#cultural traditional background ethnicity whatever

[brainjuicey]

there must be something catholic about the way i write angst about the moral ramifications of my blorbos. Just imagining different ways to prove that God is still good really. honestly. God is still good by the way.

[monkeyzilla]

CAN I RANT ABOUT KEN SATO??? AM I ALLOWED TO? BECAUSE I WILL. ALSO LMK IF I GET DETAILS WRONG!!! LMAO!! I watched the film like 4 times I don’t think I should have missed out on anything or gotten anything wrong but if I do let me know I’m not good at writing shit like this😭

I wanted to talk about the themes of “balancing” mixed cultural identity being kinda hinted at bc it’s something I immediately picked up as an Asian living in a western country. I’m not even gonna say it’s an “interpretation” because I feel like it was quite obviously hinted at would be pretty easy to pick up for anyone that has a similar experience as mine.

In that first interview with Ami, Ken stated that people made fun of him for the way he looked, talked and behaved when he first moved to the US. Since he was born and raised in Japan for a bit, he kept most of that culture that he grew up suffered by with him and got alienated for being too Japanese or not white enough. It’s a really negative experience that I think most people, me included can relate to because you can’t control the fact that you have a particular ethnic background, or that you look a certain way.

But like I also think living in the US for a significant amount of time has also influenced the way he thinks and talks too, the press conference scene stands out with him repeatedly saying bro, as well as the baseball match where he got mocked and told that he should just “go back to America”. It’s kinda clear for most of the film that he’s “not Japanese” enough too.

It’s a difficult situation because on one hand he’s “too Japanese” in America but not “Japanese enough” in his home country. There’s this feeling that there’s no pleasing anyone here! So I believe to avoid having to “balance” his American and Japanese identity, he does things “his own way”. Or “giving the people something else to talk about” in his own words. At least that’s how I’ve interpreted it, idk if I’m stretching or yapping too much.

Him doing things the “Ken Sato” way is a kinda funny excuse for him to do whatever he wants, but I also think it’s just an excuse to avoid sticking to one “culture” (identity), because he can’t. Going back to the the first one-on-one interview with Ami, she points out that he’s eating noodles the “wrong way” and while it is just one single action, to me it seems representative of Ken’s behaviour as a whole when being confronted about tradition or culture. Am I wording that right? I’m not good at articulating complicated thoughts because I have A LOT!! It’s just difficult to type it out.

I just think the inclusion of all of these seemingly insignificant scenes makes Ken’s character seven more meaningful as a someone who’s Asian-Australian because I relate to it so much!! I just wanted to share my own thoughts and feelings about this movie and the little themes it hints at bc I don’t know any other big animated film that mentions this kinda experience😭 I’m not sure if Ken’s experience with his heritage/identity was intentional or not but it seems hinted at enough for it to be a purposeful inclusion, at least that’s how I see it.

I do wish they could’ve explored it a bit more in depth, maybe showing Ken’s life in America a lot more because I doubt they’d go back to it in the possible sequel, but I’m happy nonetheless because I feel really seen when I watch Kenji talk about his own experience. Sorry for yapping too much omfg

[artsyaprilmr]

Hi there! If you're comfortable talking about it, I'd love to hear more about your process creating Armenian OCs 😊 I've been wanting to incorporate more cultural aspects into my characters (particularly in a fantasy context, like dungeons & dragons) but I'm a bit lost about where to start. Ty! 🙏🏻

Hi! When making an OC, I work on 1. Name, 2. Appearance, 3. Personality and 4. Background. The process is the same for all of my OCs, though armenian OCs are influenced by my own experience and life more than the others :^) I go into more details under the cut!

If my main goal is the representation of cultural elements (ESPECIALLY in a fantasy setting), I focus mostly on naming and appearances. On the other hand, for characters that exist in a world similar to ours background would be much more important. I could explain the logic behind this too, but this would turn into a HUGE text and I'm trying to get to the point as efficiently as possible lol

I tried to keep this as short as possible, so if you'd like any clarifications or have any more questions, feel free to send me another ask or a dm! <333

But let's get back to fantasy! So, if I'm making an armenian coded character in a fantasy setting, I always go for an ethnic name. I feel like non-common (by western standards) names fit really well in fantasy worlds. You can also get away with using old/very traditional names because of this imo.

Appearance, like facial features, clothes and hairstyles also help to bring some parts of the real culture into a fantasy world. With facial features you have to be very mindful to not make a caricature on accident. Despite being armenian I am not safe from this also - I have to think not only about the way I perceive the character, but also about how others perceive them too. For example, Minas (my PC for da:tv and bg3) originally had a big, hooked nose and a unibrow, but I've decided to get rid of a unibrow because both of these features combined reminded me too much of some nasty caricatures about Caucasians I've seen in Russia. Despite there being real armenians, both men and women, who have both of these features, I didn't want to play into a widely spread stereotype and strengthen it with my presentation of the character.

With clothes I am also very mindful about NOT using 1 to 1 copies of actual traditional clothing - I personally find it to be in a poor taste. Clothes are a real part of someone's very real culture, treating them as a fancy thing for some fantasy wizard to wear is wrong, imo. Though elements of ensemble, its embroidery and a silhouette, jewelry and hairstyles are good things to use in a character design! I personally like mixing and matching different elements until I find something I like :^)

Other than names and appearances, if I want to hint at a character being armenian, I add traditional instruments, dances, weapons, foods, maybe even some armenian collocations or words for them to use. In a fantasy world their personality can be whatever I want it to be, just like their background. Because there's no Armenia in a fantasy world, it's important to remember that all the "armenian" characters are actually just armenian coded or armenian inspired. I basically let only the cultural aspects build and affect the character, and not the historic and social aspects (though when you're making an OC that exists in the real world, these aspects are EXTREMELY important).

