#Socio-economic determinants

[imbecominggayer]

Writing Advice: Writing Authentic Dialogue

For @radiantmocha TL;DR: advice for writing combat and improving dialogue authenticity?

I'm sorry that this post is going to be so short but it's a really simple topic for me :D

A) Authenticity: Actually Talk To These People Or Read Their Books

When it comes to looking for authentic dialogue, especially in relation to combat, just trying to start up a connection with a professional can be the gateway into actual realism.

If you can, try talking to a veteran or someone actively serving in the military!

If you are interested in a specific time in history that no one is currently alive from, try talking to either a historian or a history buff.

If neither of those options work for you, try reading books and other stories that were written by veterans. My favorite book of this genre is "All Quiet On The Western Front" which is a semi-autobiographical book exploring what life was like for german soldiers in WW1 which was written by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of WW1.

I emplore you to explore stories, even fictional stories, that were written by soldiers!

B) Authenticity: Accounting For The Environment

What's the time period that the story is set?

Where is the story set?

What is the socio-economic status of the protagonist?

What is the personality of the protagonist?

Answer these questions (and more) to understand what a character will and wont say. Characters fighting in WW1 won't reference tanks pre-Battle of Somme.

This advice is true for everything. An innocent, rich kid will certainly speak differently, using different verbage, in comparison to a kid living in the slums. They will also prioritize different things.

What I hate most in stories is when characters, poor for their entire life, poverty-striken, starts wildly proclaiming ideas of justice, fairness, and equality while fighting bullies left and right. Most people in that situation need to keep their head down. They can't afford to go to the police station for "contributing to the a fight" Independent women can't get into the middle of a fight! Do you know how much medical bills cost? If they manage to survive, it's not going to be pretty. No matter how much self-defense classes like to tell women, most women understand that they can't overpower a determined man.

That isn't evil, that's survival, that's practicality! Ideals have always been prioritized by people privileged enough to have the time to think while the poor and always working need to be always working!

Sorry, that was a rant

In Conclusion:

Read stories that real people have written that are either semi-autobiographical or autobiographical! Keep in mind the time and place!

And so sorry for that rant!

[yurimother]

'I'm in Love with the Villainess' Anime - Episode 1 Review

An astounding and hilarious first outing for the series with the power to revolutionize Yuri

We are finally here, the long-awaited and much anticipated first episode of Platinum Vision’s I’m in Love with the Villainess anime aired on Tokyo MX and is streaming everywhere outside of Asia with a plethora of dubbing options, including English, on day one on Crunchyroll.

The first outing covers most of the events of the light novel’s first chapter, or the first three chapters of the manga, at a rapid but steady and not overwhelming pace. At this rate, the anime should be able to cover much of the series’ first arc, or the first two out of five books, in a single cour. Perhaps a bit less, depending on which of the story’s various adventures it elects to include. This is an exciting possibility, to be sure, as the story is a character-driven, socially mindful, and expertly written and, despite its fantasy setting, an exceptionally relevant tale of romance, socio-economic inequality, and of course, queerness.

While the first arc of Villainess is a triumph, it would be a shame not to see at least some of the developments from the extra chapters that lead into the second story, like (spoilers for the end of volume 2) Rae and Claire’s wedding and their adopted twin daughters May and Aleah. If we are lucky, perhaps they will appear in the final episode or, dare to dream, a second season (end of spoilers).

Now, onto the show itself. For those who, for whatever reason, have not read Inori’s masterpiece, I’m in Love with the Villainess follows Rae Taylor. A salary worker who dies and is reincarnated as the protagonist of her favorite otome game, Revolution. However, Rae has no interest in any of the game world’s three eligible royal bachelors and has eyes only for the game villainess Claire François. Armed with exceptionally magical ability, Rae sets out determined to secure a happy ending for her beloved Claire against the coming revolution and perhaps win her heart in the process.

Now, the opening of I’m in Love with the Villainess is the series' weakest moment in all mediums, which, considering episode one’s outstanding quality, only highlights just how superb the Yuri masterpiece is as a whole. Even with its need to establish the setting, characters, and premise of the series, the premiere managed to be an excellent introduction and set the bar high with lots of laughs, entertainment, and service between our two leads.

I watched the Japanese audio, and Yu Serizawa and Karin Nanami are fantastic in these roles, with Serizawa playing up Rae’s teasing adoration and borderline masochism at full blast, and Nanami explicitly giving voice to Claire’s arrogance and frustration. She even manages to deliver a perfect Ojou-style laugh to seal the character’s elite status and lean into the show’s use of otome tropes. And having the leads sing the excellent opening and ending themes is just icing on the cake.

Speaking of tropes, while Ironi’s original work is a genre-defying masterpiece that broke the Yuri mold, it is never afraid to play with the genre’s iconography and its otome game setting. Every other scene had another allusion, including to the book’s cover. As always, I am likely overeager to see connections, however intentional they may be, but the academy’s halls harken to otome staples, the bells and strings of the first scene's soundtrack conjured blistering memories of Strawberry Panic (perhaps a sacrilegious comparison to make but I digress), and even an areal shot of the campus was another check mark on my “Scenic Yuri” theory.

Now, as mentioned, I’m in Love with the Villainess has to establish the groundwork here, and narratively, these are the weakest moments, often direct exposition, with a few exceptions like Rae’s conversation with her roommate Mash about maintaining Claire’s attention. The narration is at least accompanied by relevant and creative, if perhaps limited, animation. But to their credit, these moments are succinct, existing only as long as they have to in order to provide the necessary information and get out of the way for what matters most: the characters.

Rae and Claire are front and center from the very get-go, and there is little time wasted in showcasing Rae’s intense bottom energy or establishing Claire’s elitism and bewildered anger towards Rae’s excitement in the face of Claire’s carefully calculated cruelty. It is a montage of silly and fun competitions between the two that had me laughing and smiling all the way through, as the Yuri was present in full force, and gives glimpses at the mutual obsession the women have for each other that will soon blossom into a wonderful romance.

These early story beats have a light tone and focus on the bullying, teasing, and rivalry between Rae and Claire, a dynamic that previously and understandably made a subset of readers somewhat uncomfortable. However, assuming the anime unfolds in a similar manner to the manga and light novels, the narrative will explore meatier, heavier subject matter and a far deeper lesbian romance, all without losing its sense of fun and adventure. The next episode or two will be incredibly telling - as the source material is perhaps the most profound and forthright depictions of LGBTQ identity in Yuri, and that all starts with a pivotal conversation that, if it is included, will be coming up shortly.

Overall, I am incredibly excited for this series. The first episode is everything I had hoped for out of an adaptation of one of my favorite works of all time, save the animation, which is average at best. While there is a lot more to see, and we will have to wait to know if I’m in Love with the Villainess lives up to its incredible potential and source material, I am extremely hopeful. We have one of the funniest, most thoughtful, and queerest works of Yuri transformed into a stunning anime project unlike anything that has come before and offers the chance at not just a new Yuri “gateway” but to continue the work of its source material in revolutionizing the genre.

Ratings: Story – 8 Characters – 10 Art – 5 LGBTQ – We shall see… Sexual Content – 3 Final – 8

I'm in Love with the Villainess is streaming on Crunchyroll with English sub/dub.

