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ellas-journey · 2 years ago

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Into the Pure Land 🪷

Buddhism was introduced during the 6th century in Japan. It was an Indian religion based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama. The teachings soon spread into other parts on the land, and particularly in China had a great adherence that resulted in an evolution in the research and practiced of the religion. “The study of buddhism over the past century or so has resemble the encounter of the blind men and the elephant in many ways. Students of Buddhism have tended to fasten onto a small part of the tradition and assume their conclusions held true about the whole”- Keown, 2000 When the Japanese looked at the continent, they saw a civilisation that had a centralised government, and they wanted the same, but for that the introduction of a new religion was needed since politics was still extremely related with the government. But they had a problem: the power basis in which the imperial family laid was based in a religion itself, and so introducing a new religion could be dangerous to their power. Taking things with a grain of salt, the imperial household would allow religious liberty so that Buddhism would naturally spread in the territory and even more naturally they could use the Buddhist rules without destroying the whole narrative that they had built where the imperial family were the living descendants of Amaterasu. But conflicts would arise (like they always do when religion is the topic let’s be honest) between the Shintoism forces and Buddhist forces. While the Shintoism forces gain momentarily, the Buddhist will counterattack and in 587 the Chinese administrative model is implemented. The learning of the Chinese ways was not with in intent of transform Japan into a new China, but to utilize this new knowledge knowing what would make the country better - it’s the filtering of knowledge [and as we now know this will happen a lot throughout the history of Japan]. It's also the time where the name of the country changes from Yamato to Nihon - the country of the rising sun.

When we talk about Japanese Buddhism one figure comes to mind: Prince Shotoko, a figure that studied the Buddhism, Korean culture, and Confucianism [a reminder that most of the times, Chinese culture arrived in Japan through Korea] Prince Shotoko would end being the one in charge of the introduction of buddhism, meaning the introduction of religious sects or the law and court changes, and, thanks to that he would end up becoming venerable person himself. But Buddhism would soon turn out to start to have a social function. Noble families would start to build temples, and to alleviate family tensions while the heir would go on to inherit the household, the 2nd son, most of the times, would be send to temples (sounds familiar? Yes that was what happen to the Tsugikuni twins). And soon the ones that led the temples would also lead the political power. Buddhism would soon turn out to be a means to and end and the political power would be the wanted end. An as we talked about in the timeline, the Heian period would cut ties with the religious sects, and more simple Buddhists ways that were open to all became predominant. In beginning the Pure Land Buddhism was not seem as a religious cult, more like an association with the ancestor’s cult that are so important to the Japanese as we have seen in the ideas of afterlife. "Although Buddhist scholastic discourse held that the Pure Land was a realm existing beyond the world of transmigration, at this early stage was simply understood as a pleasant abode of the dead." - Rhodes, 2006 The Pure Land Buddhism would preach that by being mindful of Amida Buddha the chance of rebirth on the pure land would increase. There was 2 important texts Ojoyoshu written by Genshin (again, the monk not the game) and Gokuraku-ki written by Yoshishige no Yasutane. Genshin like many in his time thought that the age of the Last Dharma was arriving [for context the Buddhist timeline said that after Buddha's nirvana the times would be divided in 3 times: the true dharma - the golden age of Buddhism teachings - semblance dharma - the world would increasingly become corrupt - and the latter dharma - the world's condition was so poor that only buddha's teachings would remained but no enlightenment would be possible], he would argue that since the world was deteriorating it was extremely difficult to gain liberation from the cycle of transmigration by practicing the traditional Tendai way, so one could seek salvation into Amida Buddha's Pure Land. Genshin goes on to say that the Six paths of rebirth [Hell, starving ghosts, beasts, Ashuras [Titans], Humans, and Heavenly beings] are always a troubled way the only way one could seek peace is attaining rebirth in the Pure Land. And how could one obtain the rebirth into the Pure Land? By practicing the Nembutsu. He describes the Nembutsu as a practise of visualizing the figure of Amida Buddha. This would be divided into the Mental Nembutsu and Vocal Nembutsu. Mental Nembutsu would refer to meditation and the visualization of Buddha. Those incapable of visualizing his marks can try his tuft of hair between the eyebrows. (yes the dot) But for those that cannot visualize anything it was recommended the Vocal Nembutsu that would refer to the practice of recitation of the formula "Namu Amida Butsu" (Yes the sentence that the rock hashira Gyomei Himejima choose to say to focus, which again, makes sense since he was a Buddhist priest) where gradually one would focus one mind on Amidah and eventually embark on the practice of the meditative nembutsu. "Both types of nembutsu, meditative and vocal, result in three kinds of benefits: (1) the eradication of evil karma created over the course of countless past lifetimes which keeps one bound to the cycle of transmigration, (2) the attainment of good karmic roots leading to awakening, and (3) the ability to remain mindful of Amida Buddha at the moment of death (..)" - Rhodes, 2006

According to one of the main texts even a person that had committed the Five Heinous Crimes [01 - Killing one's mother; 02- Killing one's father; 03 - Killing a saint; 04 - to wound the body of a Buddha; 05 - to destroy the harmony of the sangha] could be born in the Pure Land by calling the Namu Amida Butsu, and this would obviously cause problems for the rules cause people would start to cause trouble. Gokuraku-ki is compilation of bibliographic narratives of various people that are believed to have obtained the rebirth in the Pure Land. Things varied but in common have the rightmost behaviour of oneself. What was trying to be said was that everyone could achieve que pure land, the things that were needed were a righteous personality, and be mindful of Amida Buddha in the end. And in Demon Slayer the influences of the teachings of the Pure Land Buddhism are quite obvious ether from the fact that Gyomei Himejima was a monk or Genya also chanting the Nembutsu, the rebirth teories (already explain in more detail in other post) or the over all philophy of doing what is right.

KEOWN, Damien, 2000 – Buddhism: a very short intrudution. Oxford. Oxford University Press. [Ebook]; Linfamy. 2022 - The Revolutionary Origins of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan | History of Japan 80. [Consulted on the 17 of June 2023] Availatble on <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUG4ifeWzTk>; RHODES, Robert F. 2006 - The Biginning of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan: From its introdution through the Nara Period. Japanese Religions, Vol.31 (1): 1-22. Nanzan University; RHODES, Rober F. 2007 - Ojoyoshu, Nihon Ojo Gokuraku-ki nad the Construction of Pure Land Discourse in Heian Japan. Japanese Journal of Religious studies 34/2: 249-270. Nanzan Institute for Religions and culture;

#demon slayer #demon slayer from history to fantasy #demonslayerfromhistorytofantasy #history #demon slayer history #history research #japanese history #kimetsu no yaiba #research #buddhism #pure land buddhism #gyomei himejima

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rosedosed · 2 years ago

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🌻 🌻 🌻 !!!!!

HIIII HI HI THANK YOUU 🥰

1. There’s Talks about two friends and me moving in together and though I’m a little careful (I’ve seen many friendships torn apart after becoming roomies) I’m CAUTIOUSLY VERY EXCITED!! I currently live in a small studio apartment with very little interaction between the housemates and I love a little personal space but Bro I Miss being having roommates. I don’t mind getting most of my social kicks from going out and meeting people but going on holiday I’m always hit with how pleasant it is to live with a whole bunch of friends around me at all times.

2. Jumping off 1^, I’ve also noticed I benefit a lot from having people around me as an artist. Art and writing (my big passions) are incredible but they’re also very SOLITARY experiences. I’ve noticed that many artist-influencers (especially on tiktok) are really good at editing their videos to make it seem like art is a quick, fun, relaxing and social process, but in practice art-creation takes fucking hours and usually those hours are spent in isolation. As much as I want to draw for the rest of my life, I notice that sitting hunched over a tablet for half a day without having people around me to pull me back to earth when I get too lost in the sauce just isn’t super good for my mental health, so I cannot wait to move into a home with palz and Exist & do Art Together

3. Now that I’m already monologuing lets make it 3/3; I notice that many artists stop drawing as much as soon as they leave high-school/adolescence. This is super understandable (adult life is busy as hell) but many of them (me included) are a little sad about it. Here’s what I’ve done to remedy this a little bit & keep drawing consistently as an adult;

Figure out why art appeals to you, figure out why you gravitated towards art, why you need it, and then listen to that need. If you create art to tell stories; tell stories. If you create art to make money; sell merch or take commissions. If you create art purely for yourself; DO THAT. If you wanna retain a hobby make sure you still do it for you. And if you find out that you don’t really feel the need to create art anymore don’t you dare resent yourself for it that’s fine. You’re not defined by what you create, you’re defined by what drives you & if creating art doesn’t drive you that’s totally fine you can do whatever you want forever! 💖

Find your Artist Identity Sweet Spot. I, for example, don’t find the life of a full-time freelance artist appealing. It sounds stressful and not suited to my needs, that’s why I combine it with two other part-time jobs and never refer to myself as an artist in a commercial way. What’s more, I try to make space for art as a social activity to meet my extroverted needs. Live drawing! Collaborations! Art-dates! Figure drawing! The lifestyle of the solemn solitary artist just doesn’t suit my golden retriever ass no matter how much I thought it had to, and the sooner I figured that out the sooner I could work to fit art into my life more comfortably. Don’t try to fit some arbitrary artist mold. It doesn’t exist and it’s only gonna make you sad. There is no The Artist, there is only YOU; THE ARTIST.

Speaking of you; draw for YOU I cannot overstate this enough. Appeal to YOURSELF and you’ll always have an audience. Cringe culture is FAKE. Online art discourse is a BLACK VORTEX. Following your passions is BASED and you have to do it RIGHT NOW. I’ve been unabashedly drawing SELF-INDULGENT TTRPG CONTENT for an audience of 7 for the past 2 years and I’m so in my own front-seat about it. I’m much happier than I was trying to appeal to ppl who only appreciated my art when I deliberately tried to cater to them. I promise; if you feel like people’s expectations are limiting you in what you truly want to do; there’s people out there who will truly appreciate your work and trying to cater to those who don’t is only gonna piss you off in the long run. Draw whatever makes you happy I don’t give a fuck what it is as long as it makes you happy.

Sorry for talking so much here’s a picture of a mural I saw yesterday

#answers #cluusheen #idk where this RANT came from SOREY

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elllteo · 2 years ago

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Big List of Places to Post Art (That aren't twitter or insta or tumblr):

Sourced from one lil art freak who loves jumping between one million ships.

Hi! I have been on almost every conceivable art sharing website that has any credibility, and some that certainly don't. Here's a non-comprehensive list of the ones I've at least HEARD of, starting with ones I know well at the top and working our way down.

Quick note: These are just alternatives! I definitely do still use Tumblr and Twitter to post art, but these are ones I've had mixed successes with. Hopefully there's something here for everyone to poke around with. You have options!!

Artfol (Mobile + Web, in beta but Solid):

Artfol is very similar in function to Instagram but like, nice. Genuinely kinda nice. Very art and oc focused, just kind of pleasant to post to? Not much by way of solid communities, but there's "Community Challenges" you can participate in (think DTIYS stuff but under a whole tab you can poke through and take part in) and you can even host your own challenges at any time. Supports a commissions tab, heavily leans towards Visual Arts (so writing and music and other things aren't possible to really share). Explicit art isn't allowed (thanks to the apple app store) but suggestive art is.

Bluesky (Mobile + Web, In Beta, Need a code, Twitter clone and Solid):

Bluesky (aka "Wow, I can't believe it's not Twitter!") is the most popular twitter clone so far and it's a very solid social and art sharing platform. You need an invite code to get in, so far, but every person currently there generates one code a week and I've seen lots of threads on twitter and elsewhere sharing codes to get more artists on there.

You can create and curate specific feeds using keywords and phrases - and you can follow other peoples feeds (so, say you make an art only feed, or a sketch only feed, people who want to follow JUST that can follow those!) and they're still developing better ways to let people tag and curate their experience. Big bonus is that NSFW IS ALLOWED HERE, and they have self tagging options. HASHTAGS ALSO MATTER. They help people find you!

