#Peace Studies Association of Japan

[akixa]

FLOWER || GunxF!reader

Hahaha idk.

⠈⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄, ⠈⠂⠄⠄⠂

⠈⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁˚⊱🪷⊰˚⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄, ⠈⠂⠄⠄⠂

Your father is a close associate of Yamazaki Shingen, who is famously known as the "Demon Tiger" and leads the powerful Yamazaki Clan in Japan. As the trusted right-hand man of the Yamazaki syndicate vice president, your father often brings you along to their meetings. However, due to your young age, you are not permitted to be present in the room with them, as there are concerns about your safety. Upon arriving at Yamazaki's residence, you immediately sense the solemn and foreboding atmosphere that permeates the surroundings. You instinctively clutch onto your father's arm, feeling a sense of unease and fear every time you visit this place, particularly at the thought of encountering the president once more. The first time you laid eyes on him, you were overwhelmed with an intense desire to vanish, hoping to avoid ever seeing him again.

As you stand alone in a single room, eagerly awaiting your father to finish his meeting, you find yourself overcome with a sense of restlessness. In the past, you would have simply whiled away the time, but today is different. Boredom nags at you, urging you to break free from its grip. With a determined push, you slide open the door and step out into the quiet hallway, the sound of your footsteps echoing around you.

As you tread forward, you find yourself emerging into a lush backyard, enveloped in a sea of vibrant greenery. The gentle caress of the wind against your skin brings a sense of peace, grounding you in the present moment. With each step, you can feel the earth beneath you, the soft blades of grass bending under your feet as you explore the tranquil expanse of the yard.

As you strolled around, you caught a glimpse of the vice president engaged in a conversation with the man beside him. You swiftly ducked behind a towering tree, ensuring that you remained unnoticed. Peeking cautiously, you noticed they were still engrossed in their discussion, so you shifted your position to get a better view of what had captured their attention. To your surprise, you witnessed two brothers and a young boy engaging in a combat exercise. While you recognized the two brothers, the young boy was unfamiliar to you.

Perhaps he was a new trainee? You had never seen him before, not even during your initial visit. You observed him as he executed punches and kicks, while one of the brothers corrected his form. As the boy paused to catch his breath and wipe away his sweat, your eyes unexpectedly met. Startled, you quickly retreated behind the tree, hoping to remain unnoticed.

You let out a slow, heavy sigh and begin to walk away from where you were standing, deliberately avoiding the gaze of the boy who is still watching you from behind.

You find yourself in Yamazaki's residence once again, opting to stay put in the room while your father wraps up his meeting. Thankfully, you brought along a Kendama, a classic Japanese toy, to keep you occupied. The only issue is that you're not particularly skilled at it. After a few unsuccessful attempts, you set it aside and settle in to wait.

Suddenly, you pick up the sound of footsteps approaching from outside. You assume it must be your father, but how could the meeting have concluded so soon? The footsteps come to a halt outside your room, prompting you to grab the Kendama, ready to defend yourself. The door slides open slowly, revealing the boy from the previous day.

The room falls silent as the boy begins to question you, but you're uncertain about whether or not to respond. You don't know him and don't want to jeopardize your father's safety. You choose to remain silent as the boy moves closer, attempting to engage you in conversation. When you refuse to engage, he seems dejected.

While observing the boy, you notice his striking eyes. Such a odd eyes. As you study him, he notices the Kendama in your hand and inquires if you play. You nod and hand it over to him. To your surprise, he plays the game with remarkable skill, effortlessly executing various techniques. You're captivated and can't help but watch him play.

After some time, you finally introduce yourself, and he responds by introducing himself as Park Gun. You chat as he continues to play, and before you realize it, it's time to depart with your father. As you bid him farewell, you detect a trace of sadness in Park Gun's expression as he holds the Kendama in his hand. He quickly brushes it off and heads towards his mother's room.

After that day everything went downhill.

Few days later, your father went to meeting without you bringing to him. You ask him why you can't come along with him and he respond that the business is getting out of hand and for your safety you need to away from that place as he ruffle your messy hair making your worries for him go away before he leave you alone in your house.

You gaze at the window seeing the sakura tree start to loose their leaves. A sudden pang on your chest make you feel deep emotion. Confusing but you brush it off and just do your chores and do nothing once again. You wonder, will you see Gun again? Hopefully he will be fine. Hope so.

Years later. You feel sad that you didn't see Gun for years. Trying to convince your father you want to come along but he keep declining it and leave you. Now is your first time studying in daycare. Finally something entertain you while your father is gone. After daycare time, you and other start to walk towards to parents, except your father weren't there. He seem very busy that he don't have time to pick you up in daycare. You bid farewell to your teacher before you walk alone to home. During you walking adventure you notice a lutos lake on the way. You decided to go there and have peaceful moment all by yourself. You watch the water move the lily pad as the lutos flower floating around. While sitting on the wood of bridge you feel a water drop top of your head as you look up to see the sky is getting cloudy and yet you didn't bring umbrella with you. Good thing you see a huge Lilly pag near you and you grab to it making snap sound of separating the top from the root and hold it like umbrella while the clouds start to rain down to you.

Out of nowhere you feel someone is standing behind you watching at you. You turned to see Gun looking at you as he get wet from the rain.

“Why you standing there? Come over here.”

As you pull his hand towards you, you guide him to sit next to you, moving the lily pad to the middle so that Gun is also covered with you. You were overjoyed to see Gun today. Both of you just sat there, enjoying the peaceful scene of raindrops falling on the lake. Lost in the moment, you didn't notice Gun reaching into his sleeve to pull out a small flower, which he then gave to you.

“You know? Since the day you didn't come to visit. This flower reminds me of you. So innocent, pure, and pretty.”

Your eyes widen when he softly spoke at you. You look at the flowers on his arm, it those look pretty. A tint of red appeard on your cheek as you smile at him.

Your so glad that you went there in raining moment with Gun before you two not see each other again.

As a teenager, navigating through school has become increasingly challenging. Gun, a figure who was once prevalent in your life, has now become a rare sight, even to your own father. You have gained a deeper understanding of Gun through the conversations your father has with others, revealing that Gun is the son of the Yamazaki clan president and the future head of the Yamazaki family. His sole purpose is to avenge the humiliation his father endured at the hands of Garpyong Kim fist gang.

Pity.

It's a pity to see someone so young burdened with such responsibilities; he should be enjoying his youth like any other child his age. Fortunately, your father has made efforts to keep you away from anything associated with the Yamazaki clan. However, a challenge arises as you find yourself interacting with Gun whenever the opportunity presents itself, all while keeping this information hidden from your father.

Here you are on the street walking back to home. Deja vu? Kinda. You find yourself walking down a dimly lit alley, seeking solace from the cacophony of the outside world with your earphones in, lost in the depths of your phone's music list. Oblivious to your surroundings, you inadvertently step on something, or someone, causing you to jolt out of your reverie. As you look down, you are met with the sight of an unconscious body beneath your feet.

Startled, you quickly retreat, only to realize that the alley is littered with more prone figures, each bearing the brutal marks of a physical assault. The grim scene before you sends a shiver down your spine as you grapple with the harrowing realization of the danger that surrounds you.

“holy…” you whisper as slowly remove your earphones on you.

As you gazed at the scene in front of you, fear gripped you. Suddenly, a heavy rain began to pour down, and you realized that you had once again forgotten to bring an umbrella. As you hurriedly made your way through the area, being careful not to step on any of the unconscious bodies strewn across the ground, you caught sight of a pair of familiar eyes gazing up at the cloudy sky.

“Are you having a moment, Gun?” you approach him while you use both of your arm cover your head.

“moment? No, I'm just admiring the rain.”

“you will get sick ‘future head of Yamazaki’ ”

“stop talking nonsense and your the one who will get sick easily”

As you two continued to exchange bitter remarks and playful jabs, you reached into your bag and retrieved a towel. Gently, you began to wipe the blood from Gun's face as he leaned down, allowing you to reach his face more easily.

“you should stop whatever you doing, Gun… I don't care if this your phase or something but this is not fine at all.”

“Why?”

“You hurt others that lower to you and you shouldn't done that. You hurt them, you hurt yourself more.”

As you finishing up wiping his face to his neck. Once you done you feel a hand before your head and pull you toward just to feel a soft kiss on your forehead before it pull away. You look up to him just to see his eyes looking at you, eyes locked together in romantic trance. He walk away from you with small wave to bid farewell to you. He even put a small flower on your ear.

“go home. You will get sick”

“Your the one to talk!”

As his figure slowly fades from your sight. It's the last time you will see him before you and your father move away to Korea, leaving behind memories of the past. The thought of leaving him behind feels like a heavy weight pressing down on your heart. The raindrops mix with the tears on your cheeks as you realize that your childhood romance is coming to an end. New chapter to you will begin soon as you step in to the Korea.