Review made possible by Avery Riehl and the rest of the YuriMother Patrons. Support YuriMother on Patreon for early access, exclusive article, and more: patreon.com/yurimother

[fearfulfertility]

CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM

DRC, Public Affairs Division, Civilian Services Command

To: Director [REDACTED]

From: Regional Oversight Coordinator [REDACTED], Paternity Compound 132

Date: [REDACTED]

Subject: Community Re-Education Efforts in Rural Tennessee

Location: Church of the Immaculate Conception, [REDACTED], Tennessee

Objective Statement

This transcript, sourced from Reverend [REDACTED]’s recent sermon at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in [REDACTED], Tennessee, highlights our ongoing efforts to align religious communities with national surrogacy objectives. Given this region's exceedingly low socio-economic and educational prospects, messaging must be tailored to emphasize divine purpose and moral duty, ensuring surrogacy compliance through faith-based narratives.

The Reverend’s inclusion of visibly pregnant surrogates and theological framing of their sacrifice was effective in capturing attention. However, his unscripted interaction with Surrogate S142-317-K revealed the risks of granting surrogates a platform to express personal dissent, even in a controlled environment. Future engagements must avoid such pitfalls to maintain community trust and focus.

Action Items

Develop stricter scripting guidelines for public appearances involving surrogates.

Evaluate congregation reactions and adjust messaging to address residual discomfort.

Monitor flagged individuals for dissent and determine appropriate countermeasures.

Community Description

Nestled in a rural expanse of [REDACTED], Tennessee, this community reflects the hallmarks of low socioeconomic status and deeply ingrained religious traditions. Most residents are employed in small-scale agriculture, local manufacturing, or service-sector jobs, with limited post-secondary education and social mobility. The population skews towards large families due to cultural and religious norms. Religious affiliation is nearly universal, with the church serving as a central hub for social interaction, moral guidance, and community decision-making. Despite economic hardship, the community demonstrates resilience and a firm adherence to conservative, faith-based values.

Transcript Submission

Congregation Description

The congregation at the Church of the Immaculate Conception consists predominantly of working-class families, retirees, and local farmers.

Opening Hymn: “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Brothers in faith, we gather here today in the spirit of sacrifice, in the spirit of service, and in the spirit of salvation. For the Lord Himself said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth.’ And so we find ourselves in a time of testing, a time when the Lord calls upon us to serve not just with our hearts, but with our very bodies."

"Today, I am blessed to share this sacred space with two of our surrogates, young men chosen by God for a divine mission. These brave souls are bearing the weight—quite literally—of our nation’s future. Let us welcome them as they sit among us, shining examples of what it means to live according to His will."

Congregation turns to see two surrogates seated at the front of the sanctuary. Both are visibly near full-term.

Surrogate S142-317-K

18 years old, former high school athlete from the immediate community, pregnant with hendecuplets (11). Surrogate was selected for his quiet and submissive demeanor. 

Surrogate S142-225-L

20 years old, family members from an associated rural farming community and is currently pregnant with dodecuplets (12). Surrogate was selected for his stoic and resigned demeanor. Condition is very advanced, and movements are limited to assisted mobility only. 

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Now, some of you have questioned the changes in our congregation, the ways in which we have been asked to adapt, to welcome this previously unfathomable mission. But let me remind you: God works in mysterious ways. His plan is not always clear to us, but it is always righteous. Today, we are called to embrace a new chapter in our walk with Him—a chapter of extraordinary giving."

Congregation murmurs softly. 

S142-225-L, struggling with his bulk, shifts uncomfortably in his chair.

Reverend [REDACTED]

"For as the Good Book says in John 15:13, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ And what greater love can there be than these surrogates, who are laying down their strength, their comfort, and yes, even their very lives, to bring forth the next generation? These young men are not merely surrogates—they are chosen vessels of divine purpose."

A few hesitant amens from the congregation. 

S142-317-K wipes away a tear, while S142-225-L stares blankly ahead.

Reverend [REDACTED]

"I know some of you are struggling with this new reality. Perhaps you have seen your sons, your brothers, or even your neighbors brought into this new calling. Perhaps you have wrestled with anger, confusion, or despair. But I tell you, do not grieve! Do not resist! For as Paul reminds us in Romans 12:1, ‘Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.’ These sacrifices are not in vain—they are the foundation upon which our future is built."

"Let me share a story. Last week, I visited the gestational ward at Paternity Compound 132. I met one of the young men seated here with us today. He told me, ‘Pastor, I don’t know why God chose me for this, but I trust Him. I trust that He has a plan.’ That, my friends, is faith. That is courage. That is the spirit of true service."

Note: No interaction beyond observations through the sound-proofed glass was allowed when Reverend [REDACTED] visited Paternity Compound 132. The surrogate in question he references appears to be fabricated for the purpose of the sermon.

Reverend [REDACTED]

"These young men are heroes. And heroes don’t always look the way we expect them to. They don’t wear capes. Sometimes, they wear hospital gowns. Sometimes, they lay in beds, swollen with life, praying that their sacrifice will make a difference. That their pain will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow."

The congregation grows quiet, many appearing uneasy. 

S142-317-K exhales deeply, his hands resting on the vast curve of his abdomen. S142-225-L does not display any emotive response.

Reverend [REDACTED]:

"We, too, must do our part. We must support them. Pray for them. Celebrate their courage and remind ourselves that this is God’s will made manifest. If you are called to give a son, give him with faith. If you are called to serve as a surrogate, serve with pride. And if you are called to bear witness, do so with humility and gratitude."

Reverend [REDACTED] continues to proselytize for another 23.7 minutes. The congregation appears to be losing focus, but attention is regained when the Reverend begins "interviewing" surrogate S142-317-K.

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Good afternoon, son. What an honor it is to have you here with us today. The congregation is inspired by your courage and sacrifice. Now, tell me—how does it feel to be chosen for such a divine purpose?"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"Pastor, I—"

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Ah, I can imagine it’s overwhelming at first! To know you’ve been selected to carry not just life, but hope, for an entire nation. That’s a weight most young men will never understand. Truly, the Lord works through you miraculously, doesn’t He?"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"I mean, I guess, but—"

Reverend [REDACTED]

"That’s right, that’s right. And think of the joy you’re bringing to so many families who have prayed for children but could not have them. Every kick you feel, every movement within you, is a testament to God’s plan. Don’t you agree?"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"I don’t know if I’d call it joy, Pastor. It’s actually—"

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Oh, I understand! It’s humbling, isn’t it? To feel the enormity of your task. But let me remind you, son, humility is a virtue. Philippians 2:3 says, ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.’ That’s exactly what you’re doing!"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"But it’s not what I—"

Reverend [REDACTED]

"You see, the Lord guides us even when we don’t understand His methods. I’m sure, at first, you might have had doubts or fears—that’s only natural. But look at you now! A shining example of faith and resilience. How proud your parents must be to see you serving this way!"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"My parents didn’t give me a choice! They signed me up—"

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Ah, yes, choice. Sometimes, the greatest choices are made for us, aren’t they? Just as Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac, not every calling is one we’d choose for ourselves. But, son, you’ve risen to the occasion. Surely, you can see the greater purpose in all this?"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"Pastor, with all due respect, I’m in constant pain. I can barely—"

Surrogate S142-225-L begins to display visible physical discomfort. 

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Pain! Yes, yes, the pain of sacrifice. The pain of labor. The pain of the cross. None of us can achieve greatness without hardship, my boy. Jesus Himself bore the weight of the world’s sins—just as you bear the weight of these precious lives. What a beautiful parallel, don’t you think?"

Surrogate S142-317-K

"I just want this to end. I can’t—"

S142-225-L groaned audibly, his hands clutching his abdomen as multiple fetuses shifted within. The pronounced movement of his belly draws gasps and murmurs from the congregation. 

