaching the topic of Wuyan's personal standing seems to imply that he actually sees him as a friend - otherwise he wouldn't be bringing this up at all

The reason why is never explained, but for someone that knows DFS as well as he does, he is not blind to DFS' affection toward him and I think his longevity and loyalty are a good indication that he feels the same way. This means he is deliberately acting as a servant for other reasons. Whether it is to maintain his ability to serve DFS with the right mindset, or more covert operations related reasons (more on this later) this is unknown. It could be a mixture of both.

Is likely the one who gave DFS the gold fish-looking whistle to summon him. DFS is really not the carry around cute little tools type. He's more the punch his way through things alone type. Which means Wuyan was like "Listen you're gonna need me at some point. But I need you to actually tell me when you want me to come out. So use this."

He sees almost everything Di Feisheng sees, and if he doesn't, Di Feisheng will likely tell him about it

I'm pretty sure that's Wuyan at the Big Mythic Duel and personally stabbed by Li Xiangyi himself! The only other witnesses to that fight are LXY and DFS and maybe a stray spearman if any survived. This is also the only time we see Wuyan fighting, btw - here he trying to prevent LXY from attacking DFS.

His position as personal guard means he gets to follow DFS everywhere and observe everything. This is likely something he does off screen.

His real understanding of the depth of DFS' emotions toward LXY means he also as real knowledge behind the reasons. Like facts. This positions him as a confidant for DFS, which means he'll likely continue to learn more things from him in private

He likely knew LLH was LXY around the same time DFS did. He was hiding in the woods somewhere and summonable by whistle. This means he was within earshot and watching everything without intervening.

Has the power, the access, and complete command of resources without needing to ask anyone for permission: money, people

DFS gives Wuyan minimum orders to go across the country searching for things that are so rare, they're myths. That means he needs to be able to get money, give people orders, and use other sect resources whenever needed

Able to buy the Niayan bug killing salt that is extremely expensive to the point even Shang Gudao is like wtf. This means - if he didn't steal it - Wuyan was able to pull a shit ton of money to buy that stuff without anyone stopping him

He commands the operations to look for LLH in the extra episode - again: access to money, resources, and people to pull off a massive search over literally every surface of the country

Good at logistics: understands allocation of resources, budgeting, project planning/operations

He has DFS's complete trust in being given ludicrous orders with no additional information of how to pull any of it off. DFS knows that Wuyan will know how to break the objective down and execute it

This means Wuyan is a good operations manager/project planner. He knows how to budget, figure out timelines, send men out and coordinate information when they come back. He knows how to maintain communications and an information network so the men he sends out are able to keep informed of what has or has not been done. He has access to a network of people who knows esoteric information, or is capable of finding it out (ie hunt for Styx flower). He does this successfully and without hiccups.

When searching for LLH's body/person, he keeps track of each and every location they go do. This is a very systemic and thorough way of thinking. You'd think it's common sense, but a lot of managers irl fail to perform the way Wuyan does.

He's good at hiding

We literally never see him anywhere until he's reporting to DFS. But supposedly he's out and about and acting as a personal guard at some points of the story

During the tomb raiding thing - there is no indication that LLH knew Wuyan was following them in the woods. He had to have been within earshot of the whistle and appeared almost immediately. This means not only was he close, he was likely also disguising his chi the way DFS does

Much like DFS, action and acts of service is his love language

Aside from LLH, he's the only other still-living person we know of that truly understands how important LLH is for DFS. This is reflected in how thorough he is in performing his search for LLH later on. And also lead to him being tricked by LLH at one point, because he was treating him as an honored guest, not as a prisoner. You can also see this when he consoles DFS in the beginning by telling him that LLH was truly the only man worthy of DFS mourning into an empty cup for. The fact that he actually sits there and repeatedly listens to DFS talk about LXY. How many times has he heard about him through the years? His reward is being put in charge of every LXY personal mission

Loyal to the point he's subsumed any ambitions to perform his job better (whatever it actually is) - his rank is personal guard despite being considered a founding member of the alliance. He lurks in alcoves rather than standing up front with others, getting attention and public accomplishments. In the beginning, he's seen actually doing the duties of a guard as he's one of the men stationed outside of DFS' sea cabin. If this was his rank 10 years ago, it hasn't changed since -- despite performing duties that are not low level

He's the one that supplies fruit and wine and even a table at the waterfall for DFS - his rank is personal guard. This is servants' work and isn't part of his job description

Willing to die for DFS - see above image of him fighting a known sword genius that vastly outclasses him, and getting stabbed by LXY

LLH almost escaped because he was able to trick Wuyan by leaning on his loyalty to DFS (outside that run down hut used to detox DFS from asura grass) - a good example of Wuyan having to chose between orders given to him regarding LLH vs helping DFS.

Rather than trying to rescue DFS from torture, he follows DFS' orders to deliver the bug killing salt to LLH. We already know he's willing to die for DFS. The only reason I can think of for why Wuyan hadn't tried to sneak in and steal DFS away from JL, regardless of outcome, is he was told to do something else. And he actually went and did it. Emotional damage? Conflict of interest? Yes. Also see what happened above when he chose otherwise.