Did you know? Gun have garden of you everytime he doesn't see you, he would go there and sat thinking you with him because [your favorite flowers] reminds him of you. :)

[plinko-mori]

My favourite work from Rintarou Mori was Vita Sexualis. Now (since a long time ago lol) it is Moso <3 in Spanish it is translated as «Ilusiones» that literally means «Illusions» and in some contexts it can mean «Fantasies» I don't know how the work is called officially in English though I'm so sorry

So for everyone to have context about why Mori wrote it, there was this opinion that Rintarou hated and it said something like: ”Japan is a backward, poor and dirty county, plagued by diseases and dominated by barbaric customs, which indiscriminately imported Western customs and techniqued that weakened it, and whose esteemed culture was devastated by the Japanese themselves“. And Rintarou Mori, an author known for not knowing when to shut up, not because he spoke too much, but because when he sees something that he doesn't like, he speaks so freely about it and Natsume knows about it lol

In this short work from 1911, Mori explains his reasons of why that statement is absolutely incorrect, and there's a quote that I love a lot"

“From the time I was born until today, what have I done. I study relentlessly as if someone is whipping me, whipping me constantly. I think I do it to develop myself, to be able to fulfil a task. Maybe a part of this goal can be fulfilled. But it seems to me that what I do is nothing more than playing, like an actor, a role on stage. I feel that beyond the role I play, there must be something more. I feel that I am constantly being whipped and stimulated, so that I have no time to let go. The child who studies, the young man who studies, the civil servant who studies, they all play a role. One day I'll wash my face painted in red and black and get off the stage. I wish to think of myself calmly and see how it is something behind. With these thoughts I continue to play role after role, while the stage manager whips my back. I am sure that this performance is not life. I sense that the something that is behind me is nodding off again and falling asleep. Lately I feel nostalgic for my people; I am like the grasses that float and move with the waves in the distance and continue their undulating movement, and sometimes with the shaking they tremble to the roots, and this does not correspond to the role I play on stage. But this feeling, as soon as I raise my head, is erased”

Mori you wanted to defend your idea why were you doing a conclusion of you being a slave of your own thoughts, reputation and the standards with what people (specially your parents) expected from you also WHY IS THAT SO RELATABLE

The author is so human, traumatized and very much autistic, but it's so realistic and relatable... I don't know if I have analyzed the quote here before, if I have done it I'm so sorry 😭

Anyway Mori and samurais were topics extremely connected. His mother was a descendant of samurais, black is a colour associated with them and to weddings, being seen as a masculine colour in Japan. On the other hand, red in Japan is associated with peace, prosperity of family and even justice only in Kabuki Theater performances!

Kabuki is a genre of traditional Japanese theater, dating all the way back to the Edo Period (1603-1867)

The quote I shared is like less than 4 pages to the end of the work. It helps for reflexion and is one of the few times that the author opens his heart to the reader, where he shares things, but he's doing his maximum effor to show that Japanese and his people aren't weak... Although, it's almost obvious (at least for me) that deep in the inside he's not as strong as he claims to be, he can also be vulnerable, but he can't go back anymore because he already started walking that way to being an author, a doctor, a strong person that not only people hated but even felt afraid of Mori!

Unlike Vita Sexualis, Ilusiones is not a semi-autobiography, it's not a novel or a long book... But it's so deep, so emotional in some parts that at least I felt connected to the author when I read it. Mori's purpose is for you to think like him, to see his point, and he knows how to make sense to people that it can be shocking reading his works

Do you see any of this in BSD? I do. But what about you all?

[twilightmalachite]

Raison d'être - Prologue

Author: Akira

Characters: Shu, Mika

Translator: Mika Enstars

"Congratulations, Pinnochio! It’s great to be human, isn’t it!?"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Winter

Location: Apartment in France

During ES’ first year of establishment. Mid-March, at the house in Paris Shu is boarding at…

Shu: So, how do I put it? I still feel I am being derided for using a string phone, you see!

Mika: What does “derided” mean again? What a pretty-soundin’ word~. ♪

Shu: So I feel I am being ridiculed, you see! How am I supposed to tell vulgar snobs that way back when I was a student, I had not yet become accustomed to civilization?

Mika: Nnah~, ain’t that a bit different from bein’ looked down on? Doesn’t he just find it amusin’?

Shu: Oh-ho, do you find a difference between the two? You consider the former to be slander and the latter to be well-intentioned?

Mika: I-I don’t really think into it that much…

What's got ya so upset, Oshi-san? Weren’t we just havin’ a fun talk over the rules we have in my room at Starmony Dorms? Just small talk?

Y’know~, how I’d put a put a string telephone out from my room, and my roommate would be thoughtful and say, “Ah, so Kagehira’s talking to his Oshi-san today, huh?”

Shouldn’t ya feel grateful or happy hearin’ somethin’ like that?

Shu: And I resent the fact that a string phone is automatically being associated with me.

I know for a fact that in the minds of those spiteful people back in Japan, I am still nothing but a picky, old-fashioned senior citizen requiring special care.

Hah! The fact they can’t update their personal judgment of me is proof that they are the ones aging!

Mika: That has nothin’ to do with me~? I don’t know what ya want me to say, Oshi-san!

What’s the matter? Did ya have a bad day at university?

Shu: Hmph. Nothing went wrong, it was uneventful and peaceful. Who do you think I am?

Mika: I’m worried ‘cause you’re you, Oshi-san!

Shu: Are you in a position to worry about others? Have you become someone so distinguished?

That’s right!! You are your own person now! You can walk around on your own without me always taking care of you, can’t you?

Congratulations, Pinnochio! It’s great to be human, isn’t it!?

Mika: (Nnah~… Oshi-san really is always irritated~… Whenever I get excited or get in a good mood, Oshi-san seems to get angry in turn.)

(But, what is it he’s really angry at, then? Well, it’s possible it might actually be my fault…)

(I don’t got any clue…)

(I even came all the way to Paris ‘cause Oshi-san told me “I want to take an occasion to talk about the future”, despite bein’ so busy at the end of the school year.)

(Not only did I not get praised, but he started gettin’ all irritated the moment I told him I wanted to continue livin’ at Starmony Dorms fer the next year.)

(I wonder why. I guess it’s not what Oshi-san had in mind fer me?)

(But y’know, Valkyrie basically only has work in Japan, so it’s more efficient to stay in the area.)

(I’m not like Oshi-san, I don’t have anythin’ in particular I wanna study abroad. And I wouldn’t be able t’get into the same university as Oshi-san with a brain like mine.)

(But if I go and say I wanna live with Oshi-san, it’d just be selfish, wouldn’t it?

(I’d end up bein’ a nuisance to those at the house Oshi-san’s boardin’ at, and I wouldn’t have anythin’ to do even if I live here, y’know?)

(It is lonely, but… It’s a pain t’have someone nestle up with ya just ‘cause they’re lonely, right, Oshi-san?)

Shu: Non! How come your hands have stopped moving, Kagehira-kuuun? Have I forgotten to wind up the mainspring?

Mika: Nnaaah, why’re ya callin’ me by “kun”? It makes it feel like we’ve grown apart, it makes me sad!

Shu: It’s about right, isn’t it? Aren’t you always being overly-familiar? Thanks to that, I’ve even misjudged the distance between you and I!

I had been so deluded from that, I even had been preparing a new life for you and everything, in earnest! I’d even bowed my head to the landlady, secured you a room, and even furnished it! Everything was in order, kakaka!

Well, it all was done for naught! I’ve jumped to conclusions and rashly did something so excessive, laugh at my foolishness!

Mika: Nnah~…? I-If it’s what ya want, Oshi-san, I’ll get started on the moving procedures, then?

Shu: No, not necessary! I don’t know what I was doing, take the furniture and everything else I’ve prepared for you back to Japan, sell it, and use that money to fund Valkyrie’s activities!

While you’re at it, take back the work I’ve made in the past year and sell those off too! I’m confident that they’ll be sold for a reasonable price!

Our performance at SS, the war between worlds, was not very satisfactory, after all…

To think I was made to engage in a slapstick we were not accustomed to, if anything our reputations have been tarnished.

In order to wipe away these defects, we shall use the funds from selling everything off to develop a new artistic venture!

Practically, this is no time to get carried away with a new life!

Mika: My bad… I had no idea ya were lookin’ forward to livin’ with me so much, Oshi-san…

Shu: Me!? To what?! What was I looking forward to!?

Don’t go acting too cocky! You know, it’s because of you always leading me on that I’ve misunderstood—

Hm?

Mika: W-What is it? Oshi-san…?

Shu: Stop acting so jittery like you’re some small animal! It’s irritating!

—My phone is going off. Usually the landlady is very considerate to not call me while guests are over… Is it something urgent, perhaps?

Mika: The phone? Ahh, well I’ll be quiet, then~. ♪

(I-If anythin’, this might’ve saved me… This’ll help break up the strange atmosphere.)

Shu: Hello? Why it’s Nii-sama, isn’t that rare. What is it you need?

Yeah, yeah, aren’t you a bother? I’m doing just fine! Hadn’t I asked you to leave me alone? Why is it that you’re—

—…What?

… … …Understood.

Yes… I’ll return home soon.

Mika: W-What is it? That call was from yer big brother, wasn’t it—How come?

Shu: It’s my Grandfather…

Mika: Hm?

Shu: …It appears early this morning, my grandfather passed away.

[ ☆ ]

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[hero-nerd]

The Symbol of Peace: An Analysis of Masculinity in My Hero Academia

Izuku Midoriya runs through the city toward the site of a villain attack, excitement on his face as he knows what this means. He elbows his way to the front of the crowd and up to the very front line the heroes set up as they battle their foe, watching in awe and excitement as the heroes he looks up to are locked in battle.

