#he has simply not driven like a champion this year

[singsweetmelodies]

i like lando norris - i actually, genuinely do - but it makes me hopping mad that he is now in the conversation to be a world champion

[f14fun]

pixelated love (!simmer x mv1) - chapter 8

synopsis: in which the famous three time world champion max verstappen wants to learn how to play the sims 4. except, he doesn't really know how to. so what does he do, search up a youtube tutorial. low-and-behold, y/n's video is the first he watches.

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જ⁀➴✎ ❛❛Y/N's POV❞

The funny thing about catching feelings is that you never know when the walk becomes a stroll, then a jog, and eventually turns into what seems like a never-ending chase.

It’s a flurry of emotions, each step more fervent than the last. At first, you might think it’s just a casual stroll—something light and easy, just taking in the sights and sounds. But then, it evolves into a leisurely walk, where you find yourself more invested, more attentive to the nuances of the path you’re on.

As you get more involved, the pace quickens, and suddenly, what was once a gentle amble has turned into a brisk jog. Your heart starts to race, and every moment feels charged with potential and possibility. The thrill of the chase sets in; you’re no longer just moving along the path but running towards something that feels both exhilarating and daunting.

And just when you think you’ve reached the peak of intensity, the chase turns into a marathon. The emotions swirl around you like a storm, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes overwhelming. It’s as if you’re in a never-ending pursuit, where every stride is driven by hope, fear, and anticipation. It’s a whirlwind of highs and lows, where the finish line seems perpetually just out of reach.

The moment I truly felt my peak of intensity was the moment that I landed in Nice, France, ready to embark towards my ultimate destiny: Being the ultimate Monacan WAG. If you truly believed that last statement, dear reader, I must call you gullible.

Anyhow, the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport had welcomed me with open arms, giving me the twenty kilometer leeway of relief before I was due in the beautiful Principality of Monaco.

And don't get me wrong, but I was scared.

The facade that I put up everyday on stream, on social media, was only a fraction of who I really was. I was left wondering to myself in the hours leading up to meeting Max, "Would he really like me for who I was? What if this was one humongous joke I was apart of, and I was doomed to be the laughingstock?"

Arriving in Monaco, surrounded by its opulence and charm, only heightened my feelings of vulnerability. The grandeur of the setting made my personal fears feel even more pronounced. Would the real me, with all my imperfections and uncertainties, measure up to the expectations set by the facade I had carefully crafted online?

To be put simply, I was only a girl. And I really, really, really hoped that multimillionaire Dutch Formula One racer Max Emilian Verstappen would take pleasure in meeting me.

I had texted Max how I should meet with him, nonchalantly, of course. But on the inside, my palms were sweaty. I was nervous. In person, I wouldn't say I was the best flirt. I was more like that one twelve year old boy at the pool trying to impress a friend group of sixteen year old girls.

I fumbled on my words. I tripped. I missed. I blushed. I ran. I wept about my mistakes, and kept thinking what the absolute fuck did I just say? Why did that just come out of my mouth? I am stupid. I am so stupid.

Simply put, I didn't have much rizz.

Honestly, if I could headbutt myself, I definitely would. I had set myself up for utmost failure for acting like a confident prick, over text, over stream, and over Twitter. I acted like I had it all together, but in reality, if a tall, handsome guy were to actually approach me, you’d see me stumbling over my words and turning into a nervous wreck.

It was pathetic, really.

And oh my gosh, dear reader, if you had seen the look on my face when I had Googled Max Verstappen for the first time...

It was shameful, I will admit.

Learning that he stood six inches above me at his 5'11" stature... I was blushing in the comforting shadows of my bedroom, fearfully gripping my phone, as if Max himself was going to suddenly appear in my room and catch me red-handed, shamelessly watching edits of him.

Hiding under the covers at two am before a long day at work, and pondering if his big, big, bicep muscles from holding a steering wheel all day could eventually hold me in his comforting grasp. Daydreaming, in the middle of meetings with high-end game-development executives, if I could sudden run into his chest and have him hug me until I couldn't breath. Wondering, if I could sit on his thighs one day, and using his veiny hands, he could hold me by my waist and his steamy breath talk into my ear.

Yeah, I get no bitches and I'm horny.

It's pretty obvious to y'all at this point. Don't be a mean girl and judge, though.

And with all of these thoughts, I am not afraid to think them. In the shower, making dinner, watching him race...But it was all put in perspective when I stood outside of his apartment door, waiting for him to let me into his home.

It felt private. Intimate. Different, than all the displays of affection and joyous laughter we shared with the public.

But now I was in the comfort of his home. No prying cameras (at least I hoped that there were no hidden cameras), away from the never-ending watchful eye of the public.

The first thing I noticed about him were his eyes. They were a piercing, greenish, blueish, grayish color—a mix of the sea and comets, a blend of colors I couldn't quite put my finger on.

It was like they held the depth of the ocean, the intensity of a storm, and the mystery of the cosmos all at once. In the soft light of the doorway, they seemed almost otherworldly, drawing me in with their enigmatic allure.

Many people online had said that these eyes were constantly hardened, a result of years spent racing under intense pressure, dealing with tough words from his father, and the unwavering support and strength he garnered from his sister and mother.

They were eyes that had seen the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, that had faced criticism and expectation head-on, and had come out stronger on the other side.

These eyes told a story of resilience and determination, of someone who had been through the wringer and had emerged with a steely resolve. The internet was filled with tales of his focused, almost intimidating gaze on the racetrack, where every glance was calculated and every blink was a strategy.

They spoke of a man who had to grow up fast, who had to build walls to protect himself from the harsh realities of his world.

But when he looked at me, I could swear that I saw them soften.

They drew me in, and for a moment, I knew I could write poetry about them. There was a story in every shade, every flicker of light within those eyes. I could imagine penning verses about their depth, their history, and the way they seemed to hold entire worlds within them.

Suddenly, all my nerves and the fear of being a fumbling, awkward mess seemed to dissipate, at least a little. There was something in the way he looked at me that made me feel seen, like he was looking past the persona and seeing the real me. It was a mix of relief and disbelief, like maybe, just maybe, this wasn't going to be the disaster I had built up in my head.

I had never believed in the saying, "love at first sight", but I could've sworn my heart skipped a beat, if not multiple, when I locked eyes with him. Like I predicted, he was a tall, tall, man. And I, like a lot of people in this world, was not immune to the charm of a tall man.

"Oh, you are very tall," I blurted out.

What the fuck. What the fuck. What the fuck. The words had slipped past my tongue and out of my mouth, bypassing the more sensible part of me, aka my brain. Damn you, stupid weak heart.

I could feel my face heating up, a wave of embarrassment washing over me. Out of anything I literally could have said, my intrusive thoughts had gotten the best of me. My inner voice was screaming at me to pull it together, but it was too late. The words were out there, hanging awkwardly in the air between us. My poster slumped slightly, there was literally no way to recover this. I desperately needed to find a galvanized stainless steel block to bash my head against repeatedly.

Max chuckled softly, a sound that somehow made me feel a bit more at ease despite my flub. "And you must be Y/N," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Welcome."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to regain my composure. "Yeah, that's me," I said with a small, nervous laugh. "Sometimes when someone makes me hella nervous, it just happens, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" I started, but he cut me off gently.

"I make you nervous?" He smirked at me. "Well I didn't know that."

Okay. Cut the cameras, deadass. I quite literally felt like I was a main character in that weird-ass phone game Episode (yes, my guilty pleasure at three am but nonetheless a fun hobby to have) It was like one of those cliché moments where the charming love interest says something flirty, and the protagonist’s heart skips a beat. Except this was real life, and my heart was doing somersaults.

I could feel my face heating up again, but this time, there was a small part of me that felt… excited? Maybe this wouldn't be a complete disaster after all. Trying to play it cool, I flashed a shy smile. "Yeah, well, you're pretty intimidating in person," I said, hoping to keep the conversation light.

"I cannot believe you said that, I'm just a really big cuddly bear," Max laughed at me, opening his arms out for a hug.

For a split second, I hesitated, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. But then, the warmth in his eyes and the genuine smile on his face melted away any remaining nervousness.

Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around him, feeling his strong yet gentle embrace envelop me. It was like being pulled into a cocoon of safety and comfort, his presence immediately soothing the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

As we hugged, I felt the tension in my body start to ease. His arms were warm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the anxiety that had been gnawing at me since I landed. In that moment, it felt like all the awkwardness and worries faded into the background. It was just the two of us, sharing a simple, sincere connection.

The hug lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough to make me feel grounded and welcomed, a silent promise that maybe this really was the beginning of something special.

And I did believe him, that he was just a really big cuddly bear. His laugh was warm like honey, and I could definitely get used to hugging those biceps and burrowing my head in his chest, like a teddy bear. All I could think of was the moment I whipped out my phone to get on Twitter I would tweet, #needthat.

What???

I'm just a girl.

"You're really fucking cute," Max suddenly stated, his soft voice interrupting my daydream.

Wait wait wait what?? Backtrack please?? Did Max Verstappen just call me cute, as he leans on the fucking doorway and I can see his biceps bulge as he-

Noticing my shocked expression, and my jaw must have been hanging out for a considerably long time without responding, he started to laugh at me.

"I hope I was the first person to tell you that today," He continued.

"Y-you certainly were the first person to say that, oh my," I sputtered, a creeping blushing arising from my neck and blossoming onto my cheeks.

Max's eyes sparkled with mischief as he stepped closer, closing the distance between us. "Well, it's about time someone did," he said, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "I've been looking forward to this moment for a while, you know."

I swallowed hard, trying to regain my composure. "You have?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper. The bold, flirtatious Max standing in front of me was a stark contrast to the more reserved person I knew online. It was disorienting, but also incredibly intriguing.

This side of him was magnetic, drawing me in with a mix of confidence and playfulness that I hadn't anticipated. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the realization hitting me that the dynamic between us had shifted entirely.

Online, I had always been the one with the witty comebacks and cheeky comments, but now, standing here in his presence, I felt like I was discovering a whole new dimension of our connection. His boldness was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, making me wonder just how many other surprises he had in store.

"Absolutely," he replied with a grin. "Seeing you now, in person, you're even more stunning than I imagined." He leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving mine, and I felt my heart race faster with every passing second.

"Oh, wow, um, thank you," I stammered, feeling my shyness take over. It was surreal—here I was, the one who had always been confident and playful online, now reduced to a blushing mess in front of him.

Max chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the role reversal. "You know, I always found your confidence online really attractive," he said. "But seeing you like this, all shy and flustered... it's pretty adorable too."

I bit my lip, trying to steady my nerves. "Well, you were always the cool, mysterious racer," I said, attempting to regain a bit of my former bravado. "It's kind of unfair that you're also charming in real life."

He laughed, a rich, warm sound that made my heart flutter. (And I could swear I could hear hundred dollar bills when he laughed) "Guess we both have our secrets," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But I have to say, I kind of like seeing this side of you."

"Yeah?" I replied, feeling a small surge of confidence. "Maybe you'll see more of it, if you keep being this sweet."

Max took a step closer, his presence enveloping me like a warm blanket. "Oh, I plan to," he said, his voice low and intimate. "Getting to know the real you is something I've been looking forward to. Online was fun, but this...this is so much better."

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks again, but this time it was mixed with excitement. "Well, you better keep up the charm then," I teased, trying to match his playful energy. "I'm not that easy to impress, you know."

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Is that a challenge?" he asked, leaning in slightly, his proximity making my heart race even faster.

"Maybe it is," I said, my voice daring but my insides turning to jelly. "Think you can handle it?"

Max grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Oh, I know I can," he said smoothly. "And by the end of this trip, you'll see just how serious I am."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of anticipation and thrill coursing through me. The flirty banter, the unexpected boldness, and the undeniable chemistry between us—it was all so intoxicating. As I looked into his eyes, I realized that this was just the beginning of an adventure that was sure to be full of surprises and unforgettable moments. Spending time with Max felt completely different from any of my past relationships.

There was a new air about him, a different kind of electricity that sparked between us. Unlike the fleeting attention I had received from past lovers, who barely gave me a minute of their day, Max's presence was all-encompassing. He made me feel seen and valued in a way I hadn't experienced before. Each moment with him was charged with genuine interest and warmth, making me feel like I was the only person in the world.

The thought of what lay ahead made my heart race with a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration. I knew that being with Max would be an experience unlike any other, a journey where we would both reveal our true selves and create memories that would last a lifetime.

Don't call me naive, dear reader, because in the moment, it truly felt that way to me...And I really hoped that he felt the same too.

"Alright then," I said, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. "Game on."

Max's smile widened, and he extended his hand. "Game on," he echoed, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me as our fingers intertwined.

"Come on in," he said, leading me into his apartment.

As soon as we stepped inside, I realized that 'apartment' was an understatement. The place felt more like a huge penthouse rather than the modest apartment he had made it out to be. It was luxurious yet still quite plain and humble, a reflection of Max himself. The high ceilings, expansive windows, and elegant but understated furniture gave it a sense of grandeur without being ostentatious.

The living area was open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that opened onto a balcony overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, a sprawling panorama of twinkling lights and distant landmarks that seemed to stretch endlessly. Despite the grandeur, there was an inviting warmth to the space. The furniture, though minimal, was meticulously chosen—sleek modern lines with plush, comfortable seating that suggested a home where one could truly relax.

As we moved through the apartment, I noticed the subtle details: a few well-placed art pieces, not too many, just enough to add character without overwhelming the space. The kitchen was state-of-the-art, with shiny countertops and high-end appliances, but it was evident that Max wasn’t a chef—there were no intricate gadgets or utensils, just the basics. The sparse decorations spoke volumes about his personality: practical and unpretentious.

"Wow," I said, looking around in awe. "You really weren’t kidding when you said you had a big place. This is incredible."

Max shrugged, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "Yeah, I guess it’s a bit bigger than most apartments," he said with a sheepish grin. "But, as you can see, I didn’t exactly go all out on decorating. I’m not really into interior design and don’t have a clue how to make it look... well, more 'homey.'"

I laughed, finding his modesty endearing. "Well, if you ever want to change that, I’m your go-to person," I offered playfully. "I could definitely give this place a bit more personality."

"Oh, really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "And what if I said I might be more inclined to actually spend more time here if you did?"

I grinned, feeling a spark of excitement at the prospect. "Challenge accepted," I said. "I’ll have to draw up some design ideas for you. Just don’t be surprised if you come home one day and find your place looking like a completely different world."

Max chuckled, leaning against the kitchen counter with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Are you saying you’re going to turn my penthouse into something out of a magazine?"

"Something like that," I replied, trying to keep a straight face. "But with a touch of ‘Y/N’ flair. I promise it won’t be all pink and sparkles—unless you really want it to be."

"I think I'd rather die," He rolled his eyes, making me a victim of the sassy man apocalypse. Letting out a sudden bark of laughter, my eyes widened, surprised at the ugly ass noise I just let out.

"Wait no I take it back, it would be way better if I just paint it neon green and tweeted #BratSummerTakeover," I laughed.