(More below the cut! VVVV)

Mastodon.ART (Web + 3rd party apps):

Mastodon.art (not to be confused with any other instance like Mastodon.social) is an Art-themed social media site that you may or may not heard of. There's a lot of discourse over how confusing it can be - it truly feels like the Linux of social media - but in my experience if you take the time to get to know it, it can be very nice and rewarding to post to! Community is big here so interacting with other artists is not only encouraged, its really the only way to feel at home here.

There's plenty of guides on how Mastodon works - you can even host your own if you don't like how Mastodon.art is run. Frankly, there's plenty of art sharing sites hosted via Mastodon, so if the rules and regulations of .art isn't to your liking, you may find a different one that is. Shop around and find a community that sounds right for YOU!

Cohost (Web):

Cohost is like tumblr but you can post NSFW, LMAO. It's still being worked on by a dedicated and nice team. They seem very transparent and post good updates. I've liked what I've seen so far, though there's not nearly enough people on here for me to use it as much as I'd like to. So get on here!!! Please. I'm begging lmao.

A significant factor is that NSFW is allowed here and there's a lot of nsfw artists using it for that purpose. This isn't inherently bad, but is worth knowing!

Inkblot (Mobile, I cannot recommend Web, at all):

Inkblot is like an alternative to Deviantart and got a big push for a while after Sheezy.art went down and Buzzly.art also tanked while Twitter simultaneously shat the bed. It's fine in the app, but the website is bad. Like it is genuinely impossible to use consistently bad. The app has ads, it is a small start up team, but the team seems dedicated and posts updates and has an active roadmap.

I do not find myself using this one at all, purely because it's very clunky, but I know several other artists who do. The potential is there; There's comic support which is rad and lots of tagging features, but it all depends on if you're willing to stick it out and see.

Honorable(?) Mentions:

Itaku - Mostly furry art at this point, I'm not sure if that was the original point but that's what it's become. I have no experience with it, I just know it exists and people use it.

Pillowfort - Another tumblr clone, has dedicated groups to post art to depending on themes, you can do a lot here but the times I've tried to use it, it felt awkward and a little empty. There may be more people using it by now, though!

Furaffinity - I mean. Yeah. You know what this is and if you don't, well. Furries do.

Artistree.io - Purely a commissions selling platform, not social media. Still worth a mention, I have little to no experience with it, but they do not take a cut.

VGen - Similar to artistree but is in Beta, mostly geared towards Vtubers, illustrators, etc with that similar thematic style.

Toyhou.se - Character repository. Great for uploading characters and any art or story writing you do for them - the community can be. Wack. Not exactly an art sharing platform per se, but great for hosting your oc galleries if that's your thing. Customizable profiles is a plus.

CharacterHub - Not sure how I feel about this one. Alternative to Toyhouse but they have a weird beta thing in place and are "only inviting the best artists/story writers to keep community quality high" and while I was invited, and the site has fascinating features, I am REALLY not a fan of that ethos. Hard to find info but if you have questions feel free to ask and I can try to find out for you!

------

I hope this list is helpful for people!! There's a ton of micro art communities on discord, too, if you look around and reach out. The biggest thing I recommend if you're trying to move away from Twitter/Tumblr/Insta/Etc is not just posting on new sites, but interacting with the people already there. I know that sounds really obvious, but the biggest thing I see artists struggling with on new sites is building up that first few follows.

Don't focus on follows, focus on the community you want to be a part of. The follows happen more naturally from there, and it feels good to interact with other peers and make friends that way!

Also, for funs, My links + Art

My Artfol || My Bluesky

what social media platforms do you recommend to other artists? Personally, I'm liking Tumblr and that's about it lol. The IG/Twitter algorithm is really tricky for me personally

Feel free to share your socials below so we can connect as well! Mine are: IG, Twitter, this Tumblr lol

#resources #art sites #community talk #art help #idk what to tag this lmao #long post #I have been on sooooo many websites many of which are already defunct LMAO #Feel free to ask questions!! If I don't immediately know I can still probably find out :]#artists on tumblr #discussion #community

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silenthillmutual · 2 years ago

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i keep starting writing something and then deleting it but the tl;dr is that i have not always been the most pleasant person to be around online. i'm aware of this. it is something i am actively working on. thank you for your patience & understanding.

[longer version of my musings under the cut]

i don't remember who all i've been rude to, and most of the people i've been rude to i honestly feel too embarrassed to talk to about my behavior. i also can't remember how much of what i've said and thought has been private and how much has been public. i generally try not to blame my problems on my disorders, but a lot of my behavior was because i was untreated for bipolar disorder.

now that i'm both medicated & in therapy, i'm finding better coping skills. sometimes this means having private spaces to vent, because we all need to be a petty bitch sometimes; and sometimes this means disengaging altogether. for the latter, this means i am not going to have a block list anymore. i don't care if someone else has one. i have not kept up with it for probably a year now. it's not good for my mental health.

i am going to be making an effort to stay out of discourse because the black & white thinking is genuinely bad for my mental health.

if i have done something to upset anyone reading this, i'm sorry. i am open to talking about it and apologizing better. i want to work toward being a better & kinder person.

thanks.

#icarus.txt #this mostly pertains to a specific fandom but.#i'm gonna carry this going forward.

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thestalwartheart · 3 years ago

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I’m so glad my first ask kicked up such good discourse about Bond’s character. And I agree with all of them, Bond is a very multifaceted character and it’s very difficult to try to reign him in with just one interpretation.

My take on a dark!bond is very much still a personal preference and I’m (unfortunately) inclined to it but in more general aspects, I’d like to add that whether or not Bond is a “good” person will always in some way capacity be hindered by his trauma and chronic lack of trust. He’s very uncooperative when it comes to his mental well being and I think, to him, that’s probably half of what makes him dangerous in the field so he doesn’t do anything about it (now there’s a discussion about MI6 and their unwillingness to help with the mental upkeep of their agents to be had but maybe for another time). I think his deliberating mental aptitudes is the main reason I still don’t think his relationships can ever be wholly pleasant. He’s completely cut himself to humanity in some ways (and reality by extension) so him being in a relationship with Q or Vesper or Madeline should reflect that (in my mind at least). And I think the movies did a good enough job of doing that but whether he can rectify that’s trait of his or not is kind of up in there. I guess that’s where fanfiction comes in.

Additionally, as some have already said, there’s no way to definitely determine Bond’s moral character but his desire to be better (and unwillingness to do so by himself) is probably the most clear look into his psyche and what that means to a writer is all up to said writer.

Honestly I don’t think I have much left to add to this discourse because everyone else has already left such insightful comments. So I think I should stop harping on Bond’s character and start harping on Q’s: There’s a lot of discrepancies in Q’s characterization in fandom and I think that’s due in great part to the movies being unable to decide on his character. Generally, I don’t think Q can ever be “out of character” because there’s hardly enough of a character to out of. In some ways that’s a good thing, and in some ways it’s frustrating. But as always, this is just an opinion, do with it what you will ;)

Thank you for that first ask! It's led to some truly amazing discussions!! If only I was as committed to finishing some of my WIPs as I am to getting through my asks 😂

There's no 'unfortunately' about you enjoying something! I suppose it's only unfortunate if you can't find the content you like, but then I suppose there's a joy in writing it yourself 💕 If there are any fics that you think explore Bond's relationships/psyche well, feel free to ping them into my inbox anonymously if you're not comfortable putting them into the replies!

After I get at least eight hours of sleep, I'll be so ready to have that discussion about MI6 and their unwillingness to help with the mental upkeep of their agents, because I think it's such a crucial point for understanding not only Bond, but M and Moneypenny. I've also explored it in one of my Q-centric fics.

I think I've ranted enough about Bond and his relationships tonight 😂 so I'll move onto this great point:

Generally, I don’t think Q can ever be “out of character” because there’s hardly enough of a character to out of.

There's so little we know about him in canon (and that we're never likely to find out). What did he do before MI6? Does he have a military background like Boothroyd? What does he actually specialise in? Does he build all his tech or does he delegate? Does he have any friends? Parents? How did he come to end up at MI6? It's all up for interpretation. For me, the core part of him is a kind of arrogance, met with a real concern and care for the people he works with. He is, after all, a man who builds exceptional, personalised deadly weaponry, but then goes home and plants a big ol' kiss to his cats when he picks them up 🥲

Thank you for another thoughtful ask!

#ask box #unpopular opinions

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mcmoth · 4 years ago

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Dream SMP fandom etiquette

So. This post is probably too little, too late, considering the fandom and the issues I'm about to talk about have existed for so long now, and a lot of the people who need to hear this probably aren't on tumblr anyways, but I just wanted to dedicate a quick post to talk about fandom etiquette. Mostly pertaining to discourse, and interactions with people outside of our circle. These are just going to be my own personal thoughts, of course, but I felt it could be good to bring some of this to attention. So without further introduction:

Where to (not) talk about discourse:

Don't go into other streamer's vods to only focus about a different character. If you want to analyse, for example, c!Techno, do it in Techno's stream. Don't go into unrelated streams, like Tommy's, Tubbo's etc. to do it, even if they were a part of the event in question. This is, of course, with the exception if the character in question didn't stream their own pov. But otherwise, stay in your own space. This is to prevent cluttering a streamer's comments about unrelated discussion. To give further example: Tubbo's vod comments should primarily focus on Tubbo's character. Not Tommy's, Ranboo's, Techno's or whoever else's.

Don't start discourse in the comments of animatics. Seriously, stop that. Animatics aren't discussion boards. The comments are there to analyse and appreciate the video presented, not argue. It's especially rude if you pick a small detail, that wasn't even the focus of the animatic, or even a completely unrelated issue to rant out your frustrations about. To give examples: starting disc discourse in an animatic of Tommy talking to Wilbur, or rambling about how tragic Techno's character is in an animatic focused on clingy duo, etc.

This applies to fan songs as well.

Video essays are the exception to these rules. I think it's safe to say they're the place to bring your hot takes, if you really feel so inclined to argue in youtube comment sections (Though I'd personally advise to still keep the topic relevant).

Keep negativity out of fanfic comments. This isn't nearly as big of an issue as the last points, but I've seen it happen a couple times, so I'm deciding to mention it. Fanfics are written for fun. Even if you disagree with the characterisation or something else, unless the author is clear in accepting critique, keep criticism to yourself. And definitely don't rant about how you dislike a character unrelated to the fanfic. Sharing your thoughts on the fanfic itself is of course fine and welcomed, but when it turns from discussing the author's story to talking about how you dislike a character in canon, that's when it crosses a line. Example: comment talking about what you don't like about c!Tommy on a Bench Trio fanfiction.

When commenting on art, keep the feedback positive. Even if you dislike any presented character, keep that to yourself. Example: Don't say things like "I hate x character, but this art is good". You might think the author would feel honoured, but it's actually just hurtful.

How to deal with discourse:

This is gonna be a shorter section, because I think we all chose to do it in different ways, and that's valid. Also, it's just that I, myself, am still learning how to do this well, but I thought it could be good to try to lay it out anyways.

Try to scroll past takes you disagree with instead of arguing if you don't think you'd be able to keep your cool. Noone likes a random person yelling at them through a screen, and if you rant, you'll get an equally frustrated reply back, and noone will be happy. Either explain your point in a calm manner, or scroll past/ unfollow/block.

On the keeping cool thing, remember to just step away. Take a deep breath and calm yourself down before proceeding. To minimize the frustration you feel on a daily basis, filter tags, block people, avoid videos and youtube comment sections that you know will upset you, and leave certain internet spaces if you find yourself unable to escape negativity even with all those steps. Remember: in the end, it's all a game played by friends, a story, and your enjoyment of it lies in what you take from it. Abandon what makes you unhappy. Marie Kondo your fandom experience.

