#cultural anthropology please be interesting please please please

[hauntedhappenings]

I have to go to school tomorrow :(((( at 7 am :((((( summer over now time to wake up at 6 fucking am :((((((((( please wish me luck on this year being good bcs it's looking bleak folks (lying it's not it's just the 7 am thing mostly)

[six-improbable-things]

Please reblog for sample size, even if you’re not autistic.

[shingujjii]

All Korekiyo Danganronpa S :Character Interaction Events!!

(While playing as him)

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TSUMUGI=================

[KIYO] •This book, and this one, and this one as well…

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[KIYO] •These books would be my recommendations for clothes, hairstyles, makeup, and etiquette.

[TSUMUGI] -Thank you, Korekiyo! That’s so helpful!

[KIYO] •Think nothing of it. Still, I can’t help but be surprised…

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[KIYO] •I never considered that cosplayers would have to study the cultural background of clothing.

[TSUMUGI] -This is actually my first time doing so.

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[TSUMUGI] -But a ton of research went into the history and culture of the Japan-style battles I’ve been into.

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[TSUMUGI] -Research also went into the outfit designs, which really piqued my interest.

[KIYO] •I see. Clothing certainly expresses the background of any given area’s people…

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[KIYO] •There is great merit in the research of characters in order to truly know and become them.

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[KIYO] •Kehehe…I’m quite pleased to see your interest piqued in my field of expertise.

[TSUMUGI] -I know that feeling! It could be any reason in the world, I just want to share my passion.

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[TSUMUGI] -I’m glad we think alike, Korekiyo. You patiently explained things to me without turning me away.

[KIYO] •I’d never be so cold. I’m nothing but sympathetic for your boundless passion.

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[KIYO] •I trust that you’d do anything for your passion, for I, too, am much the same.

NAGITO==================

[NAGITO] -Sorry to cause you so much trouble with this cold I caught, Korekiyo…

[NAGITO] -It sure was interesting. As always, your recommendations are spot on.

[KIYO] •I am glad. Many have taken an interest in my book recommendations as of late… This pleases me.

[NAGITO] -Of course they would. Your field of expertise is people, and that relates to all of us, right?

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[NAGITO] -People’s hopes and dreams and traditions, and the guidance of wise people overseeing them…

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[NAGITO] -It was more than just an interesting read, but seriously thought-provoking aswell.

[KIYO] •The allure of anthropology differs from person to person—yet another part of the beauty of humans.

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[KIYO] •By all means, I’d be most pleased if you read another of my favourites and gave me your thoughts.

[NAGITO] -Of course. If someone like me could be useful to you, I couldn’t be happier.

[KIYO] •Well, I’ll be off now…Once you’ve recovered, I’ll introduce you to another recommendation.

[NAGITO] -Aww, you’re leaving already?

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[NAGITO] -Oh, not to take up all of your time. I’m just surprised to see you in such a hurry.

[KIYO] •I’m hardly busy. But hospital rooms bring back rather unpleasant memories…

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[KIYO] •I feel as though it’s better if I limit my time here.

[NAGITO] -I see… I won’t pry for any details. Sorry for keeping you here.

[KIYO] •Likewise, I meant no offence. Please pay me no mind.

[NAGITO] -Korekiyo just now seemed…different than usual.

-

[NAGITO] -Or…maybe I’m delusional with a fever?

SAYAKA==================

[SAYAKA] -Ah, Korekiyo! Those books you recommended were a big help. Thank you so much.

[KIYO] •I’m delighted to hear that. Some of the books were quite high level—I’m curious to hear your thoughts.

[SAYAKA] -They made me realise just how little I know… But that aside, I learned a whole lot.

[KIYO] •Curious that an idol such as you would take an interest in the origins of classical theater.

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[KIYO] •Might this be for an upcoming work?

[SAYAKA] -Sorry, I can’t talk about it quite yet.

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[SAYAKA] -But since I may have to consult you for more advice further down the road…

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[SAYAKA] -You’ll be the first one to hear about it once I can!

[KIYO] •Kehehe…then I shall look forward to that day.

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[KIYO] •I admire your attitude towards your work, Sayaka, proactively pursuing studies in unknown fields.

[SAYAKA] -Idol is truly a dream job, but… now and then, people look down on it as vapid.

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[SAYAKA] -I’m just am idol…but I want to put some real substance into my performance.

[KIYO] •Splendid…I shall support you all the more.

[SAYAKA] -If you’re interested, you should listen to my new single that came out last month.

[KIYO] •Indeed, some exposure to modern day “idol” worship would surely be of great benefit to me.

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[KIYO] •And…I am certain my sister would take a liking to your music as well, Sayaka.

[SAYAKA] -I hope so. If you’re interested, why don’t you listen to it together with your sister?

HIFUMI==================

[HIFUMI] -Whew, for an anime epic, I have no complaints! Dare I say, movie of the year has been decided.

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[HIFUMI] -There’s also the fact that a Hope’s Peak Academy alumnus was on the main staff.

[KIYO] •Even from an anthropological perspective, the interpretation of themes was fascinating.

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[KIYO] •To think, the protagonist’s sisters were involved with the island’s dragon of legend…

[HIFUMI] -Oh? Mr. Shinguji, it would seem you have much commentary on the film.

[KIYO] •I realize I’m rather quiet ordinarily, but this film stuck something of a chord with me.

[HIFUMI] -Ah, so you’re a moé for sisters. Older sisters? Or younger? Choose wisely, for this may be war.

[KIYO] •No, it’s nothing of the sort.

[HIFUMI] -D-Don’t tell me…you’re moé for dragons!? To favor non-humans is hardcore indeed!

[KIYO] •It’s nothing like that either. And the “moé” of which you speak is altogether alien to me.

[HIFUMI] -Ah, people don’t really talk about moé these days. Do I sound like a boomer if I say it?

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[HIFUMI] -The concept of moé is engraved deeply into my soul—I’m not some kind of oldschool otaku poser!

[KIYO] •I’m afraid that is not what I meant either.

[HIFUMI] -Oh, my apologies. In the afterglow of such a masterpiece, my excitement can’t be quelled.

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[HIFUMI] -I shall pop a cooldown! Would you care to discuss your interpretation of this film with me?

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[HIFUMI] -In a sincere and scholarly manner, of course.

[KIYO] •I see… I wouldn’t be opposed to such a discussion.

[HIFUMI] -Sincere and scholarly…including an intense debate over older or younger sisters!

[KIYO] •You have a peculiar definition of sincere…

MIKAN===================

[MONOPHANIE] -Thank you for your help, Mikan! Anyway, enjoy the beach!

[MIKAN] - it’s no problem at all… Ehehe.

[KIYO] •Ah, Mikan. Still working at a time like this?

[MIKAN] -EEK!

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[MIKAN] -Y-You startled me… But it’s just you, Korekiyo.

[KOREKIYO] •Ah, that was not my intention. My apologies if my appearance frightens you.

[MIKAN] -I-I’m sorry! I don’t mean to discriminate against your appearance or anyone’s!

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[MIKAN] -It’s just, your complexion makes me worry about your health…

[KIYO] •I’ve…always had this complexion.

[MIKAN] -Um…you were going to ask about Monophanie, right? I didn’t really do much.

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[MIKAN] -She asked me to check the contents of a lifesaving manual, so I did…

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[MIKAN] -You can’t drown to death in this world…but without proper measures, you’d likely suffer.

[KIYO] •Fascinating… You truly are passionate about your work.

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[KIYO] •If someone like you were to nurse at my sister’s side, surely she would be quite pleased.

[MIKAN] -Huh? Is your sister, um…sick?

[KIYO] •She’s been in poor health since childhood, yes. The hospital is practically her second home.

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[KIYO] •As a result, she has few friends… That worries me.

[MIKAN] -I see… Then like you said, it would be nice if I could look after her…

[KIYO] •You’re truly kind… I’m sure my sister would be delighted simply hearing you say that.

[MIKAN] -I’m not kind. I just can’t sit by and ignore those who have been weakened by illness or injury.

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[MIKAN] -Because…that makes them weaker than me.

[KIYO] •Pardon?

[MIKAN] -Always being sick… That must be hard, especially having to rely entirely on others.

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[MIKAN] -I…really do wish I could take care of her.

[KIYO] •…

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[KIYO] •I understand. But I could never ask you for such a luxury as you exclusively looking after my sister.

[MIKAN] -Oh, um…did you…change your mind? Did I say something weird?

[KIYO] •Not at all. That’s simply your imagination.

[MIKAN] -But your voice clearly turned colder! I’m sorry! Please don’t hate meee!