Conclusion: I think there is a good case for Wuyan being in charge of Di Feisheng's covert operations, and if not, then he should be.

handles secret and personal operations for DFS

has access to a vast information network

has a rank that doesn't match his actual role or relationship to DFS

can physically hide and follow in the woods, well enough that neither LLH nor FDB notice him

is at least on par with DFS with his chi hiding abilities - LLH doesn't notice him when he easily notices others

does not physically engage in situations even when present, which suggests he's there to observe instead

acts like a servant even though he has authority to move a large group of men/women

hides away from the public eye on purpose

capable of sneaking in and out of the royal palace unnoticed (if he delivered the snow salt while llh was in the palace)

Though, there is one mark against him because he was easily fooled by LLH. But everyone is. So.

[maespri]

like a dog

hi i'm just joesara posting. that's all this is. like. man i love joesara. i can see them both romantically and platonically and either way their relationship is just. so beautifully devastating.

like here is sara, who is always doubting herself. and then joe, who's always countering her self-loathing. sara, who thinks she's too intense and hurts people too much. joe, who tells her that it isn't always a bad thing. sara who can't forgive herself for his death, who blames herself for pointing out that he wasn't the sage, who begged miley to let her switch places with him. and joe, who just tells her she's his best friend and he loves her when he's about to die. who tells everyone they're his friends, that he doesn't blame them.

joe, who carried around a dog keychain sara got him in his pocket for ages, who has accessories with bones on them, who tells sara he will stay loyal to her, "like a dog." who walked back to school after going on a date with her best friend, a date during which he just talked about her, because he knew she was scared of her stalker, who went to the fair with her in her minisode because of the same reason. this guy who sees her "flaws" as her strengths and supports her in whatever she decides to do.

i think the fact that she doesn't realize just how important he was to her until after he's gone is what gets me. he was always telling her she's his best friend, but it's not until she's talking to a robot version of him that she finally gets to reciprocate that, and i just know she'll always be carrying around so many "i wish i told him"s in her heart. but what i think is also so beautiful about her overcoming some of that grief and moving toward acceptance (at least in the emotion route) is that she realizes joe wouldn't blame her.

and i don't think it's entirely because of his AI. it's because she knew him.

sure, it's his AI that tells her that- but sara is well aware that isn't him. what she does finally realize in that moment, however, is that the real joe would forgive her. that he wouldn't be mad at her. that he doesn't blame her because that's not the kind of person he is. she forgives herself because of her own internal strength and memories. she forgives herself because he loved her no matter what.

and she keeps going. she lets go of the blame, but she doesn't lose those good memories she had with him. she lets what she learned from him strengthen her rather than hold her back. she internalizes the same things he always said to her and uses it to become better herself, to uplift the people around her who are still alive. she decides she's going to do everything she can to keep everyone alive because she doesn't want anyone to go through the same thing she did after losing joe. he's carrying her, he's carrying the narrative, long after he dies. spreading goodness.

they're eternally devoted to each other, even beyond the grave.

i Just played her minisode for myself (after watching it some time ago) and i was struck with all these thoughts about them once again. i think what especially gets me is the fact that i think sara did have a crush on him and just. didn't have enough time to sort through her own thoughts, or tell him. there are so many moments, both in her minisode and in the game, where i think it shines through. and that's just another "what-if?" she may not realize for a while, but will always be in the back of her head.

i don't think grief is nearly as... "simple," for lack of a better word, as it's kind of shown in your turn to die. i do love the portrayal of it for what the situation dictates, but if/when sara ends up getting out of the game, and all the survival instinct wanes and she has time to fully process it... i feel so bad for her. there's nothing that won't remind her of him. there's nothing she won't miss. there's nothing she won't wonder about. all of that, it just. god it all makes me so sad.

i don't like when people say "move on" when referring to grief. i think that implies leaving it behind, and if you ever really love something, i don't think it's possible to just put it down and leave it there. but i do hope it gets easier for her to carry it around with her the same way it briefly began to in the death game.

anyway. in the end, it really just comes down to a very simple tragedy; two best friends who would do anything for each other only having the option of doing nothing.

yeah i'll be thinking about them for a while

[its-a-me-mango]

By saying that support shouldn’t be given to glitch rn, does that include not watching newer SMG4 episodes and other Glitch related stuff? (I’m trying to know whether i should continue to watch them for now)

If you don't support what Glitch is doing in regards to the Tari's VA situation right now, then yes not watching what they produce is how you can show that you don't support them, that also includes not buying their merch for now (I know they just released a bunch of TADC merch which they've been promoting like crazy since this whole situation started (also you don't need to get rid of anything you've already brought, this is about buying their stuff currently)). Striking is one of the best ways to show a company that you don't support their actions, if done en mass it can send a very powerful message.

Withholding your support until accountability is given is how it should be done for companies like Glitch, they're a company after all, they're not gonna read your callout posts in a 83 part twitter thread lol. Obviously openly harassing Glitch and singling out employees to harass ISN'T the right thing to do and doesn't show anything other than you're a hateful person. If you don't agree with what Glitch is doing, I'd suggest striking.

However if you choose to keep watching SMG4 or anything else Glitch make, then that's your choice to make, its up to you to decide if this situation is worth ceasing your support towards Glitch over. I'm not gonna sit here and tell you what you should be doing, nor am I going to judge anyone who isn't doing the same thing as me and neither should anyone else. Ultimately, I don't care whether you watch Glitch productions or not, its my personal choice to stop supporting Glitch by not watching SMG4 and its up to you if you want to do the same.