Several attendees appeared visibly distressed, with one man crossing himself repeatedly. 

Reverend [REDACTED] momentarily paused, offering a solemn nod in acknowledgment before continuing his dialogue with S142-317-K. 

The incident visibly heightened the unease in the room.

Reverend [REDACTED]

"In God’s time, all things come to their conclusion. For now, focus on the gift you are giving. Focus on the good you are doing for countless others. And remember, ‘Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.’ That’s James 1:12, by the way."

Surrogate S142-317-K

(quietly) "What the actual fuck?"

Closing Hymn: “Onward, Christian Soldiers”

Reverend [REDACTED]

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us, for the surrogates who carry the burden of life, and for the wisdom of those who guide this blessing. We ask that You give strength to those who serve, comfort to those who grieve, and faith to those who doubt. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen."

"You, my boy, are an instrument of His will. And there is no higher calling than that."

Post-Sermon Observations

Surrogate S142-317-K appeared visibly distressed and unresponsive for the remainder of the service. 

S142-225-L returns to staring blankly ahead, though now massaging his belly.

Reverend [REDACTED] has been instructed to avoid conducting unscripted conversations with surrogates in future appearances.

Addendum (Confidential)

Following the service, S142-317-K fainted while being escorted out, likely due to the extreme strain of late-term pregnancy. Medical staff intervened promptly, though the surrogate later went into labor, birthed, and expired in the compound the following morning.

S142-225-L also continued gestating for 5 days (34 days total) before entering labor, birthing, and expiring.

No overt objections were publicly declared. 

Reverend [REDACTED] has been instructed to continue incorporating surrogates into his sermons to normalize their role within the community.

Click Here to return to DRC Report Archives

DRC agents noted mixed reactions among the congregation, ranging from quiet acceptance to visible discomfort. Several individuals were overheard expressing objections to the surrogates and their presence. Operatives have flagged them for further observation and, if necessary, detainment. 

----------------

[sankofaspirit]

Why Non-Black People Fear Black Self-Help—and Why Black People Shouldn’t Care (A Garveyite Perspective)

From a Garveyite lens, rooted in the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Pan-Africanism, Black self-determination is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. Yet, throughout history, efforts by Black people to uplift and empower themselves have often been met with resistance, fear, and concern from non-Black groups. Why is this the case? And why, according to Garveyite philosophy, should Black people not concern themselves with these reactions?

Let’s break it down by demographic and dive into the root of these issues.

White People: Fear of Losing Power

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Economic Dependency

The transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow laws, and even modern capitalism have relied on Black labour and consumption to sustain white wealth. Black self-reliance disrupts these economic structures.

2. Challenge to White Supremacy

White supremacy thrives on the narrative of Black inferiority. When Black people organize and thrive independently, it threatens the foundation of this ideology.

3. Fear of Retaliation

Centuries of systemic oppression create a lingering fear that an empowered Black population may seek revenge or disrupt white-dominated institutions.

4. Guilt and Accountability

Black self-help forces white people to confront their role in historic and systemic oppression, creating discomfort and resistance.

Garveyite Response

Marcus Garvey famously said, “The Negro must be self-reliant.” White feelings are irrelevant when the goal is freedom. Black people cannot wait for white approval to act in their own best interests.

Asian Communities: Fear of Economic Disruption

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Economic Competition

Many Asian immigrant businesses (e.g, Inidan/ Korean-owned beauty supply stores) profit from Black neighborhoods without reinvesting in them. Black-owned businesses threaten this status quo.

2. The "Model Minority" Myth

Anti-Blackness is baked into the "model minority" narrative, which positions Asians as "successful" by proximity to whiteness. Black empowerment disrupts this racial hierarchy.

3. Cultural Distance

Due to historical anti-Black stereotypes and a lack of solidarity, some Asian communities may view Black independence with scepticism or fear.

Garveyite Response

Garvey taught that “no one knows when the hour of Africa’s redemption cometh.” Black people must focus on rebuilding their communities without worrying about disrupting anyone else’s economic or cultural comfort.

Hispanic/Latino Communities: Fear of Marginalization

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Resource Competition

Hispanic/Latino and Black communities often occupy the same socio-economic space. Black self-help is seen as competing for limited resources like housing, jobs, or political influence.

2. Internalized Anti-Blackness

Colonial histories of colourism and caste systems perpetuate anti-Black sentiment within Latino cultures, leading to mistrust of Black movements.

3. Political Power Dynamics

As Latino populations grow, there’s a fear that Black empowerment movements might outpace their own political or social progress.

Garveyite Response

Black people’s struggles and liberation are unique and cannot be conflated with others’. The focus must remain on the upliftment of the Black race without being derailed by concerns over perceived competition.

Arab and Middle Eastern Communities: Fear of Losing Economic Footing

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Economic Dependence on Black Communities

Arab-owned corner stores and gas stations often dominate Black neighbourhoods. Black-owned businesses threaten this dynamic.

2. Anti-Black Cultural Attitudes

Some Arab cultures perpetuate anti-Blackness, often rooted in histories of the trans-Saharan slave trade and colonial racism. Black empowerment challenges these biases.

Garveyite Response

Garvey’s teachings remind us that no group has the right to profit off Black labour and communities without reciprocation. Black people must reclaim ownership of their economies, regardless of the discomfort it causes others.

Other oppressed Communities: Tensions Over Shared Struggles

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Competing Oppression Narratives

Black and other oppressed people have faced colonial oppression, but there’s a fear that Black self-help movements might overshadow these oppressed people's struggles.

Garveyite Response

While solidarity with other oppressed groups is important, Garveyite philosophy emphasizes that Black liberation must come first. Black people can not carry the weight of others’ struggles while fighting their own.

The Bigger Picture: Why These Fears Exist

Across all demographics, the resistance to Black self-help stems from:

Economic Dependency: Many groups rely on Black labour and consumption.

White Supremacy: Anti-Blackness is a unifying force in global racial hierarchies.

Fear of Change: An empowered Black population threatens existing systems of privilege and oppression.

Why Black People Shouldn’t Care

1. Liberation Is Non-Negotiable

Garvey said it best: “Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.” Black liberation can not be compromised to appease the fears or discomfort of others.

2. Others Have Always Prioritized Themselves

No other group pauses their progress to accommodate Black people. It’s time for Black communities to unapologetically focus on themselves.

3. Historical Proof of Success

Movements like the UNIA, Black Wall Street, and Pan-Africanism have shown that Black self-reliance works—despite resistance from others.

4. White Supremacy Is the Root Cause

Many of these fears are rooted in white supremacy, which pits marginalized groups against one another. Black people must dismantle this system by prioritizing their own empowerment.

5. Self-Determination Is a Human Right

Every group has the right to organize for its own survival and success. Black people are no exception.

Conclusion

Black self-help and self-determination will always provoke fear and resistance from those who benefit from the current power dynamics. From a Garveyite perspective, these concerns are irrelevant. Black people must prioritize their own liberation, unity, and empowerment without apology.

As Garvey proclaimed, “Africa for the Africans, at home and abroad.” Let the discomfort of others be a testament to the power of Black progress. Stay focused, stay unified, and keep moving forward.

[psychotrenny]

While there are many conditions where inter-class contradictions are not the primary factor at play, that doesn't mean you should just discard class analysis entirely. Like class can still be a useful lens when dissecting the differences and conflicts between distinct segments/strata of the same class, and sometimes a great deal of analysis and discussion is needed to determine whether a particular group is just a distinct strata or a different class entirely. Inter-Class conflict can also still play a secondary role, or else explain the context for the current conditions, and could one day play a more ascendant role as the situation develops.