SHIROKUMA==============

[SHIRO] -Blue sky, white clouds, clear ocean, a warm sun…

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[SHIRO] -And most importantly, happy laughter. This island is so peaceful—it’s like heaven!

[KIYO] •Like heaven? Well, I suppose there may be some degree of overlap.

[SHIRO] -Huh? Why the long face, Korekiyo? Do you not like this island?

[KIYO] •I find it to my liking, although insufficient.

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[KIYO] •I’m in an unknown place, yet the local inhabitants do not exist…

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[KIYO] •Perhaps a better way of putting it is, it’s boring as an anthropologist who values fieldwork.

[SHIRO] -I get it… True, it feels a little lonely when there’s nobody else here but us.

[KIYO] •Kehehe… Perhaps it’s *because* there are no other humans here that it’s so peaceful.

[SHIRO] -Do you think that even a beautiful island like this wouldn’t be peaceful if others were here?

[KIYO] •Large populations invite conflict, after all.

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[KIYO] •Though, without people, ideas aren’t circulated, and traditions aren’t handed down.

[SHIRO] -Hmm… A world without good or bad, or a world with both good and bad…

-

[SHIRO] -And you’re saying we can only choose one or the other?

[KIYO] •Kehehe… For a conversation that began as small talk, it’s taken a turn for the philosophical.

[SHIRO] -Still, I…I think it would be best if lots of people could live in peace, with hope.

[KIYO] •Many people have shared that wish deep within their hearts since the dawn of time.

[SHIRO] -It would be nice if that wish came true one day.

[KIYO] •Not unlike how your paradise is mundane to me, it’s difficult for everyone to find happiness.

SHUICHI==================

[SHUICHI] -So there are ruins here too, huh…

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[SHUICHI] -This world seems to have been based on the real island, but I wonder if the ruins are intact too.

[KIYO] •Who’s to say? It looks to be a contemporary design, so there’s hardly any guarantee.

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[KIYO] •As I’ve explained to you before, excavating ruins falls under the category of archaeology.

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[KIYO] •Anthropology differs in its approach, so I’m afraid my insight it quite limited at present.

[SHUICHI] -That’s right… You told me before that anthropology is the study of humans, huh?

[KIYO] •Precisely. So…as much as it pains me to say it, I’m unable to conduct fieldwork here.

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[KIYO] •If I were to do so, rather than inside a virtual world, I’d instead go to the real island itself…

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[KIYO] •Thereupon I’d speak with the locals and gain an understanding of their culture and customs.

[SHUICHI] -Cultures do vary widely around the world, that’s true. I’m sure it’d be worth the effort.

[KIYO] •Ah, are you interested in culture?

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[KIYO] •I was just thinking how nice it would be to conduct fieldwork with you, Shuichi. However…

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[KIYO] •To do so overseas would be rather overwhelming for a first time, I imagine.

[SHUICHI] -I think you’re reading too much into things…

[KIYO] •Kehehe, I’m only joking. International studies isn’t my forte, besides.

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[KIYO] •Fieldwork aside…I have a genuine interest in visiting this island in the real world.

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[KIYO] •Living here, learning about the lives of those who inhabit it and the traditions they’ve built…

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[KIYO] •My fascination is quite sincere, you see.

[SHUICHI] -Right. Without the local people, it just feels kinda empty…

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[SHUICHI] -I’d love to see the real island myself, and meet all of the people who live there.

[KIYO] •Care to join me, then? An honest question this time.

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[KIYO] •I’ve traveled far across the country, but seldom for leisure. This could be a vacation of sorts.

[SHUICHI] -Yeah. I’m sure the others would be interested too, so I’ll try asking around.

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[SHUCHI] -But, uh…it seems like a pretty high-end resort, so we might need to amass a fortune first…

ANGIE + TOKO=============

[TOKO] -Ugh, the less I know about these sacred treasures the better… That Monokuma is such a pest.

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[TOKO] -Treasure hunts are for little kids and people who never grew up.

[ANGIE] -It truly is absurd, is it not? Atua never created any sacred treasures!

[KIYO] •Considering it’s one of Monokuma’s activities, perhaps it’s not worth worrying over.

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[KIYO] •But it’s an act of blasphemy! I cannot condone that, so let us hurry and collect them.

[TOKO] -Ah, but perhaps we can leave them be and simply let Atua strike down Monokuma in retribution!

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[TOKO] -So…can this ever-so-convenient Atua of yours show us where these treasures are?

[ANGIE] -Atua has spoken… This is to be our trial before graduation.

[TOKO] -Speaking of someone who never grew up… Not that I expected anything useful out of you…

[KIYO] •We’re hardly pressed for time, so let us search leisurely in between sightseeing and chores.

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[KIYO] •I have reason to believe this task will take some time, so let us pace ourselves appropriately

[TOKO] -You know, you make a lot more sense than Little Miss Head-in-the-Clouds Bikini Model Reject…

[ANGIE] -Swimsuits are convenient! If you get dirty, you can just take off the top and hop into the shower.

[TOKO] -That’s why you wear it? How slovenly… Yet I suddenly feel like we’re on the same wavelength.

[ANGIE] -Nyahaha, I was only joking. Cleanliness is godliness, so I change clothes appropriately!

[TOKO] -H-Hey, now… Don’t toy with my emotions!

[ANGIE] -Toko, Atua cannot ensure your longevity unless you practice proper cleanliness of clothes and body!

[TOKO] -Tell your Atua to mind his own business…although I suppose he has *some* decency after all…

[KIYO] •The Atua of which she speaks seems to be worshiped among nature.

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[KIYO] •In conveying notions of hygiene, one can interpret this as a survival aspect of the faith.

[TOKO] -I see… At least someone here makes sense.

[ANGIE] -Simply do as Atua commands, and he will ensure your safety no matter what.

SONIA + HIFUMI============

[HIFUMI] -Once again I have cut a worthless object… A classic line I am compelled to quote.

[SONIA] -Right! It feels appropriate while mopping up beasts.

-

[SONIA] -Don’t come around here no more! Ah, that felt nice.

[KIYO] •Kehehe… You two seem to be enjoying yourselves.

[HIFUMI] -It felt like a chore at first…but then I realised it’s essentially a real-life RPG.

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[HIFUMI] -By my hand I fell another beast! And another!

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[HIFUMI] -Fascinating… I assumed such technology was still many generations away.

[SONIA] -Battling monsters seemed unbecoming of someone of noble blood…

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[SONIA] -But I’m glad to cooperate alongside everyone, and it’s proving quite the enjoyable activity.

[KIYO] •Allowing your fighting spirit to drive you is but a part of the beauty of the human experience.

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[KIYO] •Naturally, I too am rather enjoying this event.

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[KIYO] •Carefully considering how one can defeat an enemy, reiterating to the highest efficiency…

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[KIYO] •There’s a true sense of accomplishment in that.

[HIFUMI] -Mr. Shinguji, my good sir, you frighten me.

RANTARO + FUYUHIKO=======

[RANTARO] -Hey, Fuyuhiko. Cute plushie you’re eyeing there. Thinking about getting a gift for someone?

[FUYUHIKO] -Yeah…My sister brought me back a souvenir from her school trip, so I figured I’d get her one too.

[KIYO] •Ahh, a gift from one’s sister… How envious I am.

[FUYUHIKO] -It’s nothin’ to get worked up over—just photos and a single candy.

[RANTARO] -Nah, that’s still real thoughtful. It really shows just how kind a person she is.

[FUYUHIKO] -Maybe, but I mean…I can’t really get her anything similar in return, y’know?

-

[FUYUHIKO] -So if I’m gonna buy somethin’ , I’d better put a to of thought of it or she might freak out.

[KIYO] •Kehehe… Your sister much be fond of you. Perhaps I too should pick out gifts for my sister.

[RANTARO] -Same here. Maybe I should pick up something to give my little sister next time I see her.

[FUYUHIKO] -Don’t you guys travel all over? I’d have thought they’d be swimming in souvenirs.

[KIYO] •In my case, she refuses gifts. But perhaps I can gift her something she simply cannot refuse.

[RANTARO] -And me, well, it’ll be a while. But maybe one day I’ll be able to give her something again…

-

[RANTARO] -Maybe I’ll regale her with my wild high-school stories alongside an actual gift.

[FUYUHIKO] -I getcha…

-

[FUYUHIKO] -This shelf has all kinds of stuff for girls, so it’s probably your best bet.

[KIYO] •Ah, you have my thanks.

[RANTARO] -Now that’s a proactive older brother! I’ll take your advice— thanks a bunch.