Also, here's your reminder, to whom this is relevant, to take care of yourself. Hydrate, eat, sleep, clean up, get fresh air, remember the things outside of all this. There's plenty to do outside of this fandom, and what you can do here can wait. There is no pressure, or obligation. Not for the content you create, not for the discussions you bring, not for responding to discourse, not for anything. Fandom is meant purely for fun, so take care <3

Interacting with people outside of the fandom:

This is something that I've seen a bit of talk about, and I thought I'd drop in my own thoughts on this as well. No matter the differences, we're all just trying to vibe, and I think these are important things to keep in mind to leave both sides better off:

Don't interact with hate posts. Just don't. You don't want to see them, they don't want to see you. Even if your response is lighthearted, their animosity is not. They will feel frustrated regardless, and the grudge will only grow. And if they're being agressive, calm discussion most likely won't happen even if you're being polite. Just leave it, please.

Correct misinformation calmly. I completely get how it can be frustrating to see blatant lies and all, but with our reputation, people will not listen if you're being antagonistic. Provide sources, explain, and leave it at that.

Don't be hateful, send death threats, or assume privilege or whatever else. That's stepping into the same shoes of the people you hate. Misunderstandings go both ways, and the fact of the matter is, I think most people who dislike DSMP, even the ones who are agressive about it, don't have their stance rooted in maliciousness. To expand on why the situation became what it is today, taken from a discussion on discord:

I think it's just a combination of Dream growing so insanely quickly + how internet spaces have changed over the years. When ccs like jackstepticeye or pewdiepie etc. grew popular, activism wasn't as prevalent and held to such importance. Now it's thankfully more talked about, but that also leads to Dream being more scrutinized in comparision. Add twitter trends and the general prevalence of the fandom, and you've got everyone feeling tired and frustrated and paranoid. People also tend not to fact check stuff, especially when it comes to celebrities and stuff they're not really interested in, so rumors spread fast.

And actually, I think there's absolutely valid reasons to be made uncomfortable by Dream SMP, either in it's creators, content or fandom, and there is, of course, stuff to criticise in general. The problem is the hate and misinformation and overexposure, but we are not going to solve any of that by being aggressive in return.

(This is, by the way, not talking about more serious cases. Like doxxing, or leaving gore images in hashtags, or similar instances. That's a whole different complicated issue that I don't feel qualified to tackle.)

And finally, don't overwhelm outsiders who merely mention the Dream SMP. Don't send asks asking them to watch it, don't write paragraphs explaining the lore, don't confuse them with inside jokes, just... Don't jump on people like that. Unless they're explicitly clear in wanting interaction and getting into the fandom, that kind of thing will just drive them away. This is in no way exclusive to the Dream SMP fandom, pretty much every fandom has people enthiastic to have more people involved, but since there are so unbelievably many of us, it's especially easy to go overboard with this stuff. Just... be polite, and don't pressure anyone. Be nice, please.

So.... ya! This would be it for this one, I think. Sorry that it's kinda long, thank you if you read it at all. Hope y'all have pleasant days ^^

#dream smp #mcyt #fandom #fandom etiquette #fandom critical #tommyinnit #technoblade #tubbo #dreamwastaken #let me know if i should remove tjose tags - i'm not sure whether it counts as crosstagging or not sorry #long post #my own post

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nightsdreamgates · 11 months ago

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「 PART 2. pre rebellion & swap AU 」

"I want to apologize for taking this so long to create an second part, right now is 4am and my legs are hurting but I will make summarized versions for the Pre-rebellion!NIGHTS part for you as well with swap version! So enjoy your reading dreamer!"

•.— [ Illusio ] Romance/Love Headcanons

Side note: For those who aren't aware or doesn't know yet, Illusio is the past name for NiGHTS that I came up with for their pre-rebellion times.

-> Visitor ! READER

[PRE REBELLION]: Chaos is what you can describe about them; Illusio, always been called, treated perfectly, with respect and temor around his servants, troops and population from Nightmera, their rank and abilities is enough to shatter every grounds in pieces, and their shadow to spread around, corrupting and twisting every visitor's minds. Bringer of discord, this little cretin' loves to have fun around and in every taken opportunity, they would skip Wizeman's demands to let their curiosity flow as they explore the nightopias of every dreamscape; Narrowing eyes that glowed tintly into your direction, an intention to bother, take any advantage of scaring you just to see your expression twist, is enough to make Illusio cativated, intrigued yet irritated by your indifference, but yet, seeing to play back their tauntings. For your luck (or misfortune), your personality had caught the attention from this nightmaren.

Illusio would often sneak away, use their own abilities for the benefit to slip away from boring tasks brought by his master and counselour, just to come to your dreamscape whenever you go to sleep; Your dream world had turned into their favorite refugee spot, whenever they want to pass their day talking trash about the nobles (second levels), bothering you to a point of you losing your nerves, goofing around with them and so much more.

It took a while for them to realize they had fallen for you, but they are no slow, dumb or anyone that takes a lot of time to confess; They will confess to you, but they enjoy being petty and tease you with indirect flirts between you both, as an way to mess up with your mind; They aren't very romantical cheesy being when the topic is about preparing a beautiful discourse about how much they adore you and wants you to be on their side. If they want to have something, they'll take it! At least by the most considered romantic thing they does is the way they seem to be pretty protective towards you (and maybe bit jealous to anyone who tries to approach you).

Their confession were bit sloppy and confusing, since they don't have a good degree in writting very romantic poems (they think they are way too much). But an way they express their love for you, is the quality time you take to eachother: wanting to know more about the awaking world, to understand more about yourself and even discover more about your sensitive side, to see through more what's under that visitor.

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[SWAP]: Once their sibling had gone for their throne, being created among "their" image as an better self, Illusio had came to the world of dreams not only to come after their rebellious "twin", but also to show the world what is real fear. Their people sees them as an ruthless maniac, despite their questionable humor, their mind works like a mastermind, being able to trick poor people into their schemes, nothing could stop them, besides an certain visitor.

You are one of the visitors, choosen to save dreamgates thanks to your awakened Ideya of courage, once you teamed up with MiD-NiGHTS, you had faced upon times with Illusio, which these times weren't this pleasant, until it was between oy you and them. Your rivalry with them had turned into an interesting relationship, despite the insults, curses and the taunts, you both would still seem to show respect and values to eachother, after what you did to deserve it. You had recognized the uniqueness that Illusio feels to lack everytime they are around with their sibling and their own master.

The many times you had tested their loyalty with their purpose and connection with their master had drove them insane, with a pang of feelings in wanting to destroy once for all along with the sense of wanting to conquer your trust and even change your mind to join into their side.

You both had encountered in many embarassing situations as well, especially caused by Illusio, who adores leaving you in a fluster mess, even if you're companied with their sibling (Illusio do this to annoy and make his sibling feel disgust/or jealous on purpose); One of these times being them teasing to once you de-dualize with MiD, he would show you how is the true power of being dualized with a real nightmaren.

-> Nightmaren ! READER

[PRE REBELLION]: Since the day the prince had been brought to Nightmera by Wizeman, the days started to be different for you; Working as an servant, or any other role around Nightmera, you were either one of Illusio's punch linea or friends, despite their indepedent and free bird nature, they enjoyed to pass their time by picking on others for fun. You were no exception, but what always caught him in guard yet very intrigued, is the way you fearlessly responds them back. Of course that challenging the nightmare lord might be risky, so quite insulting for him, to a point that other servants and soldiers would glare at you and wonder how you are still alive?! Even yourself, but things started to unroll more between your relationship with Illusio.

Once you captivate this prince, by your charming annoyance and spookiness, you became literally his closest and possibly his only true friend (which soon, lover). They would run away from their tasks, inviting you to come with him to scare away some visitors and make fun of the nightopians. To him that's the most romantic way to enjoy some quality time with your partner, to you though, is more fooling than anything!

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[SWAP]: His surgement had brought an big shock of twist among the nightmera civilization and the whole dream world, working to him you are either considered as an poor pitiful choosen one to his antics or also either someone to be feared of, since his troops are something to be considered serious. Let's say that you might be either one of his soldiers, or maybe an cute and interesting nightmaren from the reign that they turned out to be fond in adoeration by you.

If you are one of his soldiers, which started out as bit clumsy but still determines to proof your capability, they would pick jokes on you about your foolishness, but yet, admiration and wonderful about your courage and stamina, finding you to be quite useful; Until of course, after seeing your bravery act to fight against the visitor that is dualized with MiD, and managed to bring back an ideya (full or half), they would start to find adorable how much you dedicate yourself to them, to a point that you ended up being recognized by your strenght and raised as his general. Pompering you by compliments and even used as an example to scold the weak irresponsible soldiers. But slowly will swoon you, to become much closer to him, to a point that he might turn you into their little royalty.

Now if you were an servant, noble or a simple nightmaren that he had met, it would take a while. The way you would treat them with respect, but also equally to anyone, he always seem to find some soft spots for fearless idiots like you, because this way it already proofs him that he can be his true self around with you rather than this fearful tyrant he is. The way he would swoon and treat you is still pretty the same, with the special treatment that you got now a nightmare prince as your dog guard.

-> Nightopian ! READER

[PRE REBELLION]: Oh. How your presence teases him. And how frustrating it gets so badly. This is ridiculous, Illusio, the first level nightmaren, the ruler of nightmera and Wizeman's equal image of greatness, growing an intrigue over an stupid fairy all because to him you're different?! You are far taller than the others and even stronger, whoever if you are taller than Illusio or not, your calm yet gentle Nightopian nature and culture, always sparked an interest, a curiosity over Illusio; Is not like this small prince, haven't ran away from tasks just to cause chaos and fun, but also, to enjoy the view of Nightopia and all it's wonders, the contrast and difference from his home, Nightmera, was stupidly huge, yet it called for them.

When he first encountered you, while he was in a middle of causing havoc, spreading fears towards innocent lower level nightopians, you were the only one who stared into his darkened eyes and face him physically; And being defeated by a Nightopian is already HIMULIATING for him. Illusio hates it and he seeked to look up more to understand your weakness so he could get his sweet karma, even so, Illusio started to understand more than your weakness, as more he seem to connect deeper with Nightopia, then you. Especially you.

You had opened his eyes in a way that they cannot believe it, the revelation that what Wizeman told about Nightopia and it's creator being unraveled as all twisted realities that he morphed into their own mind so they couldn't becomw attachted into this useless lands, it was enough to boost his rebellion; During these unravellings, them learning and discovering places of Nightopia with your company, once he got tired of the petty fights, he started to feel an certan sensation into his blood flow, as a incomprehensible feeling beats into his chest, whenever your soft eyes and cheeky smile, lands into his expression. Something enchanting about you, had changed into them. It was annoying, please stop, he hates feeling vulnerable!

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[SWAP]: Since his incompetent sibling had runaway and hid their tendrils, their whole dignity who were shattered away once they disobeyed and even dared into Wizeman's power, he had grown an disgust over the place that MiD had choose to cover themself from their own past. Mayhaps there was few things in Nightopia that were worth of seeking for, mainly being their ruthless rebellious waste of a family, but soon, it being you. You were nothing special to him at beginning, until you had revealed yourself as an higher class than an normal, usual Nightopian would be, and goodness, the way Illusio had to himuliate themself in front of Wizeman as he explained that both his troops and themself got stopped by a single Nightopian, was enough to mark in Illusio an thrist for avenging themself of you. The hatred was vivid, pulling into a beginning of a arch nemesis relationship; That until you had choosen to not lower yourself over their frustations too easily, which intimidated him.

Something about you captivated Illusio, which almost drove him mad, as besides his sibling to fill their eardrums with shouts and insults, he had another motivation to take over Nightopia, so he could have you on his side. During the battles, the emotive, sensitive moments you both had in the field, he had grown an certain devotion into you, which this hate had became admiration to what he likes to call an obsession; As he tries to play with you but at same time tries to pull you into his side, to become one with him as their domain would be a perfect one if Nightopia just choose to surrender and join with the darkness; Resilient as you are and loyal to your home, you had choosen to be difficult, which to him, this game had been becoming more infuriatingly delicious.