"This is way worse than the pink what the hell..." Max laughed at my antics. Finally, he was matching my freak!

"Honestly, CharliXCX and Brat Twitter would probably save you if you got canceled, just because you made your apartment Brat themed," I countered, eye brows raising and daring him to challenge me.

"What would I even get cancelled for? Being too devilishly handsome, maybe," He asked, smirking at me.

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, and I knew I was blushing a lot. "Well, maybe," I stammered, trying to regain my composure. "Or for making girls like me turn bright red with just a few words."

Max's smirk widened, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction. "I think I could live with that," he said, his voice low and teasing. "But seriously, I like seeing this side of you. It's cute."

I blushed even more, trying to deflect the compliment with humor. "Well, you might get canceled for making me turn this red," I quipped, feeling a bit bolder. "And for having terrible taste in decor. Honestly, who wouldn’t want a neon green penthouse? It’s the height of fashion."

Max shook his head, still laughing. "Okay, okay. Maybe we should stick to something a bit more... timeless. How about a black and white theme? Classic, elegant, and less likely to blind anyone who walks in."

I pretended to consider it, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, that could work. But only if we add some gold accents. You know, to bring out the sparkle in your eyes."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Gold accents, huh? You really think my eyes sparkle?"

"Like diamonds, just like that one Rihanna song," I said, batting my eyelashes and throwing my hands up in a dramatic fashion. "But seriously, I think we can make this place look amazing. Just trust me."

Max smiled, his gaze softening. "I do trust you. And I’m actually looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Just promise me one thing."

"Anything," I said, leaning in closer, our hands brushing against each other again. I was literally going bonkers from the sexual tension between us two, and I wasn't sure how long I could take it for the next week, before the dam overflowed. And trust me, I don't mind if this dam overflows. Wink wink.

"Promise me you won’t turn it into a jungle. I don’t think I could handle that much greenery," he said with a playful wink.

I laughed, nodding. "Deal. No jungle theme. But I can’t promise there won’t be a few plants. They add life, you know?"

Max grinned, shaking his head in amusement. "Alright, a few plants I can handle. Just no turning my place into a botanical garden."

I gave him a teasing look. "You never know, a few well-placed ferns could really spruce the place up. Besides, they say talking to plants helps them grow. Maybe it’ll work wonders for you too."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Are you implying I need help growing? Because I’m pretty sure I’ve hit my growth spurt."

I laughed, feeling more at ease with each playful exchange. "No, just that a little greenery might make this place feel more like home. Plus, it could give you someone to talk to when you’re not racing around the world."

"Well, if you’re around, I’ll have plenty of company," he said with a wink. "And maybe you can teach me how to take care of them without killing them."

"I’d be happy to," I replied, smiling. "But don’t worry, I’ll make sure to choose some low-maintenance plants. Wouldn’t want you to feel overwhelmed."

"Thanks," he said, his tone sincere. "I appreciate that. But seriously, it’ll be nice to have you help me make this place feel more like home."

"Anytime," I said, feeling a warm glow from his words. "Just promise you won’t get any bright ideas about adding a racecar in the living room."

Max chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "No promises. But I’ll try to restrain myself."

He glanced at my luggage and then back at me. "Let me help you with those," he offered, moving towards the pink suitcases. "I’ll take them to the guest room."

As he picked up the bags, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly he handled them. The way his muscles flexed under his shirt made my heart race. It was impossible to ignore how strong and capable he looked, making even the heavy suitcases seem weightless. Every movement seemed to highlight his athletic build, and I found myself momentarily distracted by the sheer physicality of him.

He had insisted on me staying at his apartment for the seven days I was in town, refusing to let me book a hotel. "You’ll be more comfortable here," he had said on our phone call earlier, his tone leaving no room for argument. It was sweet, really, and incredibly sexy watching him take charge like this. The thoughtfulness behind his actions made me feel special and cared for in a way that I hadn’t experienced before.

As he carried my luggage, I couldn't help but admire the ease with which he moved, the definition in his arms and shoulders evident with each step.

I followed him down the hallway, my eyes shamelessly glued to his back, watching the way his muscles shifted beneath his shirt. Each step he took seemed to exude confidence and strength, a silent testament to his physical prowess. I couldn't help but admire how the fabric of his shirt clung to his form, accentuating every line and curve of his well-toned physique.

God, I could talk about his slutty little waist for days. The little fancams they showed on F1TV or YouTube did not do it justice. Seeing him in person, the way his waist tapered into those perfectly fitted jeans, was a whole different experience. It was mesmerizing, almost unfair how well his physique was sculpted.

As he walked ahead of me, the fabric of his shirt stretched taut across his back and narrowed at his waist, highlighting the lean, athletic build that had become a defining part of who he was. It was the kind of detail that fans like me only dreamed about, and here I was, witnessing it up close.

I was such a lucky little bitch.

My mind wandered to the countless hours he must have spent training, not just in the gym but on the track as well. It was a different kind of dedication, one that went beyond what most people understood. There was something undeniably attractive about a person who was so committed to their craft, and it only added to the allure that Max already possessed.

As he led me into the guest room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was Max Verstappen's personal space, a glimpse into the life of someone I had admired from afar. The room was spacious and inviting, with large windows that allowed natural light to flood in, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Max set my bags down gently and turned to face me, his expression softening. "There you go," he said with a warm smile. "If you need anything, just let me know. Make yourself at home."

"Thanks, Max," I replied, giving him a grateful smile. "I really appreciate this."

Just as I was about to say more, Max’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and frowned slightly. "Sorry, I have to take this," he said, holding up the phone. "It’s important."

"Of course, no problem," I said, waving him off. "Take your time."

Max nodded and stepped out of the room, his voice already lowered as he answered the call. Left alone, I took a moment to absorb my surroundings. The bed looked incredibly inviting with its crisp, clean sheets and plush pillows. The journey had been long, and I could feel the fatigue weighing heavily on me.

Without much thought, I kicked off my shoes and sank onto the bed, the mattress soft and supportive beneath me. The room had a calming aura, and despite my excitement, my eyelids grew heavy. I lay back, letting out a contented sigh as I nestled into the pillows.

The last thing I remembered was the distant murmur of Max's voice from the hallway. The day's exhaustion finally caught up with me, and within moments, I drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep, completely at ease in the unfamiliar yet comforting space.

જ⁀➴✎ ❛❛Max's POV❞

I couldn’t wait to see her cute face after my phone call.

Ever since she showed up at my door an hour ago, luggage in hand and blushing like mad, I knew I wanted to hold her in my arms and never let go. The way she looked so overwhelmed and charmingly nervous had struck a chord with me. But now, here I was, stuck listening to Lando Norris ramble about his trivial girl troubles when all I wanted was to see her again.

Lando’s voice was like a buzzing fly in my ear, and I found myself tapping my foot impatiently, wishing he'd get the hint and stop talking. His high-pitched voice grated on my nerves as he continued his endless rant about the latest drama in his life. I loved the guy, but seriously, this was not the moment for his soap opera.

“—and you would not believe what she said to me next,” Lando’s voice droned on, each word feeling like a needle in my brain. I barely registered his complaints, lost in my own thoughts about her.

“Max! Are you listening to me??” Lando’s voice suddenly pierced through the fog of my thoughts, making me flinch slightly.

“Mhm...” I trailed off, barely processing the words. My mind was focused entirely on her, on how she looked when she first arrived and how peaceful she appeared when I last saw her.

“Oh, what the bloody fuck mate, you’re not listening. Whatever, I'll talk to you later,” Lando said abruptly. Before I could respond, I heard the familiar click of the call ending.

“Hallelujah,” I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes in relief. The endless chitter-chatter had finally stopped, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

“Oh, what the fuck,” I suddenly exclaimed, realizing that I had wasted enough time. I should be up and finding my houseguest—my possible future wifey—and spending more time with her. I shot up from my seat, a surge of excitement propelling me forward.

The house had been unusually quiet since I’d gotten off the call, and I was eager to see what she was up to. Maybe she was scrolling through her phone, or perhaps she was just getting comfortable. I tiptoed down the hallway, trying to be as quiet as possible, not wanting to disturb the calm atmosphere of the house.

As I approached the guest room, I could hear nothing but the soft hum of the air conditioning. My heart skipped a beat as I slowly opened the door, peeking inside to see what awaited me. The sight that met my eyes was unexpectedly delightful. There she was, nestled in the bed, having kicked off the fluffy house shoes I’d given her. Her luggage was neatly set aside, and the room was serene, illuminated by the gentle late afternoon light filtering through the curtains.

Her position on the bed was both endearing and surprisingly casual. She had managed to kick the blankets off completely, leaving them in a crumpled heap at the foot of the bed. The sight of her sprawled out, so relaxed and at ease, made me pause. She looked incredibly peaceful, her hair spread out like a halo around her, and her cheeks were slightly flushed.

My beautiful girl was tired.

A soft smile crept onto my face as I approached her. It was clear that she was deeply asleep, her breathing even and steady. I carefully grabbed the blanket from the end of the bed, making sure not to disturb her. The blanket was warm and soft, a stark contrast to the cool air of the room.

In her sleep, she shifted slightly, letting out little breaths.

As I gently draped it over her, I couldn’t help but notice how cute she looked in this vulnerable state.

The way her lips were slightly parted and her eyes were closed made her seem even more endearing. She had a certain tranquility about her that was utterly captivating. It was a rare and precious sight, and I felt a surge of affection just watching her. Her presence in my apartment, in my space, felt strangely comforting and intimate.

I adjusted the blanket carefully, ensuring it covered her snugly. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, which made me breathe a sigh of relief I didn't realize that I had been holding. I took a moment to appreciate how serene and beautiful she looked. The gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept was calming to observe, and it made me feel even more connected to her.

I lingered in the doorway for a few seconds, letting the peaceful scene sink in.

In that moment, I really wanted to be her boyfriend. Even though I had just met her in real life a mere forty minutes ago, I wanted to give her everything that she wanted and deserved.

I imagined us spending more time together, exploring new places, and sharing our dreams and fears. I wanted to be the person who made her feel special and loved, who supported her in all her endeavors and celebrated her successes. The thought of being that person for her was more appealing than I’d ever expected.

It wasn’t just about the romantic gestures or grand declarations; it was about the everyday moments of care and attention. I wanted to be there for her in the small, meaningful ways—like making sure she was comfortable, listening to her stories, and sharing in her joys and struggles.

Don't call me naive, but I really, really, really like her.

જ⁀➴✎ ❛❛Y/N's POV❞

In my dreamless state, I could still remember a few things. Like the warm breath of someone hovering over me. I could feel watchful eyes on my back, curious, worried, then relieved. I remember feeling gentle hands pulling my blanket from the foot of the bed to my shoulders, gently covering me.

And when I woke up, I really questioned whether what I felt was a dream. In my room it was silent, almost no trace of whether someone was there or not.

The only anomaly was the fact that before, I had completely shut the door. Now, the door was left ajar, a tiny sliver of the hallway could be seen from where I was propped up in my bed.

Yawning, I could hear the soft hum of the ongoing AC in my room. But if I listened a bit more, I could hear the whirring of the range hood in Max's kitchen further down the hall.

He was cooking?

Wow. Call me surprised.

A few days ago when we called on Discord, he had narrated a few cooking horror stories that had happened to him.

I remembered one particularly gruesome story he shared, one that sounded like it came straight out of a sitcom. It was supposed to be a simple pasta dinner. Max had invited a few friends over, and in his eagerness to impress them with his culinary skills, he decided to make everything from scratch.

(I know, I know, he told me he wanted to have his little Nara Smith moment...I'll give it to him, I guess)

It started with the sauce. He had carefully selected ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs, determined to make the best marinara his friends had ever tasted. But things quickly went downhill. First, he accidentally doubled the amount of garlic. Not a huge issue, right? Just a little more flavor. But then, in his attempt to balance it out, he added way too much salt. Desperate to fix it, he threw in some sugar, which somehow made it even worse.

Next came the pasta. Max had repeatedly watched one Nara Smith video of her making fresh pasta and he figured it couldn’t be that hard.

News flash, incorrect answer buzzer.

He miscalculated the flour-to-egg ratio, resulting in a sticky, unmanageable dough. By the time he managed to roll it out, the dough was uneven and tearing. When he finally got it into the pot, it clumped together into a gooey mess.

Meanwhile, the kitchen was descending into chaos. The range hood was whirring at full blast, struggling to keep up with the smoke billowing from the pan. In his panic, Max forgot to turn the stove down, and the sauce began to boil over, spilling onto the burner and creating a scorched, acrid smell that filled the entire apartment.

Then came the final straw. Max decided to make garlic bread as a last-minute addition. He put it in the oven and got so distracted by the pasta disaster that he forgot about it entirely. By the time he remembered, the bread was more akin to charcoal, emitting a foul, burnt odor that overpowered even the smell of the burnt sauce.

His friends (He told me it was Lando, Daniel, and Carlos) arrived just in time to witness the aftermath. The kitchen was a war zone, with sauce splattered everywhere, clumps of dough sticking to various surfaces, and smoke lingering in the air. The range hood was doing its best, but it was no match for the chaos Max had created.

His friends tried to be polite (Well maybe Daniel and Carlos did but Lando certainly was not), but the horrified expressions on their faces said it all.

Max ended up ordering pizza, and the story became an infamous legend among his friends. They still teased him about it, making jokes about his "gourmet" cooking skills whenever they had the chance.

It was quite a funny story, as Max had vlogged the whole thing, originally wanting to use the video footage as evidence that he could actually cook.

That's fucking hilarious, if you ask me.

When he showed the video footage, I was quite literally cracking up. I swear I had never laughed as hard as I did in my life when he showed me it.

Remembering that story now, I couldn’t help but smile. The fact that he was back in the kitchen, despite that disastrous experience, said a lot about his determination.

And maybe, just maybe, this time would be different. I decided to get up and see for myself what he was up to, hoping that I wouldn't walk into another kitchen catastrophe.

On that account, I found myself to be, again, very much wrong.

It smelled funny in the kitchen.

There was a peculiar mix of something burnt and something…well, unidentifiable. As I approached, the smell intensified, and I began to worry. I rounded the corner to find Max standing over the stove, looking flustered. Smoke billowed up from the pan, and the range hood was struggling to keep up.

"Max, what on God's green earth are you doing?" I asked, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice. I was also, clearly failing at that too, as a hitch in my voice gave away what I was truly feeling.

Dear reader, I was about to burst into a torrential fit of laughter.

He glanced up, his face a mix of sheepishness and determination. "I was trying to make fried rice with beef and onions, but...uh, things aren't going as planned."

I raised an eyebrow. "Clearly. What happened?"

He sighed, waving a hand at the pan. "Well, first, I realized there wasn't much food in the fridge to begin with. I found some rice, a bit of beef, and an onion. Seemed like enough for a simple dish, right? But then the beef started to stick to the pan, so I added more oil, which made the onions cook too fast and burn. And now the rice is clumping together and sticking to everything."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Max, you are a disaster in the kitchen. This is even worse than the pasta incident."

He groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I know. But I wanted to impress you. Clearly, I'm failing miserably."

I walked over and peered into the pan. The beef was charred in some spots and raw in others, the onions were practically disintegrated, and the rice looked like a sticky, burnt mess. "Impressive isn't exactly the word I'd use," I teased.

He grinned, despite the chaos. "Hey, at least I'm trying, right? That's got to count for something."

I shook my head, laughing. "It counts for effort, sure. But maybe you should stick to ordering takeout."

He gave me a mock serious look. "Or, you could teach me. You're the one with the design ideas. Maybe you have some cooking tips too?"

I pretended to think about it. "Hmm, I suppose I could. But only if you promise to listen and not improvise."

Max chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender. "I promise. No more kitchen disasters."

I smiled, feeling a warm rush of affection. "Alright, let's see what we can salvage here. First things first, let's get rid of this burnt mess."

As we started cleaning up, Max kept sneaking glances at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, I didn't just burn the food on purpose to get you to come out here and help me, but it's a nice bonus."

I rolled my eyes, playfully nudging him with my shoulder. "Nice try, Verstappen. But if you keep burning things, I might have to take over all the cooking."

"Deal," he said, his grin widening. "As long as you stay."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I couldn't help but smile. "You're lucky I'm a sucker for a cute guy who tries to cook."

Max chuckled, shaking his head. "And you're lucky I'm persistent. Now, let's make something edible before we both starve."

I glanced at the pitiful remains of our attempted fried rice. "Or," I suggested, "we could go to the grocery store and get some proper ingredients. Maybe start from scratch with something we can't mess up."

Max's eyes lit up with excitement. "A late-night grocery run? That sounds like a great idea. It's only 8 PM; we've got plenty of time."

I smiled, feeling a rush of excitement at the prospect of a spontaneous adventure. "Alright then, let's go. But first, let me change out of these pajamas."

Max grinned, leaning a little closer. "Deal. I'll clean up here while you get ready. But you know, you look pretty cute in those pajamas. Maybe we should make it a pajama party instead?"

I rolled my eyes playfully, feeling my cheeks warm. "Nice try, but I think I'll stick with something a bit more appropriate for public."

Max chuckled. "Alright, but don't keep me waiting too long. The sooner we get to the store, the sooner we can start our culinary masterpiece."

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, now it's a culinary masterpiece? You have high hopes, Mr. Verstappen."

He shrugged, flashing a charming smile. "What can I say? I'm an optimist. Plus, with you by my side, how could it be anything but perfect?"

I laughed, shaking my head as I headed to the guest room to change. "We'll see about that. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Max's voice followed me down the hall. "I'll be counting the seconds, chef."

After changing into something more appropriate—a pair of jeans and a cozy sweater—I met Max in the living room. He had cleaned up the kitchen mess and was now waiting by the door, car keys in hand.

At the door, I slipped on a pair of Birkenstocks, leaning on Max to stabilize myself. Feeling myself slipping all of a sudden, Max grabbed onto my waist and steadied me up. His grip was firm, and I could feel the warmth of his hand through my shirt, sending a little shiver down my spine.

"Careful there," he teased, his voice low and close to my ear. "Wouldn't want you to fall for me… again."

I glanced up at him, catching the mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, I don't know, Max. It seems like you're getting pretty good at catching me."

He smirked, his hand still resting on my waist, holding me just a little closer than necessary. "Well, practice makes perfect, right?"

I couldn’t help but laugh softly, the playful tension between us impossible to ignore. "You might need a few more tries, though. I’m a bit of a klutz."

He chuckled, his thumb brushing lightly against my side. "Lucky for you, I’ve got all the time in the world." My heart was quite literally beating out of my chest and the sexual tension was getting to me. Noticing my beet red face, Max continued.

"Ready to go?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Ready," I replied, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves. (And still giggly from the whole previous ordeal)

Max held the door open for me with a dramatic flourish. "After you, my lady," he said with a mock bow.

I laughed, rolling my eyes playfully. "Such a gentleman. You really know how to impress a girl."

As we headed down to the underground garage, Max couldn't resist a bit more teasing. "So, do you have a grocery list, or are we winging it?"

"I think we should wing it," I said, grinning. "Who knows, maybe we'll discover some hidden culinary talents."

"Or set off the smoke alarm again," Max added, smirking.

I nudged him with my elbow. "Hey, I'm a decent cook. I promise I won't let you burn anything."

"Good to know," he replied, his smile widening as we reached his Aston Martin Vantage.

The sleek car gleamed under the garage lights, and I couldn't help but admire it. "Nice ride," I said, running a hand over the smooth surface.

"Thanks," Max said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I figured it would make a good impression."

"You figured right," I said with a wink.

As we pulled out onto the street, the city lights cast a warm glow over everything. The drive through the city was peaceful, the streets mostly empty at this hour. We chatted casually, the conversation flowing easily as we navigated through the urban maze. Max seemed to know the city well, effortlessly weaving through the streets as we made our way to the nearest grocery store.

As we drove through the city, the conversation continued to flow easily. "So, what kind of snacks are we getting?" Max asked, glancing over at me.

"Definitely some chocolate," I replied. "Maybe some chips too. What about you?"

"I was thinking ice cream," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, for dessert after our gourmet fried rice."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You and your sweet tooth. Fine, we'll get ice cream. But only if you promise not to eat it all in one sitting."

"Deal," Max said, grinning. "I promise to save some for you."

"Max I've seen you devour so much food in one sitting, are you sure you are keeping that promise?" I roll my eyes in mock frustration.

He smirked, glancing over at me. "What can I say? I'm a growing boy."

"Growing boy, huh?" I teased. "Last time I checked, you were already fully grown."

"Just because I'm tall and handsome doesn't mean I can't still grow," he shot back, winking.

I snorted. "Tall and humble, too. Such a rare combination."

"Only for you," he said, placing a hand dramatically on his chest. "I reserve my best qualities for special occasions."

"Well, aren't I lucky?" I said with a laugh. "I guess I'll have to make sure to keep you around for more grocery runs."

"Hey, I'll take any excuse to spend time with you," he replied smoothly. "Even if it means resisting the urge to eat all the ice cream."

I pretended to ponder his words. "Hmm, maybe I should test your willpower. Get a couple of pints and see how long they last."

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you challenging me?"

"Maybe I am," I said, grinning. "Think you can handle it?"

"Oh, I can handle it," Max said confidently. "But can you handle me winning?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "We'll see about that. Just don't cry when I catch you sneaking spoonful's in the middle of the night."

"You're on," he said, eyes twinkling with amusement. "But be warned, I play to win."

The hum of the Aston Martin's engine was a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The car's interior was luxurious, with plush leather seats and a state-of-the-art dashboard. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement as we sped through the city, the lights blurring past us in a kaleidoscope of colors.

"So, do you do this often?" I asked, glancing over at Max.

"Late-night grocery runs?" he replied with a grin. "Not really, but I'm always up for an adventure."

I laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between us. "Well, I think this might be the most exciting grocery run I've ever been on."

Max chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just wait until we get there. I might even let you pick out some snacks."

"Now you're talking," I said, grinning. "I will never not indulge in big back activities," The prospect of picking out snacks together felt oddly intimate, a small but meaningful step in getting to know each other better.

"Hey! You can definitely tell a lot about a person based on their favorite snacks. People who simply like spicy shrimp crackers are superior!"

Max raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his gaze. "Spicy shrimp crackers? That’s a bold choice. I guess we'll see if our snack preferences align."

"They better," I said, rolling my eyes in mock annoyance. With that, we stepped outside, the crisp air greeting us as we made our way to the grocery store. The city buzzed around us, but all I could focus on was the warmth of his presence beside me and the anticipation of what was quickly becoming an unexpectedly perfect day.

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yourusername

liked by maxverstappen1, landonorris and 278,121 others

yourusername: what in the #domesticlife...#breadbedandbred

view comments:

maxverstappen1: This is a VERY misleading caption, Y/N

maxverstappen1: Nice post, though (please change the caption)

maxverstappen1: Christian also said that the caption is "sussy as hell"... whatever that means

user1: BYEEEE christian "horny" horner strikes again 🤕

user2: ain't nothing SOFT about this LAUNCH y/n 😖😖🤯🫣

yourusername: 🫣🫣🫣

user3: not her casually serving in a groccery store at night, i aspire to be second-slide-y/n

user4: DAMNNNNN IM SLEEPING ON THE HIGHWAY TNNNN GUYS 😐🤧

user5: AYO MAX

user5: hand placement.... you better WATCH yourself

user6: guys i need this so bad, accepting bf applications RIGHT NOW

user7: dude.... Dude.... DUDEEEEE

user8: his gorilla ass grip on the hook of her jean hook im ILL guys I'M SO ILL 🤕🤕

user9: u r so right queen, it's giving #domestic #hubbyandbubby #narasmithlife #walkhimlikeadog

yourusername: i like #walkhimlikeadog 🤯

maxverstappen1: I like #hughimlikeacat better 😌

yourusername: 🐶🐶🐶 ARF MAX

maxverstappen1: You are very VERY weird, Y/N 🤣🤣🤣😂😅

yourusername: ARF ARF ARFFFFF 🐕🐕🐩

user10: we got #walkhimlikeadog daughter versus #hughimlikeacat son before gta 6 😈😈😈🥲

landonorris: Damn, Max, get a grip, you are getting SOFT my boy 😹😹😹

maxverstappen1: Not funny, Lando

yourusername: 😹😹😹

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taglist: @hiireadstuff @sinofwriting @mehrmonga @the-untamed-soul @glai1023-blog @loloekie @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @sheastri @llando4norris @gwginnyweasley @carmenita122 @ririyulife @pausmoon @ur-fav-ave @eveninggstar @maddie-naps @erin-odonnell04 @rexit-mo @ems-alexandra @si1ver06 @iamred-iamyellow @bibissparkles @percypie @formula1blog @lanadelray1989 @rylieverstappen-sargent @luvsforme @eiaaasamantha @kaysmiles42 @mvaldez7821 @stinkyjax @sweate-r-weathe-r @laneyspaulding19 @mingyusbigrighttoe @scott-mccall-could-lift-mjolnir @stinkyjax @fandomz-queenie @theblueblub @mayusaatma @lanadelrey @formula1-motogpfan

some of these didn't get tagged, and i'm having trouble (?) it's being very weird, idk, so please let me know if your name is here and it didn't tag you ❣️

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author's note: ty guys for reading this fic! 😍🫶🏾

[nicklloydnow]

“It’s not hard to imagine how badly Vitale’s question must have wounded Shklovsky in his dotage. This was, after all, the same Shklovsky who had waged an artistic revolution—one that paralleled but did not always coincide with the Bolsheviks’—with no less at stake than the liberation of human consciousness; the same Shklovsky who had seen at least two brothers and most of his friends (an illustrious literary crew including Vladimir Mayakovsky, Osip Mandelstam and Yevgeny Zamyatin) disappeared, executed, or driven to suicide or exile by the Soviet establishment; the same Shklovsky who had twice been injured in battle fighting for a revolution that had already begun to hunt and humiliate him; who endured cold and hunger and exile and squirmed through years of silence under the censor’s heavy thumb; the same Shklovsky who spent most of his intellectual life championing the emancipatory power of the novel and fighting to blast it—and all of literature and even, yikes, reality—out of subservience to a host of dumb and arbitrary masters.

The establishment, him! Shklovsky had from the start fought for a notion of art directly opposed to socialist realist pieties, one that hinged on the need to push beyond established models, to make things strange so that we might see the world afresh in its cruelty and splendor. He had been at odds not just with the bureaucratic state that congealed in the wake of the revolution, but with stasis itself, with the crust that the world of things deposits on our senses, with routine’s unending murder of the real. Innovation must occur in art, Shklovsky had written as recently as 1970, “because humanity fights for the expansion of its right to life, for the right to search and attain new kinds of happiness.” But age had mellowed the insurrectionist. Shklovsky called Vitale a few hours later to apologize: “My God, I made you cry, forgive this crabby old man.”

(…)

What emerges from these works is a group portrait of Shklovsky’s Formalism—even the name dries the mouth—that bears little resemblance to any school of literary criticism that has arisen in the West in the last century or, well, ever. It was born not in the academy but out of the literary avant-garde and alongside the Russian Revolution. Ironically, given the Formalists’ insistence on literature’s divorce from worldly events, it arose without even a hair’s distance from the tumult that rocked Europe for most of the early twentieth century. When the revolution erupted in February 1917—“it was like Easter,” Shklovsky would recall, “a joyous, naïve, disorderly carnival paradise”—he was already an insurrectionist, though of a different sort from Lenin or Trotsky. Years later, when Vitale asked him what the revolution had meant to him, Shklovsky would answer, “the dictatorship of art. The freedom of art.”

At the beginning of the 1910s, Shklovsky had befriended the young Futurist poets Velimir Khlebnikov and Vladimir Mayakovsky and, while still a student, had become the Futurists’ theoretical champion. The world was sick and palsied—who can now deny it?—so thoroughly smothered in vestigial tradition and used-up forms that it couldn’t even be properly perceived. “Do something undreamed-of,” demanded Khlebnikov, “strictly new, you horses pulling the hearse of the world!” Out of the radical poetics of the Futurists, Shklovsky and a few comrades founded Opoyaz (an acronym for “Society for the Study of Poetic Language”), the nucleus of the critical movement that would later be called Russian Formalism, in the kitchen of an abandoned St. Petersburg apartment.

(…)

These and other sundry obstacles, all of them oriented toward rupturing the smooth flow of narrative, are tools in the service of what Shklovsky called ostranenie, which is variously translated as “estrangement,” “defamiliarization” or simply “making strange.” In Theory of Prose, Shklovsky would distinguish between “recognition” and “seeing.” Ordinary perception falls into the former category: we don’t see objects so much as recognize them according to pre-existing patterns of thought. The world arrives “prepackaged” and passes us by without a graze. “And so, held accountable for nothing, life fades into nothingness. Automatization eats away at things, at clothes, at furniture, at our wives, and at our fear of war.”

The point for Shklovsky was to find a way to shake ourselves out of this collective stupor so that we might see the world in all its startling brightness and, presumably, act on what we see. (An unacknowledged politics hides behind Shklovsky’s poetics, a quasi-anarchist insistence on permanent revolt, but that is an argument for another essay.) For this, “man has been given the tool of art,” which—and this is where ostranenie comes in—employs various tactics to defamiliarize the world, to allow us to see it as if for the first time. If it is anything, art is oppositional and insurrectionary, and literature an authorial conspiracy to overthrow anachronistic modes of thought. “Art,” Shklovsky wrote in A Sentimental Journey, “is fundamentally ironic and destructive. It revitalizes the world.”