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if I missed any, please inform me and I’ll add it.

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[bamgory]

not an art post but i have a paper im writing for an anthropology class (food & culture focused) and i was gonna focus on the ways food (and its subtle gendered-ness) influence the ways gnc/trans individuals express (past or present) their identity or influences their relationship with their identity ... (a topic i am interested in bc ive had personal experience with it and wanted to see if anyone else had similar or different experiences)

i dont have a form ready yet, and im still drafting some things, but is anyone interested in being apart of it??? im not publishing it or anything crazy (itll only be seen by me and my prof) and anonymity is first and foremost (unless you choose otherwise). you can share as much as you want and still choose what im allowed to use in the final paper (and even after youve submitted, you can contact me and let me know if youve decided to change your mind and withdraw your submission)

(of course, fair warning that the final form/questionnaire/survey will likely dive into topics surrounding food and, potentially, disordered eating. ill give more detailed warnings when i actually have everything written out. please take care of yourselves!!!)

pls ask any questions if youre interested but unsure <3

[loemius]

hi! just wanna say that your blog looks super interesting and i'm glad i came across it 😊 i'm wondering if you have any advice for someone new getting into hellenic polytheism. i have been really delving into my views on spirituality and religion for the first time in my life over the past year. i've been venerating Hekate a lot because of the deep calling i feel towards her. i've been thinking more and more about properly worshipping the other gods in the pantheon as well. i've always been very interested in all the mythology too. it feels right to start on so many levels but i am also so nervous at the same time :')

khaire!! thank you very much for your ask!! i'm very touched that you enjoy my blog so much and would ask for my advice. i'd love to give you some, with the caveat that i am absolutely not an expert or an authority and still have a lot to learn myself. i'm literally just a guy who loves the theoi a lot and does my best to worship them and honor them. this got very long so im gonna put this under a cut

first, i would encourage you to work past your nervousness. remember that historically speaking, children worshipped the theoi! there's plenty of evidence of this, from the rituals that youths would do as they became adults (such as cutting a lock of hair and offering it to the river [see iliad book 23 and pausanias 2.32.1 for primary sources on this, as a starting point]) or epithets like kourotropos (roughly translated to 'child nurturer', many theoi have this epithet, including hekate!). don't be scared of them. the theoi are gracious and good, and imo, they're very understanding. when i first started out, i prayed and basically said 'i'm new to this, i want to jump in and do my best, but i'm still learning. please be gentle and understanding to me as i embark on this path, and please guide me to worship you as you see fit.' i think being upfront about it really helps. i see a lot of people say that they want to worship but don't feel like they've done enough research or aren't ready for whatever reason. but you also have to start somewhere, and experience is a valuable tool on this path. it enriches your research to be doing it with a purpose, imo. you have to start somewhere yknow? as long as you're respectful, the theoi will be understanding, imo. i would highly, HIGHLY suggest you spend a lot of time researching. theoi.com is an invaluable resource. i also suggest perseus.edu, which is a digital library that has a wide collection of primary sources, including the epics and plays. i personally suggest the homeric hymns as a starting point, as most of them are rather short and approachable and make fantastic prayers to read aloud. i also suggest reading the epics and plays if you're able. secondary sources are also good. greek religion by walter burkert is a good source. i also suggest understanding greek religion by jennifer larson. people have a lot of divisive opinions on this one, but i think household worship by labrys can be a helpful source for what to do when it actually comes to doing your own worship and rituals. i also like hellenion as a source. use your discretion and critical thinking with all these sources. no one source is perfect. compare and contrast, look for biases, cross check. also, get interdisciplinary with it! look into theology, archeology, anthropology, philosophy, classics. don't be afraid to look in multiple places for information to piece it all together.

another suggestion i have is to spend some time immersing yourself in greek culture, both ancient and modern. religion and culture are deeply intertwined, and understanding the specific ways in which greeks view things will help you greatly. and look outside of greece too! ancient greece had a lot of contact with other areas of the world like italy, the middle east, and egypt, even india, and this absolutely influenced the religion and culture. be respectful to mediterranean people, and listen and elevate their voices. i very much like the blogs @/gemsofgreece and @/alatismeni-theitsa. you're not just learning about a religion, but an entire culture that still exists in the world today. here's my general worship advice: cleansing is important, but it doesn't have to be anything more than washing your hands before an offering or ritual. if you have a space for the theoi, try to keep it clean. offerings can be as simple or grand as you like. i find a lot of beauty in the simple things. a glass of water or sharing a meal goes a LONG way. clean, fresh water was a very coveted thing in the ancient world, so sharing a glass of water is honestly one of my favorite offerings. you can share your meal by praying over it and inviting the theoi to eat the steam/smells of the meal, or you could set aside a little plate for them if you wanted to (NOTE: traditionally, it is considered taboo to share offerings with kthonic deities. they were traditionally buried, and libations were poured onto the ground. in the modern day, i think setting things aside to be appropriately disposed of later or pouring things down the drain can be an acceptable substitute. its fine to share with ouranic deities!). really, just find little ways to involve them in your day to day life. pray. pray a lot, about anything, big or small. express gratitude to the theoi for the things you appreciate in your life, and share your struggles with them. it doesn't have to be formal (but it should be respectful). nurture your connections with the theoi and allow them to nurture you right back. do not feel obligated to share every part of your practice, especially online. keeping things to yourself or a close group of trusted friends can really be beneficial to you. truthfully i only post like .5% of my practice on this website. inherently, polytheistic practice in the modern day is a very personal practice. what might be a sign to you might not be to others. imo, the theoi reach out to us in ways that make sense to us, with the context and knowledge we have available, and that means its not always going to make sense to others. your practice should be for you and nobody else.

when it comes down to it, i suppose my advice is simple. research and just reach out. realize you're going to make mistakes sometimes (i have!) but as long as you have good intentions and respect the theoi, you'll be just fine. mistakes are a part of growing. don't beat yourself up over them -- use them as an opportunity to learn. we're only human, and the gods know this. your practice is going to change as you develop relationships with the theoi and learn more about them. things you might have resonated with at one point might not hit the same later on down the road, and thats okay! embrace that as a feature of polytheism, not a flaw. i realize i've given a lot of advice and this can be rather overwhelming. i've given you multiple places to start researching, and i absolutely was overwhelmed (and still am sometimes) with just how much information is out there. that is a blessing in hellenic polytheism. not every polytheistic religion has that wealth of information available, so take advantage of it, but do it in a way that's approachable for you. since you're interested in hekate, i would highly suggest you start with looking into deipnon . tldr its a monthly holiday on the new moon that honors hekate and her role in leading spirits, as well as purification for a new month. cleaning and purification of your home, food offerings, and charity acts are all great ways to honor this holiday. from there, you can easily incorporate noumenia and agaithos daimon (holidays to celebrate the beginning of a new month, usually devoted to zeus and other household gods such as apollon). ive really went off on a tangent here, so i'll cut myself off here. thank you again for asking a fantastic question, and i hope my answer can be of assistance to you and anyone else who might be in your position. may the gods bless you and look after you, and guide you with a kind hand as you embark on this journey. and have a great day and a fantastic meal friend <3

[mirra-kan]

Hi Mirra!

Have you written any headcanon, metas, discussions, or fics about your concept of the "Faithful Haradrim"? If so, could you please tell me where to find them? If you haven't yet, would you mind sharing some info of your headcanons (anything at all) about their history and culture?

I'm a big fan of your Harad artwork and concepts (including the Blue Wizards), and it's all clearly founded on a rich, complex world you've created for them in your head. I would definitely love to learn more! :) I do also plan on including more about the Haradrim culture and history in my upcoming fanfics, so I would love to hear an expert's ideas on them.

Thank you for sharing your work with us!

@sotwk Was very happy to discover your message in my ask box!

Thank you for your interest and willingness to include more Haradrim content into your writing, but I'm afraid you might find my views rather... boring 😆

I also must apologise in advance if any of my phrases may not seem polite enough or turn out to be grammatically incorrect - English is not my first language.

Disclaimer! What is written below represents my personal view! It is in no way intended to hurt or discredit anyone’s head canons, views and ideas!

My Chinese calligraphy teacher once told me: "Do you want to assume or to learn? Decide on the approach before you make theories about anything."

And I follow the strategy of "to learn" before I "assume". So, first and foremost, I'm still in search of bits of information about the peoples who inhabited Harad and Rhun (South and East) of Middle-earth.