I think it's most important to stay up to date with everything that's happening and to keep talking about it, we can't just let this be forgotten about because it may cause it to happen again. Keep informed and keep spreading awareness about it until something is done if nothing else. Don't be afraid to change your mind later one once new information is revealed or even admit fault where needed, this is still and ongoing situation so people's views will change as time goes on.

Anyway take care, remember it's up to you to decide how you handled this situation, do it in whatever way feels best for you and for the people you want to stand with.

[cool-fancier]

Silent Longing

Synopsis: In the heart of Seoul, Bada Lee, a powerful CEO, held your heart captive. As you worked beside her, your subconscious affection for her developed. You supported her when she said she was leaving for a project abroad.

In your final encounter, Bada admitted that she was aware of your feelings, and you gently kissed each other. The moment she left, an unreachable love that had subtly changed you both ended.

The well-known female CEO , Bada Lee ran her own empire in the centre of busy Seoul. She was a powerful woman who attracted respect and awe in the corporate world.  However, there was an unspoken truth within her company's polished professionalism and dazzling glass walls—a secret that silently tore at the heart of one of her employees, you.

Years prior, you had joined Bada's business, attracted not just by the idea of an excellent future but also by the magnetic pull of your mysterious boss.  Bada was a powerful figure, a woman of keen intelligence and firm free will.  You highly regarded her because of her inspirational confidence and ambition.

Over time, your respect developed into a more deeper feelings of affection that was both thrilling and agonising. Every snatched glimpse and casual conversation that left you craving more while you observed her from a distance caused your heart to ache.

You saw her in the boardroom, during conferences, or at company functions, captivated by the elegance with which she handled every situation.  You were as taken aback by her business expertise as you were by her consideration for and care to her staff. You were drawn to her even more since she was a compassionate leader.

Your unspoken confessions—notes and letters that you wrote but never had the courage to send—were written and kept in your office walls. They were kept in a drawer, a hidden cache of your hidden feelings.  Knowing your genuine feelings would put your career, reputation, and perhaps even your friendship with Bada in danger.

Bada called you into her office one evening as the sun was setting behind the urban skyline. Despite the fact that it was a normal meeting, this time her gaze implied vulnerability. She had always been your mentor, helping you navigate the complex business world, and you had grown to be an integral member of her team.

She looked into your eyes, "Sit down, [Your Name]," she said. "I need to talk about something important."

Your heart was racing when you sat down. "Of course, Ms Lee. what is it."

With her fingers spread out in front of her, Bada leaned forward. "I've been given a job overseas, a new project that might expand the global reach of our business. Although it's a fantastic opportunity, doing so would require leaving this office and this city.

Your world began to spin out of control, and you felt a knot growing in your chest. If Bada left, you wouldn't be able to continue to be in touch with her, see her every day, and cherish the secret moments that had kept your love alive.

She continued, with a sentimental tone in her voice. "[Your Name] at first I wanted to discuss it with you. I highly value your viewpoint because you have been a vital part of this team."

Your voice trembled as you replied while you were trying to keep your composure. "Bada, I think you should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  With your direction, our business will only get stronger."

Normally so cool-headed, Bada's eyes sparkled with tears that she fought shedding. I appreciate it, [Your Name]. Your help meant everything to me."

That evening, as you left her office, you couldn't help but wonder whether this was an unexpected turn of events that would allow you to finally let go of your secret longing. But you knew deep down that no amount of separation was going to quench the love you had for Bada Lee, your bright but unreachable CEO.

Weeks went on into days as Bada's leaving time approached. The office was busy getting ready for her transition, but as each second passed, your heart became heavier. You couldn't escape the idea that something priceless was vanishing, something you never truly had but had treasured in your heart's hidden depths.

You were working late one night at your office when Bada sent you a message. "Meet me in my office, [Your Name]," it said. I had to say something before I leave."

As you walked to her office, your heart was pounding. She was there, seated behind her desk, her face serious but persistent.

She started the conversation, her voice filled with sorrow.  "I want you to know that choosing to leave this firm and this city was perhaps the hardest ones I've ever had to make. I also have another thing to say that I've been meaning to do for a while."

As you waited for her to speak, your heart was racing with suspense. Your breath captured in your throat.

Bada gazed into your eyes while regret filled her own eyes. "I am aware of your feelings. [Your Name]. I have seen the letters and messages, and I can see the hidden love in your eyes."

The weight of your unrequited love weighed thick in the air, causing tears to fill up in your eyes.

"I never wanted to put you in a tough situation, and I respected our working relationship too much to let my emotions get in the way,"she said.

Your voice was barely audible when you nodded. "I get it, Bada,"

Your hand was taken by Bada when she extended her arm. "You are an amazing person, [Your Name], yet I can't go without telling you this. You've been a source of support, my confidante, and my most trusted advice.  More than words can say, I'll miss you."

You were helpless to hold back your tears any longer as they began to flow. "I will also miss you, Bada. More than you could imagine."

She leaned in, and for a brief, secret moment, her lips touched yours, giving you a taste of what was meant to be but was never to be.