This position leads him to some surprising places: first, to a notion of literary change based on rupture rather than influence and inheritance. Art changes not out of fashion or habit, but because it must. New forms are created when the old ones become as sclerotic as the ones they replaced. (No wonder Shklovsky made the Bolsheviks edgy.) Second, the practice of literary criticism involves a quest for ostranenie that parallels the artist’s. (In 1972, the Marxist literary theorist Frederic Jameson would somewhat snidely call Shklovsky’s critical works, of which he had not read many, “little more than an endless set of variations” on the idea of ostranenie.) If the critic is to see the object of his study sufficiently to analyze its workings, he must “extricate” it “from the cluster of associations in which it is bound.” So while language may be subject to all the usual social and economic forces, literature, if it is to be seen at all, must be looked at on its lonesome.

From there, Shklovsky leaps a few wide boulevards and, post-extrication, tosses out all the scraps from which the work emerged: “No more of the real world impinges upon a work of art than the reality of India impinges upon the game of chess,” he wrote in Theory of Prose with characteristic modernist élan. This means that any erstwhile “content” we might imagine clinging to the work (whatever a book is ostensibly “about”) is no more than a function of “form,” of whatever combination of stylistic devices the author has brought to bear. Plot is mere structural play.

If this sounds counterintuitive, it was—and remains—an intensely fruitful insight. Shklovsky’s audacity gave him the freedom to take apart Cervantes and Sterne, Gogol and Tolstoy, with a brilliance that still dazzles ninety years later. And it allowed works of literature to become visible, not as natural objects like fingernails or trees, but as complex creatures of artifice, as purposeful forms of play. This notion did not go down smoothly. As the ’20s dragged on and Soviet aesthetic attitudes became more rigid, art had only two options: it could be an organic growth of proletarian consciousness, or counterrevolutionary poison. Shklovsky’s Formalism made him, in the words of an unnamed KGB interrogator quoted by Vitale, “an enemy of the real world and [of] socialist realism in literature.”

(…)

But literature, the young Shklovsky insists, is its own planet, bound by the rules that it creates. “Art,” he wrote in Zoo, “if it can be compared to a window at all, is only a sketched window.” Its point is not to accurately reflect this same old cruddy, shrink-wrapped world, but to steal us new sets of eyes, to forge new and unimagined senses. This is art’s one virtue, its promise and delight. And the novel, call it dead or alive, is not a thing among things of a certain weight and size, obliged to obey established formulae. It is a weird box of almost bottomless openness, a compact revolution in a cloth and cardboard binding. Or, if you prefer, in pixels.

(…)

But Shklovsky lived long enough (outliving many of his persecutors) to do some rethinking. By the time Vitale knocked at his door in 1978, he had published Bowstring, in which he displayed an earnest effort to sort through the contradictions of his youth. “Back then I used to say that art had no content, that it was devoid of emotion,” he marvels, “while at the same time I wrote books that bled.” Through analyses of Homer, Sophocles, Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Rabelais, Updike (yes, him) and, as always, Sterne, Cervantes and Tolstoy, he lays out a heretical, softer and less formal Formalism. Ostranenie, Shklovsky writes, “can be established only by including the notion of ‘the world’ in its meaning. This term simultaneously assumes the existence of a so-called content.” He holds tight, though, to the importance of contradiction, anachronism, disharmony, which provide the needed tension from which art derives its powers. “If one can say that imagination is better than reality, art is even better,” he explained to Vitale, “because it’s the dream of every structure’s collapse and at the same time the dream of the construction of new structures.”

(…)

None of it adds up. But that’s OK, that’s the whole point, that’s what we’re doing here, even if it hurts. Especially when it hurts. Shklovsky reassures us:

Unity, reader, is in the person who is looking at his changing country and building new forms of art so they can convey life… Browse through our works, look for a point of view, and if you can find it, then there is your unity.

I was unable to find it.”

“September I5, 1988

Dear Ken,

Do you know anybody who can translate Russian to English? (I am thinking of your faculty friend who sent you - and me - the info on Viktor Schklovsky.) What I need to know is how he would translate the two famous opposed literary devices of Schklovsky. The words: obnazhenie and ostranenie. I suspect they mean defamiliarization and overfamiliarization, but don't know. How about a hand? Ain't no Russians here. I greatly prize "Pragmaticism is an Existentialism?"

All best,

Walker [s]

P.S.: The reason these Russian words are important to me is that they fit in well with my notion of the evolution/devolution of symbols, so that a thing/event can come to be cancelled by a symbol/word, hardened through over-familiarity into what Gabriel Marcel called a “simulacrum” - same event/thing can be recovered in times of disaster or great poetry - simulacrum broken, being revealed as being, etc. Thanks, WP”

[petit-papillion]

Hi,

I’m sorry if this comes of as rude but as a Max fan (and a Charles fan too btw) the narrative that the car is built around him - often implying this is the only reason for his success - is irritating to me because it’s been debunked so many times. So, I’d like to add my knowledge and opinion to the mix.

First of, I agree that Ferrari developed the car away from the way Charles likes it - which is oversteery (same as Max btw) - and this definitely didn’t help him. He did an incredible job last year with a team that messed up so many times and were too stupid to prioritize their championship contender. On that we can agree.

Second, I will agree that Max has the role of first driver at RedBull now - which in my opinion makes sense because he’s their world champion and the better and faster driver. But, I will disagree on the notion that Max has always been the first driver. He came into RedBull at 18 with a prime Daniel Ricciardo as his teammate. For at least the first two years - one could debate 2018 - RedBull did their best to treat them equally. So, while he may not have been told he’d be second driver like Charles was, he also didn’t just get handed the role of first driver.

Which brings me to my next point - the car being made for Max and this being the only reason for his wins and championships.

Let’s look at some racing first: Max won on debut for RedBull at 18 years old in a car he hadn’t driven before. I seriously doubt the car was made for him then, he’s just adaptable.

Which actually correlates with something RedBull’s technical director said in 2020. “Max’s talent was a contributory cause to the problem we had.” Max was and still is able to handle an unstable car to the point where even his teammates (like Alex) who generally like unstable cars can’t.

Now, let’s just remind us that an oversteery & unstable car is (generally speaking) simply quicker. It is quicker which is of course why you’d develop it that way.

In 2020 Max was able to extract so much performance from the car that it blinded RedBull from some of the problems of the car and its full potential.

(https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/when-a-talent-like-max-verstappen-sends-f1-car-design-in-the-wrong-direction-mph/)

And let’s not forget that at the beginning of the 2022 season the RB18 suited Checo more than Max - by Checo’s own admission. Yet, Max beat Checo in all races he finished till Monaco (which I won’t get into) and was ahead of Checo both times he DNF’ed.

In a car that suited him less than his teammate, he was still beating said teammate!

Now onto your quote from Alex. I’d like to add the quote he added onto that clarifying what he meant:

"People misinterpreted my words, they think what I'm trying to say is the car is built around him. No, it's the fact that he can deal with it and he drives it in a certain way.

I think people get very confused with designing a car around a driver and a driver who's very very quick and wants a car a certain way. Of course, you're going to listen to the driver who's getting the performance in and getting a good job because the potential is more."

I’d also like to add to this an interview/talk with a former RedBull performance engineer.

He worked on the 2015-2021 RedBull cars and he said that they never developed the car for a certain driver. In fact they were actually working a lot with the drivers like Pierre/Alex to help them feel more comfortable in the car and extract more performance.

(https://twitter.com/skysportsf1/status/1653420772226891779?s=46&t=eXeNjJDjWfdNRq6Dlm4P6g)

Look, a team will always try to make their car faster (unless they’re Ferrari maybe). It is a fact that an oversteery car is simply faster - which is probably why Max and Charles both like oversteery cars.

Now, these very oversteery cars tend to be more unstable and harder to drive. It’s very likely why a lot of Max’s teammates struggled. He is able to handle an unstable car to the extent that most others simply can’t.

But this is also the reason why he’s so quick. So why would RedBull develop the car to maybe be easier to handle but also slower?

In conclusion, I believe that Max is an amazing driver who has a great and competent team around him that give him a competitive car and trust in him, just like he trusts in them.

(I hope Charles will get the same with Ferrari one day because he is a great driver as well and I’d like to see him fight for and win a championship.)

But I have to disagree with the notion that the car is built around him - especially when it tries to take away from his achievements!

Hello Anon! You're not rude at all and I appreciate the time you took to write this out. I know this is in response to this post which in itself was a follow-up to this post, in case someone is lost on what brought this on.

You are not the only one who has responded, so let me set the record straight on a couple of things, even if you did not bring up all of these yourself:

The original post was about how Max had more experience than Charles. Not at any point did I indicate that Max is not a talented driver. However, there is no doubt he was exposed to a lot of hours of karting with serious coaching from Jos at a very early age. Note how Frits van Amersfoort, who worked with both Max and Charles, talks about the differences between them, particularly after 0:07:30 in this video. And as pointed out in the post, Max has been in F1 three years longer than Charles. Not taking away from either's achievements, just a fact.

About Max being first driver at Red Bull: no one said Max didn't deserve this position at RB. It's more a matter of why is Ferrari not treating Charles the same way? And yes, Max did not start out as a first driver, but certainly has enjoyed that privilege for several years now, which in turn also builds confidence in a driver. As opposed to Charles regularly getting the short end of the team strategy stick, having led to him missing out on podiums and race wins.

Finally, the car. First off, I want to clarify I did not say the car was built around Max. I said, "developed for his driving style." Nothing was said about the car being the only reason for his success. The point I was trying to make is that RB appears to listen to Max's feedback more and allows him to have this oversteery car that you need to go faster, while at Ferrari the car seems to be developed away from that to accommodate Carlos.

Thank you for including that clarifying quote from Alex - I had not heard this before. And I watched the former RB racing engineer Blake Hinsey talk about working on different car setups for Albon and Gasly. Just wanted to point out that a racing engineer is involved with setups at the track, not the design of the car, updates, or any other development work done at the factory. And there's only so much you can change with setups on a car.

Which brings me to the reason we're having this discussion. In case it's not clear from the 100s of posts about Charles and handful of posts about Max, I'm not here to bash Max, but to defend Charles as an accomplished driver. Who with a few more years of F1 experience, full support from his team and an oversteery car the way he likes it, could truly blossom the same way Max has.

[pocketbelt]

The Lost World (Apple Books Classics eBook ver)

It's none too surprising that this was inspired by Jules Verne's Journey To The Centre of the Earth, because in many ways it's damn near the same story, only they don't go underground in pursuit of advancing geology but instead into the Amazon in pursuit of advancing zoology and paleontology. It's not so much the tropes of the genre/sub-genre of "lost world"/"subterranean"/exploration fiction as it is just clearly trying the same shit, more or less, exactly.

Only with infinitely more heaping helpings of odious racism chucked in because of course the English author can't help himself. The black man who refers to the white men as "Massa" and speaks broken English, referring to multiple characters as "half-breeds" constantly, championing phrenology where possible and going for the British victory lap of using Irish as synonym for "cowardly, superstitious brute" (by the allegedly Irish narrator, no less).

Yes, you're going to see this stuff in 19th century and 20th century fiction because it stained all imperial cultures and would only reach its (European) head in the 1930s, but the thing is it's still always by degrees. You can see the traces of such thinking in contemporary fiction like Journey to the Centre of the Earth or Dracula when they talk about people of cultures outside Western Europe or the US, but in those books they are at most seen as quaint or regarded as being noble (especially because the notion of the "pure barbarian" was thick in Western European and the American culture, I recently read an excellent book about the origins and propagation of that tripe), and usually not with condescension (indeed, Journey and Dracula mention often the warmth and hospitality and care of strangers; Journey's one noticeable break is for humour). Indeed, The Lost World is predated by H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds by 17 years, and it opens with a statement that one can hardly scorn the Martians of that tale for warring against humanity in conquest and genocide when the British Empire, whose author and primary intended audience live within, was no different. The thinking of the time was not uniformly Doyle's rancid view.

Even at the time, one can get a mark of the author by how much they lean on the language and how they use it. And oh my Doyle wants you to know what he thinks of anyone with a hint of melanin to them.

Marked are the similarities with Journey To The Centre of the Earth; the narrator who's the youngest and least experienced and least manly of the expedition team and is driven to take part by the woman he loves (this receives significantly more attention in Lost World, only to pay off with "she was a flighty bitch lying to him" because Male Author and also Doyle is going for bingo), the mercurial and foul-tempered professor seeking to prove something that goes against common accepted scientific views, and the immensely skilled hunter who handles the "hard" work. LW splits Professor Liedenbrock of Verne's work into two professors, the viciously tempered Challenger and the more classical arrogant Summerlee, but they simply cover the two angles that Liedenbrock did. It's distinctly noticeable how the stoic Hans of Verne's Journey, a silent and endlessly capable local Icelandic outdoorsman, has his hunting and martial prowess handed to a British noble and all of his other skills and knowledge, such as knowledge of the local land and mountaineering skill, are de-emphasised and then distributed amongst various unnamed and discarded locals given no consideration by the narrative.

The character journeys are much the same (wimpy narrator coming into his own, glory of the professors and hunter, etc), the general progress of the book is much the same:

Decent amount of set-up and build-up; discovering and building upon a previous, largely unknown explorer's last traces

Extensive and sometimes exhaustive detailing of the journey to the destination, including significant discussion of supplies and hiring help and so on

Initial inability to find way into Core/Lost World destination

The arrival there, some chapters of not getting up to much

Luxuriating in the Core/Lost World's preserved antiquities and strange unique elements

Danger segment

Sudden hasty provision of an escape from the Core/Lost World

Rapid wrap-up

What Doyle brings to the table are the thought patterns of a proud imperial citizen and obsessions about race, primarily; in contrast to Verne emphasising Iceland itself and making the most skilled and useful member of the expedition a local Icelandic hunter, all the important members of Lost World's expedition are white British people (the narrator being Irish to some degree being seen as diminishing him at least slightly), the one black man is a glorified slave straight out of the most ghoulish of American South propaganda, the expedition is trapped by the treachery of "a local half-breed" who is angry at the noble English hunter for having killed slave-traders in the area some years before, and everyone else is a greedy or self-serving pack mule at best.

The "big flourish" of LW is not something to do with the dinosaurs at all but instead an extended conflict with "ape-men" so Doyle can have the British tilt the scales in a genocidal conflict against them, being worshipped by the local tribe for doing little but having guns. For this they are practically worshipped, desired sexually by the tribe's women and so on. Many of the tepid and foul tropes of "explorer fiction" and white saviour fiction are rooted here quite firmly.

To be frank, from this and what Sherlock Holmes I've read, I must say that Arthur Conan Doyle's importance and writing ability seem quite exaggerated and vastly overstated. The characters here aren't as fun or basically interesting as Jules Verne's cast (never mind other contemporary writers), his language often veers into HP Lovecraft levels of "I'd kill myself if I got the slightest sun tan at the beach" and there's way less emphasis and interest in the science of things or the actual logistics of exploration. Here he's lapped hard by Vernes (and I haven't read the rest of Verne's adventure novels yet, only absorbed them via adaptations like Around The World In 80 Days) and in detective fiction he's hopelessly destroyed by authors who were born during his early literary career years (such as Agatha Christie and Rex Stout).