My goal is not so much to create head cannons as to draw the audience's attention to the canon and the Professor's own vision. Accordingly, in working through his letters, essays, and volumes of the History of Middle-earth, I am trying to draw parallels that someone as educated as Professor Tolkien might have drawn.

I also categorically disagree with the images created in the movies, where the conventional evil is more caricatured than frightening, and the motives and history of the conflict are not shown at all (Faramir’s saying about Haradrim’s fate is at least included, which is great, even if it wasn’t his in books). When my best friend dragged me into the Silmarillion story couple of years ago, I was amazed at how distorted the perception of these regions was in adaptations.

So, thinking about the existence and struggles of Faithful Haradrim, I rely on the history of the region and possible historical patterns. Such a vast region simply cannot have a common culture. It is the idea that can unite them. But, as in our reality, cultural features, symbolism and colours may differ. For example, we know that those who came with Sauron's army, performed under red flags with snakes. Does that mean that the entire vast region walked exclusively in the same colours? It seems unlikely to me.

As for the Blue Wizards, blue in general is a colour very 'inherent' to many cultures in the Global South. I suppose that's why the Professor dressed Alatar and Pallando in those colours. And accordingly, in my opinion, Faithful Haradrim could use these colours in their robes and on their banners, but not necessarily. It is not the colour that reflects the inner essence of a person.

Of course, when thinking about this or that image, I think about where exactly these people live, what the level of metallurgy development is present in different Ages, whether there is a sea or mountains nearby - all this affects how their armour\architecture\symbolism could have developed. In general, I draw parallels with real anthropology and the history of the development of civilisations. Books about the regional patterns, military and weapon history etc are of big help here too.

Sometimes, of course, I make things up. For example, when I first read the lines about the Blue Wizards not returning to Valinor, I didn't take it in a negative light. After all, they could have stayed in Middle-earth willingly, having become attached and imbued with the problems of the region, of the people. After all, Alatar and Curumo were the only ones who were not afraid to volunteer to fight Sauron.

I also like the later version, in which the Blue Wizards arrive in the Second Age. It makes more "sense" given the nightmare that the Númenorians had wrought in the region. But even among them, I'm sure there were some people who sympathised and helped the local population. I don't believe in black and white in principle. But I do believe in post-truth.

So, in essence, I'm a boring canonist who treats the author's writings and views with great respect. And the myth of the Haradrim and Easterlings being bad guys by all accounts is almost as well-established as the supposed lack of religion, holy Dunedain and cute glowing elves. Which is, in my opinion, in no way consistent with Tolkien's own philosophy and stance.

Perhaps what I came up with from scratch was a sign, a Faithful Haradrim symbol, that those could use to identify each other. People need symbols, faith and ideas. Especially in such trying times. That's the way we are.

Oh, I'm afraid if I go on, it'll be a whole essay. So I think I'll stop here. Thanks again for your question and your interest! I'm sorry if I disappointed you, haha.  Good luck with your writing - I'm so happy there're people out there, who're genuinely interested in the region! ❤

P.S. If everything goes well, I plan to release a zine about Harad at the end of the year. With quotes and the obligatory notes of personal theories not to confuse the reader.

[badass-at-fandoming]

Do you have any headcanons for Beckett? Specifically about his life as a mortal? It sucks that we know so little about his past, other than the fact that Beckett "wasn't the name he was born with," and that he was embraced in the early 1700s in England. I find it strange that we know so little about him despite the fact he's practically a mascot for VTM.

Hi Nonny! I'm so used that World of Darkness' lacuna that it doesn't seem strange to me anymore, but it is quite a cold-water shock, huh? The game designers leave blanks on purpose so we can fill them in. I remember this one interview with Justin Achilli where the interviewer said the Book of Nod was (forcibly) published in 1993 (same as irl). He corrected her and said, "No, no, you have to say it was published in the early 1990s, so any Storyteller can fit it into their '90s chronicle, like if they want to do an adventure to prevent or pursue its publication." His answer stuck with me. As a fan I was like "...why does it matter, let us have this fixed date" but as a writer/baby game dev I was like "OH, that is CLEVER." It leaves room for creativity! Any adventure can follow the meta-canon! That's such a good game design trick! As a fan I find it frustrating!

This game design principle sticks even to the mascot. I've seen stuff that Beckett was a pirate, a privateer, an Oxford scholar, and/or an attractive dying waif. @chinesegal was kind enough to ask me various Beckett backstory questions, that you can find here: bathing practice, opinions on creationism, trans experience. I'd also point you to @vampire-the-askerade for their delightful Beckett writings.

My only like, firm headcanon for Beckett is that he has to be kind enough to warn the fledgling in VtMB. If someone's interpretation of his character doesn't allow for that, my interest tanks. I'm not even totally married to the backstory in my fanfic and idle-thoughts-before-falling-asleep scenario. Those were all convenient pretexts for me to write cuddles and snuggles, haha. I'd love more kudos and comments on my fanfic if you read those stories, but below the cut is the bullet point version.

A Kinder Universe series drops hints of a possible backstory, especially "A Monastery Hides More Than Bones," "It Pleased the Lord," and "Forbidden by God and King."

Birth name is Matthew Lowell.

"Matthew" after the Christian Apostle. The Matthew of the Catholic Bible was a tax collector and therefore a pariah in society (just like Beckett is kinda like an outsider to Kindred Society). He was called to join Jesus out of a crowd (like Aristotle called Beckett out of the wild, or how Caine singles out Beckett during Gehenna). After Jesus's Ascension, Matthew wrote a Gospel, which translates to "good news," and spread it around, (like Beckett spreads his theories like "Good news, everyone! Gehenna is fake!). Matthew's Gospel is focused on how Jesus fulfills Hebrew prophecy and begins with a long genealogy connecting Jesus to King David (Beckett is obsessed with the genealogy of the Kindred race and studies/fulfills/collects prophecies).

"Lowell" is the Anglicized surname of Norman French "lou," which translates to "wolf." Beckett's dark brown, straight hair and white skin is a common coloring with French people. We don't know his original eye color, but blue would clinch the deal. There's a long history of migration between France and England, both of people and culture. It's in the realm of possibility he's of French descent, at least partially.

Born in Oxford. One of many siblings. Mother died in childbirth. Kid during the Great Plague of London in 1665-1666. Good father.

Attended one of the Oxford universities and got his doctorate in some sort of proto-anthropology.

I think I've talked about it before, but I have an Embrace fic idea an Embrace scenario I've thought about real hard before falling asleep.

Beckett has the same tombstone data as above. He teaches at his Oxford university, but is not very popular among his department peers. He's too into evidence and the scientific method, and he's constantly quarreling with his colleagues.

Aristotle and Anatole visit Oxford to set up a satellite library. Possibly they needed a break from Paris for some Kindred political reason.

Kindred brothel owner owes them a favor and lets them stay in the brothel while the duo sets up the library haven

Beckett visits this same brothel to let off steam, and he's gifted to Anatole as a blood doll for the night. Except Beckett is like, "Can I rant to you about how stupid my colleagues are?" and this leads to a genuine discussion of scholarship and, later, friendship

Beckett becomes Anatole's regular client, and Anatole proposes to Aristotle that Aristotle Embraces Beckett

Aristotle approaches the Prince of Oxford and something something Kindred politics and Cassandra Darby kill steals Beckett and dumps him in the forest

The two Noddists learn that Beckett has been Embraced, and they try to find him. Anatole is so distraught that he is Not Helping the search at all, so Aristotle sends him back to Paris. Aristotle keeps up the search and eventually finds and adopts a feral Beckett baby

Aristotle and Beckett rejoin Anatole in Paris. Anatole has regained his equilibrium and takes over Beckett's Kindred education.

Yeah! I hope that answered your question, Nonny. Thank you for the ask!

[jellybeanium124]

so I just saw a post about how the word "tribe" is racist. and like yeah it is. and I decided instead of derailing it I'm going to make my own, because it got me thinking about "the 12 tribes of israel," a phrasing that is perfectly acceptable in all the jewish circles I've ever been in. I've also heard the phrase "member of the tribe" used between jews to indicate jewishness. someone on that post said the word was roman in origin, but I was skeptical because we all know cultural appropriation loves taking things from the jews (this wouldn't even be the only time a word was taken from its jewish roots and applied to black people, ghetto comes to mind, but the conversation that we should be having around black-jewish solidarity is for another post).

anyways, I looked it up on etymonline, and yep, that person was right, but so was I:

I found corroboration on the open encyclopedia of anthropology:

now, I am not a scholar, so there's only so deep I can go. I am also a white-passing jew, and most jews I know irl are also white-passing. I do not know if this terminology is more controversial in jewish POC circles, or even used in non-american circles. it's possible conversations are happening about retiring the use of the word "tribe" and switching to the 12 nations of israel, because the word "nation" is also used in reference to us a lot (hebrew nation, nation of israelites, etc), and I just haven't heard about it.

