#back upfront with the girls who aren't hateful and rude.

[t-errifier]

work has me super exhausted for the night, so expect activity again at ungodly hours tomorrow morning - i treated myself to all of skeletalcowboy's art charms & like . . . are they not so cute???

[beetlegoose01]

In Defense of 2012 April

TW for mentions of sexual harassment and misogynist slurs 

I'm back here for another semi long post. I want to discuss TMNT 2012's version of April O' Neil (perfect timing with the month and all)  and why I personally think the hatred that goes towards her is …excessive to say the least, and frankly makes little to no sense. 

Before I begin, I would like to say I do think there are valid critiques of April as a character. Some of them I will mention here because even with characters I like, I will always point out flaws to not be a hypocrite. However, many of those complaints can be attributed to poor writing and lack of a woman's perspective when creating female characters. 

Let's step back for a moment and think. If April was not April, say she was August, or heck if she and Casey Jones swapped roles, would she get the same amount of hate? Well she sure as hell wouldn't get sexualized as much by the animators I'll tell ya that.

The truth is, I'm not really sure of the answer to that question. I do think there are double standards when it comes to guy characters vs girl ones. A guy with psychic powers but is prone to emotional outbursts sounds cool, right? 

I know there will be people that argue with me in the notes saying there isn't an unconscious bias towards gender, and clearly I'm being over dramatic. Well, I might as well go through the common complaints about April instead of stalling lol

1. She gets kidnapped too often! 

Starting off with probably my favorite complaint. *GASP*  April O' Neil gets kidnapped too often in a superhero cartoon where kidnapping is the most life threatening but still kid friendly crime they can do!

In early 2021 I rewatched 2012 and recorded a tally chart. For those who aren't in the server don't know, it's basically a count of every single instance a character got kidnapped. April got captured a total of 20 times. Sure seems like a lot.  But you know who got captured more times than her?

 Mikey, Donnie and Raph.

In fact, Mikey got captured more than 30 times! Yes, I counted and yes I'm aware I have no life. Yet I haven't heard anyone complain about those dudes in distresses getting their asses rescued by literally everyone. 

Like I said. It's a superhero cartoon. Kidnapping is…kind of a thing that happens. Everyone gets captured in this show, it really isn't that deep.

2. April is rude to Donnie!

Alright, this one legitimately gets me frustrated. 

If you are being harassed and stalked, you absolutely have a right to be rude to the person harassing you. Abusers do NOT deserve kindness, especially when they won't leave you the fuck alone. 

Now you may be wondering, what does this have to do with April? I'll tell you. 

That's the entire Apriltello arc in a nutshell. She is repeatedly harassed by Donnie and to a lesser extent Casey (and yes, Donnie did stalk her, no matter how good his intentions were it's fucked up). There is no win to this scenario. If this was real life, she would be called a bitch for rejecting such a "nice guy" . If she accepted him…well you know how some guys aren't always as nice as they seem…

If she was nice, she's a slut and trying too hard, if she's cold and upfront she's a bitch. I know this because I had to deal with the exact same thing April was going through during the early seasons of 2012. 

Now that the heavy part is out of the way, I would like to clarify I don’t hate 2012 Donnie. In fact, he’s my favorite Donatello. But I’m not going to say his actions were excusable. 

In regards to general rudeness, most of her comments ("Nice catch Donnie!") are just snarkiness typical of a teenager, and the boys have actually said and done a lot worse.

3. The Kiss (es) 

Yeah okay I agree with this one. It doesn't make any sense, especially in the episode a Foot Too Big. I think it would be nice to have her not kiss him, but keep the speech there. And after that ironically, Donnie mellowed out with his crush. 

I guess I can only really blame poor writing on that. 

4. She's a Mary Sue 

So in terms of her psychic powers, I think if they were explained a bit more, it would make more sense. If there were scenes of her practicing, or heck, the origins behind it beyond "she's part Kraang". Actually, come to think of it, wouldn't it be awesome if she actually had some Kraang-like appearances to her design? Maybe as her powers got stronger? 

As for her becoming a kunoichi, it was obvious that she was not as strong of a fighter as the turtles in several instances. The only times I can think of where she saves them involve her powers, not her ninja skills. She graduated the first part of being a ninja in Season 4, she didn't automatically become an expert. 