"I AM FINALLY DONE, I was typing this all has been months now but I got really satisfied in how it ended. I hope you find yourself enjoying with these perspectives of Pre-Rebellion and Swap versions of NiGHTS past self/first form, Illusio!"

YOOOOO NiGHTS HEADCANONS ASK OPEN?!

LEZZZZ GOOOOO!!!

Can I ask for general romance/love headcanons, for NiGHTS pre and pos rebellion? Maybe also swap AU? Also for Nightopians, Nightmarens and visitors has some difference between the way they treat them or the way the relate with them? Could you share your idyeas with us? :0

Already thank you for this my friend, I hope you don't mind me asking >:3

APOLOGIES FOR THE LATE RESPONSE THO, even tho I'm sick and is 5am, I'm going to respond this, simplify yet giving enough details as well... A perfect balance! Hope you would enjoy!

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Warning: NiGHTS pronouns will be mostly used as he/him or they/them; But that does not take the fact that they are a genderfluid/non confirming Nightmaren!

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NiGHTS - Romance/Love HCs:

-> Visitor!reader:

" You've met eachother during a dream, where you found enchanted by the soothings notes from the flute - Whispering your ears and gettinf attracted by his mysterious nature; eyes peering, penetrating your soul that gives your back a cold chill, but no ill intend can be sensed. The violet being smiled as if they are entertained by your curiosity. "

The first time you saw NiGHTS, it was kind of a delight, yet with bunch other mixed feelings towards them. Who is this person? Why they look like a bufoon?

Their mysterious yet playful demeanor is what thrills you more into knowing him - seeing how they seem so interactive yet managing to balance the moments where they feel hanging out alone, a true ambientalist.

When you started to talk with NiGHTS more, they seemed to enjoy your presence more and more as well.

To him, you are a interesting visitor, who's humour built in being salty, sarcastic, creative yet sincere, even harsh on yourself.

Each layer that he discovers, the more he curious to get to know more about you.

Often times when he sees you, he would toy yourself to provoke, but never meaning any evil! Just to play and even encourage you!

Of course you both would discuss and even argue, but none of it made him to stop liking you; Your flaws is what makes you feel more alive.

When he hang out with you, things feel much more lighter, to your concern, he even gets way too silent, just to listen to your voice.

He finds your "yappings" to be entertaining, funny and charming. To complement it, they would even make questions about how your world works.

You always find yourself laughing at his many levels of shock when you tell him that in your world, people dont float/fly like them and other dream beings.

NiGHTS seems to build a strong bond with you, and when you give it the first move to kiss him... His head was all over the moon.

Such attitude, audacity and passion, is what gives him reassurance, deleting every doubt, that you love him.

He loves you as how you are, never as how you look; To him you are the most precious visitor that he would wish to share his freedom with.

As much your insecurities would speak loud about you interrupting his freedom due his rebellion, he rather stick with a person that he loves and gets along pretty well, than anyone who tries to make him feel egocentric for just leaving a toxic life style.

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-> Nightmaren!Reader:

" I could hear the day when he shouted against his own master, a grandious day of his own chapter of justice. This is how me and my people sees our old king, now a rebel, after the confrontation. He inspires me to be free, able to enjoy things differently, as much is far different and out of my zone, is how it all started. When I started to find my true self under this nightmare nature. "

You were a small third level Nightmaren, who ran away from Nightmera, the land of nightmares.

Your whole life was all about scaring people, feasting on ideyas and good dreams, following orders from your superiors and the rest is what left from being "alive".

It was never great, you would end up pushing yourself hard, over to get just a crumb of a ideya sparkle.

But when Illusio, turned against Wizeman's monarchy, and started his own whole new reign... Is where your eyes sparked, to hear the words from the rebellious king's discursion, about the true balance and image, Nightmarens should take.

For NiGHTS, it was simply words of rant for all the pain and disrespect Wizeman brought to his own creations - But to you, it was words of clarity.

Along with the minimum that wanted that piece of justice, you escaped Nightmera and tried to find your place on Nightopia. Which it wasn't easy for someone like you adaptating to a total in contrary of your homeland.

NiGHTS had found you and caught into your attention, when he saved you from the nightmarens who were still on Wizeman's side. Thanks to NiGHTS rebellion that motivated the tired and himuliated lower levels, a new rule has settle to imprisionate traitors and force them to work twice as worse for their sins against their people and creator

Seeing you hurt and tired, NiGHTS couldn't leave you like this, so he carried you and left you to rest after he cleaned your injuries and covered your wounds.

You woke up all healed, with NiGHTS approaching to check you and feed you with some Nightopia fruits - They were very tasty!

You started to shower NiGHTS with compliments, but not having any ideas that you were making them uncomfortable...

As soon you noticed, you apologized, but he shook his head and said that it was fine, that the only issue was not the compliments itself - But the deadname... Illusio

So you moved your head quick, understanding and yet apologizing once again to not repeat this mistake!

You still stayed beside NiGHTS for a few times, until you had to find yourself into looking more for your necessities and what you want for your life.

Growing to get used with NiGHTS new identity - You would communicate with him and wanting to know more and more about this new person... Is not the king that it used to rule Nightmera beside Wizeman. No. It is now a happier person, that had learned their own mistakes and wants to make a change. But his pride and trickster nature would not make it seen any better, he is trying his best.

You would also learn more about your now new purpose, to live for yourself... Inspired by him and somehow, NiGHTS hearing you saying how much you feel relatable to his troubles and how much he inspired you, warms him deeply inside.

You both end up being friends, but slowly creating much more deeper feelings.

Now who ends up protecting and healing wounds, was you, whenever NiGHTS stubborness dares to get in middle of the problems.

Making sure he is all fine, while scolding him. Seeing you worried of him, even if he is superior to your level. Makes them giddy, but tries to hold it before you could scold him even harder!

One night, when you went to see how NiGHTS was doing, after helping him to deal with visitors and grown much more as person. You two had a calming chat, talking how much you both did after leaving Wizeman's shadows.

It was a deep moment, that slowly turned into a sweet conversation, filled with puns, sarcasm, flashbacks and hand touchings.

His hand on top of yours while he smiles at you, both nightmarens yet creating such a beautiful dream. How ironic!

He was the one to do the first move, slowly shutting your mouth when you've got nervous by his touch, kissing you tenderly, filled with passion.

Your purpose was no longer to serve, but to live. And is by the side of the one who inspired you, that you want to live on.

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-> Nightopian!reader:

" His arms held you closer once those nightmarens got dissipated by his first level abilities - The paraloops scared you a bit, but his voice spoke to you with a strong affirming tone, that there's nothing more for you to be scared. His bravery and determination, is what attracted you. Wanting to be able to be brave and strong too! "

You were hanging out peacefully with your friends, when suddenly after you guys went after the strange beautiful song playing on the woods, nightmarens jumpscared yourself and the group, attacking each one of you cowardly since you was in a vulnerable position.

But then when you blinked, all of those nightmarens were being dragged by a giant looping hole, that sucked them in one!

Soft arms holding you, looking up, you see a angry, firm face looking at the hole, which softly changes to a concerned face, they look at you, speaking: " You nightopiana need to get better in keeping your own wings safe! Y'know? "

The look of admiration and enchantment switched to a "bruh" face. Is this the person who saves my life says???

As once you chirped to him, talking in your language, scolding with words of " that wasn't very respectful! " or " Don't say that about my wings! ", it made NiGHTS chuckle.

He found you so darn adorable, once he placed you on the ground.

" Alright, alright! No need to insult me! I was just sayin'... These marens' almost got your buns, so I found righteous to say that you guys need to be more cautious that's all.. "

That made you crumble deep down, frowning... Am I too weak to even defend myself? Why!

But you dont want that so after he seem his job is done, you tried to follow him, but... they are so fast!

But the words he said, motivated you to be stronger and able to defend your own self... So you started to work out your rosy wings!

It wasn't an easy task, but the more you were determined, more you felt you're leveling up...

You want to proof that big goofus that Nightopians are not so weak as he seems to be "warning"!

Until then... you found him again... When he saw you, he couldnt even recognize, you've gotten so strong! And you seem proud of it...

You wanted to proof him, you wanted to challenge him! But he simply doesn't accept, unless you provoked his ego...

Due your audacity demeanor, he smirked, seeing that a pian' is challenging him, is not so new but also not so usual! He likes your determination!

So you both did a race, which obviously... He won for being a first level sucker.

But when he seemed to be having fun, he saw you at distance, your wings fluttering smoothly and face red, you're tired...

He decides to help you, as much you rejected, you couldn't reject to lay into his embrace, to be awaken in a peaceful place on Nightopia.

You and NiGHTS started out as frienemies, that developed slowly into a cute romance...

He taking care of you and surprised he created a soft spot for you! Which dont get me wrong, he tried to hide it, if you weren't difficult...

You also felt the same for him... And you were also surprised! Ironic isn't it?

You both ended up confessing and it was very sweet, kissing into a nightmaren lips felt different, is like... is sweeter than the nectar that runs out of the colony.

NiGHTS as much he plays around, he never discouraged your will to be more stronger and cautious, but you've learned so much more with him.

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. . .

All I could is to write only his after rebellion... But do not fret, I will make a 2nd part for his pre-rebellion form to you after I finish few things here!

I hope you are satisfied and gave you more ideas and satisfaction! Im open to criticism to work better on my writting & working scenarios!

#nights into dreams #nights #nid #nights journey of dreams #sega #nightsposting #jod #njod #nights headcanons #nights sega #sega nights #headcanons #nights x reader #nights x visitor #nights x nightmaren #nights x nightopian #pre rebellion nights #swap!nights #swap!au

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blackswaneuroparedux · 4 years ago

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Anonymous said: I didn’t know too much about the late British philosopher Sir Roger Scruton until I followed your superbly cultured blog. As an ivy league educated American reading your posts, I feel he is a breath of fresh air as a sane and cultured conservative intellectual. We don’t really have his kind over here where things are heavily polarized between left and right, and sadly, we are often uncivil in our discourse. Sir Roger Scruton talks a lot about beauty especially in art (as indeed you do too), so for Scruton why does beauty as an aesthetic matter in art? Why should we care?

I thank you for your very kind words about my blog which I fear is not worthy of such fulsome praise.

However one who is worthy of praise (or at least gratitude and appreciation at least) is the late Sir Roger Scruton. I have had the pleasure to have met him on a few informal occasions.

Most memorably, I once got invited to High Table dinner at Peterhouse, Cambridge, by a friend who was a junior Don there. This was just after I had finished my studies at Cambridge and rather than pursue my PhD I opted instead to join the British army as a combat pilot officer. And so I found out that Scruton was dining too. We had very pleasant drinks in the SCR before and after dinner. He was exceptionally generous and kind in his consideration of others; we all basked in the gentle warmth of his wit and wisdom.

I remember talking to him about Xanthippe, Socrate’s wife, because I had read his wickedly funny fictional satire. In the book he credits the much maligned Xanthippe with being the brains behind all of Socrates’ famous philosophical ideas (as espoused by Plato).

On other occasions I had seen Roger Scruton give the odd lecture in London or at some cultural forum.

Other than that, I’ve always admire both the man and many of his ideas from afar. I do take issue with some of his intellectual ideas which seem to be taken a tad too far (he think pre-Raphaelites were kitsch) but it’s impossible to dislike the man in person.

Indeed the Marxist philosopher G.A. Cohen reportedly once refused to teach a seminar with Scruton, although they later became very good friends. This is the gap between the personal and the public persona. In public he was reviled as hate figure by some of the more intolerant of the leftists who were trying to shut him down from speaking. But in private his academic peers, writers, and philosophers, regardless of their political beliefs, hugely respected him and took his ideas seriously - because only in private will they ever admit that much of what Scruton talks about has come to pass.