I also don't really know where to go from here. the word has a derogatory connotation these days, like it or not, and the language we use should be welcoming and inclusive to all jews, not just us white-passing ones. I don't get the final say on that.

I just think the history is interesting here, and I wanted to point out to people that the word "tribe," when used in middle to modern english, originally was about the jews.

if anyone has any additions or corrections, please add on! the last thing I want to do is spread misinformation, and etymology and stuff like this can be sketchy and difficult to research. I do my best to find good sources but I'm not perfect.

[clouds-of-wings]

Ok, art time: I spilled tea on my laptop and while mopping it up with the sleeve of my hoodie I accidentally created this folder and renamed it. I call this work of art "Tea Folder". I'm auctioning it off starting at 2000$.

Please refrain from saying you "could have done this". You didn't! This is my genius creative expression! Certainly the fact that I am not a famous artist won't impact your opinion of my art in any meaningful way?

This is a poem, by the way, I simply avoided the unnecessary formal aspects that hindered traditional poets from fully expressing themselves. Also it's completely unique! One of a kind!

And it's super deep because it's a testament to such a unique moment in time. It's so simple, yet it says so much. It looks like a keyboard smash, which usually expresses intense emotions, yet, paradoxically, here it expresses no emotion at all, challenging the viewer to examine how random combinations of letters make them feel. Really it's a subversion of the norms of internet culture. If a random accident can produce a keyboard smash, then what does language even mean? Wow I'm so deep. You wouldn't have seen this coming, would you? No, you didn't think of that. I did.

---

c[LOUD]s of w[INK]s is a mixed media artist based in Germany. She is interested in the intersections between modern technology and everyday life. Her challenging and provocative art frequently explores novel ways to conceptualize digital spaces. She was listed in "40 daftest female artists under 40" and her work has been exhibited by all of her wealthy friends. She took a lot of social anthropology classes in college and knows which buzzwords to use to impress upper middle class airheads who think they're sophisticated.

[i-read-that-manga-for-you]

Given

Admittedly, I read this manga a long time ago. Like when chapters were still coming out. I was still in high school at the time (holy fuck) and couldn't really articulate my feelings as well as I can now.

I had left this review (bits and pieces of it) on a manga site and decided I might as well put it on my tumblr, finetuning it, of course. First post, because in spite of its flaws, Given is still close to my heart. And I reread it again (somewhat) to make this a better review. I hope each person who reads this will reimburse me with 50 cents each (jk don't). So here it is. My impression of Given, with !!some!! talk about how SA is treated in BL/Yaoi culture in general.

Or not, this is just my two cents with no anthropology degree.

Do take what I say with a grain of salt, a piece of creative media does not exist in a vacuum, but this review treats it as one at times because I'm not really skilled enough to talk about any wider implications. I'm just some guy giving my review.

Spoilers ahead. Go ahead.

TW: Sexual Assault.

Honestly, this manga made me feel a lot. Good and bad feelings. But let's focus on what I liked.

Ugetsu.

He's on the phone, shhh.

I found Ugetsu to be a very compelling character, and it was a huge shame that he vanished partway through the manga. Basically? I have no criticisms about him as a character, he has his flaws and he's nuanced. He's interesting and compelling, and it's clear that he's someone who is still growing and learning to walk on his own two feet. I won't deny that his relationship with Akihiko was very toxic, but I definitely think this isn't something that can be blamed solely on him.

But with this out of the way. Let's talk about the pairings.

Let's talk about Akiharu.

Kizu Natsuki is an amazing artist... Even when I have certain issues with this manga.

Well. I have a lot of qualms with Akiharu.

For starters, Akihiko assaulted Haruki. I'll never forget that. The fact that they ended up getting together anyway was a huge point of contention for me. Given was framed as a story about love more than a traditional story about BL/yaoi which (sorry) usually leans towards the sex. (This is not to say that sex and romance are separated, well they are but they are linked rather than being one in the same. You can have either, like they're hot/cold water but they come from the same faucet.)

But I feel that having this scene in rather than an argument feels completely wrong. I'm someone who will digest pretty much anything the world throws at me, but the Akiharu assault scene came off wrong and it came off scary. (Note: I say scary but I definitely mean much more than that, I just feel like "shouldn't be romanticized" doesn't encapsulate all of it. This topic is not something I'm qualified to talk about, so I don't want to overstep any boundaries.)

And to be honest, that's good because SA shouldn't be romanticised, for that, a big well done to our author. I just wish the aftermath was dealt with better.

This is terrifying. Please retract your words.

In spite of the SA scene being scary, afterwards all seemed to be resolved the moment it was revealed that Akihiko had nowhere else to go.

Everything for them goes uphill from here. Yay.

I just have to wonder what was the point of that buildup if you were just going to allow things to end nicely like that. With a scene like that, you'd think that the manga was saying that "SA is scary, it's terrifying and it's something that you shouldn't forget even if it's BL/Yaoi." But, why did it end up like this.

What I'm trying to say is: What does it matter that Akihiko apologised (twice), he still assaulted Haruki, he assaulted a friend. Even worse is the way that they're framed as a healthy couple afterwards, this just made me all the more uncomfortable. I feel like this is saying "SA is scary" but also saying "the power of love and friendship absolves everything". I've seen some people talk about the fact that SA happened, but haven't seen them say how it was "resolved". I think it's more to do with yaoi/BL fiction culture, that we've grown to accept SA that is unaddressed in our media to the point that Akihiko's apology is like a prayer more than something that's not even worth a second glance.

Saying that Akiharu started off rocky is an understatement, but if I pretend it never happened, I can say for sure that they are much healthier than Akigetsu, and they deserve each other. It's just not good storytelling especially because I don't really understand the motivations of Haruki liking Akihiko.

I once said that Haruki's character arc was based on Akihiko and that was my bad. I was wrong. Haruki, in fact, has a minor character arc, that isn't really to do with Akihiko, about how he feels insecure surrounded by geniuses in the band and this gets resolved by Akihiko saying that they wouldn't be able to function if all of them were geniuses, and Haruki himself seeing Akihiko hard at work. But I had completely forgotten about this arc, my bad, but my point still stands. Haruki deserved a better character arc.

I don't have a smart comment for this unfortunately. Eat your veggies??

In spite of saying this, I'm not an Akiharu hater, I swear. But I just found that ship much less compelling than Akigetsu in general. Akigetsu was a relationship where they were both incredibly toxic towards each other, there was an imbalance in the fact that Ugetsu literally owned the place they were living in, as well as how he'd kick Akihiko out whenever things were rocky. However, I think the end of their relationship was dealt well on both sides, their toxicity towards each other was framed in a negative light as it should have been. They ended the relationship and went their separate ways, this was the best ending for them. For Akiharu and Akigetsu: The difference between these two relationships is that one was dealt well and the other was dealt wrong. Akiharu deserve each other and Ugetsu deserves to learn how to grow by himself.

Anyway, another point of contention was, in spite of the healthy nature of Akiharu. Somehow, the friendship between the two couples seems to have waned and it was pretty disappointing to see. I think it started before this, but the first time it was obvious to me was this scene.

I know you're in the middle of something, but don't be mean to Mafuyu >:(.

Context: This is Chapter 40. Akiharu are in a moment of intimacy and Uenoyama is knocking at their door trying to get advice.

We've seen that Mafuyu is a very reserved person, to see that Akihiko was so ready to tell Mafuyu to stop coming over (even if it is to stop him from coming over so suddely) right to his face was extremely immature.

Basically, imagine if that had been Mafuyu. Personally, I feel like Mafuyu would have been hurt like hell and closed right back up. This scene is something played for laughs and that's something so disappointing. Given is shown to be a band of friends, but in the end it seemed more like two couples who hang out sometimes. Also the fact that both Akihiko and Haruki are pushing Uenoyama to get Mafuyu to rejoin the band. That's something else that bothers me heavily. That they're treating Mafuyu as Uenoyama's responsibility because they're dating. It's a band that is sure to fall apart if you are not making an effort to support each other equally. I mean, it doesn't have to be entirely equal but points for effort and they get no points here. It's funny because they were at least a little self-aware of this prior.

Dating in a band is something that is nuanced, of course. But it sure is funny to see them practically go down the same route they condemned.

That's my criticism of Akiharu.

So, what about the other instance of SA? I'm talking about Shizusumi and Hiiragi, of course.