[thevampyreking]

BASICS

FULL NAME: CHAKRII ARIKUN

» MEANING: Chakrii [ Means ‘king’ and is a very important name in Thai culture; pronounced JAK-gree. ] Arikun [ Possibly from Thai อารย (araya) meaning "superior, noble, civilized" and กุล (kun), a transcription of Pali kula meaning "clan". ]

VERSE: Night Shift; The Meaning of Forever;  Serendipity

NICKNAME(S): King

AGE: 213-years old but appears to be 30, he stopped aging at this age. And we want to bite his face.

DATE OF BIRTH: 1810 January 1st. My man's a Capricorn.

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bangkok, Thailand.

OCCUPATION: Founder of DUANG JAN AGENCY.

SPECIES: Vampire-human.

SEXUALITY: Bisexual; Biromantic.

GENDER: Cisgender male.

POWERS

Day walking

Fast healing

Superhuman strength

Doesn't have to drink blood to survive but he STILL has to drink it or he'll get weak

Slow aging; if he continues to drink blood, he can achieve immortality

I'm including richness coz his vamp family came from OLD MONEY, so he's mad rich, too, like, why not

PERSONALITY

STRENGTHS: Responsible, Disciplined, Self-control, Loyal, Trustworthy

WEAKNESSES: Unforgiving, Condescending, Stubborn, Obsessive, Controlling

APPEARANCE

FACE CLAIM: Max Kornthas Rujeerattanavorapan.

HEIGHT: 5′11 ft. [182  cm.]

WEIGHT: 143 lbs. [65 kg.]

BUILD: Athletic.

GAIT: TBA.

HAIR COLOR: Dark brown.

EYE COLOR: Brown.

BIRTHMARK: Yes.

OVERVIEW: » SCARS:  Various scars.

» TATTOOS: None but he'd like some. He got them in the past but they fade away quicker than on regular human.

BACKGROUND

HOMETOWN: Bangkok, Thailand.

RESIDENCES: Main is in Bangkok but he has houses all over the country. He spends a lot of time up-north where his mother was from.

NATIONALITY: Thai.

ETHNICITY: Asian.

FINANCIAL STATUS: Upper, upper, upper class.

EDUCATION LEVEL: University graduate.

DEGREES: Business management, human resources, etc.

SPOKEN LANGUAGES: Thai is King's first language, he studied abroad and is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Russian. He can also speak Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese.

RELATIONSHIPS

PARENTS: Niah Chiasuk [miother, d. ]; Mongkut Arikun [ father ]

SIBLINGS: Several. He is the only part-human.

CHILDREN: None.

PETS: None.

SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIPS: » A young companion from the North.

FAMILY HISTORY: King was born to a human mother who was sickly. His vampire father loved his human mother but she never turned because she didn't see the point in it. She always said that "we use what we are given and make the best out of it." King's father respected King's mother's wishes but then they found out that she had a heart problem that cannot be fixed and either her or King would live if she was to continue living the way she was surviving.

Niah decided that she was going to sustain her child inside her while her sleeping body was being preserved, using whatever life was left in her to keep King alive.

The plan succeeded and King was born healthy and right after, Niah died.

King was raised by his mother's mother and mother's brother together with his vampire father who belongs to one of the noble clans in the country.

King was never made feel guilty of what happened to his mother. Instead, he was told of how his mother loved him that she nurtured him until she passed.

King grew up happy and encouraged to be who he wanted to be.

As he grew up, he was taught the way of their life, politics and business...

The Arikun Clan is one of the neutral clans in the vampire world. They campaign for peace and living side by side with other beings.

King became the foster child for that campaign which he fully took on as he loves the work. However, several problems began brewing, starting in a realm in South Korea and then Sanguine.

It was getting hard to be neutral and soon enough, King knew, he would have to pick a side.

ROMANTIC HISTORY: Arikun Clan has a tradition of taking in companions that will serve them. This tradition continues on but it evolves into a non-problematic situation mostly for the companion. The companions who came from a long line of loyal servants from thousands of years ago are no longer obligated to take on the job and are offered positions in various companies the clan owns.

King never really took on a companion and fed his needs whenever nature called. However, recently, a young northerner from the same line of servants caught his interest. He offered the young human's family a big 'dowry' which they accepted.

King is very fond of this companion and takes him everywhere.

THOUGHTS ON LOVE: “Something my mother had with my father...”

HEALTH

PHOBIA(S): None.

HANDICAP(S): None.

MENTAL DISEASE(S): None that he is aware of.

PHYSICAL DISEASE(S): None.

PREDISPOSITION(S): Alcoholism... His vampire family LOVES moonshine and all those strong local brews. He doesn't get drunk easily but he can get a really bad headache the following day.

[statecryptids]

Doing another book review, yo!

I recently had the pleasure of discovering poetry (or rather, rediscovering poetry, since I used to enjoy reading it as a kid) thanks to a class on children’s literature genres that I took for my Library Science degree. While working on an assignment to survey part of the children’s section at my local library and found a bunch of great kid’s poetry books and thought I’d share a few of them. Hopefully y’all might find some that interest you too.

YES! WE ARE LATINOS

By Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, with drawings by David Diaz

This collection of free-verse poems is about the experiences of Latino children in the United States,  showcasing a great diversity of characters who are Black, Indigenous, white, and of mixed Hispanic heritage. The book also includes groups who may not be as widely known, such Latinos of Japanese and Chinese descent, and Sephardic Jews who fled Spain in the Middle Ages. Each poem is accompanied by background history on topics such as the Spanish Civil War, migrant farmworkers and African heritage. These notes especially appealed to me because they gave each poem more context and really helped build an appreciation for the history and experiences of Latino culture.