5. Uh didn't she kill Donnie-

Oh my God. NO SHE DIDN'T. Okay, am I the only one who finds this "reason" to be stupid? She was under control of an aeon crystal! Za-Naron 'killed' Donnie, not April.

In conclusion? April deserves better and stop reblogging my April appreciation post with hate. Thank you. 

[punkscowardschampions]

Buster & Rio

Buster: Thank fuck she finally got the message Buster: Good to know I'm still irresistible to girls I ain't related to, like, but Buster: Let's get off this beach for a while, yeah? There's gotta be somewhere the kids won't follow us Buster: You better be coming with a genius plan Buster: So what, you're ignoring me now? Buster: Rio Buster: Don't Buster: Talk to me or I'm coming over there Buster: Seriously Rio: So what, you're talking to me now? Buster: Don't be stupid Rio: Don't call me stupid Buster: Don't act it then Rio: Fuck off Buster: Why should I? Rio: Because I said so Buster: Fuck's sake Buster: Why are you being like this? Rio: I'm busy Buster: No you're not Buster: Busy trying to ignore me isn't busy Rio: Yeah? Rio: Took you long enough so why can't I Buster: Rio Buster: Come on Buster: I wasn't ignoring you, you stormed off Buster: Just calm down and talk to me properly, yeah? Rio: Yeah well I didn't want to cockblock you, did I Buster: Shut up Buster: You're such an idiot Rio: Stop calling me stupid Rio: or I'm going to punch you Buster: Start thinking clearly then Buster: I love you Buster: Remember? Rio: What does it even count for when we can't do anything about it Buster: I'll come over and kiss you like I mean it right now Buster: I'm not the one who cares what any of this lot think Rio: You do care Rio: at least that much Buster: No Buster: I don't Rio: Fucking hell, Buster Buster: What do you want, Rio? I can't win Rio: Forget about it Buster: Fuck that Buster: Tell me Buster: You're mad if I ignore you and you're mad if I wanna kiss you Rio: Because we can't do either Rio: we can't win Buster: I'm not having that Buster: We can do whatever we want Buster: Just get over it, babe and they all will Rio: You don't know that so don't chat like you do Buster: Please Buster: Like this fam has any room to judge Buster: If you wanna keep me secret, admit it, don't act like it's all their doing, like Rio: Like that'll stop them Rio: It ain't like that Buster: What isn't it like? That you ain't chatting shit about me with my sister and loving it Buster: Fuck you for being ashamed of me Rio: Now you're being stupid Rio: As if she wants to talk about you rn Buster: In good company then, aren't I Rio: Fuck you Buster: Fuck you Buster: You're a coward Buster: I should've got with that girl at least she was upfront Rio: Go on then Rio: sure it ain't too late Buster: Fine Rio: Cunt Buster: Bitch Rio: I hate you Buster: It's mutual, babe Rio: Don't Rio: Don't call me that Buster: Don't tell me what to do Rio: Just stop Rio: please Buster: You started this Buster: You stop Rio: How'd you work that out Buster: Read this convo back if you can't Rio: Yeah, just 'cos I didn't immediately fall at your feet sure Buster: Whatever you say, babe Rio: You're being a dick on purpose now Buster: Yeah, well Buster: I'm a cunt so Rio: You're not alright Buster: Don't fight it Rio: You ain't Rio: I'm just angry Buster: You and me both Rio: I know Rio: it is what it is Buster: Let's leave Rio: I said I'd take Nancy back so Rio: come with Buster: I'm not even gonna ask Rio: Not the only impatient one, like Buster: Don't Rio: 😏 Sorry, but you being unable to deal with your sister having a love life cheers me Buster: 😒 Rio: 😂 Rio: So cute Buster: You're enjoying this too much Buster: Whatever you know or don't know about Nance's love life keep it to yourself, like Rio: Please Rio: it's still Nance Rio: so innocent, like Buster: Easy to be when you ain't getting any Rio: Sure Rio: let's go with that Buster: You think she's not gonna hook up with this girl? You said yourself she wants to go home Rio: Trying to save your blushes, boy Rio: Obviously she will, she's not a nun Buster: Playing the hero again Buster: Cheers, babe Rio: Nah Rio: just I can think of better and more fun ways to get you, that's all Buster: Yeah? Rio: Duh Rio: Forgot who I am all of a sudden? Buster: 'Course not Buster: But I haven't forgotten you hate me either Rio: Come on Rio: You know I don't Buster: Yeah Rio: Wanna sound more convinced? Rio: How many