And I grant you; perhaps similar odious racism will turn up in things like Jules Verne's Around The World when I get to it; perhaps so! But even then, it's striking that Doyle engineers his scenario to bring it up and centre it in the narrative where Verne does not.

[civicsavvy]

They Should've Left the Kids Alone: The Battle Against the Woke Mind Virus

Defining the Woke Mind Virus

The term "woke" initially emerged as a call to awareness, a term signaling consciousness of social inequalities and the injustices faced by marginalized groups. It advocated for individuals to be "awake" to issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. Over time, however, what started as a movement for greater empathy and awareness evolved into something more divisive, driven by ideological rigidity and a sense of moral absolutism. Today, the word “woke” has taken on new connotations, often used to describe a cultural force that, some argue, pressures individuals and institutions to conform to a specific worldview that stifles open dialogue and diversity of thought.

The concept of the "woke mind virus," a phrase made popular by high-profile figures like Elon Musk, represents a critical view of how this ideology affects society—particularly children and young adults. It suggests that the “woke” approach is not simply about encouraging social awareness but has become a prescriptive force that dictates what is acceptable to think, say, and believe. Critics argue that this pervasive mindset can limit intellectual curiosity, foster self-censorship, and impose a homogeneous way of thinking that overshadows genuine diversity and individual thought.

How Woke Culture Developed

To understand the “woke mind virus,” it is essential to look at the path "woke" culture has taken and how its message and impact have changed over the years. The roots of this ideology trace back to social justice movements, which, throughout history, have championed worthy causes to expand rights and equality. The Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Liberation Movement, and LGBTQ+ rights movements all share a legacy of challenging the status quo and broadening society’s perspective on what it means to be equal and just.

In recent years, however, the ideals within these movements began transforming in ways that critics argue stray from their original goals. Instead of expanding freedom, some contend that aspects of “woke” culture restrict it, as it shifts from advocacy for awareness to demands for conformity. In institutions such as schools, universities, and media outlets, these shifts have been increasingly evident, manifesting in curricula, policies, and media narratives. While supporters argue that this approach educates and empowers the young generation, opponents worry it replaces critical thinking with a narrow set of approved beliefs, stifling genuine debate.

The Impact on Society

The “woke mind virus” metaphor extends beyond mere ideology, suggesting that the cultural shift has spread like a contagion, impacting societal norms, behaviors, and institutions. Critics point to educational systems where certain viewpoints are prioritized over others, entertainment industries that redefine cultural norms, and corporations that impose social ideologies on employees. Opponents argue that such changes not only reshape societal standards but also undermine long-standing values like freedom of speech, individual responsibility, and critical inquiry.

At the core of this concern is how young people are influenced. Children are at formative stages, learning not only academic skills but also how to understand and interact with the world around them. By teaching them a limited worldview, critics argue, “woke” culture risks eroding their ability to think independently, question assumptions, and engage with diverse perspectives.

Elon Musk’s Warning

In recent years, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become one of the most outspoken critics of woke culture. Musk's warning that society must “destroy the woke mind virus” has sparked significant discussion. By using the term “virus,” Musk implies that this mindset spreads quickly and with negative consequences, much like a pathogen. He worries that unchecked, this cultural trend will not only damage individual creativity and freedom but also degrade the foundations of Western society.

Why does Musk believe this issue is particularly pressing for children? His statements suggest a conviction that young people, especially those growing up in the current age of social media and online platforms, are at risk of adopting these views without ever being exposed to alternative perspectives. In Musk's view, today's youth could face a future where they are discouraged from thinking for themselves and from questioning mainstream narratives—a world where conformity replaces creativity and intellectual freedom.

Musk’s criticism is not merely about disagreement with social issues or progressive values; rather, it’s about the preservation of open discourse, critical thinking, and the individual’s ability to make independent choices. To Musk and others who share his views, these values are under threat in the current climate, and the focus on “protecting the kids” is central. Children are seen as both the primary targets and the most vulnerable victims of a culture that prioritizes ideological adherence over personal agency and freedom of thought.

Essay Overview

In this essay, we will explore how the “woke mind virus” has evolved and the extent of its influence on various aspects of modern society. We will delve into its impact on the following areas:

Education: How curriculum changes and institutional pressures shape the minds of young people.

Media and Entertainment: The role of media in normalizing certain beliefs and silencing dissent.

Corporate Culture: The ways in which workplaces enforce specific ideologies, influencing both employees and consumers.

Parenting and Social Media: How the dynamics of parenting have shifted in the age of social media and polarized values.

This essay aims not only to critique but also to spark thoughtful discussion on these changes, emphasizing the importance of freedom, critical thinking, and individual empowerment. We will examine how preserving these values, especially in the minds of the next generation, may be the key to a more resilient and truly diverse society.

If you’re looking to understand the roots and implications of modern "woke" culture and its impact on free thought, I highly recommend reading Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay. This insightful book dives deep into how the ideas that now shape social justice movements evolved from postmodern philosophy into a powerful, sometimes divisive force in today’s society. Pluckrose and Lindsay unpack the ideologies behind concepts like critical race theory, gender studies, and other activist frameworks that have made their way from academia into mainstream culture.

The Rise of Woke Ideology

To understand the origins of what some today call the “woke mind virus,” we must trace its roots back through a series of pivotal social and political movements that sought to dismantle entrenched injustices and promote greater equity in society. The early foundations of woke ideology can be found in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, when activists challenged institutionalized racism and fought for equal rights and protections under the law. This movement was revolutionary, advocating for necessary and long-overdue change by demanding that society confront deep-seated biases and discriminatory practices.

The ideals behind the civil rights movement influenced other causes that soon followed, including the women’s liberation movement and LGBTQ+ rights movement. These movements shared a commitment to rectifying societal wrongs and expanding rights for marginalized groups. The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of feminism, which fought for gender equality, and the gay rights movement, which sought to protect the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. Each of these movements encouraged society to become “awake” to issues of discrimination, injustice, and inequality, gradually planting the seeds of what would later be known as “woke” culture.

The 1990s and early 2000s marked a shift from traditional political movements to a more academic form of social critique. Universities became fertile ground for progressive social theories, as postmodernism, critical race theory, and gender studies gained traction in academic circles. These disciplines promoted new ways of understanding power, identity, and oppression, framing them as interconnected forces that shape individuals' experiences. The concept of “intersectionality,” coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, posited that different forms of oppression—like race, gender, and class—are interconnected, helping to illuminate the complexity of social identities. These theories gained momentum and eventually made their way into mainstream conversations on social justice and identity politics, informing the language and tactics that would define modern-day woke ideology.

Over the years, the increasing influence of these movements and theories created a growing awareness of systemic discrimination and privilege, urging individuals to consider the ways in which society disproportionately benefits certain groups while disadvantaging others. This new wave of social consciousness prompted many to reconsider long-standing social norms, making terms like “privilege,” “microaggressions,” and “allyship” part of everyday discourse.

Woke in the Mainstream

Initially, the ideas that underpin woke culture circulated in niche circles—academia, activist groups, and small communities advocating for progressive change. But by the 2010s, several factors converged to bring these ideas into the mainstream: the rise of social media, increasing cultural polarization, and a growing appetite for advocacy against all forms of social injustice.

Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram became critical vehicles for the spread of woke ideology, turning complex social issues into viral discussions that could quickly mobilize public opinion. For example, movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo demonstrated the power of digital activism, uniting people across the globe to demand justice for racial violence and sexual harassment. These platforms also created a space where individuals could voice personal grievances, share stories of discrimination, and rally others to their causes. Hashtags became tools of advocacy, allowing people to find community and solidarity in their shared experiences.

As woke ideology spread, its influence began to permeate popular culture, making its mark on media, entertainment, and advertising. Major corporations began to incorporate woke messaging into their branding, using advertising campaigns to show solidarity with social causes. Television shows, movies, and music began incorporating themes of social justice, identity, and inclusion. For many, this shift represented a positive change—a sign that mainstream society was becoming more empathetic, inclusive, and aware of inequality.

However, critics argue that as these ideas became more widespread, the movement shifted from its roots in social justice toward a form of moral rigidity that demands ideological conformity. What started as a call for greater awareness has, in some cases, become an expectation of adherence to specific values and beliefs, with limited tolerance for dissenting viewpoints. Social media “cancel culture” quickly emerged as a way to hold individuals and institutions accountable for views or actions perceived as discriminatory, but its application expanded rapidly to target those who merely disagreed with mainstream narratives. Some argue that this dynamic has contributed to a climate of self-censorship, where individuals, fearing public backlash, avoid expressing opinions that diverge from the accepted narrative.

This ideological shift began to affect not only public discourse but also schools, workplaces, and even government policies. Many schools began implementing programs and curricula focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, teaching children about concepts like privilege, systemic racism, and gender identity from a young age. Supporters see this as a necessary step toward educating young people about social issues, but opponents worry that these initiatives are one-sided, presenting a limited perspective on complex topics and stifling critical thinking.

Corporations, too, have embraced woke ideals, often instituting diversity and inclusion policies that promote certain ideological frameworks. From training programs designed to increase awareness of unconscious biases to company-wide pledges to fight systemic inequality, corporate America has embraced the language and values of woke culture. While these initiatives may seem well-intentioned, some employees have voiced concerns about feeling pressured to adopt certain beliefs to avoid potential repercussions in the workplace.

Even government policies and legislation have increasingly reflected woke ideology. Local and state governments across the United States have adopted policies related to diversity and inclusion, including mandates on public school curricula and restrictions on what can and cannot be taught. These policies are intended to create safe, inclusive spaces, but they have sparked significant debate about the role of government in dictating educational content and enforcing ideological norms.

Conclusion: The Cultural Shift

The rapid rise of woke ideology has transformed society in profound ways, introducing new ways of thinking about identity, justice, and equality. Supporters see it as a movement that brings marginalized voices to the forefront and challenges outdated norms that uphold discrimination. Critics, however, contend that what began as a call for awareness has morphed into a culture of ideological conformity that restricts freedom of thought, individual expression, and meaningful debate.

Woke Influence on Children and Education

Curriculum Changes

Over the past decade, the rise of social justice principles, critical race theory (CRT), and gender ideology has led to substantial shifts in the way education is structured in schools across the United States and other parts of the Western world. What was once limited to higher Woke Influence on Children and Education has now reached K-12 classrooms, where teachers are increasingly encouraged, and sometimes mandated, to introduce these concepts to children at young ages.

In many public and private schools, curricula now include lessons focused on topics like systemic racism, privilege, and gender identity. Educational initiatives and frameworks based on CRT aim to provide students with a perspective that critiques historical and present societal structures through the lens of race and power. Proponents argue that such curricula equip students to better understand the historical roots of racial disparities and encourage empathy toward marginalized groups. By teaching children about topics like colonialism, privilege, and systemic inequality, supporters believe students will gain a more inclusive understanding of history and the present day.

Gender ideology, too, has become a more prominent feature of modern education. In certain regions, elementary and middle school curricula include discussions on gender fluidity, transgender identity, and the concept that gender exists along a spectrum rather than as a binary. Schools often present these topics as part of health and social studies classes, aiming to cultivate a generation that is more accepting of diverse gender expressions and identities. For some parents and educators, this approach represents an essential step toward creating more inclusive school environments.

However, these changes have generated significant controversy. Critics argue that introducing concepts like CRT and gender theory to young children may bypass age-appropriate education, presenting complex social and political theories as established facts rather than subjects for open exploration. Opponents express concerns that, instead of encouraging students to think critically about these subjects, schools are teaching students to accept specific ideologies. They worry that these shifts in curriculum can expose children to emotionally and developmentally challenging topics that may be inappropriate for their age and maturity level.

In some cases, parents and educators have raised concerns about schools prioritizing social and ideological education at the expense of core academic subjects. For instance, reports of schools devoting significant portions of the academic calendar to workshops or assemblies focused on social justice issues suggest that traditional topics like math, science, and history may receive less emphasis. In response, some parents and advocacy groups argue that the primary role of education should be to equip students with foundational academic skills, leaving ideological discussions for later, once students have developed the ability to critically evaluate them.

Impact on Critical Thinking

One of the primary critiques of incorporating woke ideology into education is its potential impact on students’ ability to think independently and critically. Education, at its best, encourages students to question assumptions, analyze multiple perspectives, and form their own conclusions. However, critics argue that when schools introduce certain social justice concepts as uncontested truths, they inadvertently discourage independent thought. Rather than inviting students to explore a wide range of ideas and viewpoints, woke-oriented curricula sometimes present a single narrative, leaving little room for debate or dissent.

For example, a curriculum focused on critical race theory may emphasize systemic oppression and the historical role of power dynamics in shaping society. While this is an important perspective, some argue that it can be problematic if it’s the only viewpoint students are exposed to. Opponents of this approach believe that education should allow room for alternative interpretations, enabling students to consider a variety of factors and draw their own conclusions. In contrast, a strictly CRT-based curriculum might leave students with a predetermined set of ideas about society, potentially fostering a limited worldview.

Similarly, lessons on gender ideology in schools often portray gender as a social construct, encouraging students to view gender identity as fluid rather than biologically determined. While this perspective can provide an inclusive understanding of gender, critics worry that it discourages students from critically examining different viewpoints on the subject, including biological perspectives. Some parents and educators argue that students should be allowed to explore different theories on gender, sex, and identity in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of these complex issues.

There are also concerns about the emotional impact of such curricula on young students. When children are taught concepts like privilege, oppression, and systemic bias at a young age, critics argue that it can foster a sense of guilt or anxiety, especially among children who may be too young to fully understand these topics. Some psychologists have expressed concerns that these discussions might lead to increased stress and self-doubt in children, particularly if they feel blamed or responsible for societal issues they are only beginning to understand. For students who may already feel vulnerable or unsure of their identities, these teachings can introduce additional layers of complexity that can hinder their personal development.

Ultimately, those who are critical of woke-inspired curricula argue that these approaches risk fostering a narrative-based education, where students are encouraged to adopt a specific worldview instead of learning to weigh evidence, question sources, and form opinions independently. In their view, genuine critical thinking is best cultivated by exposing students to a range of perspectives, encouraging them to question all viewpoints—including those endorsed by their teachers—and helping them build a strong foundation in logical reasoning.

Case Studies

Several real-world examples illustrate how woke ideology has influenced schools and educational systems, sparking both support and backlash. Below are a few notable cases:

California Ethnic Studies Curriculum

In California, the state government introduced an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum aimed at helping students understand and appreciate the diversity of California’s population. The curriculum includes lessons on the historical and cultural contributions of various ethnic groups, as well as discussions of power dynamics and systemic oppression. While supporters commend this approach for promoting cultural understanding, some parents and educators have criticized certain elements of the curriculum as too ideologically driven. They argue that it overemphasizes themes of oppression and victimhood, potentially leading students to view society primarily through a lens of conflict and division.