The poem titles follow the same formula: “My Name is ___” followed by the ethnicity and cultural relationship of the narrator. For example: “My Name is Monica. I Am From El Salvador. I Live in Houston. I am Texan. I am Latina.”  Each is a short vignette in the life of a Latino child. There is a girl questioning what she wants in life as she prepares for her quinceañera; a migrant worker boy catching a ride in his father’s truck and thinking about the life he left behind in Mexico; A boy dreaming about becoming a painter; and more. Though the stories differ, there is a strong theme running through them about dreams for the future and building a better life.

Poems are written in a free verse style which mimics prose speech. This may bother those used to more traditional rhyming couplet poetry. But for other readers the natural flow of the sentence may make it easier to follow the stories.  

Each poem is accompanied by Diaz’ black-and-white illustrations which resemble wall murals, Mexican papel picado banners, and even shadow puppets.

Oddly, despite trying to encompass the breadth of Latinx people, the book glaringly does not feature any characters of Brazilian ancestry, even though this country is the largest and one of the most diverse in Latin America. The book also lacks characters from other countries where Spanish is not the dominant language, such as Suriname where Dutch is the official language, French Guiana where French is mainly spoken; or Guyana and Belize where a sizeable portion of the population speak English.  Indeed, the book seems to be focused mainly on Hispanic identities with a few exceptions such as the Sephardic Jewish family in “My Name is Sultana, o Susana”, and the white Spanish family in “My Name is Rocio” who fled to Mexico, then the US during the Spanish Civil War. While these omissions do knock the book down a little in my rating, the collection does a good job of highlighting the diverse Latino identities of people living in the United States. And as Ada states in the Introduction: “Whatever your background, this book is an invitation to look inside yourself.”

 Yes! We Are Latinos is available on Amazon or though Bookshop.org

[sentine1ist]

why wouldn’t javier be able to like punk rock & more “traditional” mariachi music lmao ??? coming from a person with a mexican background, mexican people don’t owe anyone having to like ONLY that type of music or living that type of lifestyle just because they were born into the culture.

I never said he couldn't. I'm saying its my personal opinion for my own AU and that I wouldn't see him as such. Other people are free to draw as they like, I'm not going to dogpile or harass someone at all for their interpretation of what the rdr2 characters would be in a modern day setting. If they want to do that then there is no skin off my nose and more power to them.

Me personally as a minority who seldom sees good and non offensive portrayals of my own ethnicity in media, I am more likely to want to curate and celebrate the culture of a certain character as much as possible which is why I personally think it's fun to imagine him playing traditional Mexican music in a traditional Mexican band. This aspect of characters is important to a lot of people I think, to have ones culture be celebrated and written into popular media in a way that is accessible and fun for everyone to learn about.

In addition, the game itself shows his personal struggle with living away from his home country and he expresses how difficult it was for him to adapt when he escaped to America. It's very difficult for me too to go back and visit what is basically my entire family so I sympathise and in turn my AU idea kind of indulges that feeling of wanting to be surrounded in familiar culture, music and people.

People can have fun doing whatever they like and what I stated was a non hostile opinion of mine. At the end of the day I really don't care what people make him 🙂 but I appreciate you asking me thank you

[thejaipurloom]

Ultimate Guide To All the Information You Want On Block Printed Kurtas And Types of Block Prints

One piece of clothing that needs no introduction is the Kurta. It is an everlasting trend that crosses national boundaries. Kurtas are not limited to any nation, even though they are primarily associated with India. Generally, a kurta is a long top that ends at the knee.

Kurtas are a single piece of clothing that has evolved. Throughout the ages, this particular ensemble has seen a transformation. It can include printed kurtas printed in block or plain kurtas.

Historical Background

Block printed kurtas were popular in the areas of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and, to a lesser extent, Sri Lanka. Images from the past and other archives show both men and women dressed in block printed kurtas at that period.

The first kurtas were meant for males. According to historical accounts and archives, poets and scholars in ancient times liked donning kurtas. But over time, kurtas also became a staple piece of clothing for ladies, and they are still among the most sought-after outfits for women today.

Block Printed Kurtas

Kurtas are available in several styles. The block printed kurtas are the most popular of all of them. Block printed kurtas are more popular among women. Kurtas with hand block prints are one such item that dazzles fashionistas. Women have long been fascinated by block printed kurtas. Whatever their place of origin or cultural background, Whether they are from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, or France, ladies have a strong preference for block printed kurtas everywhere they go.

Understand the Patterns of Indian Hand Block Prints.

Learn more about the context of the Indian handblock prints that you love.

What is block printing?

The process of printing on carefully carved wooden blocks is known as block printing. Various types of block printing are used on paper or cloth to accentuate the ethnic appeal of the goods that are made. Wooden blocks are used by craftspeople to print lovely patterns on fabric. Hand-block printed kurtas are popular throughout the globe due to their timeless beauty. There is nothing like the artistic appeal of hand printing.

Different Types Of Block Printed Kurtas

Ajrak

Ajrak is among the most well-known types of block printing. Natural colours derived from vegetables are the foundation of Ajrakh block printing. The printed fabric's background is indigo and crimson red, giving it a unique appearance. This type of block printing is widely used in Pakistan's Sindh, Gujarat, Kutch, and Rajasthan. Buy ethnic suits for women online, and look elegant and beautiful with block printed kurtas.

