#Time will remember you fully and evolution is not the rule we have to abide by

[chromatophorium]

We can evolve in a way that nature can't. We can evolve with compassion and thought. We can become better and spread, not just through survival of the fittest, but with hope and compassion and respect.

In that way, we humans can be better than the force of evolution. A better way of the world adapting and changing.

I'm not saying that we have been changing the world for the better at all times, god know so many ways we've made it worse. But we can make it better, change it in a way that respects the past, the unchangeable forces, the ecosystems, the experiences of people and the value of life itself.

We have the possibility, we can enforce rules beyond 'only the strongest/most adapted can live'. Rules like those of compassion and respect.

In that way, we are a force stronger than evolution, and we can be a more moral force than evolution. Overpowering a fundamental law or force... I think that is a feat worth admiring.

I believe in the future of humans, I hope. God, I hope. And I'll try to do things with that hope.

[skarmorysilver]

Now Taking Commissions!

As the title says, commissions are now open! Feel free to step right up and pay me for art, though remember to read the rules below first!

What I will draw:

Fakemon (duh!).

Pokémon-related things in general (Pokémon, items, locations, scenes, etc.).

Fantasy creatures and creature designs.

Animals in general, both living and extinct.

Fanart, as long as it's SFW, bonus points for if it's a fandom I'm familiar with.

Your OCs and OC concepts. This includes you or your persona, as long as you keep any reference images of yourself confidential so as to avoid accidental leakage of private information.

Single-subject pictures, or anything involving at most two subjects.

Weapons and items. Keep in mind that these are usually 3D-modeled and may take longer or shorter than usual to produce depending on how complex they are.

Logos and emblems.

General character artwork, scenes, etc.

What I'll consider drawing:

Group pictures. I've done pics with up to ten people before, but that's a very taxing endeavor. I'll generally be most comfortable with five subjects or less, especially for finished pics. Lineart or base color pics carry a little more leeway for me.

My OCs. I'm currently in the process of revising more or less all of my characters, and I haven't finalized any of them just yet; I'd rather hold off on doing artwork with them until I've done so. If I post a finalized design I'll also provide an indicator that yes, they can be used with my commission work, provided that you do the research regarding their characterization and acceptable scenarios involving them. Exceptions to this rule include my eligible PPC characters (I'll put up a list of them ASAP for reference) and characters whom I've adopted from other people.

Canon characters from continua I'm not familiar with. Please provide as much ref art as you can in such instances, so I can have a better reference pool for work featuring such characters.

Comics (four panels or less is fine, but more than that would require further discussion; no multi-page comics, period).

SFW anthro. I'm not interested in drawing NSFW anthro stuff, of course, but I've drawn vanilla anthro before and while I don't have as much interest in it as general creature design, I'm open to anthro commissions as long as you keep them family friendly.

Pics involving creature violence, up to and including gory battle scenes. Snuff artwork and mutilation of canon characters are exceptions to this possibility and fall under inflammatory artwork, though.

What I WON'T draw:

NSFW content in general - this is my (mostly) SFW account for a reason. I do have NSFW commission info but if you want a NSFW commission then you'll have to PM me for it so I can route the info to you. (As noted above, though, monster violence involving gore is a possible exception. It shouldn't be the main subject, though.)

Inflammatory subject matter, e.g. hate art. Whether it's directed towards canon characters or other real-life people doesn't matter, it's always off-limits. This also goes for offensive subject matter in general, e.g. anything that slanders religion, race, sexual orientation, politics, etc.

Anything to do with current events, e.g. political cartoons. This can potentially fall under inflammatory content as noted above.

Commission Directions

NOTE ME FIRST. Discussing ideas before putting them on paper is a very important step to getting a commission done. Please let me know what scenario you want, what characters, and whether or not you want lineart, base colors, etc.

BE SPECIFIC. Send me as much ref art as possible, and try to describe what you want for your scenario as much as you're able. This way I'll have a better idea of what to draw.

I only accept cash commissions at this time. As tempting as point commissions sound, I need the cash money right now and I'd rather be able to use my earnings for things.

If you want me to draw artwork featuring another person's characters, ask the other person first. This goes without saying - I don't want to have to draw a character without their owner's consent!

Once we get the details taken care of, I'll determine whether or not I'll be able to draw the commission, and send you my e-mail address if I am. Be ready to send the appropriate payment through PayPal as soon as possible; I won't start drawing until the payment is provided in full. Again, I reserve the right to refuse a commission if it doesn't abide by the above rules, but do be aware that I'm a very busy person, and I have to turn down a commission if I simply don't have the time or resources to create it.

When the work is finished, I'll let you know ASAP and we can discuss whether to post the pic or not. If you want to post it on your account, I'll send you the completed pic so you can do so, but otherwise I'll put it up on my DeviantArt and Tumblr accounts. If you don't want me to post the work publicly, let me know as soon as possible.