This scene plays out in the beginning of the hit anime series My Hero Academia. Set in a fantastical version of Japan in which heroes are a part of every day society, the series follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, as he strives to become a great hero using the power passed on to him by Japan’s number one hero, All Might. The first chapter of the manga series was published in Shonen Jump in 2014, and was adapted into an anime in 2016. Both the manga and anime are still in progress, and have a great level of popularity. According to Parrot Analytics, My Hero Academia is “ranked at the 99.9th percentile in the action genre, indicating that it enjoys exceptional demand compared to 99.9% of all action titles in the United States” (My Hero Academia YTV). Due to its outstanding popularity, I believe this is a relevant text to analyze.

From the very beginning scenes of the series, as Midoriya watches this battle unfold, the audience is shown what the image of a hero looks like. They are strong and powerful, with physiques that look like action figures. They are something for the ladies to swoon over. Notably, they are men. It is not until the very end of the fight we see our first female superhero, who is shown as “stealing the spotlight” from the men in her skintight suit, and immediately subject to objectification and sexualization by the media on the sidelines. To those who know comics and superheroes, these types of hegemonic masculine messages are to be expected. While these messages are seen as such a norm that it’s just a part of the superhero genre, there are real impacts to this. In a study conducted by Coyne et al. about the effects of superhero media on kids, research found that “early superhero exposure was indirectly associated with weaker egalitarian attitudes toward women and greater endorsement of the muscular ideal” (Coyne et al. 634). This shows that superheroes have a real impact and are worth studying. This analysis will look at masculinity in the world of My Hero Academia, as shown through the lens of All Might, the Symbol of Peace.

Who is the Symbol of Peace? All Might is one of the top heroes in the version of Japan this story takes place in, and has been for years by the time the series starts. He is rated the number one hero in the in-universe hero popularity polls, and has one of the greatest powers that citizens in that world have ever seen. As such an important cultural figure in this world of heroes, he is the ideal, the standard, the one everyone looks to when they want to see what it means to be a hero, and we know that what it means to be a hero in this world is to be masculine. That is why I have chosen All Might as the subject of this analysis, and to begin I would like to look at Kimmel’s tenants of masculinity. In his documentary Guyland, Kimmel breaks down four basic rules of masculinity: “No sissy stuff”, “be a big wheel”, “be a sturdy oak”, and “give ‘em hell” (Kimmel). Let’s explore what these mean, and how they are evident in the character of All Might.

When Kimmel says “no sissy stuff”, what he means is that there can be no sign of femininity or weakness. In societies where masculinity is seen as the ideal, femininity and weakness have become synonymous with each other when it comes to the measurement of masculinity. This is apparent in All Might’s appearance. He is the perfect picture of the classic superhero, with bulging muscles and a towering, hulking figure. When he speaks his booming voice resonates and shakes you to your core. It is not just his appearance that this is evident in, however. We can see this line of thinking, “no sissy stuff”, in the way All Might acts, especially toward the beginning of the series. In season one episode 3 “Roaring Muscles”, All Might passes on his power, known as a “quirk” in this world, to the protagonist Izuku Midoriya. As he does this, Midoriya’s eyes welled up with tears as the emotions of all of his dreams finally coming true overwhelm him, All Might says “Seriously! You gotta stop crying so much if you want my quirk” (My Hero Academia). This is a common theme, as Midoriya is very outwardly expressive with his emotions while All Might begins their mentorship with a much more hegemonic view of masculinity.

To “be a big wheel” means to have lots of money, power, and status. This is probably the tenet that All Might intentionally goes after the least, but that does not change the fact that he fully embodies it. As the number one hero in Japan he holds a very important status, and the Symbol of Peace is a name anyone in the world of the show knows. In season three episode 49 “One for All”, All Might is fighting against the main antagonist of the show in a large display that is being televised to all of Japan. He has lost the last of his power that allows him to stay in his superpowered form, but he continues to fight on despite this. His mentor urges him to stay strong, saying “No matter what you look like, you’re still everyone’s number-one hero!” This is just one of many illustrations of the status All Might holds in the eyes of the citizens of Japan.

Arguably the most prevalent of the four tenets in All Might’s story is “be a sturdy oak”. All Might specifically created the idea of the Symbol of Peace to be an unwavering force of help to those in need. This is evident even in his catchphrase. We see him use a variation over and over, a common theme throughout the series, going all the way back to his first appearance as a hero: “Fear not, citizens. Hope has arrived. Because I am here” (My Hero Academia season one episode one “Izuku Midoriya: Origin”). When Midoriya is talking about what he looks up to so much about All Might he says “There’s always a smile on his face, no matter how bad things get. Even when things seem impossible, he never gives up” (My Hero Academia season one episode one “Izuku Midoriya: Origin”).

The last of the tenets is “give ‘em hell”. This comes down to a reckless sense of daring, always throwing yourself in no matter the danger and being willing to do things no matter the risk. This is seen as bravery, the opposite of being a “sissy” as mentioned in the first tenet, even at the cost of the person performing these acts. We see this in All Might’s willingness to throw himself into any battle, no matter the cost to himself, and how he sees that as admirable. In his backstory preceding the events of the show, All Might was injured in a battle with All For One that left him only able to use his power for a finite amount of time each day. During the time All Might first meets Midoriya he has reached his limit on his power use for the day when a villain attacks a student. All Might is on the sidelines in his disguised form, watching this go down while cursing himself for not being able to help because of his limit. When he watches a powerless Midoriya rush in to help, All Might says “I have to do something, no matter the cost” before pushing past his limit to use his power. He tells Midoriya “Pros are always risking their lives, that’s the true test of a hero!” (My Hero Academia season one episode two “What It Takes To Be A Hero”). He uses his great power to blow the villain away with a single hit. After things have calmed down from this battle, All Might talks to Midoriya about this and what it means to be a hero. He tells Midoriya “There are stories about every hero, how they became great. Most have one thing in common. Their bodies moved before they had a chance to think” (My Hero Academia season one episode two “What It Takes To Be A Hero). This becomes a recurring line in the show when people talk about what it means to be a hero, and it truly highlights the reckless and daring action described by the tenet “give ‘em hell”.

These are only a handful of examples of how All Might embodies the tenets of masculinity in each and every episode. However, these tenets do not go without cost to All Might. We can see as his adherence to these tenets broaches the realm of toxic masculinity-”a particular version of masculinity that is unhealthy for the men and boys who conform to it, and harmful to those around them” (Flood).

In season four episode 67 “Fighting Fate” All Might tells his protege about that time from his past. His sidekick, a hero named Sir Nighteye with the power to see the future, warned All Might that if he were to keep fighting, he would die a horrible death at the hands of villains. All Might acknowledges this, but he presses forward despite the warnings in an attempt to uphold the Symbol of Peace. He says “For the sake of this world, I have to be able to say that I am still here” (My Hero Academia season four episode sixty-seven “Fighting Fate”). As he tries to uphold the tenets, particularly “be a sturdy oak” here, he only begins to break himself down and harm himself as he exacerbates his injuries and puts himself at risk again and again. This is often rewarded in the show, saying he is a good hero for doing these things.

This line of thinking gets passed down to his protege Midoriya as All Might trains him to become the next Symbol of Peace. Here we can see the effects of gender socialization on the story. As defined by Dipti, “Gender socialization is a process by which individuals develop, refine, and learn to ‘do’ gender through internalizing gender norms and roles as they interact with key agents of socialization” (Dipti 9). All Might passes down his ideas of masculinity, such as in the “no sissy stuff” point when he tells Midoriya he needs to stop crying so much. In season two episode 19 “The Boy Born With Everything”, Midoriya is competing in his school's sports tournament and is nervous for his upcoming battle. In his pep talk, All Might tells Midoriya “Whenever you’re scared or nervous about a fight, just try to deal with it by smiling!”, passing on the ideals of being a “sturdy oak” that never wavers even in the face of fear.

Midoriya internalizes these messages, and it all comes to a big culmination in season six. The main antagonist appears to be on the winning side, the world has fallen to ruins, and Midoriya is working as a vigilante trying to take on the world and save everyone himself. All Might was initially in contact with him during this, until Midoriya runs off leaving All Might behind to fight the main antagonist alone. In doing so, Midoriya embodies the traits of “be a sturdy oak” and “give ‘em hell'' by rushing off without regards to himself to take everything on his own, and makes sure there is no “sissy stuff” as he insists he is fine, shoving down any emotions and refusing to ask for help. These are all traits he learned from All Might, and in season six All Might has the realization that the messages he passed down to Midoriya were toxic. As Midoriya speeds away, too fast for All Might to catch up, All Might cries after him, saying “I get it! I know what a heavy burden this is to carry alone! Which is why I want to scream at you, ‘Don’t work too hard. It’s okay to take a break when you’re tired.’ Young man, I’m sorry” (My Hero Academia season six episode 135 “Friend”). Later that same season, Midoriya is confronted by his classmates and close friends in a stunning display of emotional vulnerability that warrants an analysis of its own beyond the scope of this paper. Toxic masculinity is broken down as the characters show that it is leaning on others and being vulnerable that shows true strength.

The vulnerability in this show was not lost on viewers. One article details the reaction audiences had to this scene on social media as people shared their thoughts and breaking down their own toxic masculinity. The article states “Many users openly expressed how much they sobbed wholeheartedly alongside Deku and the gang during this segment of the storyline, without a worry in the world about how ‘unmanly’ their confession may be perceived” (Chester-Londt). It is clear that audiences hold a place for this type of breakdown of toxic masculinity, even in superhero stories where that is perceived to be the default.