Your heart ached as you pulled away, but a sense of closure overtook you. You were displaying your soul, and Bada had shown her love for you. Although it was an unattainable love, it had changed you, made you stronger, and given you the confidence to face the unknowable.

You eventually saw Bada go as her body disappeared inside the airport terminal. Your heart continued to hurt, but it served as a memory of a love that had shone brightly despite the silence of your unspoken need.

[keezybees]

Hi! I follow you across social media and I really love your art and am super looking forward to reading Hello Sunshine! I wanted to reach out because I'm also Bipolar and I really appreciate the work you do to spread awareness about it but there's something that I find kind of harmful in how you talk about it, and it's just the insistance that it absolutely can't be treated through non-medical means. I fully understand that meds are life-saving and that depending on the severity of symptoms, length, and frequency of episodes, going without medication can be lethal. However, as someone with Bipolar I but controlled symptoms (and frankly symptoms that seem a lot less disruptive than yours, I'm sorry), hearing that there's no path forward without medication would easily have triggered suicidal thoughts when I was younger. There are a lot of reasons why people can't be medicated (for me it was a combination of family control and financial struggle), but hearing at your lowest that there's no way forward without something that you can't have is really damaging. I think it's totally possible to stress the importance of medical access and the need to work with your medical provider without erasing the ways that non-medical treatments can also be life-saving, depending on a person's situation/symptoms/etc and that some people can live full lives even if their symptoms aren't fully controlled. Anyway, I love your work and I just wanted to raise this alternate perspective because I think you're helping a lot of people, but I also think a lot of people can be harmed by this rhetoric, especially marginalized people who can't seek medication for any number of factors beyond their control.

Hi Anon! I totally hear what you're saying, and so I just wanted to run through a few things to clarify my stance, both for you and for others who might be reading this (omg I am SO sorry this is so long though haha):

I do emphasize treatment a lot, because I think it's really important for people to work with professionals to find ways to manage their illness. This is partly due to my own experience (I avoided treatment for a looong time) and anecdotally, but also because the research we have is pretty clear--untreated bipolar has much, much worse outcomes for a vast majority of people. However! When I say treatment, I don't necessarily mean medication, and certainly not only medication! I absolutely think some people (though it is sadly rare) can find ways of managing their illness medication-free. I just feel that it's best to do this work with the help of professionals + peers (whether that's a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, social worker, support group, etc) who can help you find your way, and help you manage symptoms that do crop up (this is especially true if you're currently on medication and choosing to go off of it, since that can come with physical risks). I could definitely stand to make this distinction a lot clearer though, and I'll try to be more mindful of it in the future.

I also can definitely see how my words could imply that I think non-medication ways of treating bipolar aren't valuable, and I'll work on my phrasing going forward, because they absolutely are! My aim is not to dismiss stuff like self-help or lifestyle changes or meditation or exercise, because I think they're great--for example, that kind of stuff has helped a ton with my anxiety and overall quality of life, and I know for a lot of people they help with their bipolar symptoms. But for me, these things simply don't have much of an impact on the bipolar, and our culture's emphasis on them frustrates me because it prevented me from getting proper care for a very long time, and made me feel like a failure for not being able to control my symptoms despite working so hard. So I'll also try to be more clear in the future about whether I'm venting about my own situation vs speaking broadly.

I also definitely hope I've never said anything that implies that our symptoms are inevitably life-ruining! My symptoms aren't completely controlled (particularly my lows), either, and I like to think I live a pretty good life. I think for many people un-treated bipolar can be life-ruining, and I've just heard too many stories about people who thought they could manage on their own only to have an absolutely devastating manic episode to not warn people of the risk. But most of us will continue to experience some degree of symptoms throughout our lives, absolutely.

I totally understand why someone would want to go med-free, or at least try it, and I in no way think the medications we have now are flawless haha. Side effects are awful, life-changing, and can even be life-threatening (I've had some horrible experiences with side effects myself); the meds we have now aren't very effective against depressive episodes for a lot of people (myself included), and for some people they're not effective at all; meds for most people don't completely eradicate symptoms, etc. I'm fully on board with the med struggle, and I honestly spend a lot of time criticizing the options available to us, though less so publicly, since I don't want to further stigmatize the idea of taking psych meds in general!

One of the reasons I emphasize medication (when I do emphasize meds, specifically) is because when I was younger, I was terrified of even the idea of them. I avoided it for years and really, really suffered because of it. I think our culture does in general look down on psych meds, particularly the kind we usually take, so I'm trying to destigmatize the concept of them, and emphasize for people with similar fears that taking meds can be just as life-saving and healing as they are harmful and frustrating, and that it's at least worth trying.

I'm a YA cartoonist (and former teacher, barista at a youth coffeehouse, tutor, I worked for a kids' gaming website...actually all of my jobs apart from dishwashing have involved kids, now that I think of it lmao), so a lot of the time when I'm talking about this stuff on social media, my target audience is sort of...very young people and kids who think they have bipolar (or may have even been diagnosed) but are afraid to seek help and/or don't think they need help and/or don't think help is going to actually help. So my goal is to demystify and normalize the idea of taking meds and/or seeking treatment for those people, and to emphasize that just because they're able to manage their illness now, that might change in the future, and imo they need to be aware of the very real risks, which includes things like an incredibly high suicide rate for unmedicated individuals, and the reality that the illness can be progressive (episodes can get worse and harder to treat the more you have them--they certainly did for me, and I wish I had been more open to the idea much earlier).