Tying to the above, if you want to share the finished work online yourself, DO NOT DISRESPECT MY CREATIVE EFFORTS. This includes failing to credit me or linking back to my dA account, removing my signature from the finished work, or claiming that you created the work and deserve all the credit for it. I've seen the front and back ends of too many kerfuffles over this matter, and my stance is clear on this matter: I, THE CREATOR OF THE WORK, AM ALSO THE LEGAL OWNER OF IT, AND ERASING ME FROM THE WORK OR OTHERWISE NOT CREDITING ME WHEN SHARING IT IS ILLEGAL AS WELL AS POOR CONDUCT. So if you think removing my signature when sharing something YOU PAID ME to create is a good idea, don't commission me at all.

Likewise, when it comes to my prices, WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET, PERIOD. Do not ask me to lower my prices, do NOT bargain with me regarding prices, and do NOT ask if you can hold off your payment until after I finish the work. Be aware that I'm in a less stellar position than I feel I should be in terms of savings money, so every penny counts towards keeping me being able to afford the things I need and want. I THEREFORE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO REFUSE A COMMISSION IF THE EFFORT REQUIRED DOES NOT MATCH THE SUM YOU'RE OFFERING. That being said, if you're willing to change your offer to a cheaper commission type, e.g. a $15 lineart instead of a $20 color piece, please note me as soon as possible so I can adjust accordingly. I'm willing to take lower payments as long as you understand that this affects the outcome of the commission and as long as you keep the discussion civil.

I'm a SLOOOOOW drawer. Work, family, chores, and just plain old procrastination are all to blame for that. If you feel that I've unknowingly neglected a commission you paid for or which we've otherwise settled, please let me know as soon as possible and I'll add or re-add you to the commission to-do list for future reference. Or just remind me in general so I won't forget.

Prices

Standard Commissions:

Lineart: $15 (1 subject) + $5 per extra subject

Base Color, No Background: $20 (1 subject) + $10 per extra subject; $5 extra for shading

Finished Artwork (Fully shaded): $30 (1 subject) + $10 per extra subject; $10 extra for background

Special Commissions:

Fakemon: $10 per stage (i.e. a 3-stage line would cost $30); shiny colors are $2 extra. This pricing also goes for Mega Evolutions, regional variants, and form changes, which require their own separate artworks and count as separate "stages".

Character Concept Sheets: $20 (1 subject only). Additional fees for supplementary sketches may apply; feel free to talk to me about such extra material.

Logos, Emblems, and Sprite Work (transparent): $5 per subject or logo; $1 extra for sprite shading; alternatively, $20 for a Pokémon-style sprite sheet.

Literature: $50 (up to 10 pages on GDocs) + $10 per extra 5 pages. I have very little time for writing as it is, so I'll need a very good reason to write something for you! Any number of characters is fine, as long as they abide by the rules above.

That's all, folks! Here's to making a lot of good commissions in the future!

-SkarmorySilver

[sexierthanaheartburn-blog]

The Pixar Theory - explained and updated

Ah, Pixar. The animation company that is responsible for our childhood heartbreaks, laughs and overall created our memories. As a Pixar kid, writing this post brought back so much nostalgia that you wouldn’t understand. I grew up with Pixar and this post brought back so many feels. :)

 The “Pixar Theory” is a theory that suggests that all movies that were directed by Pixar and/or part of the “Pixar Universe” is a shared theoretical that all films are part of a continuous “shared film” and how it happens in the same timeline. Just think about it like a huge timeline and at different time intervals are different Pixar movies. If you would like to know more about the Pixar Theory in general, I would recommend to check out these sites:

http://www.pixartheory.com/  and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixar_universe

and to credit the person who created this remarkable theory: https://jonnegroni.com/2013/07/11/the-pixar-theory/ 

And so, this is where our timeline begins!

The Good Dinosaur - (prehistoric era)

As we know throughout the film “The Good Dinosaur”, the dinosaurs evolved and as a result, their IQ remarkably boosted. As a result of this skill, it later passed down throughout the Pixar universe all branching from the Good Dinosaur. Additionally, they also have their own language and their own technique on how to farm. During the time where the movie takes place, they are natural hunter-gatherers whom the goal is to survive and thrive despite scarce food and hostile environments. This evolutionary idea “survive and thrive” has been passed on through the Pixar universe and plays a massive role in the movie's plot.

As we inevitably know from history, dinosaurs eventually die out due to various reasons (climate change, asteroids, diseases and even some claims suggest that mammals start to eat dinosaurs eggs). However, these dinosaurs had unique characteristics in terms of their looks and appearance and this trend appears in every Pixar movie such as the witch in Brave, Charlex Muntz in Up and other characters who are seen as “not the norm”.