For a long time superhero stories have been a place of traditional, hegemonic masculine ideals, and My Hero Academia is no exception to that. The leading figure in the hero society, the Symbol of Peace, exhibits clear signs of all four tenets of masculinity talked about by Kimmel. He passes on these masculine ideals to his students, as evident through the character of Midoriya, and the strict adherence to these ideals proves to be quite toxic. What makes this series unique for a hero story, however, is the recognition of that toxic masculinity and a changing of messages saying it’s okay to rely on others, ask for help, and not always live up to unattainable ideals. We know from audience reactions that there is a want for these types of stories, and I hope to see more like it in hero media going forward.

Works Cited

Chester-Londt, Levana Jane. “My Hero Academia Is the Cure for Toxic Masculinity.” Game Rant, 1 Apr. 2023, gamerant.com/my-hero-academia-is-the-cure-for-toxic-masculinity/.

Coyne, Sarah, et al. “Making Men of Steel: Superhero Exposure and the Development of Hegemonic Masculinity in Children.” Sex Roles, vol. 86, no. 11/12, June 2022, pp. 634–47. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.dmacc.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s11199-022-01293-2.

Dipti. “Gender and Socialization.” International Journal of Recent Research Aspects, vol. 9, no. 2, June 2022, pp. 9–12. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=158174861&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Flood, Michael. “'Toxic Masculinity': What Does It Mean, Where Did It Come from – and Is the Term Useful or Harmful?” The Conversation, 21 Sept. 2022, https://theconversation.com/toxic-masculinity-what-does-it-mean-where-did-it-come-from-and-is-the-term-useful-or-harmful-189298.

Kimmel, Michael S., and Media Education Foundation. Guyland : Where Boys Become Men. Media Education Foundation, 2015, http://www.kanopystreaming.com/node/144408.

My Hero Academia, created by Kohei Horikoshi, Bones, June 2016.

“My Hero Academia (YTV): United States Daily TV Audience Insights for Smarter Content Decisions - Parrot Analytics.” Parrot Analytics, tv.parrotanalytics.com/US/my-hero-academia-ytv. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

I hope everyone enjoyed!! I have so much more to say about this topic that I didn’t get to due to the page restraints on the paper. This version already goes over the page limit and still manages to cut out about two thirds of my initial points. So if anyone wants to discuss further with me, please do!!!! I love talking about this stuff!!

And for those who asked to be tagged:

@steh-lar-uh-nuhs

@anna-pre

@0im-kinda-dumb0

@ghostspace37

[thoughtportal]

The Congo’s role in creating the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was kept secret for decades, but the legacy of its involvement is still being felt today.

“The word Shinkolobwe fills me with grief and sorrow,” says Susan Williams, a historian at the UK Institute of Commonwealth Studies. “It’s not a happy word, it’s one I associate with terrible grief and suffering.”

Few people know what, or even where, Shinkolobwe is. But this small mine in the southern province of Katanga, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), played a part in one of the most violent and devastating events in history.

More than 7,500 miles away, on 6 August, bells will toll across Hiroshima, Japan, to mark 75 years since the atomic bomb fell on the city. Dignitaries and survivors will gather to remember those who died in the blast and resulting radioactive fallout. Thousands of lanterns carrying messages of peace will be set afloat on the Motoyasu River. Three days later, similar commemorations will be held in Nagasaki.

No such ceremony will take place in the DRC. Yet both nations are inextricably linked by the atomic bomb, the effects of which are still being felt to this day.

The Shinkolobwe mine – named after a kind of boiled apple that would leave a burn if squeezed – was the source for nearly all of the uranium used in the Manhattan Project, culminating with the construction of the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945.

But the story of the mine didn’t end with the bombs. Its contribution to the Little Boy and Fat Man has shaped the DRC’s ruinous political history and civil wars over the decades that followed. Even today the mine’s legacy can still be seen in the health of the communities who live near it.

“It’s an ongoing tragedy,” says Williams, who has examined the role of Shinkolobwe in her book Spies in the Congo. She believes there needs to be greater recognition of how the exploitation and desire to control the mine’s contents by Western powers played a role in the country’s troubles.

Mombilo too is campaigning to raise awareness of the role played by the Congo in deciding the outcome of World War Two, as well as the burden it still carries because of this. In 2016, the CCSSA’s Missing Link forum brought together activists, historians, analysts, and children of those affected by the atomic bomb, both from Japan and from the DR Congo. “We are planning to bring back the history of Shinkolobwe, so we can make the world know,” says Mombilo.

Out of Africa

The story of Shinkolobwe began when a rich seam of uranium was discovered there in 1915, while the Congo was under colonial rule by Belgium. There was little demand for uranium back then: its mineral form is known as pitchblende, from a German phrase describing it as a worthless rock. Instead, the land was mined by the Belgian company Union Minière for its traces of radium, a valuable element that had been recently isolated by Marie and Pierre Curie.  

In no other mine could you see a purer concentration of uranium. Nothing like it has ever been found – Tom Zoellner

It was only when nuclear fission was discovered in 1938 that the potential of uranium became apparent. After hearing about the discovery, Albert Einstein immediately wrote to US president Franklin D Roosevelt, advising him that the element could be used to generate a colossal amount of energy – even to construct powerful bombs. In 1942, US military strategists decided to buy as much uranium as they could to pursue what became known as the Manhattan Project. And while mines existed in Colorado and Canada, nowhere in the world had as much uranium as the Congo.

“The geology of Shinkolobwe is described as a freak of nature,” says Tom Zoellner, who visited Shinkolobwe in the course of writing Uranium – War, Energy, and the Rock that Shaped the World. “In no other mine could you see a purer concentration of uranium. Nothing like it has ever been found.”

In a deal with Union Minière – negotiated by the British, who owned a 30% interest in the company – the US secured 1,200 tonnes of Congolese uranium, which was stockpiled on Staten Island, US, and an additional 3,000 tonnes that was stored above ground at the mine in Shinkolobwe. But it was not enough. US Army engineers were dispatched to drain the mine, which had fallen into disuse, and bring it back into production.

Under Belgian rule, Congolese workers toiled day and night in the open pit, sending hundreds of tonnes of uranium ore to the US every month. “Shinkolobwe decided who would be the next leader of the world,” says Mombilo. “Everything started there.”

All of this was carried out under a blanket of secrecy, so as not to alert Axis powers about the existence of the Manhattan Project. Shinkolobwe was erased from maps, and spies sent to the region to sow deliberate disinformation about what was taking place there. Uranium was referred to as “gems”, or simply “raw material”. The word Shinkolobwe was never to be uttered.

This secrecy was maintained long after the end of the war. “Efforts were made to give the message that the uranium came from Canada, as a way of deflecting attention away from the Congo,” says Williams. The effort was so thorough, she says, that the belief the atomic bombs were built with Canadian uranium persists to this day. Although some of the uranium came from Bear Lake in Canada – about 907 tonnes (1,000 tons) are thought to have been supplied by the Eldorado mining company – and a mine in Colorado, the majority came from the Congo. Some of the uranium from the Congo was also refined in Canada before being shipped to the US.

Western powers wanted to ensure that any government presiding over Shinkolobwe remained friendly to their interests

After the war, however, Shinkolobwe emerged as a proxy ground in the Cold War. Improved enrichment techniques made Western powers less dependent on the uranium at Shinkolobwe. But in order to curtail other nations’ nuclear ambitions, the mine had to be controlled. “Even though the US did not need the uranium at Shinkolobwe, it didn’t want the Soviet Union to get access to the mine,” explains Williams.

When the Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960, the mine was closed and the entrance filled with concrete. But Western powers wanted to ensure that any government presiding over Shinkolobwe remained friendly to their interests.

So important was stopping the Communist threat, says Zoellner, that these powers were willing to help depose the democratically elected government of Patrice Lumumba and install the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in 1965 for a decades-long reign of ruinous plutocracy.

Attempts by the Congolese people to negotiate better conditions for themselves were attacked as Communist-fuelled sedition. “The idealism, hope, and vision of the Congolese for a Congo free of occupation by an external power was devastated by the military and political interests of the Western powers,” says Williams.

A wound unhealed

Mobutu was eventually toppled in 1997, but the spectre of Shinkolobwe continues to haunt the DRC. Drawn by rich deposits of copper and cobalt, Congolese miners began digging informally at the site, working around the sealed mineshafts. By the end of the century, an estimated 15,000 miners and their families were present at Shinkolobwe, operating clandestine pits with no protection against the radioactive ore.

Accidents were commonplace: in 2004, eight miners were killed and more than a dozen injured when a passage collapsed. Fears that uranium was being smuggled from the site to terrorist groups or hostile states vexed Western nations, leading the Congolese army to raze the miners’ village that same year.

Stories abound of children born in the area with physical deformations, but few if any medical records are kept

Despite the mineral wealth present at Shinkolobwe, since Union Minière withdrew in the early 1960s there has never been an industrial mine that could safely and efficiently extract the ores and return the proceeds to the Congolese people. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, any interest in extracting the uranium for civilian use withered away. “Uranium, even in its natural condition, resists control,” says Zoellner. “Right now Shinkolobwe exists in a limbo, a symbol for the inherent geopolitical instability of uranium.”