Gender Identity Education in New Jersey Elementary Schools

In New Jersey, recent updates to state education standards include guidelines that encourage elementary schools to introduce students to concepts of gender identity and gender expression. Under the guidelines, children as young as second grade learn that “gender exists along a spectrum,” and teachers are encouraged to avoid reinforcing traditional gender roles. While some see this as a step toward creating a more inclusive environment, opponents argue that these lessons are too advanced for young children, who may struggle to understand abstract concepts of gender. This approach has sparked intense debate among parents, some of whom feel that discussions about gender should be left to families, rather than mandated by state policies.

The Loudoun County, Virginia School District Controversy

Loudoun County, Virginia, became a focal point for debates about CRT in schools when its school board proposed training for teachers on “culturally responsive teaching” and racial equity. The district’s policies included initiatives to combat systemic racism and promote inclusion, but many parents objected, arguing that the policies amounted to indoctrination. Some parents alleged that the policies unfairly categorized students based on race, which they feared could lead to divisive dynamics among students. The controversy gained national attention, highlighting the broader debate about the role of CRT in education.

“Privilege Walk” Exercises in Schools Across the U.S.

In various schools, a classroom activity known as the “Privilege Walk” has become a way to teach students about privilege and inequality. During the exercise, students are asked questions related to their backgrounds, and depending on their answers, they take steps forward or backward to visualize their levels of privilege. While some educators view this as an eye-opening experience, critics argue that it can be divisive, fostering a sense of guilt or shame among students from more privileged backgrounds and potentially reinforcing feelings of resentment among those who feel disadvantaged.

Conclusion

As woke ideology continues to shape educational practices, schools face the challenge of balancing inclusivity and social awareness with the need to foster critical thinking and intellectual diversity. Supporters of woke-inspired curricula believe they offer necessary insights that prepare students to navigate an increasingly diverse and complex world. Opponents, however, worry that these curricula promote ideological conformity, limiting students’ ability to think critically and independently.

The impact of these changes on the next generation is still unfolding, but the implications are significant. How we educate children today will shape the values and perspectives they carry into adulthood, influencing society for decades to come.

Media, Technology, and the Amplification of Woke Culture

Social Media’s Role

Social media platforms have become a primary vehicle for spreading ideas, and woke culture is no exception. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok allow millions to share, comment on, and amplify woke narratives, quickly making ideas popular and accessible to broad audiences. These platforms enable users to find like-minded communities, build online movements, and apply social pressure to advance particular ideologies. Hashtags, viral posts, and influencer campaigns make it easier than ever for ideas to spread and gain momentum, often with significant real-world consequences.

One of the key ways social media amplifies woke culture is by creating spaces where certain viewpoints are privileged over others. Many algorithms are designed to prioritize content that engages viewers, and controversial or emotionally charged posts often generate more engagement. This creates an environment where ideas that align with woke narratives, especially those that touch on hot-button social justice issues, can be disproportionately highlighted, shared, and seen. Conversely, opposing perspectives may be filtered out, either due to a lack of engagement or, as critics argue, due to deliberate platform policies that suppress certain viewpoints.

Censorship and content moderation policies on platforms like Twitter and Facebook are another point of contention. While these policies are often framed as necessary for reducing hate speech or misinformation, critics argue they sometimes extend to silencing voices critical of woke ideology. Shadowbanning, de-platforming, and content removal have led some to believe that these platforms are fostering ideological conformity, particularly when individuals or organizations that challenge mainstream social narratives find their content flagged or removed. In some cases, high-profile figures who have spoken against woke culture report having their accounts suspended or limited, fueling perceptions that social media companies hold a bias against dissenting views.

TikTok, one of the fastest-growing social platforms among young people, has become especially influential in shaping youth perspectives. Its format encourages short, visually engaging content, making it easy for users to digest and repeat ideas. TikTok’s recommendation algorithms also quickly narrow content to align with users’ interests, meaning young people who engage with certain types of content—like videos on social justice or identity issues—are likely to see more of the same, reinforcing a particular worldview. This process, often referred to as an “echo chamber effect,” can make it difficult for young users to see alternative perspectives, potentially limiting their understanding of complex social issues.

The Entertainment Industry

Beyond social media, the entertainment industry has become a powerful force in promoting woke narratives. Hollywood, the music industry, and mainstream media frequently incorporate social justice themes into their storytelling, making woke culture a prominent feature of contemporary entertainment. Movies, television shows, and music increasingly address issues such as systemic racism, gender identity, and privilege, presenting these ideas in ways that often resonate with younger audiences.

Television shows and films, in particular, have begun including storylines and characters that reflect woke ideals, often framing certain perspectives as morally or socially superior. While this trend has led to greater representation and inclusion, some argue that it risks alienating audiences with differing views. Critics point to what they describe as “forced” representation—when shows or films include characters or themes that appear less about storytelling and more about promoting a specific social agenda. For example, protagonists who embody traditional values or challenge woke ideals may be portrayed as flawed or antagonistic, while those who align with progressive values are depicted as more enlightened or admirable. This one-dimensional storytelling can reinforce a narrow narrative, potentially discouraging critical examination of complex social issues.

Music, too, has become a medium for woke messaging. Songs addressing themes like empowerment, resistance, and social justice often resonate with young listeners, who may see artists as role models. While music has always reflected societal issues, the focus on woke themes in contemporary music has become especially prominent. Artists now use their platforms to advocate for specific causes, encouraging fans to view social justice as integral to their identity. This messaging is often paired with calls to action, encouraging listeners to “stay woke” and be vigilant against perceived injustices.

Mainstream media, from news outlets to digital publications, also plays a significant role in promoting woke culture. Many news organizations have taken a stance on social justice issues, adopting editorial approaches that prioritize certain narratives. Articles and news segments often focus on stories that align with woke ideology, framing these perspectives as widely accepted truths. Critics argue that this has led to a decline in balanced reporting, with news outlets sometimes presenting opinion as fact and underrepresenting alternative viewpoints. For young audiences, who may not yet have the media literacy skills to distinguish bias, this approach can reinforce a singular way of seeing the world.

Influence on Children

The cumulative effect of social media, entertainment, and mainstream media on children is substantial. Young people are exposed to these platforms daily, and the messages they encounter often shape their perceptions, values, and behavior. Unlike previous generations, today’s youth are growing up in a digital world where woke ideals are not only present but prominent, delivered to them directly through screens in increasingly sophisticated ways.

One of the key ways these media influence children is by shaping their understanding of identity. Social media platforms encourage users to define and express themselves, often in ways that align with specific social categories or labels. Concepts like gender fluidity, sexual orientation, and intersectional identity are now widely discussed among young people, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram often promote influencers who champion these ideas. While this can help children feel seen and understood, critics worry that it can also pressure them to adopt labels and identities that may not reflect who they are, but rather who they feel they should be.

Social media also encourages children to engage in activism from an early age. Many platforms provide tools for sharing social justice content, participating in virtual protests, and donating to causes. While this can empower children to make a positive impact, it can also lead to what some describe as “performative activism,” where young people engage in social justice efforts more for social approval than genuine commitment. Critics argue that this superficial engagement may create an environment where children feel compelled to voice opinions or take actions they do not fully understand, reducing complex social issues to simplistic slogans or gestures.

In addition to influencing identity and activism, media often shape children’s perceptions of morality. Shows, movies, and online influencers who promote woke ideals frequently present certain beliefs and actions as morally superior. For example, characters who challenge traditional social norms are often framed as “heroes,” while those who express more conventional or conservative views are depicted as uninformed or intolerant. This framing can create a binary understanding of morality, where young viewers come to see issues in black and white, without room for nuance. The potential consequence is a generation of children who view complex social issues through a moral lens that prioritizes ideological conformity over critical thinking.

Finally, the influence of media can impact children’s mental health. Psychologists have observed that exposure to intense social issues from a young age can lead to anxiety, stress, and self-doubt in children. For example, constant exposure to messages about systemic injustice, privilege, and oppression can create feelings of guilt or helplessness. Similarly, children who feel pressure to adopt certain identities or social stances may experience confusion or self-doubt, particularly if they do not naturally align with these expectations. In these ways, the media landscape of today presents unique mental health challenges for young people.

Conclusion

The impact of media, technology, and entertainment on today’s youth is profound and far-reaching. Social media amplifies woke ideas, sometimes at the expense of opposing viewpoints, creating online spaces where children may feel pressured to conform to certain ideologies. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry delivers these messages through beloved characters and role models, further solidifying woke ideals in young minds. As a result, children’s perceptions, identities, and moral compasses are shaped by a media landscape that increasingly promotes a singular perspective.

As we continue, we will explore how this cultural shift influences not only children’s personal development but also their interactions with family, friends, and society at large. Understanding the role media and technology play in shaping young minds is essential for parents, educators, and society as a whole, as we consider how best to prepare the next generation for a future that values diversity of thought as much as it does social justice.

The Dangers of Woke Ideology for Future Generations

Psychological Impact

Introducing complex social and political ideologies to young, impressionable minds can have lasting psychological effects. Children and adolescents are still in critical stages of cognitive and emotional development, and their understanding of self and society is often shaped by the influences around them. When children are exposed to ideologically charged narratives, they may internalize these messages before they have developed the tools to question, analyze, or choose what to believe.

One of the most significant concerns is the potential for anxiety and guilt. For example, messages that emphasize systemic oppression, privilege, and victimization may cause children to view the world as a hostile or unjust place. While an awareness of societal issues is essential, critics argue that children introduced to complex topics like racial inequality, gender dysphoria, and privilege without context or balance may experience unnecessary stress and fear. Children from more privileged backgrounds may feel guilt or shame over aspects of their identity they cannot control, like race or socioeconomic status. Conversely, children from marginalized backgrounds may come to see themselves primarily through a lens of victimhood, which can impact their self-esteem, resilience, and motivation.

The concept of identity itself can become a source of confusion and internal conflict for young people navigating the pressures of woke ideology. Children may feel pressure to align with particular social labels or ideologies, even if they don’t fully understand or identify with them. This pressure to define oneself according to societal expectations can create an identity crisis, especially for adolescents who are already in a naturally introspective stage of life. Young people who do not align with the dominant narratives on race, gender, or social justice may feel isolated or uncertain about expressing their true beliefs, leading to a sense of detachment from their own thoughts and feelings.

There is also the question of long-term mental health implications. Research in psychology suggests that internalizing a worldview centered on injustice and systemic failure can lead to heightened stress levels, increased instances of depression, and a diminished sense of agency. When young people feel that the world is inherently unjust and that their potential for success is limited by external factors, they may become pessimistic about their future. Psychologists warn that excessive focus on social and political grievances can foster a “learned helplessness,” where individuals feel incapable of changing their circumstances—a mindset that can inhibit personal growth, self-efficacy, and the pursuit of individual goals.

Division and Polarization

Woke ideology’s emphasis on identity-based issues can contribute to societal division and polarization, particularly among young people. This ideological framework often categorizes individuals by race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, emphasizing differences over commonalities. While understanding and respecting diversity is essential, critics argue that this approach fosters an "us vs. them" mentality, where individuals are encouraged to identify more with their social group than with broader society.

One effect of this mindset is the reinforcement of tribalism, where individuals align themselves with those who share their identity or beliefs and view others with skepticism or hostility. For young people, this polarization can manifest in social circles, where friendships and social connections are increasingly influenced by shared ideologies. Schools and universities are often arenas where ideological alignment can determine social acceptance, creating environments where young people feel pressured to conform to popular viewpoints to avoid social exclusion.

In extreme cases, this division extends to familial relationships. Parents who do not align with their children’s beliefs may find it challenging to engage in open dialogue, leading to strained family dynamics. Some parents report difficulty discussing certain topics with their children, fearing that any deviation from woke ideology will lead to conflict or accusations of intolerance. This erosion of open communication can weaken family bonds and contribute to generational divides, as young people increasingly turn to their peers and social media communities for validation and support.

The educational system, where many of these ideologies take root, also contributes to this division. Classrooms that emphasize identity and systemic injustice may foster resentment among students who feel labeled or judged based on their background. For example, discussions of privilege may cause students from more affluent backgrounds to feel isolated or unfairly judged, while students from marginalized backgrounds may feel reinforced in viewing themselves as perpetual victims. Such divisions can create a tense atmosphere where students are wary of one another, fostering an environment of distrust and alienation.

A further danger of this polarized mindset is that it leaves little room for compromise, empathy, or mutual understanding. When young people adopt rigid ideological positions, they may struggle to engage in meaningful conversations with those who hold different views. This polarization ultimately impacts society as a whole, as individuals who have been socialized to see the world in terms of conflicting identities are less likely to collaborate, empathize, or work toward common goals. Instead, they may become more focused on advancing their group’s interests, which can hinder societal cohesion and contribute to a cycle of resentment and conflict.

Loss of Individuality

Another potential consequence of woke ideology is the suppression of individual thought and the erosion of personal freedom. By promoting collective ideologies that emphasize group identity over individual characteristics, woke culture can create pressure to conform, stifling creativity, originality, and self-expression.

One aspect of this issue is the expectation that individuals align with specific beliefs or labels based on their identity. For instance, a person’s race, gender, or sexual orientation may lead to assumptions about their political views, social beliefs, or values. This type of identity-based expectation can make it challenging for young people to explore and define their own beliefs, particularly when they feel pressured to conform to the expectations set by their social group. Those who challenge these norms may be accused of being inauthentic or even betraying their community, which discourages independent thinking and the exploration of diverse perspectives.

The pressure to conform extends to behavior and expression, especially on social media. Young people may feel compelled to adopt certain ideologies, language, or symbols to avoid social exclusion or judgment. This social pressure can limit their ability to explore different aspects of their identity and beliefs, as they feel confined to the “acceptable” norms of their group. Social media also amplifies this effect by promoting content that aligns with dominant narratives, creating a feedback loop where individuals are continually exposed to and encouraged to adopt similar viewpoints. Over time, this can lead to a homogenized way of thinking, where diversity of thought is replaced by ideological conformity.

The loss of individuality can also manifest in educational settings, where students may feel hesitant to express opinions that challenge the prevailing ideology. In schools where woke principles are promoted, students may be wary of voicing dissenting views for fear of being ostracized or labeled. This atmosphere can create a form of intellectual self-censorship, where students avoid sharing their true beliefs or questioning prevailing narratives. Rather than fostering an environment of open dialogue and intellectual curiosity, such settings may inadvertently stifle creativity and curiosity, as students learn to stay within the bounds of what is deemed acceptable by their peers and instructors.

The long-term effect of this pressure to conform is a generation that is less resilient in the face of differing opinions and less equipped to engage in complex problem-solving. Creativity, innovation, and progress often thrive on the exchange of diverse ideas, yet woke culture’s emphasis on conformity can discourage young people from taking risks, thinking outside the box, or challenging established ideas. When young people feel compelled to follow a predetermined path in terms of values, beliefs, and identity, they lose the freedom to discover their own paths and contribute unique perspectives to society.