In many ways he was like C.S. Lewis - a pariah to the Oxbridge establishment. At Oxford many dons poo-pooed his children stories, and especially his Christian ideas of faith, culture, and morality, and felt he should have laid off the lay theology and stuck to his academic speciality of English Literature. But an Oxford friend, now a don, tells me that many dons read his theological works in private because much of what he wrote has become hugely relevant today.

Scruton was a man of parts, some of which seemed irreconcilable: barrister, aesthetician, distinguished professor of aesthetics. Outside of brief pit stops at Cambridge, Oxford, and St Andrews, he was mostly based out of Birkbeck College, London University, which had a tradition of a working-class intake and to whom Scruton was something of a popular figure. He was also an editor of the ultra-Conservative Salisbury Review, organist, and an enthusiastic fox hunter. In addition he wrote over 50 books on philosophy, art, music, politics, literature, culture, sexuality, and religion, as well as finding time to write novels and two operas. He was widely recognised for his services to philosophy, teaching and public education, receiving a knighthood in 2016.

He was exactly the type of polymath England didn’t know what to do with because we British do discourage such continental affectations and we prefer people to know their lane and stick to it. Above all we’re suspicious of polymaths because no one likes a show off. Scruton could be accused of a few things but he never perceived as a show off. He was a gentle, reserved, and shy man of kindly manners.

He was never politically ‘Conservative’, or tried not to be. Indeed he encouraged many to think about defining “a philosophy of conservatism” and not “a philosophy for the Conservative Party.” In defining his own thoughts, he positioned conservatism to relation to its historical rivals, liberalism and socialism. He wrote that liberalism was the product of the enlightenment, which viewed society as a contract and the state as a system for guaranteeing individual rights. While he saw socialism as the product of the industrial revolution, and an ideology which views society as an economic system and the state as a means of distributing social wealth.

Like another great English thinkers, Michael Oakeshott, he felt that conservatives leaned more towards liberalism then socialism, but argued that for conservatives, freedom should also entail responsibility, which in turn depends on public spirit and virtue. Many classical liberals would agree.

In fact, he criticised Thatcherism for “its inadequate emphasis on the civic virtues, such as self-sacrifice, duty, solidarity and service of others.” Scruton agreed with classical liberals in believing that markets are not necessarily expressions of selfishness and greed, but heavily scolded his fellow Conservatives for allowing themselves to be caricatured as leaving social problems to the market. Classical liberals could be criticised for the same neglect.

Perhaps his conservative philosophy was best summed up when he wrote “Liberals seek freedom, socialists equality, and conservatives responsibility. And, without responsibility, neither freedom nor equality have any lasting value.”

Scruton’s politics were undoubtedly linked to his philosophy, which was broadly Hegelian. He took the view that all of the most important aspects of life – truth (the perception of the world as it is), beauty (the creation and appreciation of things valued for their own sake), and self-realisation (the establishment by a person of a coherent, autonomous identity) – can be achieved only as part of a cultural community within which meaning, standards and values are validated. But he had a wide and deep understanding of the history of western philosophy as a whole, and some of his best philosophical work consisted of explaining much more clearly than is often the case how different schools of western philosophy relate to one another.

People today still forget how he was a beacon for many East European intellectuals living under Communist rule in the 1980s. Scruton was deeply attached in belonging to a network of renowned Western scholars who were helping the political opposition in Eastern Europe. Their activity began in Czechoslovakia with the Jan Hus Foundation in 1980, supported by a broad spectrum of scholars from Jacques Derrida and Juergen Habermas to Roger Scruton and David Regan. Then came Poland, Hungary and later Romania. In Poland, Scruton co-founded the Jagiellonian Trust, a small but significant organisation. The other founders and active participants were Baroness Caroline Cox, Jessica Douglas-Home, Kathy Wilkes, Agnieszka Kołakowska, Dennis O’Keeffe, Timothy Garton Ash, and others.

Scruton had a particular sympathy for Prague and the Czech society, which bore fruit in the novel, Notes from Underground, which he wrote many years later. But his involvement in East European affairs was more than an emotional attachment. He believed that Eastern Europe - despite the communist terror and aggressive social engineering - managed to preserve a sense of historical continuity and strong ties to European and national traditions, more unconscious than openly articulated, which made it even more valuable. For this reason, decades later, he warned his East European friends against joining the European Union, arguing that whatever was left of those ties will be demolished by the political and ideological bulldozer of European bureaucracy.

Anyway, digressions aside, onto to the heart of your question.

Art matters.

Let’s start from there. Regardless of your personal tastes or aesthetics as you stand before a painting, slip inside a photograph, run your hand along the length of a sculpture, or move your body to the arrangements spiraling out of the concert speakers…something very primary - and primal - is happening. And much of it sub-conscious. There’s an element of trust.

Political philosopher, Hannah Arendt, defined artworks as “thought things,” ideas given material form to inspire reflection and rumination. Dialogue. Sometimes even discomfort. Art has the ability to move us, both positively and negatively. So we know that art matters. But the question posed by modern philosophers such as Roger Scruton has been: how do we want it to affect us?

Are we happy with the direction art is taking? Namely, says, Scruton, away from seeking “higher virtues” such as beauty and craftmanship, and instead, towards novelty for novelty’s sake, provoking emotional response under the guise of socio-political discourse.

Why does beauty in art matter?

Scruton asks us to wake up and start demanding something more from art other than disposable entertainment. “Through the pursuit of beauty,” suggests Scruton, “we shape the world as our own and come to understand our nature as spiritual beings. But art has turned its back on beauty and now we are surrounded by ugliness.” The great artists of the past, says Scruton, “were painfully aware that human life was full of care and suffering, but their remedy was beauty. The beautiful work of art brings consolation in sorrow and affirmation…It shows human life to be worthwhile.” But many modern artists, argues the philosopher, have become weary of this “sacred task” and replaced it with the “randomness” of art produced merely to gain notoriety and the result has been anywhere between kitsch to ugliness that ultimately leads to inward alienation and nihilistic despair.

The best way to understand Scruton’s idea of beauty in art and why it matters is to let him speak for himself. Click below on the video and watch a BBC documentary broadcast way back in 2009 that he did precisely on this subject, why beauty matters. It will not be a wasted hour but perhaps enrich and even enlighten your perspective on the importance of beauty in art.

vimeo

So I’ll do my best to summarise the point Scruton is making in this documentary above.

Here goes.....

In his 2009 documentary “Why Beauty Matters”, Scruton argues that beauty is a universal human need that elevates us and gives meaning to life. He sees beauty as a value, as important as truth or goodness, that can offer “consolation in sorrow and affirmation in joy”, therefore showing human life to be worthwhile.

According to Scruton, beauty is being lost in our modern world, particularly in the fields of art and architecture.

I was raised in many different cultures from India, Pakistan, to China, Japan, Southern Africa, and the Middle East as well schooling in rural Britain and Switzerland. So coming home to London on frequent visits was often a confusing experience because of the mismatch of modern art and new architecture. In life and in art I have chosen to see the beauty in things, locating myself in Paris, where I am surrounded by beauty, and understand the impact it can have on the everyday.

Scruton’s disdain for modern art begins with Marcel Duchamp’s urinal. Originally a satirical piece designed to mock the world of art and the snobberies that go with it, it has come to mean that anything can be art and anyone can be an artist. A “cult of ugliness” was created where originality is placed above beauty and the idea became more important than the artwork itself. He argues that art became a joke, endorsed by critics, doing away with a need for skill, taste or creativity.

Duchamp’s argument was that the value of any object lies solely in what each individual assigns it, and thus, anything can be declared “art,” and anyone an artist.

But is there something wrong with the idea that everything is art and everyone an artist? If we celebrate the democratic ideals of all citizens being equal and therefore their input having equal value, doesn’t Duchamp’s assertion make sense?

Who’s to say, after all, what constitutes beauty?

This resonated with me in particular and brought to mind when Scruton meets the artist Michael Craig-Martin and asks him about how Duchamp’s urinal first made him feel. Martin is best known for his work “An Oak Tree” which is a glass of water on a shelf, with text beside it explaining why it is an oak tree. Martin argues that Duchamp captures the imagination and that art is an art because we think of it as such.

When I first saw “An Oak Tree” I was confused and felt perhaps I didn’t have the intellect to understand it. When I would later question it with friends who worked in the art auction and gallery world, the response was always “You just don’t get it,” which became a common defence. To me, it was reminiscent of Hans Christian Andersen’s short tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, about two weavers who promise an emperor a new suit of clothes that they say is invisible to those who are unfit for their positions, stupid or incompetent. In reality, they make no clothes at all.

Scruton argues that the consumerist culture has been the catalyst for this change in modern art. We are always being sold something, through advertisements that feed our appetite for stuff, adverts try to be brash and outrageous to catch our attention. Art mimics advertising as artists attempt to create brands, the product that they sell is themselves. The more shocking and outrageous the artwork, the more attention it receives. Scruton is particularly disturbed by Piero Manzoni’s artwork “Artist’s Shit” which consists of 90 tin cans filled with the artist’s excrement.

Moreover the true aesthetic value, the beauty, has vanished in modern works that are selling for millions of dollars. In such works, by artists like Rothko, Franz Kline, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin, the beauty has been replaced by discourse. The lofty ideals of beauty are replaced by a social essay, however well intentioned.

A common argument for modern art is that it is reflecting modern life in all of its disorder and ugliness. Scruton suggests that great art has always shown the real in the light of the ideal and that in doing so it is transfigured.

A great painting does not necessarily have a beautiful subject matter, but it is made beautiful through the artist’s interpretation of it. Rembrandt shows this with his portraits of crinkly old women and men or the compassion and kindness of which Velazquez paints the dwarfs in the Spanish court. Modern art often takes the literal subject matter and misses the creative act. Scruton expresses this point using the comparison of Tracey Emin’s artwork ‘My Bed’ and a painting by Delacroix of the artist’s bed.

The subject matters are the same. The unmade beds in all of their sordid disdain. Delacroix brings beauty to a thing that lacks it through the considered artistry of his interpretation and by doing so, places a blessing on his own emotional chaos. Emin shares the ugliness that the bed shows by using the literal bed. According to Emin, it is art because she says that it is so.

Philosophers argued that through the pursuit of beauty, we shape the world as our home. Traditional architecture places beauty before utility, with ornate decorative details and proportions that satisfy our need for harmony. It reminds us that we have more than just practical needs but moral and spiritual needs too. Oscar Wilde said “All art is absolutely useless,” intended as praise by placing art above utility and on a level with love, friendship, and worship. These are not necessarily useful but are needed.

We have all experienced the feeling when we see something beautiful. To be transported by beauty, from the ordinary world to, as Scruton calls it, “the illuminated sphere of contemplation.” It is as if we feel the presence of a higher world. Since the beginning of western civilisation, poets and philosophers have seen the experience of beauty as a calling to the divine.

According to Scruton, Plato described beauty as a cosmic force flowing through us in the form of sexual desire. He separated the divine from sexuality through the distinction between love and lust. To lust is to take for oneself, whereas to love is to give. Platonic love removes lust and invites us to engage with it spiritually and not physically. As Plato says, “Beauty is a visitor from another world. We can do nothing with it save contemplate its pure radiance.”

Scruton makes the prescient point that art and beauty were traditionally aligned in religious works of art. Science impacted religion and created a spiritual vacuum. People began to look to nature for beauty, and there was a shift from religious works of art to paintings of landscapes and human life.

In today’s world of art and architecture, beauty is looked upon as a thing of the past with disdain. Scruton believes his vision of beauty gives meaning to the world and saves us from meaningless routines to take us to a place of higher contemplation. In this I think Scruton encourages us not to take revenge on reality by expressing its ugliness, but to return to where the real and the ideal may still exist in harmony “consoling our sorrows and amplifying our joys.”