On a similar note, it's also important to recognize that a lot of things can look like bipolar, and a lot of people don't really know what bipolar actually looks like to begin with (particularly if you're getting your info from tiktok or similar). So if you've self-diagnosed and never explored treatment options (emphasis on options!) you can easily be missing stuff like thyroid issues, epilepsy, brain tumors, vitamin deficiencies, or a myriad of other treatable mental illnesses that mimic bipolar, and I strongly believe that people deserve care and help for whatever they're struggling with, including the possibility that it isn't bipolar at all!

Finally, I truly hope I've never said anything that comes off like I'm looking down on or judging people who choose to not be medicated for whatever reason! If it works for you then that's phenomenal (I'm jealous tbh) but it's honestly none of my business haha. When I talk about this stuff I do try to stress most people, because we're of course not a monolith, and when I say something like 'a majority of people with bipolar will need some form of medication to flourish' I don't mean to dismiss those who aren't in that majority. It's more that I want people to be open to the idea that they're not failures for needing meds, that they're actually in very good company, as well as to combat the 'just meditate! or try harder!' narrative that's so prevalent in our culture.

Edit: one last thought, which is that part of my target audience is also parents or guardians whose kids might be struggling--kids are obviously the group with the least access to treatment on their own terms. My hope is that talking about my experiences and discussing the risks will help motivate guardians to get help for their kids, and also help motivate kids to seek their own treatment as soon as they're able. Most people develop bipolar in their late teens and early 20s (though my first hypomanic ep was at 16), so it's a relatively small percentage of folks in this situation, but I do see how a kid whose parents aren't willing to help them could take my words badly, so I'll try to keep that in mind!

I'm definitely going to be more careful about how I phrase things going forward, because I can absolutely see how my intent could be lost. Hopefully this clears things up a bit (although it's also possible that we simply disagree, and I think that's okay too--like I said, our community is not a monolith, and a lot of these conversations are fundamentally ongoing)!

tldr; I'll make an effort to watch my words so that it's clear that my target audience really isn't my bipolar peers, and that the target of my criticisms is anti-medication wellness culture + psych med stigma, not the concept of non-medication alternatives or additions in general. And I'll try to do a better job of highlighting when I'm speaking only for myself vs our community as a whole!

[hornets-nest666]

Many people have some questions regarding to the choices we've made. The purpose of this post is to provide a clear understanding of the situation, to prevent the spread of misinformation or baseless criticism.

So, let's start with the first character we want to discuss: Rosco. There were people who didn't approve of his design and appearance. In the animated series, Rosco was on the heavier side, but in the comics, currently, he is thin, even skinny. Then why? We want to be honest with you instead of trying to kiss your ass and make excuses. We see him like this. Yes, it's that simple. It's like how Connie sees Sheba as being full, even though she is not portrayed that way in the canon. (And right now, I'm talking about this person's creative work, not the person themselves. I have never criticized Connie's creativity.)

By the way, we'll get to Sheba a little later.

I want to highlight a crucial aspect that many people have overlooked. Roscoe was a plump kid since his early years, and he faced bullying from his peers due to his weight. Our intention is to shed light on the challenges that overweight individuals, especially children, may face.

To be honest, I myself was a witness to bullying at school. Regrettably, it is a common issue that many children have to experience. However, it is important to note that we strongly disapprove of this behavior and, on the contrary, aim to raise awareness about this problem.

No one should be subjected to humiliation based on their physical appearance or any unique features they may have. This applies to people of all body types, regardless of being overweight or thin. Unfortunately, some individuals choose to overlook this and instead resort to intimidation and derogatory remarks, accusing us of being fat phobic.

Now, let's address the questions concerning Sheba. Some people, particularly those who are fans of Connie, have been upset with her physique. These people argue that Sheba being overweight is normal while being thin is not, and accuse me of being fat phobic for not portraying her that way.

Let's make something clear. These people claim that Sheba as overweight, and some have even attempted to prove that she was depicted as such in the original work, despite the fact that I have previously provided evidence (which can be found below) that debunks this rumor.

I am not judging their interpretation of the character in any way. Clearly, they appreciated how Connie illustrated the character, and for that, I am happy for them. However, it is unnecessary for them to shove their personal head canons on everyone else. No one is required to draw the way you want them to. Many people hold various opinions on this character. However, I, personally, along with my assistant Leila and our translator Kalu, perceive her like this and it's NOT BAD. Surprisingly, the negative reaction towards the portrayal of Sheba came as a shock to us. It seemed as though everyone prefers exclusively caring for overweight individuals, while negatively judging thin individuals solely based on their body size. This situation seems to exhibit a double standard.

Do you enjoy Connie's artwork? Well, why are you still here? Instead, you should be on her blog. I've come across several artists who portrayed characters differently from how I imagined them. What do you think I did? I simply continued to browse through their artwork without resorting to trash-talking or discussing it in a chat room with my friends.

There's a simple truth: if you appreciate someone's work, you follow them; if you don't, you just move on. I have no intention of apologizing for my work or belittling myself in front of those individuals who think it's acceptable to insult an artist based on their perspective. By reacting this way, you only reveal that you have nothing better to do.