Let's talk about Shizuragi.

Here they are! Let's talk about them!

Admittedly the first time around, I wasn't particularly into Shizuragi, I was too busy mourning the absense of Ugetsu. But it was during their sex scene where I realised something was very wrong. I was having flashbacks to the Akiharu assault chapter but this time it was played as "love" rather than something reprehensible. Once again, assault was in the manga and it, once again, resolved with badly.

I feel like sexual assault being played off as "love" and being resolved literally the next chapter with the victim being all kosher with it, should be garnering people's "??? what the fuck"s and not to bat for the opposing team for once but where are the complaints. I've actually seen some people talking about this chapter, but I would have expected more.

Hiiragi said he was scared and was crying, but they still fucked anyway. :D <- smile of shock.

Um what. Haha... ha........ :D <- terrifed smile of shock.

I don't know whether it would have been worse that he knew he was assaulting Hiiragi or whether he didn't know at all. But he knew.

Shizusumi confessed his love the morning after and it was all okay. But, to be honest, the fact that it was played off as being "all okay" makes this even worse. It's normal in yaoi/BL for SA to be played off as love, but you'd think that the last place you'd see this is in Given of all places. SA is SA and the fact that Hiiragi was so accepting of what happened to him afterwards says something about this the culture of BL/yaoi and how we just go along with it says something about this sentiment of how "yaoi is always going to be yaoi".

We're done? We're done.

There are no more SA scenes (that I can remember). But I do want to touch on Mafuyu and Uenoyama as briefly as possible (This is a recount of my experience after all). So, Mafuyama.

Ah, yes. The start of everything.

Admittedly, I didn't actually find their relationship super compelling. This is because I tend to get tunnel vision on characters I like (in this case, I heavily tunnel visioned on Ugetsu). I do like them both, they just didn't fit within my vision. I thought they were sweet but I also see a lot of complaints about how Mafuyu was stuck on Yuki and Uenoyama was getting backseated and I do agree with this. Kind of.

I think Mafuyu's story is about growth as a person, it's like what people say: You don't move on or lose your grief, you grow around it. Grief doesn't get smaller, you just get bigger. The person he loved died and I don't think it's fair to say that he has to get over Yuki. Grief is something that sticks with you everywhere, something you have to carry every day. They're still teenagers, they're still young and still have room to grow.

But as a story? Sheesh, instead of Haruki having no place in their circle. I felt like Uenoyama, even when he's the protagonist, wasn't given his spotlight in his own story. There is no character arc for him, there is nothing for him and that's just not fair. There are two people in a relationship, so why does it always feel like, narratively, Uenoyama always comes as an afterthought?

You could have had a character arc about this... Relationships are meant to be balanced, sweetie...

I just think it's a shame, but they're nowhere near as unhealthy as the other couples in Given, so I'm giving them a gold star.

(Minor irk, I do not remember when this happened but why the hell does Yayoi (Uenoyama's sister) get a character arc (where she comes to an understanding about Mafuyama feelings for each other, but also the gay in general) but the man himself doesn't?)

So, with Mafuyama, I feel like the story could have focused a little more on Uenoyama's side. But I feel like it's similar to how Haruki's story kind of got the backseat to Akigetsu drama happenings at the time. Shrug, we can't have it all.

He's beautiful...

That's honestly... all my thoughts. Wow! That was a lot of them. I think there's a lot to be said about how yaoi treats SA and dub-con in general, even in a manga that's not even focused on the sex.

With that said, I don't think BL shouldn't have SA or dubious scenes but the aftermath should be dealt with better afterwards. I think with Given, it's a start that the SA (at least with Akiharu) wasn't romanticised, but the aftermath was just poorly executed.

But I'm not the yaoi police, I hold no authority and I don't support purity culture. I'm not an anti-anything and I also believe that fiction should be fiction. What people enjoy should no way equate to a person's worldview. But, this was just all my perspective and my opinion. I said it and now I'm done. Haha... Anyway, my paypal is—

[incognito-danganronpa]

DRV3 Characters birthplace headcanons

Hello! Today I'd like to use meagre clues from canon, along with my own knowledge of Japan, to try and pinpoint where the DrV3 characters were born and raised. Let's jump right in!

Rantaro Amami -- I'll say Karuizawa(軽井沢) in Nagano. It's a popular mountain celebrity place, where I believe Bill Gates has a house too. His parents are rich. I can't confirm this because it's very much possible he was born outside of Japan, but if it was Japan, this is my best bet.

Tenko Chabashira -- I would say somewhere below Tokyo, in Kansai. This is supported by Tenko's apparent lack of knowledge of modern "hip" stuff she would know if she originated closer to Japan's capital. I'll say Wakayama, since Akidio originated there. Again, nothing consolidates this.

Shuichi Saihara -- Tokyo. His dad is a director, mom is an actress. A place where the film industry booms and mingles is the capital itself, possibly Ginza, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. As a person born in Tokyo, I'm quite sure Shuichi was from there too, probably in one of the many affluent neighborhoods in the Japanese town. Where his uncle lived, though, I have no idea.

Kaede Akamatsu -- I have proof that Kaede was from Yokohama, a prefecture close to Tokyo. It's an industrial district where many people commuting to Tokyo might live, and… Kaede's old school, Shining Star International High School, is a reference to a school located in Yokohama.

Korekiyo Shinguji -- Canon insists that he's from Osaka with his high school referencing a famous former all-girls school, but I don't really think so. You see, people from Osaka and the general Kinki district(yeah, I get the pun) have the accent, the particular type of dialect. Yasuhiro Hagakure had it. Kiyo does not have a glimmer of it in the Japanese dialect. Therefore, I think Kiyo is from Kyoto, the widely regarded cultural center of Japan, where many of his anthropological interests lie.

If anyone has any other clues as to where other Drv3 characters hail from, please please please mention them in the chat and in the asks!

[leveractionlesbian]

hello everyone! i would like to share my current, unfinished progress on uncovering the history of the Shashka and its technique!

the Shashka is a curved sword whose history before the 19th century is extremely obscure, if not lost. as of now, we do not have any surviving manuals in regards to its use, technique, or history prior to that century, but we know it existed beforehand. it is traditionally associated with the Cossack peoples, and remains a staple of surviving Cossack tradition and culture.

interested? read below the cut!

i would like to clarify: when it comes to anthropology, i am an amateur. please take everything here with a grain of salt. i am pursuing the history and technique of this sword as a HEMA hobbyist, not as an expert. if anyone knows better, or if anyone from the region has any input, please let me know!

the earliest artistic depictions i could find of the Shashka are from churches in Georgia, dating around the 1640s through the 1660s. we can tell these are Shashkas through a few key details: the pommel and the curve.

furthermore, the volume of art and the amount of people using them in the art could imply that, by the time these were painted, these swords had been adopted en masse. there are other explanations, however, such as

- very spontaneous mass adoption, with little history before this

or

- the artists' or commissioners' preference for the sword

it could also be that it is a different sword of a similar make, and if so, that's worth exploring. it is also worth exploring it's similarity and proximity to earlier-recorded Turkish sabers, like this one from the Metropolitan Museum. notice the shape of the pommel, and while the rest of the sword is extremely different, it's something worth exploring when the history is this sparse.

in terms of technique, we have even less: training manuals from the 19th century Russian Army and spoken word are basically all we have, as it seems the technique of the Shashka was transferred through teaching and oral tradition, or if there were manuscripts they were lost. all we have are the teachings of those who practice the technique currently, whom i have no method of reaching out to as of now.

please let me know if you all have any input or interest. im excited to be starting this journey with you all!

[serendipitous-posts]

My barely coherent Simon Petrikov headcanons:

American (duh)

Russian descent from one side of his family, who moved to America generations ago

Is of indigenous descent from the other side

He grew up without knowing a lot about either half of his heritage, and wanting to learn more was the basis for his interest in history (haha Finn parallels)

No, he couldn’t speak Russian as a kid. PLEASE stop asking

Does eventually learn to speak Russian.

Studied Anthropology and History

Never really went out into the field that often, always wanted to but was too nervous

Instead he spent a lot of time lecturing or writing books or taking different courses

This toooootally didn’t lead him to do something impulsive like buy an evil crown

Definitely took a course in experimental physics and computer coding at some point

Was the one who taught Marcey how to hack!

After Marcey left, he threw himself into studying the crown to reverse the after affects

End result being that the dude just . . . knows things from like every corner of the field of science??

He and Bubblegum actually bond over this a lot (she was absolutely surprised by all this, why didn’t you tell me your dad was smart, Marcy?)