For example, this is why I'm skeptical of any analysis that treats "The State" as some discrete entity that's disconnected from broader class society. Like not every political situation is going to cleanly resemble the classical model of the state as the totally obedient tool of some external ruling class, but that doesn't mean that the members of the state apparatus don't comprise any sort of classes or stratas that is inextricably linked by some manner socio-economic relation with other classes and stratas in society. Phenomena like Bonapartism and State Capitalism are still very explicable in class terms, even if said explanation is going to vary significantly with the specifics of the situation and conclusion of the analyst. Like sometimes you might refer to the State/Bureaucratic Bourgeois, while other times Apparatchiks could be classifies as a specific strata of proletariat, and under some analyses the members of State Apparatus can be thought of as an entirely separate class of their own (especially under pre-Capitalist conditions, such as in the contentious theory of the "Asiatic Mode of Production").

Because social institutions are ultimately the product of the material conditions that produce and reproduce them, with the social dynamics of these institutions reflecting the material relations between the groups that participate in them. The primacy of Class analysis is a natural conclusion of using Dialectical Materialism to understand a class society. You can't just ignore this because the specific dynamics don't reflect whatever dogmatic understanding of "Class" you've internalised; that's a metaphysical and therefore revisionist way of thinking

[apteryxparvus]

hello and congrats on 100followers!!!

wanderer x rtawahist darshan scholar reader, who really overworks themselves and almost always gets sleepless nights because of their occupation in rtawahist, and so wanderer often finds reader either sleepy (or sleeping) in the akademiya's library, or on some open grounds where they can stargaze not only for their studies, but for themselves, and wanderer js either can't see them so sleepless and forces reader to go to sleep, or he watches the stars with them༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

Thank you!! I really like the idea of a Rtawahist Reader, and I hope I did your request justice 😊

Part of my ✨ 100 followers milestone event ✨ running from September 2nd to September 9th.

Pairing — Scaramouche / Reader

Word count — 1,657

Content warning — none

The first time Scaramouche lays eyes on you, he assumes you’re just another one of those Akademiya students, running on caffeine and a never-ending string of sleepless nights. You're sporting the school's uniform, your hat somewhat askew atop your head. He notices the blue pin adorning it, signaling your affiliation with the Rtawahist Darshan, and he can't help but scoff at how it's slightly crooked.

You're stumbling through the hallway, precariously balancing a tower of books that's taller than you. It’s no surprise when you collide with him. He watches as the heavy tomes scatter across the floor, and you scramble to gather them, your lips rapidly uttering a thousand apologies.

With an exasperated sigh, Scaramouche crouches down and grabs the book closest to him — "Starry Atlas: Navigating the Night Sky." He idly flips through the pages, half-curious about the illustrations and the meticulously written descriptions and notes.

"You could at least lend a hand," he overhears you muttering under your breath.

He scoffs once more, closing the book. "You could at least attempt not to endanger anyone's life, Rtawahist."

You respond with a huff but continue collecting your scattered belongings. "My name's not Rtawahist," you retort, meeting his gaze. He can't help but notice the dark circles under your eyes and the exhaustion in your expression.

Scaramouche raises an eyebrow, expecting you to introduce yourself. However, you remain silent. You grab the last of your fallen books, "Exploring Destiny through Astrology" — the thickest and most heavily annotated of them all — and with that you scurry away.

As you vanish from his sigh, he doesn’t give the encounter much thought.

That is, until he meets you for the second time.

You’re nestled in a quiet corner of the House of Daena, face buried within the pages of yet another heavy book. Your hat sits neatly on the table, surrounded by an array of colored pens and papers adorned with doodles and incomprehensible scribbles.

He decides not to approach you directly, choosing instead to observe you silently from his own secluded nook. He has his own agenda for being in the library — researching the available books on the history of Inazuma, specifically the Tri-Commission. He’s feeling irked by a student from his own Darshan, a brash and loudmouthed boy, who had confidently presented what Scaramouche considers the worst thesis defense he had ever witnessed, centered around the history of the socio-economic and cultural impact of the Tri-Commission. He’s now determined to scrutinize the books he had referenced, seeking out the specific passages so he can construct his own review paper, one that disputes the boy's conclusions.

Perhaps it's a tad bit petty, but he couldn't care less.

After an hour or so of sifting through poorly written and dull texts, mental exhaustion starts to set in. His gaze lifts to where you're seated, and he notices that you're on the verge of dozing off. Your eyelids droop, and you unconsciously lean towards the book you're reading.

He can't help but find it foolishly stupid — your unwavering dedication to academics that drains you to such an extent.

Yet, in this particular moment, his icy heart, scarred by past experiences, seems to thaw as he watches you.  Eventually, you surrender to the drowsiness, your head leaning against the wall. He stays in his spot for a moment, confused by the inexplicable warmth he feels towards you — you've only crossed paths twice, and he doesn't even know your name.

When you start shivering, your Akademiya robes not offering sufficient protection against the chilly air seeping from the library’s walls, he doesn’t even think as he rises from his own spot, removing his tunic. He drapes it over your slumbering form.

He’s even more baffled by his own actions as gathers your scattered materials and arranges them neatly on the table.

Finally, he takes a seat beside you. His own body lacks warmth, therefore, he cannot shield you from the cold, but he allows you to lean against him. It’s as if you sensed his presence and an unconscious desire to close the gap between you overtook you. He sighs, adjusting your head to prevent any neck soreness after your nap.

The two of you remain like that for a while, and he's surprised to discover that he doesn't recoil from physical contact. At least, not when it comes from you.

Scaramouche lets you enjoy the nap, aware of your need for rest. You sleep peacefully, faintly snoring. When he decides it’s time for you to leave, not wanting to have you traverse the city’s streets so late at night, he gently disentangles himself from you and rises.

"Rtawahist," he calls out as you stir. You blink up at him, your eyes heavy with sleep and mild confusion. It takes a few moments for you to fully awaken, and he watches as your eyes widen before you avert your gaze bashfully, embarrassed by being caught napping in the library. "Go home and get some proper sleep."

Scaramouche can't help but feel a bit self-conscious, as if he's suddenly become aware of his own actions. He strides away from your secluded corner.

"Hey, wait! Vahumana guy, wait!" you yell, voice still tinged with sleepiness. However, he doesn't turn back, already on his way out of the library. You blink in confusion, fingers fiddling with the extra clothing draped over you — it's the white tunic with blue accents that you'd seen him wear before.

As you stand up and begin gathering your belongings, you’re further taken aback by how neatly they are organized.

That night, as you stroll past the dimly lit streets of Sumeru City, you think that perhaps this may have been one of the most refreshing naps you've experienced in months, if not longer.

The third time he meets you, he finally learns your name.

Nightfall had fallen, the clear sky adorned with countless twinkling stars. The songs of Dusk Birds fill the humid air, echoing through the rainforest, and tiny critters scurry about in the shadows of the lush foliage.

Scaramouche is returning from a mission given by Nahida — intelligence from numerous travelers had revealed multiple hidden Fatui camps, and his task was to determine their intentions and eliminate the threat. 

Strangely, he doesn’t feel tired; he doesn't feel anything at all. His mind is numb. He knows he should be experiencing some sort of emotion after encountering the soldiers proudly donning the Fatui insignia — perhaps anger or revulsion — but instead, there is a hollow void where his heart should have been.