The ongoing secrecy around Shinkolobwe (many official US, British and Belgian records on the subject are still classified) has stymied efforts to recognise the Congolese contribution to the Allied victory, as well as hampering investigation into the environmental and health impacts of the mine.

“The effects are medical, political, economic, so many things,” says Mombilo. “We’re not able to know the negative effects of radiation because of this secrecy.” Stories abound of children born in the area with physical deformations, but few if any medical records are kept. “I had a witness who died with his brain coming out of his head, because of the radiation,” says Mombilo. “In all these years, there is not even a special hospital, there is no scientific study or treatment.”

Many of those affected by Shinkolobwe are now campaigning for recognition and reparation, but knowing who should receive them – and who should pay – is compounded by the lack of information made available about the mine and what took place there.

“Shinkolobwe is a curse on the Congo,” says Mombilo.

But he adds that for over a century, the country’s rich resources have made possible one global revolution after another: rubber for tyres made automobiles possible, uranium fuelled nuclear reactors, coltan built the computers of the information age, and cobalt powers the batteries of mobile phones and electric vehicles.

“Our world is moved by the minerals of the Congo,” says Mombilo. “The positive thing I can say is that in all these advanced technologies, you’re talking about the Congo.”

The Congo’s impact on the world has been immeasurable. Recognising the name Shinkolobwe alongside Hiroshima and Nagasaki should be the first step to repaying that debt. {read}

[imagine-knb]

Could I pls request a scenario where Hanamiya is having a really shitty day, and then you walk into the classroom (new girl), and he just instantly just feels better. After that he tries to get to know her better. Thanks xx.

Lips curled into a sneer, Hanamiya leaned forward on his desk to rest his chin in his palm. With half-lidded, bored eyes he stared straight ahead at the blank chalkboard at the front of the class. The lesson wouldn’t be starting for another ten minutes, but he couldn’t find the energy to do much else but stare.

“Kentarou,” he drawled, glancing over to his teammate. Hanamiya clicked his tongue in distaste when he noted Seto snoring at his own desk, still deep in slumber.

He returned his attention back to the front of the classroom. Things had seemed so much duller since they’d dropped out of the Winter Cup preliminaries. His blood had boiled at their loss, but even the anger he once felt had faded away as he and his team returned to the day to day life at Kirisaki Daiichi. Now, nothing but boredom gripped his veins.

With an inaudible sigh, Hanamiya let his eyes wander over to the door at the front of the classroom. A group of students had just come in, smiling and laughing just a bit too loudly that morning for his liking. He had half a mind to growl at them, using his position on the disciplinary committee to tut out faux rules about disturbing the peace.

His eyes caught on to a somewhat familiar face – you, the transfer student who had arrived partway through the beginning of the semester. Hailing from another country, your Japanese was decent enough to allow you to study at the prestigious school. However, that didn’t stop you from having embarrassing blunders from time to time.

“____, my ani said he can take us to the movie theater in town today, if you’re free.”

As your friend was speaking, you sat down at your assigned seat two places in front of Hanamiya’s. It was close enough that he could still hear your confused response.

“O-oni?” You’d paled considerably, the thought that a demon would be escorting you through Japan filling your mind. “That’s not possible, right?”

It had your friend laughing at your mistake, quickly correcting you. At the realization that two completely different words had been said, you flushed pink in embarrassment. It had Hanamiya rolling his eyes. How easy it was to get you embarrassed. How stupid you were for making such an easy mistake.

He liked stupid.

Hanamiya snorted, the noise catching your attention. "Cute." In a pathetic and idiotic sort of way.

You heard the quick comment, glancing over to the black-haired genius as a dusting of color invaded your cheeks. You had taken it as a compliment, smiling at him warmly.

"Kawaii?" you asked, voice low in a shy whisper. “Thank you.”

Hanamiya leaned forward in his desk, placing his chin in his palm and hiding the smirk on his face behind his fingers. The smaller proximity between the two of you had the color on your cheeks darkening and he let out an amused breath in a huff.

Before he could say more, your friend tugged on your arm to pull your attention away from him. Her brows were furrowed and she shook her head at you. “No,” she whispered harshly. “Kowaii. Hanamiya is scary, don’t associate with him.”

You frowned at your friend in return, confusion in your eyes. It had Hanamiya snorting again, finding your expressions more than entertaining. He wondered how many more ways he could confuse you, frying your brain and emptying the space between your ears.

Looks like I just found my new toy.

[doumadono]

JAPAN TRIP - DAYS 13 & 14

This specific post will have a considerably greater length compared to the previous ones ⚠️

Over the weekend, we dedicated our time to exploring two historically significant places in Japan - yesterday, we immersed ourselves in the profound history of Hiroshima, while today we embarked on a journey to experience the rich heritage of Nagasaki.

Both of these locations hold immense significance in my heart and mind, particularly because of my ongoing thesis and research that partially are focused on the correlation between ionizing radiation and central nervous system disorders. Moreover, given the current events unfolding near my homeland of Poland, specifically the conflict in Ukraine, the heightened risk of nuclear weapons usage in recent decades adds an additional layer of importance to understanding the consequences and implications associated with such weaponry.

Standing on the very grounds where thousands of lives were abruptly extinguished in an instant due to immense heat and pressure caused by the nuclear explosion, the magnitude of the devastation caused by it shook me to my core. Emotions welled up within me, and tears flowed uncontrollably, I couldn't help it. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of being able to visit both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It is of utmost importance for future generations to comprehend the devastating power wielded by nuclear weapons and the tragic events that unfolded in August 1945. Understanding this dark chapter in history is crucial for several reasons. Comprehending the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can arise from their use. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in immense loss of life, widespread destruction, and long-lasting effects on the survivors and their descendants. By studying and reflecting upon these events, we can foster a deep appreciation for the importance of peace, diplomacy, and the pursuit of nuclear disarmament.

Also, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社). This sacred site holds a distinctive feature: it is constructed above water, creating the illusion of floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine encompasses several structures, such as a prayer hall, main hall, and a captivating noh theater stage and torii gate. These buildings are interconnected by charming boardwalks and are supported by pillars rising from the sea. Itsukushima Shrine's unique architectural design and its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment make it an awe-inspiring destination that captivates all who visit this magnificent place ❤️

I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to explore these breathtaking locations. Each visit has bestowed upon me a profound sense of tranquility, enabling me to find solace within myself. I'll never forget about those moments.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Today in Christian History

Today is Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. It is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; Because it is a leap year, 313 days remain until the end of the year.

1072: (or the 23rd) Death of Peter Damian, in Faenza, Italy. A reforming monk of the Benedictine order, he will be remembered chiefly for De divina omnipotentia which questioned the limits of the omnipotence of God (e.g.: can God change the past?) and will be declared a doctor of the church in the nineteenth century.

1225: Hugh of St. Cher dons the habit of the Dominican order. He will become a notable Bible scholar and head a team that will create the first really useful Bible concordance.

1297: Death in Cortona, Italy, of St. Margaret of Cortona, a Franciscan tertiary, who had established a hospital for the poor.

1632: Zuni Indians (tribe pictured above) kill Francisco de Letrado and dance with his scalp on a pole. He had been among Spanish missionaries attempting to impose a Christian regime on the Pueblo Indians.

1649: The Westminster Assembly adjourns, having held one thousand one hundred and sixty three sessions over a period of five years, six months, and twenty-two days. They were known for their solemn fasts and long hours of prayer.

1703: General Codrington bequeaths two plantations in Barbados for medical mission work to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, on condition that professors and scholars be maintained there to study and practice medicine, surgery, and divinity in order to “endear themselves to the people and have the better opportunities of doing good to men’s souls whilst they are taking care of their bodies.”

1822: Samuel and Catherine Clewes Leigh sail into a New Zealand Bay to begin work among the Maori. Samuel’s Ill health will force them to leave the following year, but the mission will continue under other workers.

1845: Death in London of Rev. Sydney Smith, wit and literary critic, author of The Letters of Peter Plymley. He had once tied some antlers to donkeys to pretend they were deer when an aristocratic lady was visiting. His daughter wrote, “My father died in peace with himself and with all the world; anxious to the last to promote the comfort and happiness of others. He sent messages of kindness and forgiveness to the few he thought had injured him. Almost his last act was bestowing a small living of £120 per annum on a poor, worthy, and friendless clergyman, who had lived a long life of struggle with poverty on £40 per annum.”

1870: Missionary James Gilmour sails from Liverpool to work in China and Mongolia. Made chaplain of the ship on which he is sailing, he shares the gospel with every member of the crew during the night watches.

1892: W. T. Satthianadhan, a leader of the Church Mission Society in Madras, relapses into a serious medical condition and will die within days. He had been a representative to Anglican councils in England, author of books in Tamil and English, an educator at Madras University, vice-president of the Tamil Central Church Council, and founder of benevolent associations.

1901: Charles and Lettie Cowman arrive in Japan where they will become co-founders of the Oriental Mission Society.

1911: Death in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of Frances E. W. Harper, an African-American woman who had labored in the anti-slavery cause alongside workers such as Julia Ward Howe and Frederick Douglas. She had published a volume of poems when twenty-one years of age.

1930: Soviet agents arrest more than sixty Orthodox clergy and laity in Tomsk for “counter-revolutionary agitation” and “grouping of church people.” They will execute fifty of these individuals.