At this current time period, fossil fuels are quite sacred and thus rare. Due to this emerging problem prompts humanity to look and create other sustainable and alternative fuels after “The Good Dinosaur.” This major problem is also suggested in the Cars franchise, in which an oil crisis related to "dead dinosaurs" is mentioned. As it is quite a significant problem, humanity develops technology faster and thus begins to have an industrial revolution in “The Incredible” around 1950′s to 1960′s and we are in awe of its advancement in Wall-E, around the period of 2800. The zero-point energy discovered by Syndrome would the "human energy" so important in this universe.

There are also many Easter Eggs in the Good Dinosaur. Most memorable are this one: This is the same gas station that appeared in both Toy Story and in Cars. We can establish that this infamous as the station has been here many years and thus explains the gas station should have been built before the release of Toy Story of in the Pixar chronological order. This logo resembled Arlo and/or members of his family and used as a legacy of what The Good Dinosaur had left behind for generations to come - energy.

Here’s another: the dinosaur tail in this memory belongs to Arlo suggesting that both humans and dinosaurs had coexisted with each other at some point.

14th - 15th Century- Brave Early in the Middle Ages, both objects and animals were seen behaving like humans and gaining noticeable human characteristics that couldn't be explained by evolution yet. A reason for this was the magic that the witch have had - this was also known as will-o'-the-wisps. Though it is unclear how to which had gotten her magic, the theory later explains how the witch is Boo from Monsters Inc and time travelling. The witch experimented on various animals, which acquired intelligence and personality and interbred, eventually expanding their population resulting in artificially enhanced fishes and toys who are aware of their own consciousness. This magic is the first use of magical occurrence possessing animals and inanimate objects and thus would eventually lead to the superhero's and artificially enhanced animals and inanimate objects.

That's Sully carved in a piece of wood (Monster’s Inc) in this scene at the witch's house from Brave.

1950′s to 1960′s - The Incredibles

Passing the magic seen in Brave, both the superpowers and the zero-point energy mastered by Syndrome uses this energy. Leading from this, toys would eventually absorb the zero-point energy, which can travel through wavelengths, eventually acquiring their special abilities to walk, talk, aware of their own consciousness and to feel emotions such as love, sorrow and guilt. The magic or this source of energy is well-contained in humans and thus explains why we don’t see Riley or Andy use this. My guess is that this zero-point energy had gotten lost throughout the centuries becoming weaker and weaker as it is no longer a necessity for humans to survive - it’s a bonus.

As well as the zero-point energy becoming widespread in inanimate objects, it is also vital to note that in this period that this energy was enhancing machines and artificial intelligence. This is seen when the Omnidroid v.10, a highly improved AI machine, turns back on Syndrome, its own creator, and starts attacking random people. Like toys, artificial intelligence is actually aware (or programmed) of their own consciousness and thus can rebel.

In Finding Nemo, a young boy can later be seen reading a comic book within the dentist’s workplace waiting room clearly showing a young Mr. Unimaginable on its cover suggesting the Incredibles took place further before than Finding Nemo. 

1997-1998 - Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

The first signs of life from toys are now present due to technological advancement that occurred in the Incredibles and the enhanced of artificial intelligence.Toys come up with a code of morals and rules to abide by and are aware of their own consciousness in which is quite similar to human ethics in retrospect (if we were talking in terms of a deontologist universal rules and ethics)

They learn that human love is another energy source, upon which they thrive. An important factor to note is that this is the first time we are seeing toys develop personal connections and relationships with their owner (Andy). Andy, or the thought of Andy, lands them into every mishap but also to find solutions. It can also be argued that friendship is another energy source as well in which is an idea that is slightly touched upon.

Remember that tree Jessie's owner climbed to the top of the hill to play on? Well, it's only the same tree you see in A Bug's Life, but seen from the other side. This is clue describe the Pixar Theory perfectly! It’s the same story narrated in a different perspective. This is the same way how the tree is seen in both A Bug’s Life and Toy Story but from a different perspective. It describes how the Pixar universe is just one story but with a different perspective, different characters and different sets of odds that are stacked against our main protagonist.

Also, there are quite a lot of Finding Nemo references such as:

And, how can we forget this classic?

Finding Nemo, with Finding Dory (2003–04) The first known intelligent animals are seen. Fish create a fairly advanced society, with schools and network systems, and birds are also shown to be intelligent. Despite popular culture think pretty less of fishes intelligent, it’s the same zero-point energy that enhances their memory and cognitive skills due to the many experiments carried out by the witch in Brave.

However, Dory is an exception due to her short-term memory loss. One reasoning for this anomaly is that fishes are evolving fast in which consequently could result in their intelligence not fully developed.