Post Ice King he starts classes where he teaches Human History and Culture (Finn is his most devout student)

Autistic (I don’t even have to explain this one)

PTSD (Yeah)

Side effect of the crown even years later sometimes results in brain fog. He covers his house in post it notes and reminders to help

[shingujjii]

All Korekiyo Salmon Team Events !!!

———————————————————————

•You wish to discuss the beauty of humanity with me, yes?

-

A/V ROOM================

Watch a documentary on bugs=

•Kehehe… You have good taste.

-

•The cultural relationship between humans and insects is fascinating.

-

•Some see them as vermin, some food, others worship them as gods…

-

•I shall teach you all about it as we watch this documentary…

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Watch a documentary on athletes=

•That may prove interesting…

-

•Sports are an incredibly important aspect of many cultures.

-

•Or Shuichi… do you simply enjoy watching female athletes?

-

•Perhaps the sight of women clenching their teeth and sweating excites you?

-

•Kehehe…I’m only kidding.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Watch a documentary on mediums=

•I regret to say it as you’ve taken an interest… but this footage is fake.

-

•I know from my own experience.

-

•I’ve performed seances myself, so I can tell at a glance if they are authentic.

-

•My goodness…Charlatans like this harm the reputations of true practitioners.

It seems like that didn’t go well

—————————————————————

Watch an action movie=

•Sorry, but I’ve no interest in these. I find the sensory overload exhausting.

-

•Further, they have little in the way of anthropological interest.

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

Watch a drama movie=

•Kehehe…We are of the same mind, Shuichi.

-

•Humanity is beautiful… A film about such a topic cannot possibly be boring.

-

•I am most curious to see how this depicts the beauty of humanity.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Watch an anime movie=

•Ah, it’s a love story between a sister and her brother.

-

•This may not be so bad after all…

-

•Just as there are many different cultures, there are many forms of love.

-

•Let us see what kind of love this anime depicts then, shall we?

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

I might fall asleep…=

•In that case, would you like to receive a lecture instead of watching a movie?

-

•Very well…

-

•Perhaps we shall dig deeper into the tale of Hainuwele I told you before.

-

•Kehehe… Worry not. I shall never bore you.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Play dominoes with the movie boxes=

•I cannot admire such a suggestion…

-

•Those interested in such banal activities are ill-suited as seekers of culture.

-

•I thought you had the qualities of an anthropologist, but I was mistaken…

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

We should focus on reality, not movies=

•Kehehe…I have been waiting to hear such words.

-

•Anthropology is all about field work… Investigating in person is critical.

-

•References are important, but one’s own experience is far more so.

-

•I am glad you are coming to understand anthropology so well.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

DINING HALL==============

Let’s cook something=

•Then I will serve you something.

-

•I know a variety of ethnic dishes… is there anything specific you crave?

-

•”Ethnic food” is but a single term, but the variety it covers is endless…

-

•I will most definitely find something to suit your palette.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Let’s eat some candy=

•Are you scheming to make me take off my mask?

-

•If so, I would’ve preferred you say so from the beginning.

-

•The thought of being victim to some scheme does not please me.

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

Let’s drink something=

•No, I will decline…

-

•Unfortunately, I did not bring my mealtime mask.

-

•If we were going to eat or drink, I’d have preferred you told me beforehand…

-You could just take off your mask and drink it… (Shuichi Mind)

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

Let’s go in the freezer=

•Is that some form of self-discipline…?

-

•Perhaps it hones some qualities needed for a detective…

-

•However, I do not feel it is necessary for me…

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

Let’s have some tea=

•Not a bad suggestion…

-

•It’s is too bad, though, that this place has no snacks suitable for tea.

-

•If there were some insects, I could’ve prepared some ethnic sweets for you.

-No offence to Gonta, but I’m glad there aren’t any bugs around. (Shuichi Mind)

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Let’s try fasting=

•Kehehe…Are you interested in the customs of fasting?

-

•If so, I will join you.

-

•There may be something to be discovered by imitating them.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Getting horny after a meal=

•Hmm…Are you a person with a strong sense of lust?

-

•There is nothing wrong with lust.

-

•But there is one thing you should never forget.

-

•True love is not a physical connection, but a mental connection…

-

•I would appreciate if you kept that in the back of your mind at all times.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Taking a nap after a meal=

•Obeying desires is one way to live… but you may miss things when asleep.

-

•If you wish to peruse the path of an anthropologist, you must stay vigilant.

-I’m not trying to become an anthropologist or anything…(Shuichi Mind)

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Exercising after a meal=

•I do not agree with that philosophy…

-

•Exercising after a meal is a practice of modern times to maintain physique.

-

•I would prefer you spend time giving thanks for the lives you have eaten.

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

LIBRARY=================

Let’s read a dirty book=

•Kehehe… Well of course. You are a boy, afterall, Shuichi.

-

•Such desires are appropriate for a human. I don’t look down upon them.

-

•But I have already given my heart to someone, so I cannot join you.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

—————————————————————-

Let’s read manga=

•Oh, as I’ve mentioned before…

-

•Anime and manga often use folklore and myth as a base for their stories.

-

•This is perfect. Today I will teach you using these manga.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

This is boring…=

•With this much literature before you, you claim you are bored…?

-

•The wisest man is who knows he knows nothing.

-

•Perhaps it would serve you well to have more curiosity…

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

Let’s study=

•Kehehe… An admirable suggestion.

-

•The more you desire knowledge, the quicker it will come.

-

•How about we discuss the qualities of goddesses across different mythologies?

-

•They may all be “goddesses”, but each is a different image of womanhood.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

I’m getting sleepy…=

•Do you get sleepy In especially quiet places, Shuichi?

-

•I won’t speak ill of sleepiness itself. It is a basic human instinct.

-

•But living only by one’s instincts will push one away from knowing culture.

-

•For this reason…It may be advisable for you to fight your drowsiness.

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

Sure is dusty in here=

•Oh? I didn’t notice anything.

-…Ah. (Shuichi Mind)

-It’s because you’re wearing a mask!(Shuichi Mind)

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Let’s look at a world map=

•Kehehe…Excellent choice. I do rather enjoy maps.

-

•They’re perfect…for remembering all the lands I’ve been to.

-

•In addition, I find pleasure in dreaming of lands I’ve yet to visit.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

I want to scream really loud!=

•I dislike loud noises…

-

•If you must scream, do it elsewhere.

-

•I cannot fathom why you feel the need to scream here in the first place.

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

Let’s make a tower of books=

•Towers are a very interesting theme in anthropology.

-

•Why people associate physical height with with authority and power…

-

•There are many papers about this. It is a central to understanding humanity.

-

•What do you think? I would like to hear your opinion.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

GYM====================

Let’s get our bodies moving=

•A wonderful suggestion.

-

•Physical strength is essential for field work.

-

•So first, let us begin with basic strength training.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Let’s clean up a little=

•That is a very good suggestion…

-

•Many Important documents are often discovered during cleaning.

-

•Perhaps I will discover some new knowledge while cleaning this room…

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

I’m tired…=

•That strikes me as a distinct lack of proper planning…

-

•Imagine if we were doing fieldwork on some far-off mountain.

-

•In such a situation, you could die if left behind, yes?

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

Let’s play basketball=

•I will decline…

-

•I cannot find anything about that game that piques my interest.

Damn, this is awkward…

——————————————————————

Ah, maybe we should take off our clothes…?=

•Are you trying to get me to take my mask off, Shuichi…?

-

•I’m sorry, but now is not the time for that.

-

•Sister has not yet determined whether or not you are to be trusted.

-Sister? …What is he talking about? (Shuichi mind)

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

Let’s warm up a bit=

•That is not a bad suggestion.

-

•Whether or not one’s goal can be met is determined during one’s warm-up.

-

•That is what I believe…

-

•There is no such thing as being too cautious or planning too far ahead.

-

•You should continue strengthening those aspects of yourself, Shuichi.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Let’s play dodgeball=

•Is such a game possible with only us two?

-

•Or is there a special rule that I am unaware of?

-

•If so, then I am curious to hear it…

-

•But if you are making fun of me, I shall tear your nerves from your skin.

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

I’ll be the referee=

•If I were to involve myself with sports, then the post of referee would suit me.

-

•Though they stand next to the court, a referee is still an outsider.

-

•It is the same with an anthropologist doing field work in an uncivilized land.

-

•It seems you have begun to understand the process of fieldwork, Shuichi…

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Let’s burn this place to the ground=

•I doubt there would be any documents of anthropological value here.