He passes by a hilichurl camp, the savage beasts sitting around a campfire. Their leader, nearly thrice their side, senses his presence and roars, raising his ax. The entire pack rises, each wielding their own weapon, ready to confront the intruder that dares to trespass on their territory.

Scaramouche barely lifts a finger, sending sharp wind blades towards the creatures. They fall to the ground, unconscious. He stares silently at their grotesque forms, repulsion rising in his throat.

"Hey! Vahumana guy!" A familiar voice rings out. He looks up from his position, body freezing as he spots you waving from a nearby cliff. Anger surges within him — how reckless could you be, wandering through the forest littered with roaming territorial Rishboland Tigers and wild hilichurls?

“You idiot,” he yells back, using his Anemo Vision to propel himself towards you. He lands at your feet, and you let out a shriek, clearly not expecting him to soar through the air. 

Your eyes lock on the glowing teal Vision pinned alongside a singular gold feather. "Oh," you manage to mumble. “You have a Vision.”

Scaramouche dismissed your comment. “You foolish Rtawahist,” he continues to berate you. “How irresponsible must you be to wander alone in the rainforest at night?”

“I’m perfectly fine. In case you didn't notice, I'm here to gather data for a paper I'm writing.” You gesture towards the spot you’d arranged on the grassy cliff — a cozy blanket adorned with snacks and a thermos, as well as star charts, maps, and your tools, including a shiny astrolabe, a small old telescope, and a planisphere. “And also to enjoy the breeze and the clear night sky,” you add bashfully.

"Didn't you see the hilichurl camp below you?" Scaramouche demands angrily.

“They were all sitting around the fire! They couldn’t have attacked me!” you counter.

"Do all Rtawahists have a death wish, or is it just you?"

"First of all, stop calling me Rtawahist. I have a name, and it's Y/N," you say with an eye roll. "And since you're already here, why not take a seat and enjoy the night sky with me?" You gently grasp his hands, and lead him towards your cluttered spot. Scaramouche allows you to guide him, remaining silent.

You settle on the blanket, making some room for him. “I never got your name, Vahumana guy.”

"You may call me Kunikuzushi."

“Hmm,” you muse, pronouncing the name slowly, syllable by syllable. “I like it.”

Scaramouche doesn’t quite understand why he had shared his old name with you — he had believed he had moved past that part of his life. Yet, hearing the way you pronounce his name stirs something warm and comforting within the depths of his stone-cold heart.

You adjust your position and point towards a constellation. "That is Peregrinus, a constellation said to represent the free spirit of exploration and self-discovery."

Scaramouche stays silent, listening to you ramble about the stars twinkling in the night sky, the constellations and their deeper meanings. He notices your voice grow drowsy, and soon, you are nearly mumbling your sentences.

You struggle to repress a yawn. "By the way, I never got to thank you for the tunic, nor did I get the chance to return it."

Scaramouche chuckles softly as he watches you drift to sleep moments after finishing your sentence. He watches as you snuggle closer to him, head resting against his chest.

Author's note: being an overworked STEM student myself, I can totally relate to Reader 😪

Do I have 3 chapters and 1 lab protocol on Genetics, and 2 chapters and 3 research papers on Psychology to read for this week? Yes. Am I procrastinating reading them by writing this? Yes, again 😋

[loving-n0t-heyting]

Did you know that after decades of research, not a single psychological diagnosis has been definitively linked to an underlying socio-political condition? That’s right, no so-called “mental illness” has been shown to invariably and exclusively stem from some unitary position in society, the political order, or the economic structure underlying both—the standard generally accepted in serious scientific research

This is not to deny that so called psychological illnesses, like all mental properties, are ultimately instantiated in the social body; we are, after all, fundamentally social beings. But it is to confute that we should look to social change as some kind of holy grail in treating these alleged psychological deficits, and the sociopolitical-cum-economic determinism on which these hopes are explicitly founded

[insert several paragraphs repeating these points at length and watering down any bold assertions to the point of near meaninglessness; some Theory jargon thrown in for good measure]

I encourage everyone to do their own research when considering promised political solutions to their mental afflictions, and to consider a broader range of possibilities than those condoned under the limited theoretical paradigms generally current in anti-psychiatry

[dudesome]

Gaz currently fighting Zim: "Glory of the Empire? Hail the Tallests? It's all bullshit! The success of a nation is determined by materialistic and socio economic factors. Read a fucking book!"

[beardedmrbean]

A controversial Seattle teacher allegedly told students that identifying as “straight” is offensive. He even scolded some of his male students for being a “product of the patriarchy that teaches young boys not to care.” It resulted in a parent filing a complaint with Chief Sealth High School. In defending the teacher, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) offered what appears to be a verifiably false statement to the media.

Tenth-grade Ethnic Studies World History teacher and self-identified communist Ian Golash asked students to complete a “Social Identity Wheel” worksheet, according to the parent, who asked for anonymity. It asks students to explain their various identities, including racial, ethnic, gender, socio-economic status, physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities, and sexual orientation. The worksheet is intended to tell students that their identities determine whether they receive unearned privilege or oppression.

The parent’s 15-year-old son labeled himself “straight.” Golash took issue with that word “because it implies that to not be straight is to be ‘crooked’ which could have a negative connotation.”

‘Straight’ is offensive to Ian Golash

The student’s mother shared an email thread with The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH. In it, she complains about the comment to Golash and the school’s principal, Ray Garcia-Morales.

“When filling out a Social Identity Wheel, he (her son) was told that if he identifies as straight that he needed to pick a term that was less offensive. It is completely inappropriate to dictate what terms a student can and cannot use to identify themselves with,” the mom wrote in the September 24, 2023 email.

Golash said he did not target her son with his comment. He did, however, admit to saying something similar to the entire classroom.

In the email response to the mother, Golash allegedly told the parent that he “stated explicitly that I was not going to tell them how they should identify except to explain the difference between race, ethnicity and nationality.” But he did cast aspersions on identifying as “straight.”

“Because I think language has power and that it shapes the culture that we live in, I did say to the class, in response to a student, that I do not use the term ‘straight’ because it implies that to not be straight is to be ‘crooked’ which could have a negative connotation,” Golash wrote. “But, again stated that I am not interested in telling them how they should identify and that the wheel they are completing is for their own reflection, not for me to assess.”

A very contrived position

Golash taking offense to the term “straight” in this way may be the only such example in the country. It’s a common and accepted term.

Chief Sealth High School has a Gay-Straight Alliance Club. Even GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) uses “straight” as an alternative descriptor for heterosexuals. The term “straight-ally” is still used by LGBT groups.

The contrived issue came up in a 2015 Washington Post column about etiquette. The readers (not Golash) asked if the term “straight” is offensive. Steven Petrow (the author of “Steven Petrow’s Complete Gay & Lesbian Manners”) responded by saying he’s never been asked that before. He concluded it was neither offensive nor a slur.

“I’ve never heard of a gay person saying they were offended by the use of straight. Do some straight folks find it problematic? I think you are saying that you are and, if so, I’d like to know why,” he wrote.

‘Product of the patriarchy that teaches young boys not to care’

The parent also claimed in the email that Golash shamed her son during a conversation about Florida banning left-wing classes with critical race theory indoctrination. Her son had missed the day the class watched a video about the topic, and told Golash he didn’t know why the state legislature forwarded the ban, according to the mom.

“I’m told that rather than converse about the topic and provide him with information and an actual answer, he was told that he was a ‘product of the patriarchy that teaches young boys not to care,'” the mom wrote in the email. “You missed an opportunity here to teach your student about current events and instead shamed him for being a male. To assume that he’s being raised in a patriarchal household is a very mistaken one.”