The most common pattern in Ajrak blocks is dots between two lines. In almost every design, the radius of these dots is the same. These dots were initially carved out by hand; later, brass nails were used. This is an essential factor in determining the skill level of the craftsman.

Akola

The Rajasthani city of Udaipur is the centre for this "dabu" block printing type. This ancient art form's fundamental basis is the "Dabu" art, which translates as the press.

Both conventional objects and natural shapes inspire the designs used in Akola block printing.

Bagh

The Bagh region of Madhya Pradesh is the origin of the traditional block print known as Bagh. Only natural colours, primarily red and black, were used to dye this hand-block printed fabric. The Bagh block print is an excellent option if you want to add something ethnic to your wardrobe to boost the attractiveness of your outfits. The block printed kurtas look great with this technique. The block printed is also now used in short kurtis; the kurtis with block prints look elegant and royal. Are you confused about where to buy Indian short kurti? The Jaipur Loom has a great collection of short kurtis; shop online now!

Bagru

Natural colours are used in a style of hand block printing called "Bagru print" by the "Chippas" of Bagru, India, who have been practising cloth printing for over a century. All around the world, these Bagru prints are well recognized. Bagru prints use a unique printing technique, which is in contrast to ordinary prints. In the traditional printing process, wooden blocks are used. Using a carved block in the selected colour, the desired pattern is first etched on a wooden block before repeated on the cloth.

Batik

The Indonesian technique known as batik involves covering the entire fabric with wax-resist colouring. This approach originated on the Indonesian island of Java. Batik is made in two ways: either using a copper stamp known as a cap to print the resist or with a spouted tool called a canting to draw dots and lines on the resist. Hand-block printed salwar suits look very elegant and beautiful. Buy a designer suit set online from The Jaipur Loom.

Kalamkari

The unique hand-painted textile known as kalamkari is grown in Andhra Pradesh, India. This distinctive Indian block print fabric is available in two variants, Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti, and is created using twenty-three different methods. Kalamkari was once known as Pattachitra, an art form that is still practised in several parts of India and Nepal, as well as in the neighbouring state of Odisha. "Pattachitra" is made up of the terms "patta," which means "cloth," and "chitra," which means "image."

Kutch

To print an identical pattern on fabric, Kutch black-printed cloth usually involves using many printing techniques, including the well-known Ajrakh and Batik hand block prints. Developed about 400 years ago in Kutch, this special technique for block printing has gained a loyal following.

Sanganeri

Sanganer, a village near Jaipur, Rajasthan's southern area, is the birthplace of the "Sanganeri" hand-block printing method. This kind of textile printing, which dates back more than five centuries, continues to be valued by weavers and artisans worldwide. The primary colours used in block printing are red and yellow, and natural phenomena usually inspire the patterns and designs. Additionally, organic colours are used in Sanganeri block printing. The sanganeri block printed kurtas are very famous in the country.

[hotilhotil]

Israel, a country known for

Israel, a country known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes, is also home to a thriving escort industry. Here, the demand for escort services is on the rise, and the women who work in this field are commonly known as escort girls. Escort girls in Israel, like their counterparts in other parts of the world, provide companionship and entertainment to clients in exchange for a fee. However, what sets them apart is their unique charm, beauty, and intelligence. These women are not just physical objects, but they also possess the ability to engage in intellectual conversations and create meaningful connections with their clients. The escort culture in Israel is an open one. It is not looked down upon, and many tourists and locals alike opt for the company of an escort girl for various reasons. Some may seek their services for a romantic dinner date, while others may want a travel companion to explore the country with. Whatever the reason may be, escort girls in Israel are known for providing exceptional experiences to their clients. <a href="https://www.sexy1.co.il/" target="_blank">נערות ליווי</a> One of the reasons for the increasing demand for escort girls in Israel is their diverse backgrounds. Israel is a melting pot of cultures, and so are the women who work in the escort industry. Here, you can find escort girls from various ethnicities, including Russian, Ethiopian, Arab, and more. This diversity adds an extra layer of excitement, as clients get to experience different cultures and traditions through the eyes of their companions. In addition to their stunning looks and cultural diversity, escort girls in Israel are also known for their professionalism and discretion. They understand the importance of privacy and anonymity for their clients and take all necessary measures to ensure it. Many clients who seek their services are high-profile individuals, and the escort girls are trained to handle such situations with utmost professionalism and confidentiality. Moreover, escort girls in Israel are not just limited to providing companionship. Many of them are highly educated and have successful careers outside of the escort industry. They are not forced into the profession but choose it as a way to make a living and support themselves financially. This means that clients can expect to have meaningful conversations and connect with these women on a deeper level. Of course, the escort industry in Israel is not without its challenges. The debate around the legality of escort services in the country continues, and there have been cases of exploitation and trafficking. To combat these issues, the Israeli government has implemented strict regulations and laws to ensure the protection and fair treatment of escort girls. As a result, clients can rest assured that the women they are hiring are doing so consensually and legally. In conclusion, escort girls in Israel are not just there to provide physical pleasure, but to also offer companionship and a unique experience to their clients. They are professionals in their field and are trained to cater to the needs and desires of their clients. With their beauty, intelligence, and diversity, these women add a special touch to the already vibrant culture of Israel. So, next time you're in the country, consider hiring an escort girl and see for yourself the magic they can bring to your experience.

[akula-and-the-space-between]

Me starting to read my first book, for my first class starting in Jan for my Bachelors degree first class is a cultural awareness class. Trying to figure out my culture/self-identity as I listen/read this thing and all I got is a blob. Ima blob people. Love learning out others cultures and ethnic backgrounds and what makes them tick though so that's a plus just not myself really : (. I think if I had to put myself in an identity it would be a nervous hairy chunkie frizz ball. Part Native American/part German with some others splattered in there. Know next to nothing about my family and we were never much into anything traditional/religious/ or cultural wise. Sadly since I would like to know more about where I come from. It's weird having to think about me in this way since it was never really a thing.