Ratatouille (2007)

Communication between humans and animals is first seen, with Remy mimicking to Linguini and controlling his movements, and later his entire rat colony working in Gusteau's kitchen. Remy has outstanding abilities in cooking, better than any human seen, perhaps even Gusteau; he also walks on two paws, cleans his hands and reads - we saw slight enhancement to Finding Nemo in animal development. It is also demonstrated that his colony, especially his father, sees humans as enemies, prompting a negative sentiment in animals towards humans.

An assortment of Chinese food take-out boxes is seen in Linguini’s refrigerator. This same box design was used in A Bug’s Life and Inside Out.

Toy Story 3 (2010) Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear shows a strong hatred towards humans after his owner Daisy replaced him. Moved by hatred, he starts to lead a toy population and believe that every toy will be soon or late discarded by the humans who own them. This provides another reason for why human-made objects are motivated to take over. In this film, we briefly see that Buzz Lightyear's batteries are produced by the mega corporation Buy n Large (BnL), which shows a great importance in later films.

We also have sufficient evidence to prove that Toy Story 3 and Up occurred in the same universe. If you look really closely you will see a postcard from Carl and Ellie Fredricksen, the married couple from Up. This means that Up takes place in the same universe as the Toy Story movies.

Up (2011-2016) After a judicial decision, Carl has to give up his old house to a corporation that is expanding in the city and therefore showing how fast human expansion is and ever growing and foreshadows the eventual build up of human destruction as showcased in WALL-E

We can see our Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear in this scene in Up referring to Toy Story 3.

Cars, Cars 2, and Cars 3 (2100–2804) In WALL-E, BnL had to send the remaining humans off into space in starships in the early 22nd century due to global health hazards such as pollution as it’s worst, making Earth not sustainable for humans to live in.

Meanwhile, Earth was dominated by the machines (cars) in its place. While the Cars franchise is clearly set on Earth, no humans or animals are seen, what suggests it may take place in a different time period, possibly after they were wiped out.

The throwback to The Incredible.

And the famous tapestry painting of Merida and her parents from Brave. This suggests that the events happened in Brave were now old enough to be written in history books and painted on a tapestry during medieval times. One idea why this is so significant of this famous time period about (what I suggest) the last remaining monarch/blood line. 

WALL-E (2805) Centuries thereafter, the world is highly polluted due to the congestion that was partly worsened by Cars, with the only seen inhabitants being WALL-E and a cockroach he befriends, suggesting a survival of insects in the midst of this apocalyptical environment. 

Humans are extremely dependent on machines, which made them ignorant about their past and purpose and thus, we have enabled ourselves to stop being thinkers but to rely others to do it for us. The tree that grows at the end of the movie is described as the same tree near the ant colony in A Bug's Life. 

Here's one Easter Egg that connects Ratatouille and Wall-E. The scooter Skinner used in Ratatouille can be found in the trash pile early in the film.

A Bug's Life (2898) Insects, especially ants, create their own version of a non-human society so far, with cities, cloth-wearing and even their own machines. It is very little to almost no existence of humans or survival anywhere suggesting that the events that took after Wall-E to help rebuild humanity again only worked to a certain extent. The same ant from Wall-E could have reproduced and thus A Bug’s Life is a story told from the ant’s future children.

The truck also appears in "A Bug's Life" as an Easter egg next to a caravan. This caravan is also the same one that appears in "Monsters Inc".

Monsters University and Monsters, Inc. (3100-5201) The animals who lived on Earth gradually mutate due to the radioactive pollution. They evolve into the monsters seen in the Monsters, Inc. franchise. The monsters eventually become the most advanced society in the timeline, with human-like cities, companies and universities. 

(Inside Out part will be updated this week but still hope you enjoyed reading this, anyways!)

Note: This is probably my longest theory yet because the amount of content into this is so vast that I tried to explain it in a more simpler version. But still, I did not come up with this theory! All links are listed above. There is also a book on The Pixar Theory if you really interested about this. Hope you guys enjoy it! Also: this will be the first part of the Disney-Pixar Theory collaboration. The second post will be based on the Disney Theory and the third will be about collaberating them all together and to see if they ALL fit into the same universe. The fourth (but certainly not the least) will be feature a nifty timeable about the Pixar-Disney Theory that I will create and blow your minds. 

Until next time my fellow theorists,

-sexierthanaheartburn

[wionews]

What it means to be a hijra in Bangladesh

“My life is very different from your life”, says Aishwarya, a hijra who survives on money collected by intimidating people at traffic lights and in public parks. Aishwarya is easily distinguishable from the swarm of beggars who wait eagerly at the signals every day. Clad in shades of reds and pinks, with a large bindi on her forehead and kohl smeared eyes, she stands out (not always in a positive way though).