Let's recall our most memorable April Fool's JOKE, which left a lasting impression on many people. I never thought people could get so offended by a really harmless joke.

Interestingly enough, it was Connie's fans, as well as Connie herself, who seemed to be the most offended. It seems that the significant age difference in the prank was taken quite seriously.

However, let me explain everything in order. Bendy, at the age of 18, is naturally inclined towards romance and has always followed his heart's desires. Regardless of anyone's attempts to dictate his dating choices, Bendy's rebellious nature ensures he remains unaffected, simply pursuing relationships with whomever he chooses.

Moreover, it is important to acknowledge that in my country, the transition into adulthood begins at the age of 18, and this fact cannot be denied. From the age of 18, individuals have the freedom to make their own decisions and shape their own lives. Consequently, once I reach the age of 18, I can start a relationship with a man who is 50 years old, since I will legally be considered an adult and capable of making my own choices. If you don't like it then you should direct your arguments towards the laws and regulations of my country, rather than towards me personally. You can try to reach out to Putin himself for a response.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the same principles apply not only in Russia, but also in certain states across the USA.

I also find it funny to see the hypocrisy of individuals, who consider Bendy to be a child, while behaving in a deceitful manner. Why don't you bring up Bendy's 18+ content? Why don't you express surprise and concern about Bendy's age, saying something like, "Wait, Bendy is only 18!" It seems dishonest, doesn't it?

I did not draw anything like this based on the Oswald and Bendy pairing, because it was meant to be a joke. It's surprising to realize that there are individuals who need even the simplest things to be explained to them.

And of course, there will be those who will immediately ask, "Well, if Bendy doesn't care, what is Oswald's perspective?"

Just like any guy who has discovered his perfect match.

A relationship isn't just about one person; it's a mutual connection. If Bendy had an issue with Oswald's age, he would have rejected him. And I'm certain Oswald would have respected that. It's surprising how others feel the need to criticize Bendy, an adult who can stand up for himself, for being content with his partner's age. He will find his way in life without their judgment.

(Leila: Speaking from my own life experience, my mom and dad are 11 years apart. They live normally, and it hasn't caused any problems so far. :b ✌️)

That marks the end of this post. I sincerely hope that, through this, you are able to understand and empathize with the opposite perspective. As I said, this post is purely explanatory, as there are still individuals who remain unwilling to understand. I will not apologize for my artistic expression or any of the actions taken. I do not perceive them as insignificant or as errors requiring forgiveness.

They simply represent my creativity, personal interpretations, and humorous anecdotes, which some of you may view as subpar.

In that case, kindly refrain from visiting my blog again.

Thank you for your attention. ♥️ Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Leila, Kal, and my dedicated audience for their unwavering support. You all hold a special place in my heart. 😭💝

[beliefandsayingsomething]

my thoughts on the 1975 in malaysia + how to help!

(help links at bottom, reblog please)

seeing lots of people mad at queer malaysians for being mad at matty. they have every right to be mad at him, because yes we think what he did was moving and i honestly believe it was, but the repercussions of what they did will likely effect queer malaysian people negatively. the malaysian gov are using the 1975 as a scapegoat for, in turn, making it even harder to exist as a queer person in malaysia.

if they’re speaking out and saying it isn’t going to effect them as positive as our western view believes it will, it’s important we accept that and research how we can truly help the queer community over there.

however, matty and ross’ actions have been seen worldwide and i’m seeing a lot of people coming forward and saying they weren’t aware malaysian government was as bad as it is for queer people. this is important.

what the boys did has sparked a worldwide discussion and shone a light for how dangerous it truly is for queer malaysian people. the kiss itself may not help the situation over there (which i don’t think it was intended to do), but it will guide more people into discovering the inhumane laws for our community in malaysia, and ultimately, guide us over in our respective countries to helping the queer people in south east asia.

—

here’s how we can help the queer community over in malaysia:

(all found on the1975 reddit forum so credit to 505cherry on reddit, but i wanted to post the separate links for ease)

https://pluho.org/donate/ (mental health support)

https://justiceforsisters.wordpress.com/about/ (support for trans malaysian women)

^ (provides support for queer people and allies, inc. queer voices, stories and views)

BANK DETAILS FOR DONATIONS TO QUEER LAPIS (use remitly app to send):

564717527444

MAYBANK

PERTUBUHAN JARINGAN KEBAJIKAN KOMUNITI

choose express speed --> for delivery method put bank deposit --> choose Maybank --> then put the account details from above --> put PERTUBUHAN JARINGAN KEBAJIKAN in the first name box, and KOMUNITI in the last one

credit to Alternative-Map-181 on reddit for those instructions

—

https://linktr.ee/ptfmalaysia (provides HIV/AIDS education, prevention, care and support programmes)

^ (support group for queer, gay and bi youth, creating a safe space with guidance)

https://legaldignity.org/donation/ (promotes fair and equal access to justice for all lgbtq+ people)

—

important: i take no credit for finding any of these links, i saw it being shared from the 1975 reddit on twitter but i haven’t seen any information on tumblr so i wanted to spread it further! thank you so much to the reddit user (505cherry) who shared these organisations with us.