Again, Golash disputes some specifics but admits to bringing up the issue.

“My response about patriarchy was not directed at one student, it was connected to discussions of systems of power that we had been having in the previous few days and the behavior of several boys in the class,” he wrote, according to the email. He did not dispute saying the quote the mother provided.

The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH asked Golash if the emails properly depict what he sent to the parent and if he wanted to offer additional context. He did not respond.

It’s part of a political agenda

Golash focuses a portion of his curriculum on issues around gender identity. The same parent previously complained that Golash failed her son on a quiz for correctly saying men cannot get pregnant and that women do not have penises. The mom eventually pulled her son from his class.

“Mr. Golash has introduced many controversial topics into the classroom and instead of inviting open, constructive and truthful conversations, he provides biased resources that only aid in pushing his own ideological agendas,” the mom told The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH. “In this particular instance, he tried to persuade the language the students used in an attempt to censor them. Mr. Golash instructs his students what to think and not how to think. This in no way provides identity-safe classrooms that allow students to feel visible and valued.”

She says her son started to “self-censor … due to Mr. Golash’s intolerant teaching tactics.” Only after this incident, she said Golash accused her son of being disruptive and disengaged. She called it “retaliatory in nature.”

In the email thread, Golash did accuse her son and other classmates of unruly behavior. He said his frustration with their alleged behavior, “resulted in words I said that day that I might not phrase in the same way today.”

Seattle Public Schools is mostly silent

According to a screenshot of an email shared with The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH, the district is investigating the two separate complaints against Ian Golash.

First, the school is reviewing the quiz that the student failed for taking objectively true positions: Men can’t get pregnant and women do not have penises. Second, according to an email, Chief Sealth principal Garcia-Morales told parents there was an investigation into a separate incident where antisemitic curriculum was taught to students.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) won’t say much about Golash, including how far the investigation has progressed. They also would not comment for this story, neither confirming nor denying Golash’s purported communication with the parent. Even if they did comment, they’ve previously misled the media with a statement.

More from Jason Rantz: Democrats reject child marriage, but accept their gender reassignment

Misleading the media and public

When The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH exclusively reported the “men can get pregnant” quiz, the story ignited a firestorm of criticism and ridicule towards Golash and the district. SPS appeared to give out the same statement to multiple outlets, but added an extra detail to Fox News.

In the original report, the mother complained that Golash and another teacher engaged in name-calling. One teacher allegedly called her son “f****d and racist,” and Golash allegedly made the comment about being a “product of the patriarchy that teaches young boys not to care about anything.” SPS denied the claims when asked by Fox News.

“Claims that the student was called names have not been reported to SPS. We have confirmed with the school’s principal that this is the first reference to any name-calling,” a spokesperson told Fox News.

The statement appears to be false.

In a February 2, 2023 email, the mother’s husband emailed a teacher and principal Garcia Morales. In it, he complained of conduct against his son. He wrote that his son told him the teacher explained to the classroom, “If you’re white, that’s f****d up and racist.” The principal was also on the email over Golash’s comments about the patriarchy.

SPS would not say why they told Fox News that my report was the first reference to any name-calling.

[sphinx-myth]

CEN childhood emotional neglect.

What are emotional neglect examples? [tw abuse]

Here are 19 emotional neglect examples.

Dismissing a child’s feelings when they are upset or hurt.

Being detached, cold

Ignoring a child’s attempts to emotionally connect.

Lack of family closeness, emotional intimacy, or warmth.

Being hostile.

Saying harsh or hurtful things to a child

Making a child feel like an inconvenience or burden.

Lack of positive feedback, praise, encouragement, affection, or nurturing behaviors.

Constantly criticizing.

Not providing comfort or reassurance during times of stress.

Permitting a child’s maladaptive behavior, such as damaging properties during tantrums.

Not spending quality time with a child.

Ridiculing a child for normal emotional needs or vulnerability.

Lack of interest in a child’s life or activities.

Rejecting a child.

Showing dislike.

Exposing a child to domestic violence or abuse.

Not intervening or supporting a bullied child.

Neglecting a child’s need for affectionate physical touch, like hugs.

Here are 20 signs you were emotionally neglected as a child.

Low self-esteem

Self-criticism

Low self-worth

Depression

Anxiety

Feelings of shame

Difficulty regulating emotions

Sensitivity to criticism

Feelings of emptiness or loneliness

Difficulty discerning or expressing emotions

Emotional unavailability

Poor social skills

Struggle to connect with others

Difficulty trusting others

Isolation

Relationship challenges

Fear of abandonment or rejection

Impulsive behavior

Aggression

Substance abuse

What are the signs of emotional neglect in a child?

Aggression, such as disruptive behavior, oppositional behavior, and impulsivity

Withdrawal or passivity, some transition from passive to increasingly aggressive behavior

Anxious or avoidant behavior

Poor emotional knowledge and regulation

Difficulties interpreting emotional expressions in others

Negative self-esteem

Developmental delay due to neglect, such as language delay, failure to thrive, cognitive function development delay

Poor peer interaction and social skills

Insecure attachment, some transition from ambivalent to avoidant attachment

Dissociation

Child-related risk factors

Child-related risk factors are characteristics of children who are associated with a greater risk of neglect. The presence of these factors does not mean the neglected child is in any way responsible. The responses of neglectful parents to these factors determine whether the child is neglected or not.

Here are the 5 child-related risk factors.

Infant or younger children

Externalizing behavior

Poor social competence

Behavior disorders

Disability, including physical, intellectual, mental, multiple impairments, or complex medical needs

Parent-related risk factors

Here are 15 parent-related risk factors that increase the likelihood of a neglected childhood.

Younger parents, such as teenage parents

Difficulties in emotional regulation

Low self-esteem

Social isolation or anti-social behavior

Drug abuse

Alcohol addiction

Criminal activities

Depression

Somatic problems

Childhood abuse

Lack of parenting knowledge and skills

Gambling problems

Parental insensitivity

Unrealistic expectations of the child

Parent is emotionally unavailable due to preoccupation with personal needs

Family-related risk factors

Several studies have identified the following 6 family-related risk factors associated with family neglect.

Domestic violence

Single parent

Poor parent-child relationship or dysfunctional family dynamics

Parental perception of the child as problematic

Poverty

Poor socio-economic status

Environment-related risk factors

Researchers have found 5 living environment risk factors.