She explains, “I know they (public) mock me, most of them shrug me off but it’s okay. It’s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night.”   Aishwarya lives in Palam in northwest Delhi, a cold locality that looks like a cobweb of gullies, uninhabitable to a stranger’s eye but is home to many like her. She (as she likes to be identified as a woman) is one among many others from the hijra community that mostly feels at odd with the society. Living under the constant scrutiny of the public eye, they feel vulnerable in their own skin. 

I know they mock me, most of them shrug me off but it’s okay. It’s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night.

  ×

The term ‘hijra’ is widely used in South Asia and refers to the transsexual and transgender community. It is derived from Semitic Arabic hjr meaning ‘leaving one’s tribe’ (understood literally as deflecting from the society’s conventions of the body, sex and sexuality). Most members of the community identify themselves as men born with souls of women and owing to their openness about their sexual orientation face marginalisation in every aspect of life.    Guided with an ambition to tell stories of the hijra community, Shahria Sharmin, a photographer from Bangladesh is capturing their emotions and vulnerabilities for the world to see. In an exclusive conversation with Shahria, where she opens up about developing a strong bond with the hijra community, breaking prejudices and the time-consuming process of taking artistically challenging photographs.  

They feel vulnerable in their own skin but are proud of their own bodies, not ashamed like most of us think (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)

×

Shahria narrates her first encounter with the subjects of the photo series titled Call Me Heena: “I have never really physically experienced how it feels to be a part of an actual minority group. I grew up in Bangladesh, as a woman. Sure there are limitations and restrictions which I had abided by but what real struggle can be, when the question of identity and emotions come into the picture, is something I had wondered about and working with the hijra community came from that general curiosity.

"When I started working with the community, after hearing hundreds of stories, similar or otherwise, it became apparent, this is the community which I wanted to focus on and learn about. I also hoped to photograph in a way which represents them as an individual without the obvious superficial biases. That hope and curiosity helped me pursue my project.”

Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Interestingly hijras are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos.

  ×

Belonging from Bangladesh, Shahria, did not always want to be a photographer. She pursued an education in Public Administration from the University of Dhaka and while studying, in several instances she recognised the art of photography. She felt that the medium “enables to tell stories and explore humanity”.

She thus knew that she “had found her path”.

She then graduated in photography from Pathshala South Asian Media Academy, Bangladesh. 

During the early years of her life, she had seen her father taking family photographs. It became a thing in the family for her to take photographs keeping her "two daughters in focal points”. 

Shahria says, “Years later I found myself fascinated with movies. The frames of the films that I studied intrigued me and I wanted to go deeper into the dynamics of frames. Slowly I found that as I move my lens towards a new face, I discover an astonishing new world and that is when I fell in love with photography more deeply and got into the journey of discovering new worlds.”

Fascinated with the world of photographs and narrator’s story behind each photo, she did a three years photography course at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. While studying she had to choose a photography project where she chose to work with Bangladesh’s famed garments factory workers. This changed her life in a way. 

The stigma of expressing one's sexuality

Shahria remembers that while approaching her project honestly, she stumbled upon the hijra community of Bangladesh.

One day I was taking a walk with her and she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me.

  ×

She says, “It was the personality of an individual (named) ‘Nayan’, a transgender garment worker who I accidentally discovered while working. One day I was taking a walk with her and in the course of our conversation, she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me and I started to dig deep into the hijra community, forming deeper connections and solid friendships with them.”

While embarking upon a task to document the lives of a misunderstood community, she witnessed how “they are poorly labeled, with a lower status in the social structure of Bangladesh”.

“They are put in a box marked for invalids. I want to show the person behind that label, the lives and dreams behind those superficial assumptions. Maybe these stories will give them their real identity and some voice, as humans like you and me and not just as the still widely unaccepted third gender”, she adds.

Shumi (left) and Priya’s new life is subject to the rules of a guru – in exchange for a new home (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)

×

Individual governments of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh identify them as the ‘third gender’ or the ‘other gender’ as they are neither fully male nor fully female. But this has happened just recently. Ostracised by the society for a long time, hijras, however, enjoyed a time of reckoning thousands of years ago when they were a part of the close-knit societal structure of Southeast Asian countries.

In ancient Hindu texts such as Mahabharata and Kama Sutra, they are celebrated as third sex. During the rule of Mughal empire, they served as protectors and guards of the women of the royals called “kwaja sera”, meaning guards of the harem. But their status took a hit when during the British rule in India, hijras were deemed as criminals. Due to years of discrimination, most hijras face a low social standing in South Asia. They find claims of equal access to education, healthcare, and employment a sham.    The modern-day India opened its doors for hijras but with a sceptical eye considering their presence auspicious on several occasions like marriages and birth of children. However, with Indian society's evolution and an upscale movement towards urbanisation, hijras find themselves less invited than before.