[blueskiestarot]

Hello blueskies tarot! First of all I would like to say that I really love your readings and I’m finally caught up on all of them heheh. 🌷🌷

But recently I’ve been having a really strange experience and I would love to share my story and hopefully get insight or an answer from someone reading this and to see if someone had the same experience.

I’ve been having a huge crushes and infatuation on someone who was inaccessible to me, but the weird thing I always kept receiving signs and messages that this person is for me and that they will make a move towards me really soon, like for example in one of your readings it said they are coming towards me and the description fit this person exactly along with other signs like repeating numbers.

This is not the first time this thing happens to me, it happened before where I would start receiving many signs related to a certain person telling me that they are my soulmate and then after a few weeks a revelation happens and I figure out that this person is not for me. This has made me feel very hopeless, stuck and delusional. I felt like I can’t trust the universe and that all the guidance I received from spirit is deceptive. Honestly I feel like there’s something wrong. Why does spirit keep showing me signs and syncs that lead to a dead end? It happened several times before, where I discovered the truth of the situation and then the signs stopped then kept coming back referring to another. Is spirit leading me on?

This has been wrecking my mental health really bad, I’m starting to feel hopeless because I just keep engaging in limerence.

The last time this happened I frantically opened an online tarot deck and picked a random spread I got a card, but I can’t remember which one that said what seems to be random might not be random at all.

The only conclusions I can come up with are either that I’m interpreting the signs wrong, or I’m engaging with a deceptive spirit that’s pretending to be my spirit guide or in a false matrix.

However I really doubt that I’m interpreting the signs wrong because all of them have keys that point to something specific about each person.

Thank you if you’ve read this far. I really don’t know what to do, I feel so hopeless about my love life, and I’m scared to believe any signs that I receive from the universe :(

Hi, love!

I'm sorry you're going through that and feeling confused. I hope I can help! Just know that these thoughts are purely my opinion and my own experiences. ♥️

So, first of all, when you start to feel like your mental health is being negatively impacted by readings, that is a clear sign that it's time to take a break from reading and/or watching readings for awhile. I would suggest taking a week off and trying to avoid pick a pile readings as much as possible. You can always come back to them after that and see if things have changed or if you are in a better head space. Never consume media that is making you feel bad in any way.

Secondly, it's SOOOOOO important to use your discernment when reading pick a pile readings. These readings rely heavily on your intuition because you're picking the pile you are intuitively drawn to. So, if you know that a connection with someone is not possible, I think it would be safe to say that the reading is not for you even if it sounds like the person you are connecting with. Keep in mind that many people pick the same pile as you. So, they may be dealing with similar people. Just think of how many people you've met that could be described using the same description, you know? So, just be super weary of if it really sounds like that person or if it's a general description and you just want it to be them. Again, it's all about being self-aware and using your discernment.

It's also important to note when you are infatuated with someone as opposed to having a real connection with them. If it's someone you've never talked to and the reading says they are thinking of marriage with you, that's a clear indicator that the reading is not for you. So, use your judgement to know when messages are for based on what is going on in your connection. One of my favorite readers on YouTube is Shadow Play Tarot and she always includes a "delulu checkpoint" in her videos when she says something that she feels may mislead someone into giving into delusions. It's just a checkpoint to sort of bring you back to reality and check in with your current situation so that you can ask yourself "does this really resonate with me or do I just want it to?" Readings should never tell you how you feel or what's going to happen. They should simply confirm what you already know and/or feel. So, for example, if I had a connection that seemed to have ended on bad terms and the other person seemed to hate me but a reading said that they were going to come back in a week, I would ask myself "is that really true based on what I know to be true?" I hope that makes sense. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should see evidence in real life of what the reading is trying to tell you or it should confirm your intuitive feelings.

Always check in with yourself and observe how a reading is making you feel. If it's triggering or doesn't confirm what you already feel, then it's not for you.

Also, detachment is your friend. Sometimes we're too close to the situation and can't see what is actually going on. I feel like we can manifest what could be mistaken as signs from spirit by thinking heavily of someone. So, if you are constantly thinking of a person and are completely lost in the sauce when it comes to them, you could potentially manifest seeing signs of them in your outside world. Try detaching from them for a bit by distracting yourself with other things. If you're still seeing the signs, then they are likely from Spirit.

Lastly, in my own opinion, I do not think that Spirit is above lying to us in order for us to learn a lesson or to get us to do what they want. So, if you are meant to learn a specific lesson from someone but they aren't "your person", I fully believe they will lie and trick you into believing that person is for you until you've learned that lesson. Same goes if someone IS for you. If you're too attached and f*cking up the connection by overthinking, being super fearful, or doubtful, they will trick you into believing you need to let it go in order to get you to detach so that your energy is not sabotaging things. So, my point is that Spirit can and will manipulate you into believing something so that they can guide you toward learning a specific lesson or toward doing a certain action. It's all done in the name of your highest good but that doesn't change that the fact that they are lying and manipulating you. It's not malicious at all. So, if you do feel like you are being lied to in a malicious way like there is a spirit posing as your spirit guide, make sure you are clearing the energy out of your space regularly and make sure you are protecting your energy as well.

I hope that helps somewhat! And if anyone else has any advice, that would so helpful! 🫶 Love, Tara

[baby-girl-aaron-dessner]

If you don’t mind me sharing my opinion on the celebrity boycott conversation. And I hope you hear me out till the end because I think you will not like my option but I hope you respect it.