So anyone just want to talk to me about them and their identities/cultures/ethnic backgrounds etc.

I do sometimes envy cultures where the family is super tight-knit and it's like it takes a village type thing. Although I see how that could be hard as well for people. We as people are so complex and just identifying as multifaceted is a good way to place it. Ever changing... The world changes second by second, day to day, etc people should be able to change and be what they are/who they are as they choose or even not choose since really we are who we are who we are in all the changing fascinating ways. We should not be afraid to ourselves whatever that is. The world is scary though and the pressure to be or not to be something is so high and sad but the world is changing and maybe for the better maybe someday. We can only hope one day it will and we won't have any one person judge anyone else.

Ok maybe the pit bulls of the world can judge with those judgy eyes.

Love one another no matter age/race/sex/identity/religion/culture/ethnicity it's all just a messy mix up and maybe one day we will be ready.

Sorry started to ramble there. Have a good night world

[alexanicolecuaderes02]

Born to Style

The definition of fashion is that it is "a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior," however the term includes much more. Our choices of clothes frequently serve as our strongest and most visible means of self-expression. Everyone can tell by our clothing choices how we view ourselves and the kind of person we are. besides being a unique form of performance art, fashion shows promote the economy and create jobs for a large number of people, including the designer who creates the original ideas, the outfitter who makes the clothing, and the agent who makes the sale to us.

Unquestionably, fashion enhances people's appearance and/or self-esteem, making them look and feel more beautiful compared to what they normally would be. One of the art forms that helps people feel good about themselves and look their best is fashion, which is accessible to people of various genders, ethnicities, sizes, backgrounds, and lifestyles. Fashion presents things in the best possible light, which is why it has such an idealistic quality. However, there is another aspect of fashion that aims to subvert traditional ideas of beauty; it seeks to change people's views and put out new ideas of what can be considered beautiful. Unlike any other art form, the beauty that is often created in fashion is incredibly short lived, it's a moment. At its best, it burns brightly and quickly and can never be duplicated. That ability to change, to constantly renew itself is probably what makes fashion so intriguing to me. I love that you can look at one designer's work within a given period of time and see the change, whether it's blatant and revolutionary or subtle and evolutionary. You can't always appreciate that journey from one thing to the next in other art forms; it's usually only in hindsight that you can see it. As for what fashion is, besides being an extension of personality, or a mood, or a way of expressing inner creativity, it's also a kind of mask fashion provides a sort of transformative quality, the effect that an item of clothing can have on the way people see you and the way you might see yourself is inherently profound. There's something about feeling your best that brings out a confidence in you that you didn't realize you had. Despite how much fashion deals with the surface, it's the effect it has on the way you feel as opposed to the way you look that makes it so amazing in my opinion.

When people find out someone is interested in fashion (or clothes, or style, or shopping, or whatever word you’re using to describe it), their first assumption is normally that the person is vain, empty-headed, or just plain stupid but if we don’t buy clothes because we want people to tell us we’re pretty, why do I do it? My personal journey in the fashion industry has been a fascinating one, filled with creativity, self-discovery, and a changing sense of who I am. For me, fashion evolved into a tool for self-discovery and a way to express aspects of my identity that words often fail to express. Every decision I made, regardless of whether it was a daring statement item or a delicate accessory, added to the story of the person I am and want to be. I started to think of clothes as a form of art. I was captivated by the creativity that was found in the fashion industry, from street style to runway displays. The intricate designs, innovative fabrics, and boundary-pushing concepts demonstrated the transformative power of fashion as a medium of art. Traditional gender norms in fashion are being challenged by Gen Z. The generation is embracing gender-fluid styles, rejecting the notion that clothing should be confined to societal expectations. This shift is not only reshaping the fashion landscape but also contributing to a broader cultural conversation about gender identity and expression.

[jwood718]

Hmm.

What do you consider "proof?"

Define "most." Is this a percentage? (In the notes someone commented that the PhD missed or misinterpreted the word "most.")

Are there underlying reasons why "most" migrants do not "assimilate" and can you enumerate them?

Do you believe that these reasons are changeable and should they be if so?

Define "third world."

What is your idea of "assimilation?"

Who else gets to define what "assimilation" is (that is, beyond your personal opinion of it), and who (though I am not fond of this word) "gatekeeps" assimilation if gatekeeping exists?

What is your idea of a "civil society?"

Is that definition widely shared, and by/with whom?

Are those who share your idea of "civil society" of similar background by ethnicity, religion, income bracket, et cetera?

Does "third world" automatically indicate that the country, culture, tribe, social sect, et cetera the migrant emigrated from had no civil society?

Does "civil society" necessarily include a capitalist market economy?

Does "civil society" necessarily include "traditional family values?"

Does "civil society" necessarily indicate that the society is democratic/republic in representation?

Do you think referring to an immigrant as coming from the "third world" denigrates them?

Do you know when the term "third world" arose and why?

If a migrant came into your neighborhood, would you help them get settled, or point them to services that can help? See that they had good employment that suits their knowledge/training? Help them find the civil services that would enhance their living in a new location? Help them find others of their faith or ethnicity who are already established?

Among the numerous texts I have read over the last 40 years concerning how society is structured in the U.S., I came across some examples of how recent arrivals were paid when looking for work in our economic structure.