Kajal and gang are a group of four hijras who stay together at all times. They come in groups asking for money at a popular hangout place in Hauz Khas. She says, “My sisters and I come here every day. Young couples come to this fort to spend some time together and end up giving us money. I don’t harass, no. It’s easy to be preachy but difficult to step in my shoes. Don’t say that I sell my body or use it to make money. What alternative do I have? My sisters have tried getting employment, nobody hires us but.” 

But it’s not just so in the Indian context. 

Shahria who took the time to live the life of an average hijra, reiterates, “There is definitely a strong negative connotation to the word hijra in the Bangladeshi community but I wouldn’t call it utter discrimination. They are now officially considered as the third gender. However, they are yet to be given due rights. They are still subjected to strong prejudice and stereotyping.

"Bangladesh is generally considered a friendly and hospitable country where all religions are welcomed. I would say our problem with discrimination and negligence is as prominent as the next country. There isn’t a specific formula that would make this discrimination go away but the first step towards it would be to facilitate their rights from the state, including, but not limited to voting rights, a social ID, medical facilities, education and public safety. This would be the first step towards treating them the same way as the next person.” 

Heena (51): “I feel like a mermaid. My body tells me I am a man and my soul tells me I am a woman” (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)

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As a photographer, Shahria feels that “meeting new people, approaching the unknown and their responses varying between rejections and acceptances” is the most challenging aspect of her profession. Like every other work, she made a point to get familiar with her subjects before capturing them in her camera.    Shahria explains, “Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Normally I spend a considerable time with a particular subject and most of the times I don’t even shoot. I hang around with them for the whole day, have meals with them. Interestingly hijras are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos. Trust level evolved when we argued and justified different social issues. I tried to identify with their values. Slowly, I tried to figure out what expressions they wanted to share with others and in what form.   “Normally I would discuss with them about the photograph I wanted to take and the way I would like to represent (them) to others. In most of the cases, they gave me some ideas or guidelines as to how they would like to be represented. I never noticed much anxiety among them for the way of their representation, rather I found them quite confident on what they are looking for. I did not deviate from their intentions. I had proven (myself) as a trustworthy person among their community.”

Tina (21): “I am giving an exam. I don’t know what the result will be…” (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)

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Shahria says, “Amidst all hate and rejection from the society, hijras have happened to make a fruitful life out of what little they have and to me, this is what makes them unique. Perhaps media perceives them through a different lens because of this very reason. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. They are unique in their own way and that what makes them so beautiful, inside and out. This is what I try to portray through my photos.  

“It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy. Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won’t accept them? What exactly is ‘normal’? Perhaps they are just reaching out.

  ×

On my question of why all photos of hijras are centred around the body and are always seeking empathy from the public eye, Shahria speaks with a hint of defence, “It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy from the audience. They like to think they can live a self-sufficient life just like anyone else. Because they didn’t exactly fit into the very specific gender expectation, they are most often subjected to strong stereotyping. Why are they expected to act normal when they don’t receive the same rights? Medical facilities? Safety? Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won’t accept them? What exactly is ‘normal’? When we are photographing them, perhaps their act of reaching out is often mistaken for them seeking empathy.”

On another note, she mentions that she is the narrator of the story. She says, “I never had them click themselves. Perhaps it would have been a completely different perspective. However, I never clicked the pictures without a reason or a story. I spent a day or two with them without my camera, getting to know them, feel them and once I thought I had done so, I presented them in a way that they I thought they would embody themselves through the pictures. It was a mutual understanding.”

Breaking myths, Shahria says, “It might appear they hide their body because society expected them to be and act a particular way. They don’t exactly fit into the strict formula that society has created for each gender. I would say they wish not to hide but celebrate their body. They are forced to act like something they are not simply to be recognised worthy or capable by the society. 

Hijras typically dress like women, but no physical transition or change is required to be inducted into the community. In fact, many identify as neither men nor women, but rather as a “third gender,” a status that has received legal recognition in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Shahria does not expect things to change overnight but is hopeful that people would start responding to her photograph and the subsequently the community in due time. She adds, “I believe we know what we have to know about them but we simply choose to ignore it, because of our convenience. We are too selfish to step outside our box and celebrate changes.”   

(WION)

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Public Schools in Need of Prayer and Missionaries

"I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt." - Martin Luther

1. In Need of Prayer

Since 1962 the Supreme Court is heading down this culturally corrosive anti-prayer path. Among others, the High School sports events have been on target. Those events usually start with the national anthem and then a prayer that goes over the loudspeakers. These invocations to Almighty God often include a supplication for fair sportsmanship. This truly is needed in today's corrupt, money-mad world of sports.

The author gladly remembers a High School football game in Westmoreland, TN. It was the first football game I ever attended. It was a wonderful thing and, most of all, I appreciate that they still kept praying. My spirit was moved when I heard people pray and saw the football players bow their head. This is the way it ought to be. NO PRAY, NO PLAY!