1954: The first “Voice of Tangier” program airs over a 2,500-watt transmitter. Programming is broadcast in Spanish and English. Within two years, the station will be broadcasting in more than twenty languages.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Matt Davies :: [@MatttDavies]

* * * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

September 13, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

Russian president Vladimir Putin met with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un today in Russia’s far east. His need to turn to North Korea’s isolated leader is a dramatic fall for Putin, who just four years ago was hobnobbing with then-president Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Now, thanks to his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin, too, is isolated, charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court, and under an arrest warrant. 

It is no wonder that shortly before he met with Kim, Putin said of Trump’s 2024 presidential run: “We surely hear that Mr. Trump says he will resolve all burning issues within several days, including the Ukrainian crisis. We cannot help but feel happy about it.” Trump has said he will end the war in a day if he’s reelected, and has called for withholding funds to Ukraine until the Department of Justice and the FBI investigate President Joe Biden. 

At the meeting, Putin and Kim vowed to strengthen the ties between the two countries, and Kim expressed total support for Putin as Russia’s isolation grows, calling their stance a “fight against imperialism” and saying at a state dinner that he is “certain that the Russian people and its military will emerge victorious in the fight to punish the evil forces that ambitiously pursues hegemony and expansion.” 

And yet it is Russia that is attacking other nations, including the U.S.: on September 7 the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 11 Russian men for their participation in cyberattacks against governments, businesses, and major hospital chains around the world. The U.S. Treasury Department and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency say the hackers are associated with Russian intelligence services.

Russia is looking for artillery munitions from North Korea to continue its war against Ukraine; North Korea wants ballistic missile technology from Russia to develop its space and satellite program. Kim cannot get that technology elsewhere because of sanctions intended to keep him from developing nuclear weapons. Sergey Radchenko, a senior professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies who studies Russian and Chinese national security, concluded that we might be seeing an alliance between North Korea and Russia that, among other things, is likely to increase North Korea’s assertiveness.

That Putin feels the need to cozy up to Kim indicates the war is not going as he would like. Indeed, last night Ukraine hit the main base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, in occupied Crimea, destroying two vessels and the port infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claimed responsibility for the strike, underlining its growing strength in Russian-occupied areas.. 

In a major speech today at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained the place at which the United States finds itself in both foreign and domestic affairs. He told the audience that the end of the Cold War, a period of competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies, ushered in “the promise of an inexorable march toward greater peace and stability, international cooperation, economic interdependence, political liberalization, human rights.” That postwar period did, indeed, lift more than a billion people from poverty, eliminate deadly diseases, and usher in a period of historically low conflicts between nations, despite challenges such as the 2008 global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, and regional conflicts like those in Rwanda and Iraq.

“But,” Blinken said, “what we’re experiencing now is more than a test of the post–Cold War order. It’s the end of it.”

The relative geopolitical stability of the post–World War II years has given way to the rise of authoritarian powers, he said. Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is the most immediate threat to “the international order enshrined in the UN charter and its core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence for nations, and universal indivisible human rights for individuals.” But the People’s Republic of China “poses the most significant long-term challenge,” he said, “because it not only aspires to reshape the international order, it increasingly has the economic, the diplomatic, the military, the technological power to do just that.”

As partners, “Beijing and Moscow are working together to make the world safe for autocracy,” Blinken warned.

As the competition between the two systems ramps up, many countries are hedging their bets, while the influence of nonstate actors—international corporations, public service nongovernmental organizations, international terrorists, transnational criminal organizations—is growing. At the same time, the sheer scale of global problems like climate change and mass migration is making cooperation across borders more difficult.

The international economic order of the past several decades is flawed in ways that have caused people to lose faith in it, Blinken explained. Technology and globalization have hollowed out entire industries and weakened workers, while laws protected property. Inequality grew dramatically between 1980 and 2020, with the richest 0.1% accumulating the same wealth as the poorest 50%. “The longer these disparities persist,” Blinken pointed out, “the more distrust and disillusionment they fuel in people who feel the system is not giving them a fair shake. And the more they exacerbate other drivers of political polarization, amplified by algorithms that reinforce our biases rather than allowing the best ideas to rise to the top.”

Democracies are under threat, Blinken said. “Challenged from the inside by elected leaders who exploit resentments and stoke fears; erode independent judiciaries and the media; enrich cronies; crack down on civil society and political opposition. And challenged from the outside, by autocrats who spread disinformation, who weaponize corruption, who meddle in elections.” 

The post–Cold War order is over, Blinken said. “One era is ending, a new one is beginning, and the decisions that we make now will shape the future for decades to come.” 

The U.S. is in a position of strength from which it seeks to reinforce a rules-based international order in which “goods, ideas, and individuals can flow freely and lawfully across land, sea, sky, and cyberspace, where technology is used to empower people—not to divide, surveil, and repress them,” where the global economy is defined by fair competition and widespread prosperity, and where “international law and the core principles of the UN Charter are upheld, and where universal human rights are respected.” Such a world would serve humanity’s interests, as well as our own, Blinken said; its principles are universal.  

“[O]ur competitors have a fundamentally different vision,” he said. “They see a world defined by a single imperative: regime preservation and enrichment. A world where authoritarians are free to control, coerce, and crush their people, their neighbors, and anyone else standing in the way of this all-consuming goal.”

They claim that the norms and values that anchor the rules-based international order are imposed by Western nations, that human rights are up to nations themselves, and that big countries should be allowed to dictate to their smaller neighbors. 

“The contrast between these two visions could not be clearer. And the stakes of the competition we face could not be higher—for the world, and for the American people.”

Blinken explained that the Biden administration has deliberately integrated domestic and foreign policy, crafting industrial strategy to rebuild the U.S. and to address the wealth disparities that create deep political resentment, while aligning that domestic strength to foreign policy. That foreign policy has depended on strengthening alliances and partnerships, building regional integration so that regions address their own interests as communities, closing the infrastructure gap between nations, and strengthening international institutions—rejoining the Paris Climate Accords and the World Health Organization, working to expand the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and so on.

Blinken said that such investments will lead nations to stand up to “the Beijings and Moscows of the world” when they claim this system serves the West and try to tear it down, and answer back: “No, the system you are trying to change is our system; it serves our interests.” At the same time, such investments will offer new markets for American workers and businesses, more affordable goods for American consumers, more reliable food and energy supplies, more robust health systems to stop deadly disease, more allies to address global challenges. 

Looking back from the future, Blinken said, “the right decisions tend to look obvious, the end results almost inevitable. They never are. In real time, it’s a fog.”

“We must put our hand on the rudder of history and chart a path forward, guided by the things that are certain even in uncertain times—our principles, our partners, our vision for where we want to go,” Blinken said, “so that, when the fog lifts, the world that emerges tilts toward freedom, toward peace, toward an international community capable of rising to the challenges of its time.” 

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[chriscass1945]

J. Robert Oppenheimer, born Julius Robert Oppenheimer on April 22, 1904, was an American physicist and one of the key figures in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. He is often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb" due to his leadership of the Manhattan Project, the top-secret U.S. government research program that produced the first nuclear weapons. Oppenheimer was born in New York City and showed early aptitude in mathematics and science. He studied at Harvard University, where he completed his Ph.D. in theoretical physics under the guidance of prominent physicists like Percy Bridgman and John Van Vleck. During the 1930s, Oppenheimer made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. He worked at various institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He was known for his expertise in quantum field theory and his collaborations with other leading physicists of the time. However, Oppenheimer's most notable contribution came during World War II when he was appointed the scientific director of the Manhattan Project in 1942. The Manhattan Project was a massive research effort aimed at developing an atomic bomb. Oppenheimer played a crucial role in bringing together scientists, engineers, and other experts to work on the project, which culminated in the successful test of the first atomic bomb in July 1945, known as the Trinity test. Following the end of World War II and the use of atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, Oppenheimer's views on nuclear weapons changed. He became an advocate for arms control and the prevention of nuclear war. He also faced scrutiny during the Cold War due to his left-leaning political associations and his opposition to the development of the more powerful hydrogen bomb. In the early 1950s, Oppenheimer's security clearance was revoked by the U.S. government due to concerns about his associations and political beliefs. This decision caused controversy and was widely criticized by fellow scientists and intellectuals. Despite the setback, Oppenheimer continued his work in academia and theoretical physics. J. Robert Oppenheimer passed away on February 18, 1967. His legacy is complex, reflecting his role in both the development of a powerful weapon and his later advocacy for peace and arms control. He remains a significant figure in the history of science, a symbol of the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists in wartime, and a reminder of the potential and dangers of nuclear technology. #Science #History

[matchachas-blog]

Psycho-Pass (Ep. 14,15,16,17)

These 4 episodes were all about the helmets that copy the Hues of those around them that Makishima Shougo distributed and the true identity of the Sibyl System.

First focusing on the effect of the helmets, what was noteworthy was how the civilians who did not wear the helmets reacted. They went to stop the people wearing the helmets, even as far as killing them. This was not in order to stop the chaos but to protect their own stress level Hues from the area stress level arising from the crimes being committed. Because the number associated with one's Hue is what rules one's life in this society, protecting that number took priority for these people. I think that part of the reason why the people in this society can kill others so easily is because they are not used to murders. Because cases of murder is not in the news, they haven't given much thought to the gravity of the act of killing.