Poor community support

Inaccessible soci lsuport services

Alcohol availability and widespread consumption

Unstable environment

Cultural and social norms

Child institutionalized or placed in an orphanage

[literatureaesthetic]

the second sex ; simone de beauvoir | part one

‘the second sex’ is a treatise on female autonomy. widely regarded as the blueprint for the second wave of feminism, this 900-page body of theory remains one of the most influential texts for women all over the globe. its impact is infinite, and beauvoir’s theory is masterfully cogent. 

there’s a lot in here to reflect on and absorb. i’ve been tackling this absolute brick of a book by consuming 10 pages a day and allowing myself to really ruminate and sit with what beauvoir is putting out there. taking this book in small increments was definitely the way to go

simone de beauvoir begins by grappling with the question, ‘what is a woman?’ - an impossible question. woman is an ideal. a social reality and confinement the man constructs that pitches women in opposition to him as “the other”. womanhood is the condition in which a woman finds herself confirming a regulated hierarchy. however, beauvoir begins by answering this question through the biological. woman is a ‘womb, an ovary’. man reduces women to nature; they are mothers and reproductive catalysts. like the spider, she castrates and cannibalises; she consumes and eats men. beauvoir deconstructs the biological and the ways in which man has attributed inferiority to the natural biological difference between sexes.

biology, however, is not the foundation for womanhood. although it informs feminine existence, it isn’t the basis of gendered alterity and power disparity. beauvoir acknowledges biological subjugation while simultaneously stating that it is not reason enough for why women are the Other.

the question of ‘what is a woman?’ morphs into ‘what has humanity made of the human female?’ we must examine woman as a complete body, not in parts.

the concept of woman is examined from various schools of thought. from psychoanalysis - which is quickly proven insufficient due to freud’s misogynistic and male-oriented examination of sexual development, which is then generalised to women - to historical materialism and the role that economic value plays in female existence. beauvoir discusses engels - though classism is deeply connected to the disparity between sexes, it is not the origin of patriarchal oppression. female subordination pre-exists class divides. where the proletariat desires to erase class divisions, women do not want to be erased. we simply want to be registered in all forms. although the abolition of private property and class divisions is desirable, it will not ensure female liberation. and so, engels and marxism fail women.

this leads to a deconstruction of human history and the ways in which women were sacrificed on man’s journey for fulfilment and nourishment. as man went to hunt and build tools, women were frequently resigned to motherhood. as man conquer the world, women are left to watch from the sidelines. by dominating nature, man triumphs over woman. women become possessions like land. he is order and accomplishment; she is mystery and chaos.

as the socio-political landscape alters, the female condition continues to deteriorate. women face extreme abuse within the workforce, all for minuscule pay (and gender wage gaps DO still exist). this worsens with religion. simone de beauvoir delves into an array of theological beliefs - christianity, islam, and judaism being central focuses - and highlights the ways that each religion fails women. she also accounts for various cultural practises across the globe (from india to the mediterranean). this is very much a body of text that registers various different cultures and the nuances of each, respectively. i wish it reflected more on the nuances of non-white women’s existence within the western world, however. 

i’ll end today’s overview with the most impactful line from this section for me - ‘women’s entire history has been written by men’. the problem of women has always been the problem of men. ‘it is not women’s inferiority that has determined their historical insignificance: it is their historical insignificance that has doomed them to inferiority’.

with man lies the onus for female suffering.

[opencommunion]

"Since before the creation of Israel, the Zionist movement’s axiom has been clear: to create a ‘Jewish state’ in Mandatory Palestine and to artificially engineer Jewish ‘purity’ in the land – a goal that was eventually amended to Jewish majority instead due to its perceived impracticality. The bedrock on which this vision has been created and maintained is settler-colonialism, racial discrimination, and racial elimination of the Palestinian people through forcible transfer. As such, colonization, apartheid, and forcible transfer constitute Israel’s defining pillars, which continue to be necessary for the regime’s survival. These three pillars are the principal drivers of its racist policies to maintain a ‘Jewish state’ between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, thereby denying the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights to self-determination and return.

... Recognizing that Israel is a colonial-apartheid regime dictates that the solution must be rights-based decolonization on the whole of Mandatory Palestine. Ending a colonial-apartheid regime is not, and cannot be, dependent on the will of the colonizers and oppressors. Moreover, colonialism and apartheid simply cannot end with the withdrawal of a colonial power or the shifting of borders so long as this colonial power continues to deny the right to self-determination of the people it has colonized. ... It then follows that the way to ensure the liberation of the Palestinian people is only through all-encompassing decolonization, uprooting the root causes of Israeli apartheid and colonization as well as Palestinian forcible transfer, and dismantling the political, socio-economic, legal and ideological elements of the colonial-apartheid regime. ... In the Palestine context, it is unlikely that the colonizers will give up their power and privileges willingly since doing so would mean the end of a ‘Jewish state,’ Zionism’s express purpose and goal. Therefore, the Palestinian people, as the people of Palestine, have the right to achieve their inalienable rights in the land. Accordingly, they are the agents who can and should define the pathways and implement the tools necessary to achieve liberation. Nonetheless, during the process of decolonization, the current Jewish-Israeli colonizers can contribute to the liberation of Palestine, inasmuch as they are willing to surrender their colonizer privileges and to actively play a role in dismantling the Israeli colonial-apartheid regime. This is critical considering that post-decolonization, both Palestinians and Jewish-Israelis will constitute the people of the newly liberated Palestine."

Nadin Rabee and Layan Choufani, "Decolonization: The Case of Palestine - Introduction," BADIL, May 2023

[mariacallous]

Recent developments in technology have intensified the totalizing potential of surveillance within the workplace. Our paper proposes a theory of hegemonic surveillance to enhance our understanding of these processes. We argue that it is necessary to theorize surveillance as a multilevel phenomenon. Accordingly, we propose a model of hegemonic surveillance that starts from the outer socio/political level, characterized by neoliberalism. This sees workers in wholly economic terms, as units of productive capacity, rather than fully fledged human beings. It is an ideological context that underpins the growth of surveillance within the workplace. We employ Gramsci’s ideas of hegemony to theorize the normalization of surveillance that is thus produced. Surveillance is increasingly inescapable (performance is monitored and measured at all times, in all spaces) and pervasive (it encompasses all aspects of human performance, including emotions, health and lifestyle). Extending Burawoy’s ideas of consent, we argue that the performance of consent is central to the perpetuation of hegemony. Such performances, while seemingly voluntary, are becoming mandatory in ever more work contexts. At an individual level, we articulate the risk of totally surveilled employees becoming cyberized, totalized and thespianized. While acknowledging resistance, and ourselves seeking to resist technological determinism, the purpose of this paper is to theorize a dystopian future of work that could come to pass if present trends remain unchecked.

[flameswallower]

Briar's Favorite First Time Reads of 2023!

I read sixty or so books (start to finish) for the first time this year, which is pretty average for me. I liked most of them pretty well, since if I dislike a book I usually won't finish it. But there were some stand outs, which I'm going to list here.

First up: NOVELS!

Pseudotooth, by Verity Holloway (2017) is the first portal fantasy coming of age novel I've read in a long, long time that I found genuinely charming. It has a very dark Gothic edge to it, with shades of Gormenghast and Edward Gorey making for a uniquely unsettling and bleak fantasy world. The novel also deals frankly and seriously with themes of ableism, eugenics, medical abuse, xenophobia, socio-economic class, rape/sexual abuse, and the psychic fallout of rape/sexual abuse. But it's got a lot of whimsical absurdist humor to it, too, and a deep humanist compassion for its characters. The three young adults at the center of the story are all quite likeable, and though they are involved in a kind of love triangle, I found the particulars of it refreshingly queer, strange, and not the primary focus of the story.

The Marigold, by Andrew F. Sullivan (2023) is a pitch-dark, stone cold bummer that is also frequently hilarious and emotionally moving in tender ways that took me by surprise. In this dystopian satire, a bunch of down-and-out relatable characters and one horrible rich guy struggle to survive as near-future Toronto is engulfed by "the Wet"-- a sapient mold-based hive mind accidentally created by the depravity and greed of big business. The residents of the titular condominium/apartment complex feature in short vignettes that demonstrate the despair and alienation people suffer under late stage capitalism, and the way the Wet calls to these people, lures them in, hunts them.