times have I told you I love you Buster: Tell me again Rio: I love you Rio: A lot Buster: I love you too Buster: I'm sorry Buster: Everything's a headfuck Rio: Yeah Rio: ain't your fault Rio: knew it would be, like Buster: Yeah Buster: Still shit though Buster: Whatever let's just go Rio: What do you wanna do about it? Buster: I don't know Rio: We can stop Buster: We can't Rio: it'll be easier when you're back in London Rio: in theory Buster: You reckon? Buster: Are we both gonna throw our phones away and delete all our posts, like Rio: Hmm, could always block you? Buster: That'd work until you unblocked me Rio: Are you saying I have no willpower? Rio: True, but rude Buster: It's not like I'd do any better Buster: A few drinks and I'd be hitting you up Rio: So charming 😒 Buster: You know what I mean Rio: Don't worry Rio: you've been sober enough times now I can call you out Buster: What can I say? I want you all the time Rio: Say you love me too Buster: I love you Buster: And I don't want to stop Rio: We don't have to, do we Rio: we can work something out Buster: I'd do anything for you Rio: You mean that, don't you Buster: You know I do Rio: You know I'm not ashamed of you, right Buster: 'Course Rio: Buster Rio: Promise Buster: I'm an idiot Buster: You already know that Buster: Forget it Rio: No Rio: Why would I be Rio: You're perfect, yeah? Buster: That's you, babe Rio: I'm serious Buster: So am I Rio: I'm a mess Buster: If you're a mess what the fuck do you reckon I am? Buster: Fucking hell Rio: I already said what I reckon Rio: I don't care though, I just like you Buster: Yeah well, I love you Rio: Baby Buster: Find a way to leave my sister behind, yeah? Rio: I can't Rio: Was using her hard enough when I was trying to ignore you, can't peace on her now Buster: Fuck's sake Buster: At least we can rely on her being on her phone the whole drive Rio: Forreal Rio: got her own booty calls to keep Buster: Don't Buster: I wanna say sorry to you properly, don't make me change my mind but making me think about my sister Buster: 😒 Rio: 🤐 Buster: I'll believe it when I don''t hear it, like Rio: Don't be a meanie Rio: you know I can, so much practice Buster: We'll see Buster: I'm not shotgunning just to annoy Nance, believe me Rio: Don't play Buster: I'm serious Rio: 😩 I mean it Rio: I need you so bad, you can't Buster: I won't let you crash, I only want to feel how bad you want me for myself Buster: Then I'll behave Rio: but I don't want you to behave Buster: I know but if you want to leave then you have to drive Buster: Unless you're gonna make Nance do it Buster: Us in the back like we called an Uber Rio: So tempting Rio: too tempting, poor Nance 😂 Buster: Take me somewhere now Buster: You've had loads of practice of sneaking away too Rio: You don't trust yourself, do you daddy? Buster: No Rio: Can't be that close to me without NEEDING to push my panties to one side so you can feel how hot and ready for you I am, can you? Buster: As much as I want to tell you to shut up or fuck off I can't Buster: 'Cause you know it Rio: I do Rio: but I know I can't deal with being near you any longer without you being deep deep inside me Rio: so follow me Buster: Fine Rio: Just fine? Rio: Alright, gonna have you saying so much more soon, boy Buster: You can't say shit like that and then critique what I say Buster: I'm barely breathing here, like Rio: I don't need to critique, I know how fucking good you are, baby Rio: as long as you do what I need then you're gonna know how much I love it Buster: Fuck Buster: How can you reckon you aren't perfect? Rio: Just for you Buster: That's all I need Buster: You're mine Rio: Say it again Rio: Please Buster: You're all mine, baby Rio: That's all I wanna be Buster: Good 'cause you're all I want Rio: I don't know how I got so lucky Buster: 🍀 Buster: One of many reason it's a shame I can't stay Rio: Yeah, can't have your postcode thinking you ain't missed it though Buster: They can think what they want Rio: You'll be good, all about the grind last year anyway, yeah? Rio: work hard play harder with me Buster: That's the easiest promise to keep that I'll have ever made Rio: Welcome Buster: I'm really gonna miss you Rio: I know Rio: I dunno what I'm gonna do with myself, like Rio: probably make a shit ton of money Buster: Welcome Rio: Gotta pay for those plane tickets to see my toyboy somehow Buster: did you just call me a toyboy? 