In the mid- to late 1800s and early 1900s, when so many people were moving from Europe, or if Black were moving from the South to "the North," wage labor hiring was often conducted by bosses or foremen at the entrance to a work site; these bosses would, almost as a rule, offer less pay to the recently arrived than to those "real Americans" already employed. The migrant/immigrant, who had to make some money to survive (rent, food, and the rest) though viewed by the boss as less worthy, would take whatever was on offer, to the disgust of the workers already employed, who viewed this situation as the fault of the newcomer, and feared that their labor would thereby be devalued, or that newcomers by "asking" for less money would replace those already at work.

At the same time, landlords (slumlords in many cases) would demand higher rents from the migrants, despite the conditions of the lodging on offer being poor, if not deplorable. If a migrant/immigrant fell behind in paying rent for even a very short time, the landlord would evict. At the same time, landlords whose properties were in better condition (re: livable, "respectable") would not rent to a migrant/immigrant, forcing the recently arrived to congregate where they were able to attain housing (later literally codified as "red lining").

All my immigrants have multiple degrees and are here legally

[diversityintoys]

Importance Of Introducing Diversity To Kids

How many neighbors do you have that have lived in the same city for generations? Chances are, a little! Most people rarely complete their education in the same city or town. We often move for work, looking for better opportunities, or because the world is now a global village, and we can only grow by exploring it.

It means that we are bound to be surrounded by diversity, and our kids will be exposed to different kinds of people from a very young age. In a country as vast and diverse as the USA, appreciating the differences is critical to a thriving and adapting society.

Fortunately, no one is born inclined toward any language, culture, tradition, or food. All children tend to accept whatever they see in their surroundings. However, bringing up these conversations is crucial to ensure your little ones are always clear and calm.

Notice The Differences

Different food habits, languages, and clothes don't matter where we live; we will see these differences in our everyday lives. Your neighbor might have another language and may follow different traditions than you do. It could even be the case in your home, where you and your significant other come from different cultural or religious backgrounds.

It would be best if you didn't shy away from pointing out these differences to your kids. It would help if you always used them as an opportunity to have a healthy conversation with them about all the differences they see daily. It will help you get your kids accustomed to the diversity of people around them.

Diversifying The Playroom

Most children tend to learn more about the world around them via play. Hence, you must have toys that help make room for possibilities they might encounter in the real world. Diversity toys can help open your kids up to an exciting conversation around differences, from skin tones to body types.

Introducing Diversity In Everyday Life

Diversity lets you have Italian one day and Mexican the next or enables you to wear traditional clothes with the same confidence level as you would wear formal. Introducing variety in your children's toys and wardrobe enables them to enjoy this diversity. You can find a wide range of diversity crafts to help your children understand the real world.   

If you generally speak one language in your home, you can always teach your kids a second language. Explain how it will help them watch more films, speak with more people, or read novels in other languages. All this will eventually make their lives more enjoyable.

Multicultural Media

Media is also a way for parents to introduce diversity to their children. You can find various TV shows and movies that feature characters and stories from different ethnic backgrounds. It allows your kids to connect with people who don’t share the same traditions or skin color as you. after watching, speak with your kids about all the differences they noticed in the film and try to clear any doubts they might have. It will surely help you better prepare your children for the real world.

As we get increasingly global, it is simply intelligent parenting to ensure your children are well-adjusted global citizens.

[bikeshack]

How Mountain Biking Changing The Tradition

Human beings have been inventing sports since ancient armies invented games to help them develop their battlefield skills.

We are, in fact, still inventing them today, as technology makes new sports out of established ones. Rollerblading, skateboarding and snowboarding are recently invented sports. And so is mountain biking.

Mountain biking transforms the traditional bicycling which has been around since the late 1800s into one of the most exciting and popular new sports in many years.

People of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds can participate in the fun of mountain biking, regardless of their biking proficiency. The relatively low cost of mountain biking is another of its appeals.

Once you set to start your mountaineer journey, you will probably think about what range should I go? To get rid of this main problem we have coming up with best mountain bike brands, which may be familiar to your WALLET.

Not Your Ordinary Bicycle

Mountain biking is simply regular bicycling, on steroids. It demands far more of its participants than weekend afternoon spent pedaling along miles of asphalt kept in prime condition. Even the mountain bikes themselves look more muscular than their streamlined racing bike counterparts; they are characterized by knobby tires and frames built of large, rounded tubing atop suspensions sometimes referred to as shock absorbers.

Another aspect of mountain biking which differs from that of traditional bicycling is the location in which it occurs. Mountain bikes are designed to tackle trails and terrain which would chew up less sturdy bicycles, from rocky descents to muddy streambeds and sand banks. Just the image of that kind of riding will stir the adrenaline of many a would-be mountain biker.

Necessary Skills

But before you go out and hop on the first mountain bike you see, make sure you have the mindset of a genuine mountain biker. Mountain biking demands physical stamina, razor sharp reflexes, and the ability to think quickly in the face of danger.

Most mountain biking trails are of sufficient length to exhaust those who tackle them, so don’t force yourself to finish the first trails you attempt just for the sake of finishing them.

Leg Training Is Necessary

Take the time to develop your mountain biking legs. To succeed at mountain biking you need the kind of physical strength and dexterity that goes beyond mere maneuvering in tight spots and braking to a halt in a hurry; having the ability to change the direction of a bike in mid-air can avoid some serious accidents, but calls for exceptional power.

A mountain biker must have the ability to cope with whatever emergencies arise on the trail, by knowing how to repair the various parts of a bike and to make sure that he or she will have the necessary tools along to do it.

Classification Of MTBs

Mountain biking has been categorized into several classifications, depending on the terrain, obstacles, and skills involved.