Conclusion

The potential dangers of woke ideology for future generations are significant. The psychological impact of internalizing social and political narratives from a young age can affect children’s mental health and self-perception. Division and polarization based on identity may foster an "us vs. them" mentality, undermining social cohesion and making it difficult for young people to engage in open dialogue. Furthermore, the loss of individuality and the pressure to conform stifle creativity and intellectual diversity, limiting young people’s ability to think independently and explore different perspectives.

As woke culture continues to shape society, it is essential to consider the potential impact on the next generation and to ensure that young people are encouraged to think for themselves. The values of empathy, open-mindedness, and intellectual freedom are crucial for building a society that embraces diversity not only in identity but in thought. In the next chapters, we will explore how parents, educators, and society as a whole can navigate these challenges to protect and support the mental and intellectual well-being of future generations.

A Call for Balance: Protecting the Innocence of Children

The Role of Parents

In today’s media-saturated environment, parents play a crucial role in guiding children through complex social issues and ideologies. As children increasingly encounter woke ideas in school, media, and online, parents can act as a counterbalance by providing tools for critical thinking and exposing them to a range of viewpoints. Parental guidance is essential in helping children navigate the world with an open, discerning mind, fostering the confidence to question what they hear and make informed decisions.

One of the first steps parents can take is to create a home environment that encourages open dialogue. Instead of shielding children from contentious topics, parents can offer age-appropriate discussions about current events, social issues, and cultural shifts. By being open to questions and providing honest, thoughtful answers, parents allow children to process and understand these issues without feeling pressured to adopt any particular stance. This approach nurtures curiosity, teaching children that it is okay to ask questions and seek clarity instead of simply accepting what they are told.

Parents can also help children recognize the importance of independent thinking by modeling it themselves. By openly sharing their own beliefs and reasoning without imposing them, parents demonstrate that it is possible to hold individual views while respecting others. This encourages children to think critically, compare perspectives, and form their own conclusions. Additionally, parents can provide alternative viewpoints or introduce children to authors, speakers, and materials that present different sides of an issue, broadening their understanding and helping them appreciate the diversity of thought.

Finally, teaching media literacy is essential in today’s digital age. Parents can guide children in evaluating sources, identifying bias, and understanding how algorithms and echo chambers can shape perceptions. For example, parents might discuss how social media platforms prioritize content that aligns with personal interests or political leanings, potentially limiting exposure to alternative viewpoints. By equipping children with these skills, parents empower them to navigate media thoughtfully, helping them develop an independent understanding of the world rather than passively absorbing what they see and hear.

The Power of Free Thought

The ability to think freely and critically is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop. Free thought enables children to explore a variety of ideas, question assumptions, and form their own beliefs based on evidence and personal experience rather than social pressure or conformity. In an era when woke ideology often dominates public discourse, promoting free thought is essential to fostering a generation that values individuality, creativity, and intellectual freedom.

Encouraging free thought begins with validating children’s curiosity and opinions, even when they differ from popular narratives. By reassuring children that they do not have to conform to a particular ideology or agree with everything they hear, parents and educators can help them build confidence in their own beliefs. Children who feel empowered to think for themselves are more likely to seek out new ideas and engage in meaningful dialogue with others, enriching their understanding of the world.

One of the challenges young people face today is the perception that certain ideas are “correct” or “acceptable” while others are inherently wrong. Free thought is about moving beyond this binary approach, recognizing that most issues are nuanced and that differing perspectives often contain valuable insights. By exposing children to diverse ideologies and philosophies, parents and educators can show them that the world is not a simple place of absolutes. This exposure helps children develop the analytical skills needed to navigate complex social issues with maturity, empathy, and a commitment to finding solutions rather than simply taking sides.

Moreover, free thought promotes resilience. When children are encouraged to think critically and defend their beliefs with logic and evidence, they learn to navigate disagreement and adversity. They understand that differing opinions do not invalidate their own beliefs and that disagreements can be productive. This approach fosters emotional intelligence, enabling children to engage in civil discourse and consider alternative viewpoints without feeling threatened or defensive. As these children grow, they are better prepared to adapt to an ever-changing world, grounded in the knowledge that their beliefs are the product of their own reasoning rather than social influence.

Educational Reforms

The educational system plays a significant role in shaping young minds, and as such, it carries a responsibility to approach sensitive topics in a balanced, non-partisan way. Schools should serve as environments where students feel safe exploring various perspectives, free from ideological pressure or fear of social reprisal. Ensuring a balanced education helps students develop a well-rounded understanding of the world, encouraging them to think critically, analyze multiple viewpoints, and form their own opinions.

One potential reform is the development of a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and media literacy. Rather than promoting specific social ideologies, schools could focus on teaching students how to evaluate information, recognize bias, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Media literacy programs, for example, would equip students with the skills to analyze news sources, understand how narratives are constructed, and identify persuasive tactics. Such programs empower students to engage with information critically, preparing them to navigate complex social issues without feeling pressured to accept any particular worldview.

Another approach to educational reform is the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in the classroom. Instead of framing certain beliefs as universally “correct” or “moral,” educators could encourage students to explore multiple sides of an issue, analyzing arguments from a variety of perspectives. For example, discussions on social issues like inequality, climate change, or gender roles could be approached in a way that highlights differing viewpoints, allowing students to weigh the merits of each argument. By exposing students to a broad spectrum of ideas, educators promote intellectual diversity, helping students understand that complex issues rarely have simple answers.

Parental involvement in education is another key factor. Schools can work with parents to ensure that students are receiving a balanced education, free from ideological bias. Parent-teacher associations, school boards, and community forums provide valuable opportunities for parents to voice concerns, discuss curriculum content, and advocate for a more balanced approach to education. When parents are engaged and informed, they can help ensure that schools prioritize critical thinking, factual knowledge, and intellectual diversity over ideological alignment.

Finally, fostering a classroom culture that values open dialogue and respectful debate can help students feel safe sharing their thoughts without fear of judgment. Teachers can set the tone by encouraging students to listen to each other, ask questions, and challenge ideas constructively. By modeling respectful discourse, educators show students that differing opinions are not only acceptable but valuable. This environment enables students to practice civil debate, develop empathy for differing perspectives, and learn to resolve conflicts through communication and mutual understanding.

Conclusion

As society grapples with the challenges of ideological influence on young minds, a balanced approach is essential. Parents, educators, and communities all play a role in protecting children’s innocence and fostering environments where they can explore a wide range of ideas. By promoting critical thinking, open dialogue, and intellectual diversity, we equip children with the skills they need to make informed choices, resist social pressure, and develop as independent thinkers.

Protecting the innocence of children does not mean sheltering them from the realities of the world, but rather providing them with the tools to understand and navigate those realities thoughtfully. A balanced approach encourages young people to question assumptions, seek evidence, and respect others' beliefs, helping them grow into compassionate, resilient individuals who value diversity of thought. In the following chapters, we will examine practical strategies for parents, educators, and communities to support children in developing these essential qualities, ensuring a future where free thought and individuality are celebrated.

Moving Forward: A Future Beyond the Woke Mind Virus

Building Resilience

In an era where young people are often influenced by a constant flow of opinions and ideological narratives, cultivating resilience is essential. Resilience provides youth with the inner strength to withstand ideological pressures, encouraging them to engage with the world thoughtfully and critically. By developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and open-mindedness, young people can grow into balanced, adaptable adults who can handle challenges and engage constructively with a diversity of ideas.

Resilience begins with self-awareness and emotional intelligence. When young people are taught to understand their emotions, they become less reactive and more reflective. They learn to process what they feel and respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Emotional intelligence is particularly valuable in a polarized world, as it enables young people to engage in respectful discourse without taking disagreements personally. Through empathy, they learn to appreciate where others are coming from, even if they don’t agree. When students are encouraged to place themselves in others’ shoes, they become more understanding, tolerant, and less prone to viewing differing opinions as threats. This sense of empathy becomes the foundation for constructive conversations and open-minded thinking.

Furthermore, resilience is nurtured when young people are encouraged to question assumptions and challenge ideas critically. This skill protects them from adopting views solely because they are popular or convenient. Teaching children to evaluate ideas based on evidence, logic, and personal reflection allows them to stand firm in their beliefs while remaining open to change. This approach to resilience doesn’t mean avoiding social or political issues but instead equipping young people to think independently and courageously in the face of ideological pressures.

Embracing Diversity of Thought

A healthy society thrives on a diversity of opinions, experiences, and perspectives. Embracing diversity of thought is not about promoting any one ideology, but rather about creating space for open dialogue, constructive debate, and mutual respect. When society respects diverse viewpoints, individuals feel free to express themselves without fear of backlash or rejection, and communities benefit from a richer pool of ideas and solutions.

For young people, embracing diversity of thought means recognizing that every individual brings a unique perspective to the table. It is about acknowledging that multiple viewpoints can coexist and that truth is often multi-faceted. Encouraging students to consider a variety of perspectives helps them recognize that many issues are complex and cannot be reduced to simple binaries. Schools, families, and communities can play a role in this by fostering environments where different viewpoints are welcomed, discussed, and respected.

One way to promote diversity of thought is through education that values critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. When students are encouraged to examine multiple sides of an issue and analyze each on its merits, they develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. Teachers and parents can support this process by guiding children to ask questions, seek out various sources of information, and discuss what they learn with others. This approach teaches young people that they do not need to agree with every perspective they encounter, but they can still engage with those ideas respectfully and thoughtfully.

Embracing diversity of thought also requires a commitment to freedom of speech and expression. Young people should learn that voicing their beliefs, even when those beliefs differ from the mainstream, is valuable. Protecting freedom of expression creates a culture where individuals feel empowered to contribute their unique viewpoints, fostering innovation and strengthening social bonds. When young people are allowed to share their thoughts openly, they not only learn from others but also become more confident and secure in their own identities. In a society that values free expression, individuals are more likely to find common ground, resolve conflicts amicably, and work toward shared goals.

A New Generation of Leaders

As we look toward the future, it is vital to consider how the next generation of leaders can be equipped to navigate a world shaped by diverse ideologies, technological advances, and complex global challenges. Developing leaders who value individual freedom, critical thinking, and cooperation is essential to building a society that respects differences while working toward common goals.

To cultivate these future leaders, society must invest in education that emphasizes not just knowledge acquisition, but the development of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. Leaders who value individual freedom recognize the importance of allowing people to make their own choices and take responsibility for their actions. Such leaders prioritize individual rights, respect freedom of speech, and advocate for a society where each person’s perspective is valued. They understand that diversity is not just about appearance but also about the richness of ideas and viewpoints, and they are prepared to protect these freedoms even in the face of pressure to conform.

In addition to critical thinking, effective leadership requires the ability to cooperate and build bridges across divides. Leaders of tomorrow will need to be skilled in collaboration, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. They will need to inspire others to work together toward shared goals, even when disagreements arise. Teaching young people the value of cooperation prepares them to bring people together, fostering an environment where dialogue is prioritized over division. When young people learn to see their peers as partners rather than opponents, they are more likely to approach leadership with a sense of purpose and responsibility to the collective well-being.

Equipping the next generation to lead in this way also means preparing them to be adaptable. In a rapidly changing world, leaders must be capable of reevaluating their beliefs and strategies in light of new information. Resilient leaders are willing to listen to feedback, adjust their perspectives, and adapt to shifting circumstances. This adaptability is particularly crucial in an age where technological, social, and economic changes occur at a fast pace. By encouraging young people to be both confident in their principles and open to growth, we prepare them to lead with both integrity and flexibility.

Conclusion

The future of society rests on the shoulders of a generation that can think freely, act with compassion, and lead with integrity. Moving beyond the influence of any single ideology, such as woke culture, requires a commitment to resilience, diversity of thought, and principled leadership. Parents, educators, and communities play an essential role in nurturing these qualities, ensuring that young people grow into adults who are prepared to face challenges with wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to freedom.

As we look ahead, the challenge is not to shield young people from the complexities of the world but to equip them with the skills to navigate those complexities with confidence and discernment. By fostering environments that prioritize open-mindedness, critical thinking, and mutual respect, we empower the next generation to make meaningful contributions to society. In doing so, we build a future that values the dignity of every individual, honors diverse perspectives, and creates space for thoughtful dialogue. This approach not only prepares young people to succeed but also lays the groundwork for a society that celebrates freedom, unity, and progress.

Conclusion: The Fight for a Balanced Society

Reflecting on Musk’s Statement

Elon Musk’s stark warning about the “woke mind virus” reflects a growing concern shared by many: the fear that ideologies, when left unchecked, may overwhelm independent thought and push society toward ideological conformity. Musk’s statement is not only a critique of current trends but also a call to action to protect the intellectual freedom and individuality of future generations. His message underscores the importance of creating a society where young people can develop their own perspectives rather than absorbing predetermined beliefs. Revisiting this challenge encourages us to ask ourselves: How can we protect future generations from becoming indoctrinated by one-sided ideologies? And how can we ensure that children grow up with the freedom to think for themselves?

The concern Musk raises points to a larger issue: the need for balanced perspectives in education, media, and public discourse. Ideologies—whether progressive or conservative—can provide valuable insights, but when they are allowed to dominate without counterbalance, they risk limiting critical thought. Musk’s warning thus serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a society that values open dialogue, intellectual diversity, and tolerance for differing viewpoints. If society continues to favor ideological conformity over free inquiry, the potential for creativity, growth, and problem-solving diminishes. Protecting future generations from indoctrination is not about rejecting any particular ideology outright but about ensuring that no single viewpoint holds an unchecked monopoly on truth. Instead, by championing intellectual balance, we create an environment in which young people can freely explore a range of ideas and beliefs, arriving at their conclusions based on logic, evidence, and empathy.

A Vision for the Future

The vision for a balanced society goes beyond merely avoiding the pitfalls of ideological extremes. It envisions a future where children grow up in a culture that values diversity not only in appearance but in thought, where independent thinking is encouraged, and where compassion underpins social interaction. This vision requires that we prioritize a few key principles: intellectual freedom, open-mindedness, and a commitment to protecting the innocence and individuality of children.

First, intellectual freedom should be at the core of our society’s educational and cultural frameworks. This means providing young people with access to a wide range of perspectives and equipping them with the tools to analyze and question each. Encouraging intellectual freedom fosters an environment where creativity, innovation, and individuality thrive. In a world that values free thinking, children are encouraged to explore ideas without fear, cultivating the confidence to question what they encounter and the wisdom to distinguish fact from opinion. Such freedom is essential not only for personal growth but for the broader progress of society, as a diverse array of ideas and solutions is necessary to address complex issues.

Second, a balanced society must also prioritize open-mindedness. This quality allows individuals to engage constructively with perspectives that differ from their own, appreciating the unique insights that each viewpoint offers. Open-mindedness promotes empathy, reducing social division by encouraging people to see each other as allies rather than adversaries. When society embraces open-mindedness, disagreements become opportunities for learning rather than sources of conflict. For young people, this mindset prepares them to navigate a complex world with grace, curiosity, and humility. By fostering open-mindedness, we create a society where diverse perspectives are valued and where individuals are willing to engage with others, even when they disagree. In such a society, young people learn that true strength lies not in rigid adherence to ideology but in the ability to adapt, grow, and seek understanding across divides.