The assigned reading touched upon real-life similarities of crime coefficients like in the anime being used in criminal court cases. The worst part was that not only is the background of a person being reduced to a number, but the numbers were unreliable. It was disheartening to read that there is little study on the reliability of the risk-factor numbers and that there seems to be a discriminatory way the numbers consistently rank black people as higher risk.

One of my favorite plot twists of all time, we learn that the true nature of the Sibyl System is a hive mind of 247 brains, 200 of which are always actively scanning all the Psycho-Passes of Japan and making decisions. Makishima refuses to become part of the hive mind of the Sibyl System, as he enjoys the game of life. This explains his smile as he was about to get shot by Kogami, as death is a necessary component in order to play life as a game.

In the way Chief Kasei says that she feels "like a prophet right out of a myth," we can see the tie between the name Sibyl and the Cumaean Sibyl who wishes to remain immortal but forgot to ask for eternal youth. I see that the Sibyl System wished for the peace of mankind, but forgot to consider the consequences of perpetual peace.

[eboykisser]

fun fact btw bc im a marie kondo defender first and a human only if or when it sparks joy to be one !!!!! this thing described as how marie kondo presents Things as having, in an anthromorphic manner, served you, as though they had intent to do well? And the reason why other western/psychiatric-psychological/aspiritual/clinical types of advicegivers do Not typically share in this framing or even actively pathologize the experience of it as a medical abnormality or marginalia-like deviation from scientifically coldly rationalistified explanations according to a verrrrry narrow understanding of reality & nearly infinitely variable experience diversities therein ???

that is because marie kondo is Japanese and feng shui is a thing she seems to often promote as some underlying practices. furthermore, feng shui as an 'eastern' philosophical-sociospiritual belief system (asian, specifically, central largely to japan as far as i currently understand, but shared and varied upon widely in many other such cultures and belief systems) and it is also associated with practical practices that are rooted in Animism!!!!;

now animism is basically like. ok so. like, forgive me; if i as a non-asian-westerner introduced to east asian philosophy via mostly self-directed-study rather than cultural community immersion may unintentionally oversimplify the meaningfulness of depth of the teaching. i hope to be not only fully respectful but also fully accurate! but yeah that being said here's my good faith current understanding as someone who is a believer in buddhist religious philosophies! so animism. the belief and teaching that all items in the known universe have a form of inherent sentience-like Awareness of Being The Things They Are, in a way that makes it Legitimately Accurate to anthropomorphize them as though they could have feelings or intentions as persons or humans tend to do, and sometimes even goes so far as to say that this intrinsic experience of self-awareness is a numinous or divine status granted to these beings as spirits.

marie kondo's philosophy is actually known & canonically explained to be rooted in Japanese tradition, & she has rituals in her methodology which she personally has attributed to her own early experiences of being a shrine maiden, actually, during which time she was first immersed in the practice of thinking of kami (a divinity-like spirit) as present in all things, including objects.

for an easy visual metaphoric representation of what this belief system in practice could look like within intra-cultural settings, media like Avatar the Last Airbender + its sequel, and Mushishi are beautiful depictions of a world wherein nonhuman beings are portrayed to have significant spiritual-personhood-capacities! i highly rec mushishi as a very relaxing watch regardless, but its also relevant to mention here because the narrative centers around a protagonist whose role in society is to mediate towards peaceful coexistence between restless animated spirits when they come into conflict with humans in the overlaps of their environments and territories! so you really get a good idea of how the belief in shinto-influenced animism is embedded in the cultural imagination & ultimately cultural reality of real life impact in non-spiritual, non-metaphorical, purely practical ways that have little to no dependency on strictly artistic or otherwise metaphorical/spiritual portrayals or uses!

anyway basically, marie kondo anthropomorphizing Things to encourage the audience to consider more deeply their relation to any item, and whether or not it can be let go gracefully with no negative disrespect in removing it for your best good and comfort??? is very epic of her and one of the very many reasons to love her teachings and techniques!!!! not only is it suuuper autism friendly, which is awesome enough, its also a very deeply personal and special little-known cultural philosophy that she's sharing with ppl in order to be beneficial without getting preachy or dogmatic! genuinely very cool

and YET ppl had her all kinds of fucked up for YEARS after the show version of the book came out??? so in light of the horrors, a great way to counter their often OPENLY RACIST hating on her as an asian woman trying really earnestly to make sure people know how to make themselves feel Comfortable in their Own Spaces; marie kondo stans can and Should uplift discussions of the intrinsic cultural influences centering her own perspective on own personal experiences & reasonings that she's tried to share with those of us who may be unfamiliar with such perspectives, which she does Kindly in ways that are easily Legible for the Good of a Variety of ppl with even more varied issues this can Help with !!!

tldr: marie kondo is so nice but ppl are haters and for WHAT!¡!!!!!‽ stop asian hate fr. like just. stop

anyway. thanks for coming to my ted talk.

stan marie kondo!!!!(⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

[officevalle]

Discovering Music’s Role in Emotional Expression

Music is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, touching hearts and minds worldwide. It has the power to evoke emotions, spark memories, and even heal wounds. Whether it’s the pulsating beats of a hip-hop track or the soothing melodies of soft music, each genre resonates with listeners in its own unique way. In this article, we’ll explore how music serves as a profound medium for emotional expression by diving into various styles and artists who have mastered the art of emotional storytelling.

1. JayZ: An Emotional Journey Through Rap

Rap music is often associated with bold, hard-hitting lyrics, but beneath the surface lies a deep well of emotional expression. Few artists have mastered this duality as effectively as JayZ. His music captures the highs and lows of his personal journey, from the struggles of growing up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to becoming one of the most influential artists in the world.

JayZ’s ability to weave emotional depth into his tracks sets him apart. Songs like “Song Cry” showcase vulnerability as he reflects on lost love, while tracks like “Empire State of Mind” celebrate resilience and ambition. Through his music, JayZ demonstrates how rap can be more than just beats and rhymes—it can be a window into the soul.

2. Top 10 Marathi Songs of All Time: A Symphony of Emotion

Regional music often serves as a repository of cultural emotions, and the top 10 Marathi songs of all time are no exception. These songs are steeped in tradition, reflecting the joys, sorrows, and aspirations of the Marathi-speaking community.

One standout example is “Mala Jau De” from the movie Sairat, a heartfelt melody that captures the innocence and intensity of first love. On the other hand, songs like “Bhavartha Ruchira” delve into spiritual devotion, offering listeners a sense of peace and connection to the divine. The beauty of these songs lies in their ability to evoke universal emotions while staying rooted in regional culture, proving that music is both local and global in its reach.

3. Soft Music Songs: The Art of Serenity

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of calm can be challenging. That’s where soft music songs come into play. This genre is designed to soothe the soul, offering an auditory escape from life’s chaos.

Soft music excels in creating an atmosphere of relaxation and introspection. Songs like Ludovico Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianche” or Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me” evoke feelings of tranquility, making them perfect for unwinding after a long day. These tracks often rely on simple yet profound compositions, emphasizing melody over complexity.

Beyond relaxation, soft music has therapeutic benefits. Studies show that it can lower stress levels, improve focus, and even aid in healing. For many, soft music becomes a trusted companion during moments of emotional turbulence, offering solace and comfort.

4. Moose Wala’s New Song: Bridging Generations

Sidhu Moose Wala’s influence on Punjabi music cannot be overstated. His ability to infuse contemporary elements into traditional Punjabi tunes has made him a household name. His new song continues this legacy, blending powerful lyrics with a rhythm that appeals to both older and younger generations.

Moose Wala’s music often delves into themes of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. For instance, his hit “295” addresses social issues with raw honesty, while tracks like “Legend” highlight personal struggles and triumphs. His latest release is no different, featuring a heartfelt narrative that resonates deeply with his audience.

Through his innovative approach, Moose Wala ensures that Punjabi music remains relevant and emotionally impactful. His songs are not just entertainment—they are anthems of empowerment for his listeners.

5. Popular Japanese Songs: Emotions Beyond Words

Japan’s music scene is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. The country’s popular Japanese songs often evoke a wide range of emotions, from nostalgia to euphoria. These tracks showcase the artistry of blending traditional instruments like the koto and shamisen with contemporary sounds.

One example is the song “Ue o Muite Arukou” by Kyu Sakamoto, known globally as “Sukiyaki.” This timeless classic expresses heartbreak with a hopeful undertone, making it universally relatable. Modern J-pop artists like Hikaru Utada and Kenshi Yonezu continue this tradition, crafting songs that resonate emotionally while embracing cutting-edge production techniques.

Whether it’s the haunting beauty of a ballad or the infectious energy of a pop hit, Japanese music captures emotions in a way that transcends language barriers.

6. The Science Behind Music and Emotions

The connection between music and emotions is not just artistic—it’s deeply rooted in science. When we listen to music, our brains release dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward. This is why a powerful song can give us chills or make us cry.

Different genres affect the brain in unique ways. Upbeat tracks stimulate the release of endorphins, boosting mood and energy levels, while slower, softer songs can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress. Music therapy is even used in clinical settings to help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Understanding the science behind music’s emotional impact only deepens our appreciation for its power.

7. How Music Helps in Emotional Healing

For centuries, people have turned to music for emotional healing. Whether it’s a breakup playlist or a motivational anthem, the right song can provide comfort and strength.