😂 Rio: What it feels like 😂 Rio: stopping me at customs like, i think not, dirty bitch Buster: You're hilarious Rio: you know Rio: gotta work on the routine when you ain't stayed in school Buster: Babe Buster: You know I don't actually think you're stupid, yeah? Rio: S'alright Rio: I don't need it, other ways of making 💸 Buster: It's not alright if you think I mean it Buster: You're an idiot but you're still smart Buster: You make so much money 'cause you're clever as well as hot Rio: Don't be nice Rio: you'll give us away 😂 Buster: I'm not Buster: I'm being honest Buster: Deal with it Rio: 😳 Buster: Now who's cute, like Rio: Shut up Buster: Not unless you shut me up Buster: and good luck with it, like Rio: Nah Rio: I like all the noises you make Buster: You know how to make them happen, babe Rio: 😍 Buster: I wish you could really give me the eye right now Rio: I can Rio: convert it into 😠 if anyone looks Buster: You wish Buster: You love me too much Rio: Yeah Buster: It's alright I came to fucking Skerries of all places to get a glimpse of you Rio: You love it Rio: and Grandad so don't gimme that 😜 Buster: You, yeah Buster: But if I wanted a beach this ain't my first pick Rio: Too many bad mems of when you nearly drowned, yeah? Rio: Poor baby Buster: Shut up Buster: I did not Buster: I was fine Rio: Yeah you did, trying go out too far you show-off Buster: You're just remembering it like that 'cause you wanted to give me mouth to mouth Buster: Always trying to kiss me Rio: 😂 Please Rio: Had your Da out here like Hasselhoff Buster: He wishes Buster: Impressing nobody, especially not my ma Rio: So cynical, babe Rio: know where you get your heroics from tho Buster: I remember them arguing the whole way back so it's no wonder Buster: It feels like that shit happened to someone else sometimes Rio: Yeah Rio: Know what you mean Rio: No way we were ever those kids Buster: And not just us Buster: I look at Nance now and it's like Buster: I don't know Rio: How were you ever so close, right? Rio: I used to know everything about all of mine and now Buster: Yeah Buster: Fuck knows Rio: Easier when its us v the adults Rio: now we gotta be on their side like Buster: And do their job Buster: How's Edie been since her birthday? Rio: Don't even ask Rio: She ain't here is she so, that about sums that up Buster: I reckoned as much Rio: also seen her ex-not-ex sniffing about still so 😒 Buster: He's old enough that I can beat the shit out of him and call it a fair fight Rio: I wouldn't bother Rio: Clearly coming to blows ain't enough to put either of them off so Buster: Fighting her is nothing like fighting me Buster: But if you don't want me to, I won't Rio: I love you Buster: I love you Rio: Thanks for not being shit Buster: Have you already forgotten earlier? Rio: Basically Rio: but nah, it's just everything else Rio: we're great 😜 Buster: 😂 Buster: Don't forgive me too easily though, yeah? Not saying you have to bear a grudge until the school year ends or whatever but Rio: Got it Rio: 👻 like bye Buster: Seriously though, I don't wanna be like your shit exes Buster: I'd rather be an ex Rio: You're nothing like them Rio: and they weren't all bad Buster: Don't start making excuses Buster: For them or me Rio: I'm just saying Rio: give me some credit, christ Buster: It's not your fault Buster: I ain't saying that Buster: They're shit not you Rio: Yeah well, I'm making different choices now Buster: It ain't like you made bad ones Buster: False representation, that's all Buster: Like me acting like a massive cunt for all those years Buster: They did the reverse Rio: Whatever Rio: that's the past whether Ryan can deal or not Buster: Have you blocked him too? Rio: Nah Buster: Why not? Rio: I'd rather be able to keep an eye on him Rio: Otherwise I just have people telling me he's talking about me, or it's even creepier when he just shows up Buster: He's still doing that? Rio: Sometimes Rio: worse when he's drunk, or got enough money for drugs, like Buster: Fucking hell, Rio Buster: You have to tell someone before I go back to school Rio: What are they gonna do? Rio: Useless, like Buster: More than I can in another fucking country Rio: Nah, trust Rio: I post all the shit myself, it'd be different if I weren't but he's allowed to comment whatever he wants on it Rio: Whatever, free promo for me, thanks boy Buster: If you don't tell someone that he's literally still showing up at your door, I will