The categories include trail or street riding, dirt jumping, free riding, cross country, and downhill. While the may demand different areas of expertise, they all provide those who enjoy them the tremendous sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering challenges through one's’ strength, stamina, and ability to think quickly.

[grey-sorcery]

These lists are by no means authoritative or complete. I am a practitioner of only one closed culture and therefore cannot rightfully speak for them all.

Just because a culture is closed or semi-closed does not mean its bad to research them. DO THE RESEARCH. Talk to practitioners of these traditions and cultures. Outside of Mexica traditions, I am not their voice. This post is to act as a guide. A good place to start. And I am 100% open to new information. Think of this post as a collaborative effort.

I have yet to see a more comprehensive list on the internet. So many practices exist that it would be impossible to include them all by name or even know about them all. If there is a practice that you know about, please reblog and share! 

Semi-Closed Cultures

These are cultures & practices that require a cultural context that can only be achieved through studiousness and direct interactions with the community. However, these cultures are open to anyone who wishes to join them. They may or may not require an initiation process and other requirements before someone is accepted. Some are based on regionality. The sects mentioned in this list are just one part of the pie. Whatever sects that aren't semi-closed are closed. It is nearly impossible to list all of the sects of these religious and spiritual practices.

Islam (Most sects)

Christianity

Judaism (Most sects)

Hinduism (Most sects)

Buddhism (Most sects)

Zoroastrianism

Sikhism 

Confucianism 

Yoga

"Shamanism" (A few sects)

Kabbalah (Rigorous initiation)

Native American Cultures (A couple tribes)

Ozark & Appalachian folk traditions

Slavic folk practices

Closed Cultures

These are cultures that heavily guard their spiritual and/or mystical practices. Some do perform initiation, however they will not accept just anyone. Some of these are deep rooted ethnic practices and require the same ethnic background in order to be initiated. Due to the closed nature of these magical practices, it is next to impossible to find any reliable information on the internet. Which means using these practices outside of their cultural context will be: ineffective, disrespectful, and misinformed.

Hinduism (Some sects)

Islam (Some sects)

Judaism (Some sects)

Buddhism (Some sects)

"Shamanism" (Most practices)

Navajo

Zuni

Lakota

Ho-Chunk

Mapuche

Cherokee

Chilote

Anishinaabe

Pawnee

Most other Native American cultures

Taoist mysticism

Korean folk practices 

Chinese folk practices (Almost all sects)

African Traditions (Nearly all sects)

Root Work (Commonly referred to has Hoodoo)

Rootwork

Santeria

Espiritismo

Kele

Obeah

Winti

Myal

Abakua

Kumina

Yoruba traditions

Mexica traditions (Commonly referred to as Aztec)

Toltec traditions

Maya traditions

Indiginous Australian practices

Maori practices 

Tagalog practices

Tengriism

Druidism 

Romani practices

Shinto practices

Manchu practices

Mongolian practices

Satsana Phi

Ban Phi

Vietnamese practices

Sami practices

Mari practices

Open Cultures

These are typically considered dead cultures, which means that there are very few surviving cultural centers to gain cultural context. Most of the practices are obtained through archeology and should be considered incomplete. However, taking part in these practices is not considered disrespectful if it is practiced responsibly. 

Hermeticism

Hellenism

Kemeticism (And other ancient Egyptian practices)

Norse practices (General Heathenry)

Etruscan practices

Sumerian practices 

Practices to avoid

These practices are appropriative, rooted in racism/misogyny, cult-like, and/or directly lead into fascism. They should be avoided at all costs. Many of these practices are wide-spread. Several claim to have ancient origin, when they do not. Most of them have taken practices from other cultures and obscured them and claimed them as their own. Some of these practices are literal pyramid schemes.

Wicca

Claims ancient origin, appropriative, misogynistic, consumerism

Neo-Wiccan practices

Same as Wicca, but also tends to be transphobic and racist, consumerism

Ceremonial Magick

Appropriative, rooted in racism & misogyny.

Thelema

Appropriative, rooted in racism & misogyny, cult-like

New Age practices (Like Reiki)

Appropriative, Alt-right (fascist) pipeline, cult-like, pyramid scheme, consumerism

Neo-Shamanism (Nearly all sects)

Appropriative, claims ancient origin

Neo-Nordic practices

Fascist, Appropriative, claims ancient purity

Neo-Druidry

Appropriative, claims ancient origin

Eco-Pagan practices

Appropriative, claims ancient origin, transphobic, consumerism

Hermetic Qabalah

Appropriative, rooted in racism & misogyny

Evangelical practices

Cult-like, fascist, xenophobic, claims ancient origin

Germanic Neopaganism

Fascist pipeline, Appropriative, claims ancient purity

Theosophical practices

Rooted in colonialism, appropriative, claims ancient origin, rooted in white supremacy, misinformative.

If you'd like to know more about me and my blog, ask a question, suggest content, see a list of my posted/planned informational content, or commission a sigil, click here.

UPDATED LISTS

[thecraftymagician]

Hello!!

I hope you’re well. Would you do headcanons for the M6 about how they would react to being the same ethnicity/background? Such as being from Paraka for Nadia or the Kokhuri for Muriel.

Hello there! I gotta say I love your username lol

I think this is another one of those cases where it's generally going to be similar for alot of the M6 if not the same in some ways. You can for the most part carry different things over between the LI's if you want to. This is going to be mostly the specific differences I can think of for them. I'm going mostly based off MC both before and after the plague (aka without memories of home/family but assuming Asra at least knew before and fills in the rest or whoever else knew about it before?). Basically I tried to leave it open to interpretation after overthinking it for months and opted for the both option rather than one or the other. I also combined Julian and Portia because they're siblings. It was a bit trickier with Asra as they were born in Vesuvia it seems? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Even so I'm sorry if it's a bit on the short side!