Grief, in particular, finds solace in music. Songs like Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” and Adele’s “Someone Like You” resonate with those experiencing loss, offering a sense of shared pain and understanding.

Music also plays a crucial role in recovery. Veterans suffering from PTSD, for instance, have found relief through music therapy programs that use rhythms and melodies to process trauma.

8. Personalizing Your Emotional Playlist

Creating a playlist tailored to your emotions can be a transformative experience. Here are some tips:

For Relaxation: Include tracks from soft music songs.

For Empowerment: Add motivational anthems like “Stronger” by Kanye West or “Roar” by Katy Perry.

For Nostalgia: Explore regional hits like the top 10 Marathi songs of all time.

For Cultural Exploration: Dive into popular Japanese songs.

A well-curated playlist can act as a soundtrack to your life, enhancing your emotional journey.

Conclusion

Music is more than just sound—it’s a powerful tool for emotional expression and connection. From the raw honesty of JayZ to the soothing serenity of soft music songs, each genre offers something unique to the listener. Whether it’s helping us process emotions, celebrate victories, or find solace in tough times, music remains an indispensable part of the human experience.

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or inspired, turn to music. Let it be your companion, your confidant, and your guide.

What’s your go-to song for emotional healing? Share it in the comments below!

[howwelldoyouknowyourmoon]

The Abe Assassination, the Unification Church, and Local Media: A Case Study of Journalism in Toyama

By Saito Masami

October 30, 2024

Abstract: This article chronicles how two commercial TV stations in Toyama Prefecture exposed deep links between politicians and the Unification Church. It discusses how a local community of investigative journalists with close ties to adherents and politicians revealed ways the church and lawmakers cooperated on electioneering and policymaking, and it analyzes how their exposés were taken up in national-level coverage. Through a self-reflexive consideration of complex relationships between broadcasters, church representatives, and elected officials in Toyama, I affirm that attending to local media is vital for understanding ways religion and politics are narrated.

___________________________________

Bad Karma? Abe's Assassination and the Moonies by Jeff Kingston

___________________________________

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) was founded in September 2005 by then-Unification Church leader Moon Sun Myung and his wife Han Hak Ja, who is the church’s current leader. The UPF, headquartered in New York, is an NGO with General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Ambassadors for Peace is a project under the UPF, launched in 2001 as what the organization calls “the largest and most diverse network of peace leaders” who are appointed in over 160 countries. It “works to realize a peaceful world in cooperation with the Universal Peace Federation”.

The Association for Ambassadors of Peace has prefectural branches in Japan and appoints numerous politicians to its posts. Peace Road is a “global goodwill project” by the UPF that began in 1981. Its activities center on two projects, both of which have been critiqued for most likely being unfeasible: a proposed undersea tunnel between Korea and Japan and a Bering Strait Project to connect Japan to Siberia. The Peace Road Planning Committee is an organization under the UPF that works “in hopes of peace and unification of the Korean Peninsula”. In addition to promoting the proposed Korea-Japan tunnel, Peace Road organizes bicycle rides to encourage friendly relations between South Korea and Japan, along with other events.

[lboogie1906]

David Adjaye (September 22, 1966) was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the son of Affram Adjaye, a diplomat from Ghana, and Cecilia Adjaye, a Ghanaian national.

He earned a BS in Architecture with first-class honors at the London South Bank University and an MS in Architecture at the Royal College of Art. He worked at the firm of Tchaik Chassay, and Eduardo Souto de Moura, and spent a year in Japan studying architecture and Buddhism. He designed sets for a music video by the British-American rock band The Pretenders; a wine cellar for David Gilmour, lead guitar player for Pink Floyd; a house for fashion designer and couturier Alexander McQueen; and a variety of other projects, among them cafés and a noodle house in Soho. He formed the architectural firm of Adjaye & Russell. He founded Adjaye Associates, which employs 35 architects with offices in New York, London, and Berlin.

Much of his talent has been utilized to construct moderately expensive homes for certain individuals and buildings that benefit minority race communities, he has won contracts to design large structures worldwide such as the Nobel Peace Center, Rivington Place, and the Bernie Grant Art Centre, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Skolkovo Moscow School of Management, and the Aïshti Foundation in Beirut. In 2016 the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture selected him as lead designer and Philip Freelon as architect of record.

He designed furniture and textile patterns, and he authored the books David: Adjaye Houses and David Adjaye: A House for an Art Collector. His recognitions include the Royal Institute of British Architects Bronze Medal, the Order of the British Empire awarded by the Queen of England, the W.E.B. DuBois Medal, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Award. He has been a visiting professor at Yale, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania. He married Ashley Shaw-Scott, a former model and global business consultant (2014). #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[my-gems]

The Benefits of Wearing Pearl (Moti)

Introduction

Pearl (Moti) have enchanted people for centuries with their simple yet captivating beauty. In this blog, we’ll dive into why pearl gemstone are more than just a lovely accessory. We’ll explore their historical charm, how they enhance your style, and the unique benefits they can bring to your life. Whether you’re new to pearls or looking to deepen your appreciation, this guide will show you why wearing pearls can be a wonderful choice.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Historical Background

Pearl (Moti) have been admired since ancient times. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all valued them highly. Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, famously used pearls to showcase her wealth, even dissolving one in vinegar to make a grand statement. In medieval Europe, pearls were symbols of wealth and were worn in religious and royal garments, reflecting their high status.

Cultural Beliefs

Different cultures have their own special meanings for pearl (Moti). In Japan, pearls symbolize purity and are often part of traditional wedding outfits. In Hindu culture, pearls are associated with the moon and are believed to help balance emotions. Many Indigenous cultures use pearls in spiritual practices, showing their deep cultural significance across the globe.

Aesthetic Benefits

Timeless Elegance

Pearl (Moti) are known for their classic and elegant look. They add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether it’s a casual day at work or a formal evening event. Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy loved pearls for their understated glamour. Their timeless beauty means they never go out of style.

Versatility in Jewelry

Pearl (Moti) come in many styles, making them versatile for various jewelry pieces. You can find them in necklaces, earrings, and rings. From delicate stud earrings to statement necklaces, pearls can be styled to fit any occasion — whether you’re dressing up for a special event or adding a touch of elegance to your everyday wear.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Calming and Balancing Effects

Many believe that pearls have a soothing effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. While scientific evidence is limited, many people find that wearing pearls helps them feel more calm and centered. Their gentle glow is thought to bring a sense of tranquility and balance.

Enhancing Self-Esteem and Confidence

Wearing pearl can also boost your self-esteem. Their elegant appearance can make you feel more confident and sophisticated. This boost in confidence can positively affect various aspects of your life, from personal relationships to career opportunities.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Physical Well-Being

Though not extensively studied, traditional beliefs suggest that pearl may offer physical health benefits. Some cultures believe pearls can improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and support healthy skin. These benefits are based on historical uses and anecdotal evidence.

Spiritual and Holistic Benefits

In holistic practices, pearls are used for their spiritual properties. They are thought to aid in meditation and personal growth by fostering a sense of inner peace. Pearls can be part of spiritual routines, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and achieve a greater sense of calm.

How to Choose and Wear Pearl

Selecting the Right Pearl

Choosing the right pearl involves considering their type, size, and quality. Freshwater pearls are widely available and affordable, while saltwater pearls like Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea are rarer and often more valuable. Look for pearls with a beautiful luster and few imperfections to ensure quality.

Proper Care and Maintenance

To keep your pearl looking their best, gentle care is essential. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean them and remove any dirt or oils. When storing, keep them in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches. Avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or physical damage to maintain their shine.

Integrating Pearl into Your Daily Life

Incorporating Pearls into Your Wardrobe

Pearl (Moti) can be easily added to your daily wardrobe. A simple pearl necklace or a pair of pearl stud earrings can elevate your everyday look. For special occasions, consider more elaborate pearl jewelry, such as a multi-strand necklace or statement earrings. Mixing pearls with other accessories can also create a unique and personalized style.

Gifts and Special Occasions

Pearl (Moti) make thoughtful gifts for many occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or wedding, personalized pearl jewelry can be a meaningful present. Pearls also make lovely keepsakes for milestones and achievements, adding a special touch to celebrations.

Conclusion

Wearing pearl offers much more than just a beautiful accessory. They bring a range of benefits, from their historical significance and classic elegance to their emotional and potential health advantages. Pearls can enhance your style and provide a sense of calm and confidence. Embrace the beauty and benefits of pearl (moti) and see how they can enrich your life.

Call-to-Action

Ready to find your perfect gemstone? Visit https://mygem.in/ or call us at +91–8319116306 for expert guidance and support.

May you like this :- How to Wear a Ruby: Benefits and Tips

People Also Ask :-

Who can wear pearl stone?

Anyone can wear pearls, but they’re especially helpful for those seeking peace and emotional balance. They’re ideal for Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio signs. Consult an astrologer for advice.

What are the benefits of having pearl (moti)?

Pearls (Moti) calm emotions, reduce stress, and boost intuition. They also symbolize elegance and offer spiritual protection.

Which rashi can wear pearls?

Pearls benefit Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces by enhancing emotional balance and intuition. For personalized advice, consult an astrologer.

How can I purchase gemstones online from MyGem’s website?

To buy gemstones online, visit https://mygem.in/ or contact us at +91–8319116306 for assistance.