Buster: I don't care if you get mad at me Rio: I'm back at home now, remember? Rio: don't need to worry Rio: he's not that dumb Buster: How long is that gonna last? Indie'll have school you think she's gonna wanna commute to the 24 more than she already is Rio: Maybe she'll really commit and let Ro send her to a nicer school Buster: Now you're being ridiculous Rio: Probably, but it's not that big of a commute, either Rio: it's under control Buster: Whatever you say, babe Rio: Don't start Buster: I ain't Buster: I don't wanna fight with you again Buster: Forget it Rio: Yeah Rio: you too Buster: Like I said, whatever Rio: Don't be grumpy Buster: I'm not Buster: I just wanna go Rio: Takes time to do the goodbye 'round Rio: can't just fuck off, like Buster: I can Buster: More fool you Rio: 🙄 Buster: Hurry up, yeah? Rio: Yeah, be any ruder and Imma tell my Ma you wanna say bye Rio: good luck getting away fast then Buster: Fuck off Buster: You wouldn't dare Rio: You wanna find out? Rio: what I thought 😂 Buster: Rio, please hurry the fuck up, cheers Rio: That's what's passing for manners in your fancy school is it? Rio: I don't know, honestly Buster: You're taking so long Nance is changing colour Buster: I don't reckon she's that embarrassed, do you? Rio: How dare you, that's not my fault Rio: I'm very dilligent with the suncream Buster: You haven't applied any to me so I call bullshit, babe Rio: Yeah, that would've ended well 😏 Buster: You wouldn't get any complaints from me Buster: Can't trust yourself, that's what it is Rio: Can you blame me? Rio: You look too good Buster: Good isn't the word for you in that outfit Rio: I'll come at you with the aftersun later then Rio: as you're feeling left out Buster: promises, promises Rio: Fine, turn down a free massage Buster: Did you hear me say no Rio: Told you before Rio: so vague Buster: Shut up Buster: Focus on saying your goodbyes, like Rio: Stop distracting me then Buster: Stop being so fucking hot then Rio: Sorry 'bout it Buster: I can see that too, yeah Rio: Gonna have to make me sorry Buster: If you ever get in the car I will Rio: 🤤 Rio: all you had to say, damn Buster: I'll even say please if you earn it by getting a move on Rio: 👋 fam Buster: Now we're getting somewhere Rio: Least we know we're gonna be alone when we get back Buster: The fact I can ask if you wanna go to mine or yours Buster: Never fucking happens Rio: I know Rio: Luxury right there Buster: I should probably take you home 'cause Christ knows how long Nance will take to get ready before she goes back out Rio: How sweet Buster: Feel free to tell her on the drive back Rio: 'course Rio: gotta let her be excited Buster: You really don't Rio: It's her first crush whatever you wanna call it Buster: You're my first girlfriend and I don't get to be Buster: She can deal Rio: I know but it's different Rio: you can tell me how excited you are, like Rio: I don't mind 😋 Buster: It's different 'cause she can do whatever she wants with hers whenever and I can't Rio: Yeah Rio: we knew that was gonna be a thing though Buster: Yeah Buster: But I'm not gonna be happy for Nance that she has something I don't Buster: Fuck that Rio: You want me to be buzzin' on the idea of getting you another one like? Buster: What? Rio: Do what you gotta but Rio: not gonna be happy about it Buster: What the fuck are you talking about Buster: How many times do I have to tell you I want you Rio: Don't you want a girlfriend you can actually be with? Buster: I'm with you Rio: I don't want you to miss out Buster: That's the stupidest thing you've ever said Rio: Piss off 😑 Rio: I'm trying to be noble Buster: Well, stop Buster: Be selfish like I am Rio: Alright Buster: Good Rio: Don't get another girlfriend, okay Buster: I won't Buster: I don't want one Buster: I don't do girlfriends, remember Rio: Good Rio: I can fight you now if you do 'cos I got it in writing Buster: You just wanna fight today Buster: I know it's your fave foreplay but behave Rio: If you break your promise that fast we brawling forreal Rio: bitch left by now, too late Buster: 'Course you know that Buster: Clocking her exit, yeah? Rio: Give a shit Rio: she got away with enough Rio: never mind taking you with Buster: Baby Buster: I'm not going anywhere Buster: Like, yeah, London but I'm not really leaving Rio: I know Rio: I was being stupid Buster: It's alright Buster: I'm always an idiot Rio: My idiot Buster: True