Scruton believes when you train any of your senses you are privy to a heightened world. The artist sees beauty everywhere and they are able to draw that beauty out to show to others. One finds the most beauty in nature, and nature the best catalyst for creativity. The Tonalist painter George Inness advised artists to paint their emotional response to their subject, so that the viewer may hope to feel it too.

It must be said that Scruton’s views regarding art and beauty are not popular with the modern art crowd and their postmodern advocates. Having written several books on aesthetics, Scruton has developed a largely metaphysical aspect to understanding standards of art and beauty.

Throughout this documentary (and indeed his many books and articles), Scruton display a bias towards ‘high’ art, evidenced by a majority of his examples as well as his dismissal of much modern art. However on everyday beauty, there is much space for Scruton to challenge his own categories and extend his discussion to include examples from popular culture, such as in music, graphic design, and film. Omitting ‘low art’ in the discussion of beauty could lead one to conclude that beauty is not there.

It is here I would part ways with Scruton. I think there is beauty to be found in so called low art of car design, popular music or cinema for example - here I’m thinking of a Ferrari 250 GTO, jazz, or the films of Bergman, Bresson, or Kurosawa (among others) come to mind. Scruton gives short thrift to such 20th century art forms which should not be discounted when we talk of beauty. It’s hard to argue with Jean-Luc Godard for instance when he once said of French film pioneering director, Robert Bresson, “He is the French cinema, as Dostoevsky is the Russian novel and Mozart is German music.”

Overall though I believe Scruton does enough to leave us to ponder ourselves on the importance of beauty in the arts and our lives, including fine arts, music, and architecture. I think he succeeds in illuminating the poverty, dehumanisation and fraud of modernist and post-modernist cynicism, reductionism and nihilism. Scruton is rightly prescient in pointing the centrality of human aspiration and the longing for truth in both life and art.

In this he is correct in showing that goodness and beauty are universal and fundamentally important; and that the value of anything is not utilitarian and without meaning (e.g., Oscar Wilde’s claim that “All art is absolutely useless.”). Human beings are not purposeless material objects for mechanistic manipulation by others, and civil society itself depends upon a cultural consensus that beauty is real and every person should be respected with compassion as having dignity and nobility with very real spiritual needs to encounter and be transformed and uplifted by beauty.

Thanks for your question.

#ask #question #sir roger scruton #scruton #art #aesthetics #beauty #architecture #music #paintings #film #cinema #personal

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sunfoxfic · 4 years ago

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Uhhh so you are one of the very few people out here who is comfortable with the Senti Adrien theory and first of all, Thank you so much, your posts help me when I am feeling really down.

I just saw someone saying that the Senti-Adrien theorists were very defensive of the theory and that we are actually harassing those who don't like the theory and I really don't think I agree??

Like right when ephemeral aired, as far as what I experienced, compared to the number of posts saying he was a senti, there were Gazillion posts repeating the same reasons why he couldn't be one?? Like some of those who dislike the theory are quite paranoid at times lol

I mean I do understand why they may hate the theory, why it makes them uncomfortable and that is totally valid. Really really valid and it's perfectly okay. However the way they are behaving about it is not really...pleasant for one thing:(

Now I am really nervous about the theory becoming canon because in both the ways, the fandom response would be really unpleasant. For A. If the theory doesn't come true, things won't really be bad but the people who didn't like the theory may salt on those who were pro-sentiAdrien. Not to mention how some of the "extreme" theorists may react badly too. Then B. If it does become canon, Those who didn't like the theory would RIOT and cue the salt wave! I can't even imagine:( I really wish things weren't this tense here. I used to be someone who detested the theory previously. But now, I find really really intriguing and therapeutic for some reason. Fandom is a place for silly theories, and even if we don't like a theory, of course people are free am really nervous about the theory becoming canon because in both the ways, the fandom response would be really unpleasant.

Hugs, anon. I'm here with you.

Whether there's people harassing anti-sentiAdrien folks over the theory is honestly not something I know about, but I would not be surprised if some people were being harassed. More likely, I think there's a lot of heated discourse, some of which is uncivil, and that's getting labelled as harassment -- which it isn't. What I say about that to people on both sides of the discourse: Learn to vaguepost. You will get almost nothing out of directly responding to someone who disagrees with you, especially if you can't keep it civil. Tag properly, block tags you don't want to see, and block people you don't want to see.

(I use tags #sentimonster adrien agreste, #sentimonster adrien theory, #adrien agreste is a sentimonster, and #sentimonster discourse, though I only picked that last one up when I started @yourfavisasentimonster. I've also seen #sentimonster adrien and #sentiadrien, so be wary of those.)

But I'd like to point out that simply being against the theory does not make you a bad person. I follow blogs who have voiced disdain for the theory, and that's fine! But you're right, fandom is for silly theories, so regardless of whether the theory actually has a leg to stand on, it shouldn't be treated as public enemy no. 1. And that's the issue -- when a blog starts saying that Adrien isn't a sentimonster and anyone who believes that theory is a bad person and/or lacks critical reading skills, there's the issue.

I don't necessarily believe the sentiAdrien theory have. More and more I'm leaning toward it, but I still think there's a high chance that Félix is the sentimonster, and in a lot of ways I think that would be more interesting. What I've been vocal about is people's right to theorize without being called abuse apologists and or unintelligent.

I think that whatever happens, there's going to be fandom outcry. If he's confirmed a sentimonster, some people are going to denounce canon and call it a terrible decision and try to ruin the fun for everyone else. There will be people high and mighty about it too -- the earliest sentimonster Adrien theories come from when the episode Ladybug was released, and however poorly people react to it now, at least the theory is given legitimacy that it was not given then.

At the same time, if all of the evidence in favor of the theory somehow ends up going nowhere, people who were/are against the theory are going to be really high and mighty about it. At least if it's confirmed as true, people against the theory will have the knowledge that the theorists aren't worse than canon, but if it's not true, then the take that the theory is abuse apologism will get worse.

As for why the theory is therapeutic... for me, I love fantasy as a genre, and I've always felt better after seeing my trauma integrated into the worldbuilding of stories. I like seeing characters go through similar emotions as I do but for fantastical reasons -- it makes me feel assured that my trauma isn't to be ignored or overlooked, that it is just as important as any of the good things about me and my past. I think for many people that's how the sentiAdrien theory is -- if he's a sentimonster, the abuse he went through is just as integrated into the story as his superhero status. Some people would prefer the abuse he went through to be non-magical in nature because seeing his autonomy being stripped away in such certain terms is uncomfortable and evocative of not-so-good emotions, but that's not a universal truth for everyone who relates to Adrien and what he's been through.

I'm getting weary of the discourse too, anon. I think I'm gonna back off from doing anything that's likely to cause a fight -- I'll keep making content about it, of course, but I'm gonna block some tags (and maybe some people) and stop interacting with the theory in ways that necessitate I tag my posts with #ml fandom salt.

And for people on all sides of the debate: This is a theory. This is a cartoon. Please take care of yourself and don't let it impact you more than you need. If you have to stop watching Miraculous or interacting with the theory, that's fine, and it wasn't a waste of time to be here. Don't give into the sunk cost fallacy when it's coming in direct opposition to your headspace. Take care of yourself, please.

#sentimonster adrien agreste #adrien is a sentimonster #sentimonster adrien theory #sentimonster discourse #asks answered #anonymous

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cruelfeline · 4 years ago

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Hello! I've seen recent discourse on twitter between Hordak stans and other SPOP fans. I'm sorry if that has helped sour your view of Catra's character. As someone who really relates to Catra, I really wish SPOP was a show back when I was a kid (I'm 25 now) so I could see myself in her and how she grew so I could try not to make the same mistakes I did with my friends just because the abuse I endured left me very jaded. Despite trying to distance myself after apologizing, my friends were too kind and forgiving and still wanted to stick by me. I've tried to make up for how I've acted towards them ever since and we're best friends this day. Her arc is important to me and many other people. But I also see how Hordak had a tragic background and should be given due consideration should he want to redeem himself like Catra has been trying to do (the last couple of seasons were a start, there will be no 100% redemption for either of them ever it's just a matter of trying to be better every day). I'll admit I'm not a big fan of him, but I do realize that he's a sympathetic character. And many clone takes are very interesting to read through as well! Sorry for the rambling, it's just all this Catra vs. Hordak stuff is tiring. Honestly would like to see them be kind of like grudging allies since they'll likely get a lot of backlash from Etherians 😬. Anyway, I hope you have a great day!

Thanks for coming over and saying hello!

I’m glad Catra provides you with meaning; it’s wonderful that people are able to connect to these characters in an emotionally significant way. I know that a good portion of the fandom has that experience with Catra, and that’s lovely for them.

And said portion needn’t like Hordak! No one need to really; we all like the characters we like for personal reasons, and it’s very much out of our control in the end. Or, well; at least, it’s out of mine!

The Hordak portion of the fandom simply dislikes being villified, or having others insist there is something wrong with us, for enjoying a cartoon character. Which is, I think, where most of the discourse comes from. And why we tend to stay here in our Tumblr corner, rather than venture onto Twitter where the unpleasant fans live.

But it’s always nice to talk to a pleasant Catra enjoyer, so thanks again for coming over!

#Anonymous #discourse

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the-moon-prince · 4 years ago

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The Last Of us~Kurapika x Reader ~Chapter I

AN: Hi my lovely fellows! I’m making a Kurapika x reader! This will be the first chapter. Overall I’m trying my best for you to insert yourself in the story as good as you can. However, some point who are going to be relevant in the plot a little further, like (Y/n)’s age, Profession and first language have been modified.This is my debut as a fanfiction writer here on tumblr!

As now, I wish you a pleasant read, and I hope you’ll enjoy the first chapter of my story. (Second coming soon!)