I don’t think the celebrity boycott is effective or even necessary, and not because it taking away focus from the actual cause. I have two reasons why I think it’s unimportant

First I think this will only generate performative activism and that’s why I am again it.

As a Palestinian I don’t want someone sharing sympathy and support because they don’t want to lose followers over it.

I don’t care that it brings attention to the cause, in my opinion that’s attention w don’t need. Just like mentioned Lizzo made a video after the campaign started and to me she should have stayed quiet that would have been a better choice to me. Because the cause will be forgot as soon as she hit share. Why would I want a celebrity to post one time and then forget about me until I am a trend again. What good does that get me.

The second thing is this is more becoming personal, many are putting names on the lists just because they personally do not like them.

The other side of this is harassment. I just saw a video of an Egyptian influencer who received death threats for her and her daughter because of this campaign. And the person who sent it had a picture of the kufiya and the watermelon. And to me that disgusting. I don’t care that you are an ally you do not wish someone death in my name. Even though this influencer did post about the situation and stopped posting normal content for a way in solidarity but still she received death threats.

This is the same for many Arabic celebrities at the moment. While many posted in solidarity at the beginning they are still receiving death threats and being harassed.

Which also brings up the other part of the conversation as who gets to be on the list and what qualifies as solidarity. Because some might have made one post since October 7 and they would have been exempt while others who did the same are on the list.

I was on board with this at the beginning, blocking all those who have come out as Zionist and supported the Zionist government. But this has reached a petty point, especially when it comes to middle eastern artist or artist from countries were freedom or speech can get them killed. People forget that many middle eastern governments are complicit in this genocide and these artist can lose their lives if they took a step the government don’t like. And if people argue otherwise then they are living in la la land.

Not everyone gets the freedom western celebrities have.

I think the campaign started out as very good idea and good way to spreading the word however it has turned into a a childish petty endeavour to get back at people you don’t like.

I get where many are coming from, but this is just not it for me

This is a safe space for you anon and your opinion is valid.

You are justified in your criticism of this activism being performative. For me, the intention doesn’t diminish the effect. Because at this point, the situation is so dire and so severe that the intention behind an Instagram post raising awareness doesn’t really matter. Within altruism philosophy discourse, there’s even an argument made about how all activism is inherently performative. The idea is that we do good things to feel good and thus, doing good social work is intrinsically self serving; these actions fulfil our sense of morality. However, I’m not interested in discussing the philosophy of the self-serving nature of activism.

It’s also important to look at the net effect and evaluate whether the downside of this movement is actually worth sacrificing the whole movement.

I’ve seen many people bring up this point about how some people are using this as an opportunity to get back at influencers or celebrities they don’t like. However, this can be a tricky argument to make because of two reasons. Firstly, celebrity worship culture is a disease on our society. Who cares if people are hating on the ultra privileged elites of our society? They have mansions and private jets to cry on while most people are hungry and face insecurity of various types. Secondly, sure, maybe smaller influencers also receive hate, but is it to the extent where the whole movement should be sacrificed? I have also been called out and attacked during this movement and even prior. However, it’s not about me. And I’m not going to make it about me. This is about thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians being buried alive, losing limbs, getting blown up or dying in other tortuous ways.

However, you raise an extremely valid and understated point about intersectionality. You argue that not everyone has the privilege that western celebrities and influencers have. As someone who is from a war-torn and oppressed area in the Middle East, I can confirm this is true. We can’t speak out for fear of death, punishment, torture or having our loved ones punished. This is what makes it even more admirable when a courageous person from these areas speaks out on issues that matter. We should not be harassing people who live in oppressed regions of the world. The standards are obviously NOT equal across the board. It’s disappointing that this even has to be said.

When we evaluate decisions, it’s important to use relevant frame-works such as a cost-benefit analysis. Personally, I don’t believe these criticisms justify the discontinuation of a movement that punishes celebrities for remaining silent on genocide. But this doesn’t mean your criticism isn’t valid.

Additionally, here are some infographics that illustrate the movement and the goals and sentiments behind it:

[finnissilly]

Hi.

I haven’t spoken about this on Tumblr but I’ve tried speaking on this or moreso reposting and relaying information on this on tiktok.

What’s happening in palestine and why it’s important.

Palestine is dealing with a mass genocide at the moment, Israel is bombing them like crazy.

Specifically the Gaza Strip within Palaestine which is mainly occupied by children.

People in Palestine are having to dig up their family members and loved ones from the rubble.

Now- why Israel is doing this? So, I’m gonna try to summarize this.

Hamas is the government of Palestine and it’s mainly run by terrorists, they’d taken hostages from Israel (I think 25 of them, I might be wrong) and the Hamas government isn’t good.

However- Israel in return, has been launching thousands of bombs on the innocent civilians of palestine.

Now, I’m probably not the best news source as I’m quite literally just a guy on the internet- and I am aware there are MASS amount of propaganda and misinformation from both sides of this being spread. So I just stated the run down facts of what’s going on.

I encourage everyone reading this to look more into this situation (as well as myself, I’m trying to learn more) because we are watching a mass genocide right now and we need to talk and spread the word on this subject.

Thank you.