-

•So setting this building aflame is an option available to us.

-

•But I would prefer to leave that until after I have ingestigated thoroughly.

-

•After my investigation, however, I will assist you.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

COURTYARD==============

Let’s get some fresh air=

•The purity of nature is a common theme across many cultures.

-

•Sometimes, the taste of the air can be an indicator of location or whether.

-

•Ooh…just speaking of it has made me want to travel to far-off lands.

-

•Perhaps you would like to accompany me on my travels once we escape.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

——————————————————————

Let’s go for a run=

•I’m not fond of vigorous exercise, but… perhaps it will be enjoyable.

-

•It is through many different experiences that one is able to understand humanity.

-

•Kehehe…Being with you has gained me a number of new experiences.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Let’s relax in the sun=

•I will decline…

-

•I have some manner of condition where I overheat after being in the sun too long.

-…Probably because you’re wearing all black clothes…(Shuichi mind)

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

What a great view…=

•Do you think so…?

-

•Somehow, my senses are telling me this view is fake.

-

•Well, there are times when amateurs are more on the mark.

-

•Perhaps we shall avoid debating this topic.

It seems like that didn’t go well…

——————————————————————

Let’s dance!=

•This, too, relates to anthropology.

-

•Anthropology and dancing are, in fact, very deeply related.

-

•You’ve heard of ethnic dance before, yes?

-

•Sometimes, a culture’s customs and history are demonstrated through dance.

-

•You seem more and more and more like an anthropologist everyday, Shuichi.

I think this conversation went well.

——————————————————————

Lets go for a walk=

•Kehehe…an absolutely wonderful suggestion.

-

•On-the-spot surveys are a cornerstone of fieldwork.

-

•To be honest, meeting local people is best for expanding once’s knowledge…

-

•But it would be fruitless to talk to Monokuma or his progeny.

-

•So you and I shall thoroughly investigate this school together.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

____________________________________

I’ve gotten used to being here…=

•Now that I think of it, so have I. Don’t become too attached, however.

-

•Life is meant to be a series of encounters and farewells.

-

•Interacting with others is so enjoyable because it is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

-

•With that knowledge, let us fully enjoy this moment together.

I think this conversation went well.

____________________________________

I want to get outside as soon as I can…=

•I also look forward to travelling the country with you after we escape.

-

•Humanity is beautiful… I wish for you to experience that truth firsthand.

-

•With you there, I feel I shall enjoy humanity’s beauty all the more.

Good, it seems like we both had a lot of fun.

____________________________________

Staying here forever wouldn’t be so bad=

•I cannot agree with that opinion…

-

•Have you forgotten our promise to travel the country together?

-

•It was a promise I made to you and you alone… I feel a bit betrayed…

Damn, this is awkward…

____________________________________

[blackcrowing]

hi) I used to be a wiccan, I moved on from it because it no longer felt freeing and I didn't feel connected to it anymore, but I never knew it's something bad? could you please direct me to some good info about it?

There... is a lot going on with it to be entirely honest with you, probably more than could possibly be addressed in just one post of any kind. But I would say the core problems with it as a religion are centered in its founding, ie. that it was essentially completely made up by an English man in the 1940/50s. To make a very long story short, he was basically an amature anthropologist (the concept of anthropology interested him, but he had no formal training. which even if he did anthropology at the time was EXTREMELY colonistic in its applications). So he took aspects of many many different cultures, found similar belief structures in them, and decided to squish them together to make his own "ancient, secret practice." (The wheel of year is an example of this that is ESPECIALLY irksome to Celtic based polytheists.) Thus, Gardnerian Wicca was born.

Because it was pretty rigidly patriarchal (while saying how liberating and equal it was, which was standard for occult groups of the time) there was a backlash and Dianic Wicca grew out of that. They tend to have the most influence on butchering complex deities down to two dimensional figure heads, removing them from their cultural context completely and misappropriating them, causing great confusion to new polytheists looking for information. You're likely to see hundreds of blogs/articles/whatever if you look up say, Morrighan, that claim she is a triple goddess (in the maiden, mother, crone sense), and corresponds with other goddess like Freyja and Hecate. These statements remove her from her cultural context and are likely to set the blood of any one who genuinely studies her on fire.

There was also the Alexandrian Wicca, which set off the common mixing of the terms 'Wicca' and 'witchcraft' causing great confusion among lay-peoples and beginners that all witchcraft is Wiccan. This grew the concepts that are now popular in eclectic witchcraft books like the threefold law and again flattened and erased MANY folk practices as they got absorbed with little or no context into "Wiccan Witchcraft." See anything Silver Ravenwolf has ever written for an example.

Lastly (that I know of but honestly I can guarentee I have miss many many things even in this rather lengthy response) there was the W.I.T.C.H. movement, a semi feminist/occult... thing... which further muddied the waters and is more than likely responsible for the ideas people have in the community about male practitioners of magic and male polytheists, hell even some male deities.

Also I think this all continues to be a big problem because not only are people getting pulled into Wiccan framing when it comes to the occult inadvertently (because it has leaked into every "new witch" book that exists) but MANY folks out there when confronted about their appropriative behavior don't learn from that conversation, instead they double down on why its actually ok for them to "smudge" or why its actually ok that they misapproprate complex deities and treat them like collectable playing cards.

TLDR: Wicca perpetuates cultural erasure in witch/occult/magic circles and is in many ways responsible for problematic themes in those circles and when it comes to lay-peoples understandings of what those circles contain and believe. And they tend to defend their colonialist mindset whenever challenged on it.

[queenlybeastly]

I normally don’t make my own posts on here because of certain reasons however i do want to say something about the newest Planet Of the Apes movie.

Specifically the shipping. The shipping of the MC Noa and the human character Mae.

Stop here if you don’t wanna get spoiled about the movie or if you’re already hating what might be said.

TW for: general cursing, mentions of incest and sexual stuff.

To clarify, i love interspecies relationships. Ask any moots of mine or even look at what i reblog when it comes to those types of ships.

However seeing this ship has rubbed me the wrong way.

I haven’t seen the movie, I’m planning to just not in theaters, but ive gone through the POTA tag on both here and on tiktok. From what I’ve seen and gathered the arguments for this ship are “look! They have chemistry! Noa wouldn’t have done all this for Mae if he didn’t like or have some feelings for her!” “the cast and crew hinted a love story for them!” And even “if you hate this ship even though you like interspecies, youre a hypocrite”

But i have some thoughts on all of this.

1) Chemistry doesn’t mean romance. Two or more characters can have the most amazing chemistry and still likely be friends or platonic soulmates/kindred spirits. And that’s what I’m most likely leaning towards when it comes to these two characters.

Yes they have long gazes, yes he saves her and she saves him, yes they both look up at the stars at the end. But i feel like that’s what two people may go through if they’ve went through the events Noa and Mae have gone through.

And if anyone thinks I’m not for this ship because of the lack of sexual nature of these two then get out. Leave. Block me. I may reblog funni haha horni posts but that’s not all of my damn personality. Thinking that is inherently gross.

2) The interspecies aspect is… odd. Mainly cause I don’t think these two are a interspecies relationship at all. Genetically we share a lot of DNA with primates. Culturally the apes in the current movie are currently going through their own age of civilization that can be comparable to pre Sumeria. They’re developing their own tools, customs, language, are training animals for hunting and are gathering. While interesting from an anthropological perspective they’re evolving the same way humans have.

You can apply the last bit to any fictional species but to me its like watching a distant cousin learning how to ride a bike.

I would deem interspecies romance as shipping characters that aren’t related to the human race at all. Apes and us shared a common ancestor. So, not interspecies.

3) This entire franchise may be fictional… but that’s what worries me. People as of late will shut off their brain if it means shipping something that is obviously problematic.

Case in point? House of Dragons.

I will not touch that show because of the shipping wars. I hated watching tumblr go googly eyed for when a young teenage Rhyneara was crushing over her uncle. Hell i even saw a post where someone got a pic from a trailer that showed a hand over hers and going ‘oh my god guys shes finally gonna bone her uncle!!’ As if incest was suddenly okay even from a literary standpoint. Even if it happened in the lore and books. This is why I think the entirety of The Game of Thrones universe should not have been created.

But this is what we have been seeing.

Just because something is fictional doesn’t mean it can’t happen in real life. And if we normalize something that should remain fictional people are gonna think its okay.

TLDR; I will only see Mae and Noa as platonic soul mates. And that will remain unless something happens where its not gonna be problematic.

Oh! And please don’t bring up the Harkness test when it comes to the validity of this ship. That’s a whole other rant for a whole other day.