The Open Curtain, by Brian Evenson (2006) is a harrowing nightmare about madness, violence, possession, Mormonism, and the destabilization of one's known reality (well, see also "madness"). It's a type of story that could easily feel shlocky and exploitative of people with certain mental disorders, or just predictable (there are some plot twists you'll guess very quickly if you've ever like...read books or seen movies before...), but Evenson's unornamented yet masterful prose, his meticulous attention to detail, and his non-condescending empathy for both victims of violence and people struggling with delusions, violent impulses, etc. make it rise above those potential problems. At least in my opinion! This one's very disturbing, will definitely leave you feeling like shit.

Hummingbird Salamander, by Jeff VanderMeer (2021) is very emotionally moving and a suspenseful, well-plotted eco-noir page turner! Also a bummer, but leaves one feeling awe and hope and determination as well as mourning the devastating loss of life that climate change has wrought. The protagonist is great, a truly unusual and unlikely detective. I loved her voice-- like any good noir hero, she can throw off a legitimately funny sarcastic quip with the best of them, but she's also prone to astute social observations and flights of breathtaking lyricism.

How to Get Over the End Of the World, by Hal Schrieve (2023) is a TRAGICALLY under-promoted and underrated punk rock magical realist YA masterpiece about trans high schoolers, and their dysfunctional adult mentors, putting on a rock opera to save their community center. This one, unlike most of what I read, is NOT EVEN KIND OF A BUMMER. It's delightful and hilarious from start to finish, though it's definitely not saccharine-sweet or afraid of conflict. In fact, it deals quite bluntly and refreshingly with topics ranging from the relationship one character has with his violent, abusive father, to sexual relationships between teenagers, to the ever-looming awareness of climate change. Every major character is trans! Every single one!! This is kind of a spoiler, but, like, not really lol

Sudden Glory, by Hal Johnson (2023) just goes to show that guys named Hal can really write comic novels. This book has perhaps the highest joke-to-paragraph ratio of anything I’ve ever read, and also probably the most varied types of joke: a person whose sense of humor runs to preposterous situation comedy, slapstick, and lowbrow sexual humor will find a lot to like here, and so will someone whose sense of humor runs to moderately esoteric literary/historical references, social satire, five-layer wordplay, and Wildean bon mots. Since it’s set in the New York City of 2003, there’s even room for a few 9/11 jokes, which could not have appeared without controversy in a book actually published in 2003. This slightly "politically incorrect" edge comes off as good-natured and in keeping with Johnson's commitment to absurdism-- there's never a "laughing at" vibe, more one of "laughing with" human folly, futility, pretensions, etc. At base, this is a story about a person who feels he can't tell the truth or be himself for fear of social rejection, and all the trouble that gets him into.

Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke (2020) is fucking gorgeous, probably one of my favorite books of all time now, this hole was made for me, etc. I can't reasonably expect that most others will have as intense a response to it as I did-- I felt it perfectly conveyed some very important and difficult to articulate things about, like, my personal experience of consciousness, and my experience as a person with certain types of neurological/cognitive/developmental disability navigating the world, through a kind of fabulist prism. But it got great reviews, so, you know, give it a shot! I think it's better not to know anything about it going in, but let me just say, if you're into weird, massive labyrinthine buildings, this hole might also have been made for you.

Devil House, by John Darnielle (2022) is exactly the novel you'd expect "the Mountain Goats guy" to write, in all the best possible ways. It's a story that elevates the inner lives of neurodivergent outsider teens to the mythic heights they deserve. It's a story that brutally critiques the true crime industry. It's a story about the problems of defining people exclusively by their victimhood, or exclusively by the worst thing they ever did. It's a story about the importance of having a little space to oneself, a shelter from the demands and threats of an often cruel world, and the lengths to which a person will go to defend such a shelter if it's broached. Also, there's a long, nauseating section about how it's actually really difficult and gross to chop up a human corpse for disposal.

[feministfocus]

The 2024 Presidential Election: The Candidates’ Policies and Their Impact on Marginalized Groups

by Sofia Bocchino

Today, Americans know Kamala Harris as the first female Vice President of the United States, but what will we know her as after November 5th? The 2024 presidential election will be historic regardless of who wins, as Kamala Harris will be the first female candidate of color to make it this far into the election, and now the second woman running against former president Donald Trump.

Sources such as The New York Times indicate that this election is going to be close, where either candidate could win by a narrow margin. When considering who to vote for on election day, it is important for voters to educate themselves on the policies each candidate holds in order to make an informed decision to determine what the future of our country will look like. This is especially impactful for voters in swing states, who have the power to sway the state towards either candidate. Swing states also serve as a “battleground” for the competing parties, and according to NPR, where 75% or more of campaign funds are spent. It is crucial that Americans understand which candidates will protect their rights and best serve the country for the next four years.

Since Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Harris has worked tirelessly to continue progressive policies and restore freedom to marginalized communities. Her policies include restoring and protecting reproductive freedom, providing affordable housing, strengthening and bringing down the cost of health care, ensuring safety against gun violence and crime, fixing the immigration system, tackling the opioid and fentanyl crisis, protecting civil rights and freedoms, and so many more liberating policies that can be found on Harris’ website. For citizens who are less privileged and experience disadvantages due to lack of resources for issues they may be affected by, Kamala Harris proves to be the better choice for rebuilding the rights that these marginalized groups have been stripped of. According to Cambridge University Press, a recent study concluded that over 40.3% of U.S. citizens are politically, socially, and economically marginalized groups.

Although the 40.3% of Americans in marginalized groups still make up a little under half the population, that will increase with racial, gender, ethnic, and religious minorities, regardless of their income and privilege. Unlike Harris, Donald Trump’s policies are more conservative and radicalized, not taking into account the large percentage of the population that could be negatively impacted by what he is calling for, essentially a new system of government. Some of Trump’s policies include carrying out “the largest deportation in American history,” protecting the right to bear arms, cutting outsourcing, strengthening the military, cutting federal funding to schools which educate students on anything related to race, sexual orientation, or politics, keepinging men out of women’s sports, and determing women’s reproductive rights by states. All of these policies can be found on Trump’s website and The Washington Post.

These policies are directly targeted towards deporting immigrants, who, according to the American Immigration Council, make up 17% of the U.S. labor workforce, denying trangender people of basic equality and rights, and radicalizing the education system, leaving students uneducated on critical socio-political issues. With these policies in mind, it is important to consider how the Democratic or Republican parties in the running could affect the future of the United States of America. Conservative policies present limitations for minorities and intersecting marginalized groups, which together make up over half the population of the U.S. according to research conducted in 2020 by Census. If you are eligible to vote this year, please take into account how both candidates’ policies will not only affect you, but your friends, family, and most importantly, the country as a whole.

Harris’ policies serve as a beacon of hope to marginalized communities, minorities, and liberal groups in preserving their rights and access to better education, healthcare, housing, jobs, safety, and civil liberties. As I mentioned in the beginning of the article, this election is predicted to be close, and it is likely either candidate will win within the margins. It is important that swing state voters, single issue voters, and those undecided vote on November 5th, as every vote counts in the race to that will either progress our government forward or radicalize it.

From my perspective, I believe Harris has the ability to make a positive change in the U.S. government, and enforce policies that will positively impact the future of the country, helping to establish a fair balance between the majority and minority. If you are not yet eligible to vote, please educate your peers on the importance of voting and the policies each candidate plans to enact if elected. The future of the country is at the hands of its people, and it is our job to ensure everyone is granted their basic freedoms and rights as a human being, so if you are 18 or older on Tuesday, November 5th, please head to the polls and exercise your civic duty as an American citizen and vote, not only for your personal benefit, but for the benefit of all individuals who deserve the same rights, freedoms, justice, and equality.