The hypocrisy of the Supreme Court's anti-prayer obsession becomes apparent when it is compared to the court's approval of many anti-biblical and morally depraved school policies. That point was underscored on September 1st when, prior to the school's first home football game of the season, Principal Jody McLoud of ROANE COUNTY PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL in KINGSTON, TENNESSEE, read a brief statement over the public address system. Here is what he had to say:

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an alternate lifestyle and if someone is offended, that's okay. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and call it safe sex. If someone is offended, that's okay. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem. I can designate a school day as earth day and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess, Mother Earth, and call it ecology. I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classrooms that depict people with strong, traditional, Christian convictions as simple-minded and ignorant and call it enlightenment. However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God and ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, Federal Case Law is violated/ This appears to be at best, inconsistent and at worst, hypocritical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and everyone except God and His Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be, at best, inconsistent and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall, "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law yet."

Principal McLoud aptly summarized the dilemma that he and other educators face as they strive to cope with the increasingly anti-Christian tropism of our government schools. Asked about the response to his comments, he said that most of those in attendance, including members of both teams, "were appreciative, and... responded with applause." Asked if there were any boos, he recalled, "No. None whatsoever," adding that the "responses that I've gotten from all over the country... have been overwhelmingly positive." Indeed, of the 300-500 communications he had received, only four or five were negative in tone..

The New School Prayer

Now I sit me down in school where praying is against the rule. For this great nation under God finds mention of Him very odd. If Scripture now the class recites, it violates the Bill of Rights. And anytime my head I bow becomes a Federal matter now. Our hair can be purple, orange or green, that's no offense; it's a freedom scene. The law is specific, the law is precise. Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice. For praying in a public hall, might offend someone with no faith at all. In silence alone we must meditate, God's name is prohibited by the state. We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks. They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible. To quote the Good Book makes me liable. We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, and the 'unwed daddy' our Senior King. It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong. We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong. We can get our condoms and birth control, study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles. But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, it's scary here I must confess, when chaos reigns the school's a mess. So, Lord, this silent plea I make: Should I be shot; My soul please take! Amen!

Author Unknown

2. In Need of Missionaries

If God calls missionaries to far away countries, do you think He is unable to send a missionary to a public school in the US? I would like to ask every Christian school student: Have you been born again? If you have been born again, has the Lord ever put on your heart to take a stand for Him at school? Is the Lord calling you to be an ambassador for Christ at your school?

While many Christian families homeschool their children, there are still many Christian students in public school. Those should think of themselves as "Missionaries to the Public School Systems". They can use class discussions to proclaim Biblical views. They can use debate classes to speak up for Christ, for the word of God, etc. That what Apollos did in Acts 18:24-28. They can use writing assignments to research subjects according to the Bible and back it up with data from Christian publications, organizations, etc. If you are a student at a public school, have you ever prayed and asked the Lord for wisdom how to turn a situation in school into a witnessing opportunity? You can witness in so many ways! Here are some suggestions:

Modest apparel.

You can already witness for Christ with the way you dress. In schools many teenagers dress in very worldly and lust-provoking ways. They are addicted to brand-name clothes. Their hair looks untidy and weird. If you, as a child of God, come to school in a clean and modest appearance, they will know the difference. Click here to read up on modest apparel. It doesn't matter whether your school has a dress code or not. The Bible has a dress code. As a guideline I give you the dress code of a church camp. "No shorts anytime. Boys must wear decent pants and shirts. Girls must wear modest dresses or skirts (below the knee). No sleeveless tops, no jeans, no inappropriate slits, no tight fits. For appropriate activities, boys may wear sweatpants and girls may wear below the knee culottes, capris, or wind pants."

Teach your teacher!

Public schools are full of wrong or antichristian teachings. As a Christian you know that you don't really have to pay attention to evolution, sex education or attempts to rewrite America's history and strip it from Christian heritage. First of all, when it comes to sex education, try to leave the class. Walk out. It is offensive, wicked, opposed to your belief in chastity, temperance and marriage. Provide other students with tracts or information material that gives the Biblical perspective on that issue. Be prepared to stand up and tell your teacher that you disagree with him. Be ready to give him an answer. Read 1 Peter 3:15! Yes, you can teach your teacher. The teacher is not an all-wise god. He is only human. Modern public school teachers are often leaning toward the left, toward liberalism and through the NEA they are indoctrinated in radical antichristian thought.

Assignment: Read Psalm 119:97-104. Question: What does it say about your teacher when it comes to Bible issues?