Paring: Kurapika Kurta x GN! Reader

Word count: 2 783

TW: None!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5 am The buzzing sound of the alarm loaded Kurapika's ears. The same noise as every morning. Another day to go on. He woke up with this peculiar feeling, but so familiar to him. That unnamed pain hit him again as his senses started to stir. The bed beneath him felt cold and foreign. The morning was dull to him. Seeking to shake the feeling away, he sat up and stretched. His limbs felt heavy, his eyes burned. Just another morn after a terrible night with limited sleep and disagreeable dreams. That tiredness was omnipresent in his life for the last months. He immediately saw the space that wrapped him. Empty, just the drawer, nightstand, a lamp, and blank white walls. Finally, getting up from the bed and arranging the also white sheets. Going to the drawer and pulling out his work uniform; a white shirt, black trousers, black tie, and a black jacket. Taking his loose pajama pants and shirt off and starting to button the white shirt. Thinking annoyed at how he had to abide another day Neon dramatically said how sad, miserable, and lonely she felt. The fairly frustrating attitude she had been insisting on the last weeks. What did she know about misery and solitude? Once dressed, he left his bedroom to the tiny hall of his apartment. Leading to the small room alongside his. The big black door remained in front of him. He stared at it for a moment. A certain doubt in his mind made its presence. Lastly, he opened the door, glancing at the scarlet eyes floating on the jars displayed in the room, and closed the door. The emptiness seemed greater than the last morning. He wondered one more time while putting his shoes on, what did he yearn? What did he lack to feel once more this abyss? He stepped outside his home and took a deep breath, the swampy air feeling his lungs. And head straight to the Nostrade mansion. He passed the big entrance gate, the security of the Nostrade's residence, and arrived at the main room. Unlike what Kurapika might have thought moments ago, there was something new that morning. An unknown person was sitting on one of the multiple couches, apparently waiting. Wich piqued his curiosity. Their guise was quite formal and unique, white cigarette bottoms and a moss-green long-sleeved sweater with a white dress shirt underneath. However, the shirt's collar was embroidered with a peculiar decoration. A botanic motif of tiny red, yellow and blue flowers plus green leaves was along the tip of the collar. Naturally, Kurapika carefully observed the intruder to determine if it was a possible menace. The individual had (long/short/medium/ with bangs) (curly/straight/wavy)(hair color) hair; it was loose and a bit messy. Some strands were framing their face. Their body had a juvenile apparent, around one or two years younger than him however their face looked more childlike. Their gaze was lowered into the book, so Kurapika was unable to see the eyes. He just saw the (long/short) eyelashes moving with the occasional blinks the person gave and some eye bags from fatigue. They were sitting with their legs crossed, one hand was holding the book, and the other was rubbing the green fabric of the sweater between the index and the thumb. They gave an overall serene aura. It wasn't long before a butler came near Kurapika. -"Mr.Kurapika, Sir. Nostrade requested to have the young guest to his office. For security reasons Sir. Nostrade wants one of the bodyguards to watch over the guest. Please take them there." Kurapika agreed with a quick "understood" and made his way towards the outsider. Kurapika stopped in front of the sitting figure. "Excuse me, Mx"- The person reading gave a slight quiver in surprise to immediately put the book down and look up at him with a subtle and soft smile. Despite looking up at him, they didn't look directly into his eyes, fixing more in his mouth.- "Mr.Nostrade charged me to take you to his office, please accompany me." he addressed the outsider with a secure tone. "Hello, and thank you" was the quiet response the stranger gave him. Getting up and ranging the book in a black side bag. "This way." The person quietly followed behind him through the hallway, examining the distinct decorations and pieces of furniture all over the mansion. Once the both of them arrived at the office's door, Kurapika gave a knock, letting their attendance be known, followed by a grave "Come in" from Light Nostrade. Kurapika rapidly opened the door and entered the room. At the center of the room was Light Nostrade, sitting at his big wooden desk. Accompanying the desk, a coffee table and matching sofas were placed over a luxurious carpet. In one of the sofas, Neon was sitting playing with one of her stuffed toys. Mr. Nostrade without a word gave the guest sign with his hand to sit down in one of the chairs in front of his desk, as the foreigner obliged. "Neon, this is (Y/n), they're your new companion and therapist. As you have let me know lately, you've been feeling bored and alone. As your dad, your welfare concerns me. So I searched for one of the best professionals to improve your state." -The man addressed the young girl next to him, to take the phone to his desk right away and address it to someone on the other line-"Let the rest of Neon's bodyguards in" -In an instant, the rest of the bodyguards entered the room- "Mx. (Y/n) present yourself to the rest" Mr.Nostrade finally ordered. (Y/n) got up in a unique move from the chair, and facing the rest of the company in the chamber, with their hands clasped in front of their body, they declared "Hello, I'm (Y/n) it's a pleasure to meet and work along with you."-(Y/n) presented themselves with a small politeness reverence, then they turned to faced Neon-"Neon, I am a Doctor with a specialization in psychiatry medicine. I, moreover, am a certified Hunter and I'm here to take care of your psychological and physical integrity. If required I can protect you in case of aggression. Besides I'm here to treat your loneliness and improve your mental health. I honestly hope my faculties will help develop several health skills!" they finally finished, all the discourse was made with the same quiet and kind voice tone, with the subtitle smile never leaving their face. After the quick initiation, Neon's face went from attentive to a worried grimace to shout "DAD!!! AM I SICK?!?" (Y/n) tilted their head and stepped to Neon softly reassuring her "No Neon, don't worry, you're not sick. I am here just to prevent you from being sick. I'll take good care of your mental and physical state and keep you amity so you remain as happy and healthy as always! In other words, I'm your private psychotherapist." Following those words of reassurance Neon's face lights up in a smile "YAY, So you're my new companion! Finally, I won't be so bored around here! I'm Neon, but you seem to already know my name. You look strangely young, you know? Plus you have a weird accent when you talk!" Of course, Neon added lacking discretion as always. (Y/n) just tilted their head once more, without changing their friendly air they responded "Of course I have an accent, Neon, all chic and elegant people have one, like David Bowie or Kate Bush. And regarding my age, It's judged preferable to have someone closer to your age to establish a more organic cooperative relationship." -The response to the rude observations of Neon was devoid of any malice, it was rather merry and kind, giving Neon the sensation of friendship and calm -"If you'd prefer to consider me your "companion" is fine. As planned with your father, I will be with you every Tuesday, Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. But today as being our first day, I'll be entire with you!" The grin on Neon's face just became wider "YOU'LL SEE, I AM GONNA HAVE SO MUCH FUN FROM NOW ON!''-Neon called once more, grabbing (Y/n) from their arm and dragging them somewhere. The (hair colored) didn't protest, just flinched to the sudden touche-"COME TO MY ROOM, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO!" The stranger's identity and intentions finally became clear for Kurapika, letting him discard (Y/n) as a hazard. We followed them into Neon's room to guard the Nostrade's teenager. Hours passed by. Neon talked about all the nonsense she could think of, as (Y/n) seemed to pay special attention to every word the girl spitted out. Sometimes making some comments and writing down in a little (fav color) notebook with a little cat they took off their said bag. Kurapika was just sitting on one of the couches, some sort of relieved to have someone else to take care of Neon's heavy personality and tantrums. "She even seems calmer today, having some entertainment will be profitable to her. " he thought. Even if Neon was, in fact, calmer that day, you could still hear her from across the room. "Your notebook is really cute, you know? Where did you get it? Cats are SOOOOO cute! I want one like that!" "Thank you Neon! I got it at the novelty store in the Mall that's in the center of the town. I go near there quite often, I can get you one if you'll like. Also, I think I'm going to take my break now if you don't mind. I will go make some tea, would you wish some, Neon?" (Y/n) actively added to the chat, even if it's their first day, they seemed to fuse nicely with Neon, rather odd due to Neon's personality. "Nah, I don't like tea" the teen finally responded, getting a soft nod in agreement as an answer. (Y/n) got up from the chair they were sitting on and headed to the employee's kitchen. Not much time later, they came back with a cup of tea and a bottle full of tea. To Kurapika's surprise, (Y/n) handed him the cup of tea with the soft smile of always. They simply added an "I made you some tea, you appeared a touch worn, I hope it's okay". That was the first of many little acts of kindness (Y/n) had with him. They would make him some tea regularly in the day or ask about his day during the breaks. During the following weeks in which (Y/n) was going to give therapy to Neon, a lot of things could be perceived. The first was the improvement in Neon's attitude. Being gradually more used to friendly human interaction, and having a better understanding of her frustrations. The second was about (Y/n), they were a rather nice person, gaining some sort of (or what was the most resembled) sympathy from Neon, which was a feat considering the lack of empathy of Neon. They were polite to everyone in the Nostrade's mansion, and their job as Neon's special doctor was their 4th job. Melody, during a casual chat, learned that (Y/n) worked Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday mornings as a Psychoanalyst between a Psychiatric ward and a Private Doctor's Cabinet, and the mornings of the days she came to assist the Nostrade's daughter as an intermediary liaison psychiatrist (basically someone who gives psychiatric supportive treatment in non-specialized unities) in the YorkNew General Hospital Center. This explains largely the eyebags and exhaustion for which (Y/n) has earned comments from Neon such as "You know you have eyebags?". Also, that (Y/n) has 18 years of age (sorry dear readers if it's not your age, but this will be relevant for the plot, so please let me this one pass), remarkably young to be an accredited doctor. And they were "precocious" on their own words- as Melody said- And the third and last thing, noticed essentially by Kurapika was about (Y/n) comportment and personality. Even if (Y/n) was kind and polite to everyone, they were incredibly discreet. They acted with prudence in virtually all aspects, from their appearance to their very presence. Like if (Y/n) was hiding and acting from the shadow (Melody also commented about this borderline anxiety). Additionally, all the movements (Y/n) made were prudent and meticulously planned, which made Kurapika realize the intelligence (Y/n) had. He also could tell English was not (Y/n)'s first language. They had a peculiar pronunciation and spoke with a large and fancy vocabulary. Those things greatly aroused Kurapika's curiosity, but the part of (Y/n) that triggered that curiosity the most was related to (Y/n)'s eyes. They were very careful with the subject. So careful indeed that they were even subtle with the care they treated the subject. Were tiny and nearly unimportant actions from (Y/n) that made Kurapika realize the importance of their eyes. (Y/n) never looked anyone in the eyes. Sometimes, during the break, when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, (Y/n) would close their eyes and cover them with one hand. The biggest event of all was one time he listened to Neon through the door curiously ask "Hey (Y/n), what happens with your eyes?" and, when he opened the door to see if everything was correct, (Y/n)'s eyes were normal. As if nothing had happened. Kurapika had for sure some inquiries regarding (Y/n). However, all of his suspicions became more prominent with a precise action from (Y/n). One day, Neon decided to show (Y/n) her body part collection. "(Y/n) You're a doctor, I'm sure you're going to love this! You know about these things, You'll be able to appreciate my glorious collection!" Neon was bragging about how happy she was with her various articles. "I have hearts, livers, fetuses, all the parts of the brain, some left and right lungs, and a pancreas. And my favorite of them all! A pair of beautiful scarlet eyes!" Neon made a special address on how rare the scarlet orbs were and how proud she was of them, she even played with them a little. And for the first time, (Y/n) didn't say a thing. Their perpetual smile even faded a little. During the whole episode, Kurapika remained sitting on a chair. Hearing that kind of discourse about his clan's eyes was hurtful and infuriating. How could she talk in such a manner of his fellow Kurtas? With no compassion, like if they were a mear object. It was sickening. A dull and hurt expression plastered on Kurapika's face. He was so immersed in his thoughts, he didn't notice it already was break time. If it wasn't for (Y/n) who came to sit beside him in an attempt to comfort his sorrow. (Y/n) had their gaze lowered and, for the first time, wasn't smiling. It wasn't a gloomy face, more like a flat expression. They didn't say a word and just stayed near him. Similar as if they seemed to comprehend. It wasn't until Kurapika looked at (Y/n) that they gave him a tiny smile. Nevertheless, this smile wasn't like the usual one. It was more caring, full of empathy and kindness, but also pain. None of them said a single word. And even if he never stated a thing about the subject, Kurapika felt a little comforted. At the end of that day, where everyone was heading to their own houses after such a hard working-day, (Y/n) came to Kurapika. He deduced they would just wish him a nice night. Except it wasn't the case. "Kurapika, pardon me, may I speak to you for a bit, pretty please?" (Y/n) mumbled to him, with the identical smile as always. A bit confused by their request, Kurapika responded, "Sure (Y/n), how may I help you?" forthwith to its answer (Y/n) made him follow them to a more private place behind the Nostrade's mansion. (Y/n) looked down as they had their hands in front of their chest, similar to the pose of a meerkat, and was fidgeting with their fingers. "Kurapika"- then they looked up to him-"I know I'm putting my life on the line. Yet, what I'm about to do is an act of desperation wholly motivated by my conclusion. Are you somehow related to the scarlet eyes?"