Warnings: *Spoilers* for Muriel and Lucio's Routes specifically

MC with the same Ethnicity/Background as each M6:

Asra💜

Feels instantly more comfortable and just at home with you though a bit sad/nostalgic from missing their family

Asks you lots of questions about your family and customs to compare and contrast with their own

Likes to try and find new places around Vesuvia you might not know about to surprise you but loves visiting your favorite spots

If you grew up around magic too they'll love to share that with you as well and use it to bond with you, sharing everything they've learned from their parents

Cooks traditional food and snacks often for both of you (and to share with Muriel or anyone else who wants to try)

Nadia💖

Is very intrigued and likes to ask you questions about your life back in Prakra (especially curious about the neighborhood you grew up in, family, how/what brought you to Vesuvia too)

Bonds over liking the same places back home and the differences between there and Vesuvia

Finds your perspective and company so refreshing

Will invite you to join her and her family when they visit or when she visits home though apologizes profusely for her siblings as they might be a bit extra overbearing

Might have inside jokes about back home and loves to have Prakran delicacies with you often especially if you haven't tried them before

Julian/Portia🖤🧡

Very very enthused and will immediately try to see if you can speak Russian(or whatever equivalent) and teach you if you can't

If you grew up in Nevivon as an orphan they'll most likely remember you and recount stories, games, etc with you

If you lived there with family they might not remember you but will share inside jokes about the town and people who lived/visited there

If you're from their birth place east of the Strait of Seals they might not remember as much but as you lots of questions about it

If your parents were also merchants they'll again ask lots of questions about them, the ship, your travels, everything

In general they'll love to joke with you and swap stories and traditions

Muriel💚

Is instantly fascinated and without trying to pry with ask about what happened and how you got to Vesuvia and anything you can remember about home

It's likely this makes you even moreso willing and wanting to help preserve the history of the Kokurhi with him

He'll have even more questions if your family was one of the groups who broke off later and where they went, what they do as well as questions about the rest of the people who split off

As he doesn't remember much himself he'll ask alot about any stories, traditions, or in general the culture of the Kokhuri even if Khamgalai fills in alot (he likes your perspective too)

Lucio❤

Instantly worried you might remember his failures- Oopsies- as well as everything that went wrong

Of course he won't show that and instead make a mild fool of himself boasting about the greatness of the Scourge of the South and how proud he is that you heil from it as well

Wants to swap battle and training stories as well as old songs and jokes that were told around campfires

Hesitantly asks what happened after he left but also doesn't really want to know unless you want to talk about it

Flips between hating the tribe after everything but still being nostalgic when he was still very young and naïve about his place in it

[celebratinglucychen]

Lucy was raised in a Chinese household by two Chinese parents. Even though the surname Walsh has Anglo origins, carriers of Walsh come from various backgrounds and ethnicities through marriage, adoption, immigration, Anglicization of their original last names, etc. So we don’t know canonically if Lucy is fully Chinese, half Chinese+half another Asian, Latino/Asian, whatever. We do know that Patrick Walsh’s identity has no bearing on Lucy's life. Yes, half her genes are his. But genes, as research shows, can be turned on/off/etc through our environment (upbringing), choices (which are influenced by culture), and lifestyle (also influenced by culture).

Lucy’s a Chinese-American who was raised in both worlds because she’s also Californian. Her version of “American culture” is a mix of everything because she's from LA. LA’s multicultural environment means that the "American" part of Lucy contains a significant Asian influence, moreso than someone in a region with a smaller or nonexistent Asian population. In some parts of LA, English isn’t even the primary language; instead, residents speak Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Arabic, and more. This multiculturalism allows someone to live in America without learning English while still being just as "American" as anybody else.

Melissa’s first language is Cantonese. There are videos of her teaching Eric and Titus how to play games (according to the caption) the Cantonese way. I'd guess that Lucy's first language is also Cantonese. And 100% agree that it’s important to acknowledge and validate the impact her culture has on how she operates in daily life. I think that, despite her not being an immigrant, this influence is still pretty significant although it would play out in her life differently than someone from China. I do think that, when she and Tim were on good terms, that she would've shared it with him.

I'm glad that Anon later on recognized their comment as rude. But I'm not sure they understand how generalizing something as ingrained into Lucy's culture as the Chinese Zodiac into fictional astrology is landing. A quick internet search shows that the Chinese Zodiac dates back to around 280 BC. When you think of how ancient this practice is and how it's still being carried out throughout the world and adopted by many, this tells you that it's way more than folklore. If you take the magic and the mysticism out of it, it's culture, tradition, heritage, and so much more. Then you place the Chinese Zodiac into a context where it's commonly used (Chinese New Year) and it becomes everything about what the New Year symbolizes - hope, growth, a fresh start, family, progress, family, friends. Speaking of progress, I want to give Anon the benefit of doubt in their intent and hope they continue taking steps in the right direction.

so because the show won’t tell you Angela’s baby girl name you’re gonna act like she doesn’t exist ?? lol okay youre just blindly ignoring reality to suit your not real astrological beliefs. Lucy is 10 years younger than Tim. 31ish and 41ish. Deal with it.

I agree Lucy and Tim are 31ish and 41ish in the current season. I’m only disputing what years they were born.

The very first indication of Lucy’s age is in season 1 where she’s 28 which takes place in 2018 and 2019 making her birth year 1990 or 1991. Time starts and moves forward from there. It’s been 3-4 years in the rookie world which would make her 29 come season 4 and turning 31 in season 6.

And to comment on reality… it’s a scripted tv show… not real.