Your answer: ________________________________

Here is a situation I faced in my school. The teacher gave us a text with a news report. The news report was about a conservative politician who compared the number of abortions with the Holocaust. As a politically correct teacher he was outraged by the article and our homework was to write a comment about the politician's "inappropriate" statement. So when I was home I grabbed some pro-life literature I got earlier from a Christian ministry and wrote an essay that gives the exact numbers of aborted babies in the US since 1973. I described the brutal procedure of abortions in detail. I added pictures of aborted babies. I closed with the statement that I fully support the politician's statement because of the evidence I provided. I gave a short statement about legislative work to put an end to legalized abortion on demand. The number of US abortions outreach the number of Holocaust victims by far. I got to read my homework in school. The teacher was outraged and flabbergasted because I presented the Christian pro-life perspective. I backed it up with scripture, evidence and photos! That was powerful! I hope you get many opportunities like that!

Exposing Evolution

You can really start teaching your teacher and classmates when it comes to evolution. If you are saved and live a Christian life, you have come to believe in the Biblical account of creation. No amount of public school teaching can change you, influence you or get you to change your mind. Your primary allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Not to public school. You have come to put more confidence in your pastor than in your teacher. I was really blessed by a gospel tract that tells about a professor who thought we came from monkeys, until a student proved evolution was a lie. That student can be YOU. That tract is available here: Big Daddy, Jack Chick.

Here are some other suggestions for student missionaries to public schools:

Invite students to meetings at your church.

Give students and teachers gospel tracts.

Stay away from bad people. Turn away. Don't listen to them.

Don't be forced into a clique. Resist group or peer pressure. Be independent. Dare to be different. As Christians we are separated.

Stay away from the drug, rock and rap subculture. Iwould rather listen to the roar of a jet engine than worldly music. If someone were to offer me drugs, I'd turn the person immediately over to the police. I never had one desirem craving or not the least thought of getting into that. I just said NO just like former President Reagan suggested.

Refuse to participate in occult activities such as meditation, yoga, etc.

Make your local church a priority. Not school clubs, associations, etc. All this is for selfish vainglory anyway.

Christians do not participate nor endorse such foolish school activities such as dance, cheerleading, dating, making an idol out of sports, etc. That's not what it's about. You live for Jesus and all you do at school is learn. The rest is a waste of time.

When students can suggest what kind of books can be read during lessons, suggest Christian books. Same goes for music!

If you can, eat breakfast & lunch at home. We don't need to be locked up in a school compound all day like a bunker.

When you can choose a destination for a field trip, suggest a Christian monument or historic site.

Tell other students or teachers about this website.

Remember the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23. Let the other students pick some fruit off you. The fruit of the Spirit are not only for you to enjoy, but mainly for the Lord and for others around you.

If you are not busy (maybe because a class was cancelled) use the time to study your Bible.

Use writing assignments to refine your Christian writing skills. Use your pen as a sharp sword of truth. Eph. 6:18. If you have to make a speech, speak up for Jesus.

In history classes, try to point to quotes from America's founders that profess faith in God.

Join the work of Child Evangelism Fellowship or Good News Club and other school based discipleship groups.

Create a demand for righteousness. Bringing prayer and Bible reading is not a demand of right-wing politicians. You the student must demand it urgently and persistenly and consistently. You want to see fellow students saved and get out of the worldliness. You demand school prayer. You demand creation. You demand intelligent design. You demand abstinence education. It's a marketplace of ideas controlled by supply and demand. Are you demanding the things of God?

And if you ever need to use a Webster's dictionary at school, I suggest you use the original Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary which has its definitions taken from a Biblical worldview. Today's dictionaries are from a humanistic standpoint. It really helps define words for their real meaning. That might be crucial in school. Try to get this dictionary: Webster's 1828 dictionary.

These are just a few suggestions of what a missionary to the public schools can do. If you are prayerful, you might find many, many more suggestions. Parents, churches and Christian organizations and ministries try to change schools, but as of now there is an antichristian onslaught in America's public schools. The examples are too numerous to mention. The free expression of faith is being suppressed. But the real key to impacting the schools for Christ is the student. The Christian student who will no longer compromise. The Christian student who will take a stand. The Christian student who wants to be a warrior for Christ rather than a wimp. The Christian student who will say goodbye to dead Sunday-morning churchianity, but will rather live for the Lord seriously 24/7 with the word of God as his final authority. The Christian student who will not allow himself to be brought under the power of liberal lies, secularism, humanistic deception and wicked peer pressure. It's all about putting Christ first!

Dear Christian student,

is the Lord calling you to the mission field of America's public school system? If Christ really lives within you, then He goes with you when you go to school every morning. Go into all the world and preach the gospel unto every creature. Have you ever prayed for the mission field of the public schools? You don't have to go to China, India or Malawi. You might have to go to your school and introduce Christ to the multitudes of the lost students and teachers. Rescue the perishing! How will you answer the call?

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