#kurapika x reader #kurapika hxh #hxh #hunter x hunter #kurapika #hxh x reader #hxh scenarios #hxh drabbles #kurapika kurta #kurapika imagine #kurapika kurta x reader

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jungledubs-archive · 4 years ago

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Nigel, you and your BF are so cute!! (Take this ask as an opportunity to ramble about him :D)

thank you 12 i love you /p

so. well. i talk about henrik and i a lot on discord but i don’t think i’ve ever fully detailed it here so that’s what i’m going to do!

note: this is in no way irl or hermitshipping, we are introjects that are dating, so don’t pull us into shipping discourse for having relationships or tag this as hermitshipping, ty!

for anybody who doesn’t know, i (nigel) am a s5-6 scar introject and my boyfriend henrik is a s5-6 doc introject. we’ve been dating for about 2 months, but in our canon we’d both been crushing for a lot longer. and i couldn’t be happier with him :’)

i have a cat in headspace, my jellie, who’s been nicknamed peanut butter, and henrik is the one who gave her to me! even though he’s allergic to cats due to being a creeper, lol.

we also have a treehouse in headspace where we both live, henrik built it himself and then i’ve made some adjustments and given him some tips since then (it was also a gift, he went a little overboard trying to impress me, but it’s so cute seeing him get nervous and competitive trying to outdo himself), it’s got some real pretty orange flowers growing on it and it has a super nice view out into the jungle

he’s taught me a few things about redstone, mostly so that i can help with his prosthetics if they get a little banged up, and that’s always a fond time. it’s not exactly pleasant, because the malfunctions and fixing them both hurt him (unless i disconnect the nerve sensors but he doesn’t like doing that), but there’s something about sharing a quiet moment calming him and being trusted to repair his mechanics that is just… very sweet and nice. i’m honoured.

last thing i’m going to say is that i am the only person, even including his family, that is allowed to show him physical affection without asking first—i usually still do, because he appreciates it, but if i want to run my fingers through his hair or hold his hand casually, he doesn’t mind at all. he trusts me a lot. and it means so much to me. he means so much to me.

um. anyway. dr henrik greenwood my beloved <3

#clay answers #12u3ie

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flower-petal-pansexual · 4 years ago

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Do you support mspec lesbians and gays? I saw a post that you reblogged calling bi/pan lesbians "harmful" and another post where you reblogged mspec lesbian positivity. I'm very confused regarding your stance on this.

I'M SO SO SORRY!! The first post is deleted! I have this problem where I can read things but I skip over parts a lot! I’m so sorry about the first post as I didn’t see the first part at the beginning!!! My brain skipped over your relation to the second question and I made a whole response on how I thought it was positive until I had the wisdom to read your question again and see that you mentioned that you agree on its positivity. If it makes you feel better I now know to work on reading things more than once from now on. I’m new here to Tumblr and I’ve only been on since March. I’m sorry that I’m still learning and it is not as fast as needed. Also, I am learning that with so much discourse and differing beliefs one must be careful in reading as scrolling through it can be hard to tell where one post ends and another begins and that missing pieces of information make the difference between support and oppression. Thank you very much for notifying me that the first post is garbage!! On a more personal note, I relate to a lot of mspec labels and call myself a multi dyke/lesbian as a reclaiming of my attraction to women and non-binary people that has been rejected for so much of my life. I support mspec lesbians and mspec gays because I see pieces of me in the orientation. If you are a mspec lesbian/ mspec gay like me I hope you have a very pleasant day! And if you have any more questions or see that I accidentally posted the wrong crap (which hopefully will never happen again) let me know! Mspec lesbians and mspec gays deserve all the love I have to give! The post where I talk about being a multi dyke: https://mutisexual-marvel.tumblr.com/post/651351423477530624/i-really-really-really-like-calling-myself-a-multi

#asks #thank you so much for telling me!#again i’m so sorry #mspec #mspec lesbian #mspec gay

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randomoranges · 4 years ago

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the majority of the first part of this fic is based on a real thing that happened to me and my students yesterday

i applaud their ease at which all of this happened.

The Kids are All Right

“M Édouard, est-ce que tu veux jouer avec nous?”

It’s Friday afternoon and the first nice day of the week. The weather has been miserable, but luckily, he didn’t have to deal with indoor recess this time around. The group finishes in English class and he’s quite honestly killing time before he can leave them with their English teacher. He could have planned something exciting and fun, or ploughed on with another lesson, but he’s exhausted and doesn’t want to fight them. They’ve been – more rambunctious than usual these past two weeks and he’s been snappier with them than usual. He wonders if it’s the new seating arrangement or the coming of spring, but he’s counting down the days to the end of the school year and murmuring it like a mantra to himself on various occasions throughout the day.

Still. Moments like these bring the smallest of smiles to his face.

He likes to watch the kids play during recess, when he’s not aimlessly walking, and daydreaming about any other job he could have taken that wouldn’t be so taxing. This afternoon is one of those occasions. Most of the boys are on one end of the playground, playing a rather intense game of soccer, while the majority of the girls have been playing some invented game with a jump rope. The others are spread around; some are playing pear ball, others are sitting in clusters, but it’s nice to see that all the kids are hanging out with another kid and that no one is alone.

He figures he can play with the girls this time around.

Every now and again, he plays with the kids – when they ask him to, obviously and it’s a free bonding moment with them. He’s played some intense soccer and basket ball games, has played every version of tag and other such games, has learned to be decent at pear ball and he’s even been known to play hopscotch and jump rope. The kids love it. He also loves it.

He nods and his student excitedly yells out “M Édouard va jouer!” which is greeted by loud cheers by the other girls. He gets a quick run through of the game; the person in the middle makes the jump rope go round, the others are gathered in a circle around it and they need to jump when the rope gets close to them. If the rope touches them, they need to tell a truth about themselves. Easy enough, really. He’s encountered multiple versions of this same game over the years.

He offers to be the spinner, since the student who’d been doing it before had been struggling with the rope and the kids are delighted to let him have a go about it.

The girls show no mercy when one of them gets touched by the rope and the questions they ask are harmless in nature; do you have a crush on anyone, what’s the most embarrassing thing you ever did, which of your siblings is your favourite, and so on. He politely reminds them that they’re not obliged to answer a question if they feel uncomfortable, and overall, everyone seems to have fun.

On the fifth or sixth turn, the rope stops at a different student and the other girls flock around her chanting “Vé-ri-té! Vé-ri-té!” He joins them in, clapping his hands to the rhythm of the words and finally she gets them to stop as she thinks up of a truth to tell them, or be placed at the mercy of the counsel of questions.

Finally, she graces them all with her truth, as the others wait with baited breaths, “Chuis bi,” She says easy as all else and the rest of the girls roll their eyes, laugh, and groan, complaining about how they all already knew.

He’s – surprised by this. By the ease of the way she’s said her truth, but also by how not a big deal it seemed to be. He wonders, briefly, if it has anything to do with the talk he’s had with them earlier that week – about gender and sexual identities and such. Still, he marvels at the situation and it takes him a moment to recover, thinking of his own childhood and how long it had taken him to come to terms with his own sexuality. The fear he’d had. The anxiety it had produced. (And the relief, afterwards, when his parents hadn’t booted him out of their home.)

“Merci de nous avoir partager ça,” He says, because even if his fifth graders might not understand the full scope of it, he still wants them to feel that he accepts them as they are. He reminds them that they don’t have to share everything with him – or the others, but that if they do, he appreciates it and that he is someone they can come to and trust.

Then, within the same breath, before they can start the game again, another one of the girls admits to being bi as well. Again, the rest of the girls react much of the same way; they laugh, they say they already knew, and they move on and it flummoxes him. He thinks back to being eleven himself and never in his wildest dreams would he have felt such ease in admitting something.

Edward briefly wonders if maybe, just maybe, it has to do with the fact that they are girls and not boys. He knows it’s not the best way to think about it, but he feels that girls might have it just a little bit easier – with each other and their friend circle, whereas the boys – especially his boys this year, are still very much immature and very centered on the idea of being a Real Man (whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean.)

Or maybe these students are just more open and more aware of themselves. It’s a better thought to have. He knows the discourse has changed, even if it isn’t perfect. There are now queer characters in media and literature that were very much absent in his day and age. Celebrities – young celebrities just a little older than his kids are using social media platforms to talk of their own experiences and doing their own coming outs and maybe that’s also helped make these terms less loaded.

There has to be some good out of it, after all. It can’t all be about cyber bullying and fraud.

Still, he makes it a point to remind them that they don’t have to “come out” to everyone just because and that it’s okay if they don’t want to tell people. They don’t own it to no one. They nod along and humour him and he wants to sit them down and tell them that no, he’s serious and that sometimes it’s not this easy. He should know. But – maybe it is this easy for them. Maybe it has become this easy for the new generation despite what he still hears on the news. Maybe, thanks to the new generation, different orientations will finally no longer be some big taboo and the world can be a better place.

Maybe he’s still dreaming, but – it’s a nice hope to have. If anything, he can hope and appreciate that these two students seem to be very comfortable with themselves and for that, he’s happy. If they can have an easy ride of it, why the hell not.

He leaves it at that and the game runs its course for a while longer, until recess comes to its end.

“M Édouard, dites-nous une vérité!” One of the girls asks as they line up to go back inside. He laughs and stalls for a moment. Some part of him wants to share as well – tell them through his truth that they are not alone and that he’s gay. It would be easy, really, and he’d be an ally to them, or something – he’s not sure, but he likes that it’s not some convoluted over-thought process like most of all the other times he’s come out in his life. Thinking back to how casual the others were with their friends telling them, he figures they wouldn’t turn on him. They’d be surprised, probably, but – it’d be fine – he hopes.

He opens his mouth to say it – to casually let them know that he’s gay, but then the words falter and die at the back of his throat; shrivel up as bile forms instead. He chokes over them and that same old fear creeps back in. He sighs, frustrated with himself. It’s not that the kids need to know, but part of him yearns to share and to show them that it’s okay to be like this – that they can lead successful lives while being themselves. Yet, even if these students would be okay with it, he fears they’d share the news and spread it – that it would then reach the ears of someone else, who would tell their parents, who would get upset, who would tell the school and ultimately, that he’d get fired and dragged through the mud.

He doesn’t have the energy for that. Not now. And the fear ices his veins and suddenly, the pleasant mood from before is gone.

The kids look at him, waiting for an answer.

“Quand j’étais jeune, j’voulais être un astronaute.”

It’s not a lie, but it feels like he’s just done them a great disservice. They don’t realise it and some other kid pipes up saying they too wanted to be an astronaut when they were seven, while another rattles off the name of a few astronauts they know. The moment passes, the kids move on to the next thing as they file back in and Edward breathes a little easier, even though the disappointment weighs him down. This could have been a great teaching moment and he’d let it slip through his fingers.

He trickles in after them and tries not to over think it too much. After all, hadn’t he just reminded his students that they don’t have to tell other people about their sexual orientation if they didn’t want to? The same should apply to him, even if...

Instead, he focuses on the fact that two of his students felt comfortable telling him, even if maybe they were only kidding and even if they went back on it at some later point. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that they didn’t feel the need to keep this truth about themselves hidden. That they felt zero shame and malaise sharing. That their friends welcomed them. If anything, it was refreshing to see. Hopeful at its fullest. It’s good to know that maybe the discourse has changed, after all and maybe, with time, he’ll come to terms with his own fears as well. He’s got to keep hope, if not for himself, but for them and maybe, with time, he can learn something from them along the way.

(There will come a time, later, a few years down the road, during the last leg of his career. The context will be similar; recess, a Friday afternoon and the girls will be playing some other iteration of a truth game. They’ll ask him to play and he’ll agree, for a lack of something better to do and a never-ending need to bond with his kids in whichever way they want him to.

It’ll be great fun. The kids will share truths about themselves that’ll range from heartfelt to funny and he’ll appreciate every single one of them. Eventually, as the kids are often known to do, they’ll turn on him and ask for a truth in return. Eventually, he’ll abdicate and confess to his own.

“Je suis gai,” He’ll tell them, easy and simple as that, with a teasing grin to his face. They’ll roll his eyes at him, complaining all the while that they already know and that they want something new – a real truth. He’ll get them to settle and they’ll wait patiently, thirsting for a new truth about their teacher, “M Étienne et moi on est ensemble,” He’ll tell them next, laughing as they groan because it’s old news. They’ve known for ages – some since first grade. It’s the oldest news in the whole of the school. Hell, some have known since before since they had older siblings who brought the news home even before that.

But Edward will laugh, pick up the game from where it left off and resume it. He’ll share the truth because it is one of his favourites. He’ll share it because, finally, after so long, he feels comfortable doing so. But mostly, he’ll share it for the kids. To let them know. To remind them, really, that it is okay to be this way and that even when they have doubts and even if it sometimes feels as though they have no one cheering for them, they’ll always have him.)

FIN

#pc: edmonton #edward murphy #au #fic #teacher au

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