Finally, a balanced society recognizes the importance of compassion. This does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or shying away from contentious issues; rather, it means approaching these conversations with a sense of empathy and respect. Compassion allows people to consider the human impact of their beliefs and actions, grounding ideological debates in shared humanity rather than abstract principles. For children, compassion nurtures emotional resilience and social intelligence, helping them navigate interpersonal relationships with kindness and respect. As adults, they are more likely to approach leadership and decision-making with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to the common good. In a compassionate society, young people are encouraged to see beyond labels and categories, recognizing the worth and dignity of every individual.

A Vision for the Future: Moving Toward a Balanced Society

The path forward is neither simple nor straightforward, but the goal is clear: to create a society where young people grow up surrounded by diverse ideas, empowered to think independently, and guided by compassion. This vision calls for a collective commitment from parents, educators, leaders, and communities to protect intellectual freedom, champion diversity of thought, and model empathy and open-mindedness. By fostering these qualities, we create a foundation for a society that is resilient, dynamic, and unified—a society where individuals are free to think, explore, and collaborate without fear or restriction.

This future vision requires action. Parents can play an essential role by nurturing intellectual curiosity at home, allowing children to ask questions, explore new ideas, and form their own beliefs. Schools can focus on teaching critical thinking, media literacy, and respectful debate, creating classrooms where students feel safe exploring diverse viewpoints. Leaders in media, technology, and government can work to protect freedom of expression and discourage censorship, ensuring that public discourse remains open and vibrant.

Above all, achieving a balanced society demands a commitment to continual reflection and improvement. We must remain vigilant against ideological extremes, recognizing that freedom of thought is fragile and must be actively protected. In a society where diverse ideas are celebrated, individual freedom is respected, and compassion is prioritized, children are free to develop their unique perspectives and contribute positively to their communities.

Conclusion

In the fight for a balanced society, the stakes could not be higher. The “woke mind virus,” as Musk calls it, represents just one of many challenges that threaten intellectual freedom and individual thought. But with deliberate effort, a commitment to open-mindedness, and a dedication to fostering compassion, we can protect the innocence and independence of future generations.

This vision of a balanced society is not only about preserving freedom—it is about creating a world where young people are equipped to think critically, act with integrity, and embrace others with empathy. By embracing diversity of thought, we ensure that future generations can approach life’s complexities with curiosity and resilience, contributing to a society that values both individuality and unity. The journey toward this vision may be challenging, but it is a journey worth undertaking. For in building a balanced society, we secure a future where every individual has the freedom to think, to question, and to grow into the best version of themselves.

If you’re looking to understand the roots and implications of modern "woke" culture and its impact on free thought, I highly recommend reading Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay. This insightful book dives deep into how the ideas that now shape social justice movements evolved from postmodern philosophy into a powerful, sometimes divisive force in today’s society. Pluckrose and Lindsay unpack the ideologies behind concepts like critical race theory, gender studies, and other activist frameworks that have made their way from academia into mainstream culture.

Cynical Theories is an eye-opening exploration for anyone concerned about how these ideologies influence our discourse, especially on sensitive topics such as race, gender, and identity. By breaking down complex theories into accessible explanations, the authors reveal how these ideas can sometimes discourage open debate and promote a single way of thinking.

Whether you agree or disagree, Cynical Theories provides a solid foundation for understanding these movements' backgrounds, intentions, and outcomes, allowing you to engage more thoughtfully in today’s cultural conversations. I recommend giving it a read to expand your perspective on how we approach social justice and to consider how we might advocate for a society that values both compassion and freedom of thought.

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DJ was born into a proud lineage of rodeo champions in Amarillo, Texas. His grandfather, Dangelo Pereira Sr., was a rodeo legend in the 1960s and '70s, known for his record-breaking rides and a larger-than-life personality. DJ’s father, Marco Pereira (63), followed in his footsteps, competing in bull riding throughout the 1980s and early '90s, though he never reached the heights of fame his father did. Marco retired from competitive bull riding in his late 30s due to a severe injury but became a rodeo coach and a respected figure in the rodeo community.

His mother, Clara Pereira (61), worked as a teacher and was the grounding force in DJ's life, ensuring he balanced the chaos of the rodeo lifestyle with a steady home environment. She always encouraged her children to follow their passions but stressed the importance of education and practicality, knowing the risks involved in the rodeo world.

DJ grew up with two sibling. His sister, Isabella Pereira (37) is a nurse practitioner who distanced herself from the rodeo life, preferring a more stable and secure profession. She and DJ are close, though she often worries about the dangers he faces in the arena. His brother, Luis Pereira (29) is a rancher and aspiring rodeo rider who looks up to DJ. While not as skilled in bull riding, Luis has found his place managing the family ranch and competing in smaller local rodeos.

From the time DJ could walk, he was around bulls, horses, and the rodeo circuit. His earliest memories include sitting on his father's lap, watching his grandfather’s old rodeo tapes, and listening to the stories of the “glory days.” The weight of his family’s legacy was never far from his mind, but rather than shying away from it, DJ embraced it fully. By the age of 10, he was already participating in junior rodeos, and by his teens, he had a natural gift for bull riding.

However, it wasn’t just talent that propelled him—DJ had a fierce determination to live up to the Pereira name. He was competitive, almost to a fault, pushing himself to be the best and riding with a sense of pride that few could match. As he matured, DJ began to carve out his own identity, not just as the son or grandson of rodeo legends but as a formidable bull rider in his own right. By his mid-20s, he had established himself as a consistent contender in national bull riding competitions.

DJ is known for being intense and driven, qualities that serve him well in the high-stakes world of professional bull riding. While he can be quiet and reserved around new people, he’s fiercely loyal to those close to him. His competitive nature sometimes makes him appear distant or hard to approach, but those who know him well understand that DJ’s focus is simply unparalleled.

Outside the rodeo, DJ spends much of his downtime working on the family ranch with his brother, Luis, finding peace in the day-to-day tasks of ranching. This also keeps him physically fit and mentally grounded. He has a love for classic country music, often listening to artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings before a ride to get into the zone. He’s an avid fan of old Western movies and often relaxes by watching films like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly and Unforgiven.

Living in the shadow of his grandfather’s legend has always been a double-edged sword for DJ. While it gave him an early introduction to bull riding and access to experienced mentors, it also came with heavy expectations. His father, Marco, often tried to push DJ to excel, reminding him of what the Pereira name meant in the rodeo world. While Marco always meant well, there were times DJ felt the pressure more than the encouragement, which created a subtle tension between father and son.

Over the years, DJ has made peace with these expectations. He acknowledges that while the legacy shaped his early years, it’s his own dedication and love for bull riding that has truly defined his career. He’s proud to continue the Pereira tradition, but he rides for himself, not just for his family.

At 35, DJ is at the peak of his career. His body, though scarred and bruised from years of brutal bull riding, is still in top condition. He’s learned to ride smart, focusing on technique and endurance rather than brute strength. DJ has a reputation as a seasoned veteran in the sport—one who commands respect in the arena.

[lynxmuse]

Mindfulness Moment

“Every great film had a champion, who took it upon themselves to get it created. It doesn’t guarantee the film will be great, but every great film had one.” – Gielmo Del Toro

In continuing with the theme of The Lion King’s 30th anniversary, and riffing on the quote above (though, as you’ll see, I would broaden it beyond a champion to champions), let’s talk about TLK’s production, especially with regards to how Pocahontas was in production at the same time.  Put simply, the higher ups at Walt Disney Animation did not think that TLK would be much of a success.

There are differing versions of this story; in some the feeling is downright vicious (with Katzenberg using in-progress TLK animation as examples of what not to do, calling Pocahontas a sure-fire thing and TLK as that “animal thing”), in others it’s much more subtle and perhaps even well intentioned (maybe Katzenberg said what he said in order to motivate the team?).  But the truth ended up being that Pocahontas, following the tried-and-true princess formula and with seasoned directors, drew the best animators, the best talent, the bigger budget, and on the whole just drew the most attention.  People who wanted success worked to ensure that they worked on the project.

For those who went to work on TLK though, they had something powerful:  passion.  They were excited about the project.  They were ready and willing to try something new.  They wanted to tell a story about animals.  They were hungry to perform and they were driven to create something amazing.  They knew there was a great story there to tell, and they were going to tell it.  They were its champions.

And, no surprise, it was one heck of a struggle.  There was no fairy tale or history to easily adapt, and much less of any formula to lean into.  Much of TLK’s early development was scrapped, and then scrapped, and then scrapped again.  Poke your head in at any point and it likely seemed that the whole thing, and team, was floundering.  Which only reinforced the divide within the studio, and the expectations and visions of Pocahontas as being the next big thing (with TLK relegated to some kind of afterthought).

We all know what happened in the end:  TLK was a powerhouse.  The champions who took it upon themselves to get it done created a masterpiece of visuals and music and story.  TLK not only became the highest grossing animated movie of all time but also became the second highest grossing film of any type of all time (at the time – it has been surpassed on both fronts by now).

In the end, it was Pocahontas that became the afterthought, receiving a tepid response and having little staying power.

Fast forward many years, and though I have 0% evidence for what I’m about to postulate, sometimes I wonder if a similar thing happened between Zootopia and Moana.  Moana was the princess musical, with illustrious song writers and a big bankable star as a supporting actor voice.  And from a marketing standpoint, Moana also seemed to get much more of a push from the studio.  Zootopia was the oddball, with a completely new IP not based on a formula or previous tale, with talking anthropomorphs tackling a non-trivial theme.  And from the documentary we know two things about Zootopia as well:  that it also floundered hard (they revamped the entire story a mere 15 months from the release date!) and the people involved were absolutely dedicated and passionate about the story and the world.  They were not chasing the sure thing.  They were not fixated on success.  They were fixated on Zootopia.

In this case, Moana didn’t belly flop quite as hard as did Pocahontas.  But the underdog (Underbunny?  Underfox?) was once again the masterpiece.

Champion.  Taking ownership.  Being passionate.  Being courageous to walk on the skinny branches while also being clear-eyed and willing to let what doesn’t work go and to start anew.

It is likely true that even all of the above will not guarantee that a film will be great, but definitively rare is the case that a great film (or any endeavour, even our own lives) doesn’t have all that behind it.

[howwelldoyouknowyourmoon]

The Messiah who ‘Bows to Moon’

To accompany the post Jesus ‘Bows to Moon’, here is a Huffington Post article by Presbyterian pastor John Ortberg on the man Jesus, and how he changed the world.

Six Surprising Ways Jesus Changed The World

John Ortberg,  Senior Pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

Both President Obama and Governor Romney have had to repeatedly address their views about an itinerant rabbi who lived 2000 years ago.

But why does anyone care? Yale historian Jaroslav Pelikan wrote, “Regardless of what anyone may personally think or believe about him, Jesus of Nazareth has been the dominant figure in the history of Western Culture for almost 20 centuries. If it were possible, with some sort of super magnet, to pull up out of history every scrap of metal bearing at least a trace of his name, how much would be left?” It turns out that the life of Jesus is a comet with an exceedingly long tale. Here are some shards of his impact that most often surprise people:

Children In the ancient world children were routinely left to die of exposure — particularly if they were the wrong gender (you can guess which was the wrong one); they were often sold into slavery. Jesus’ treatment of and teachings about children led to the forbidding of such practices, as well as to orphanages and godparents. A Norwegian scholar named Bakke wrote a study of this impact, simply titled: When Children Became People: the Birth of Childhood in Early Christianity.

Education Love of learning led to monasteries, which became the cradle of academic guilds. Universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard all began as Jesus-inspired efforts to love God with all ones’ mind. The first legislation to publicly fund education in the colonies was called The Old Deluder Satan Act, under the notion that God does not want any child ignorant. The ancient world loved education but tended to reserve it for the elite; the notion that every child bore God’s image helped fuel the move for universal literacy.

Compassion Jesus had a universal concern for those who suffered that transcended the rules of the ancient world. His compassion for the poor and the sick led to institutions for lepers, the beginning of modern-day hospitals. The Council of Nyssa decreed that wherever a cathedral existed, there must be a hospice, a place of caring for the sick and poor. That’s why even today, hospitals have names like “Good Samaritan,” “Good Shepherd,” or “Saint Anthony.” They were the world’s first voluntary, charitable institutions.

Humility The ancient world honored many virtues like courage and wisdom, but not humility. People were generally divided into first class and coach. “Rank must be preserved,” said Cicero; each of the original 99 percent was a personis mediocribus. Plutarch wrote a self-help book that might crack best-seller lists in our day: How to Praise Yourself Inoffensively.

Jesus’ life as a foot-washing servant would eventually lead to the adoption of humility as a widely admired virtue. Historian John Dickson writes, “it is unlikely that any of us would aspire to this virtue were it not for the historical impact of his crucifixion… Our culture remains cruciform long after it stopped being Christian.”

Forgiveness In the ancient world, virtue meant rewarding your friends and punishing your enemies. Conan the Barbarian was actually paraphrasing Ghengis Khan in his famous answer to the question “what is best in life?” — to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women.

An alternative idea came from Galilee: what is best in life is to love your enemies, and see them reconciled to you. Hannah Arendt, the first woman appointed to a full professorship at Princeton, claimed, “the discoverer of the role of forgiveness in the realm of human affairs was Jesus of Nazareth.” This may be debatable, but he certainly gave the idea unique publicity.

Humanitarian Reform: Jesus had a way of championing the excluded that was often downright irritating to those in power. His inclusion of women led to a community to which women flocked in disproportionate numbers. Slaves — up to a third of ancient populations — might wander into a church fellowship and have a slave-owner wash their feet rather than beat them. One ancient text instructed bishops to not interrupt worship to greet a wealthy attender, but to sit on the floor to welcome the poor. The apostle Paul said: “Now there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave or free, male and female, but all are one in Christ Jesus.” Thomas Cahill wrote that this was the first statement of egalitarianism in human literature.

Perhaps as remarkable as anything else is Jesus’ ability to withstand the failings of his followers, who from the beginning probably got in his way at least as much as they helped. The number of groups claiming to be ‘for’ Jesus are inexhaustible; to name a few: Jews for Jesus, Muslims for Jesus, Ex-Masons for Jesus, Road Riders for Jesus, Cowboys for Jesus, even Atheists for Jesus.

The one predictable element of this fall’s U.S. presidential campaign is that it will be called “the most important election of our time.” As the last one was called, and the next one will be.

Meanwhile, the unpredictable influence of an unelected carpenter continues to endure and spread across the world.

Sun Myung Moon’s thoughts on JESUS and Christianity – “IDIOTS”

Peace King Moon and his two gun factories

Moon business, Tong-il Heavy Industries, manufactures machine guns

Unification Church business manufactured the Vulcan 20mm cannon

Sasakawa and Kodama of Japan may have had another reason for their alliance with Moon

Yongpyong Resort, covering 4,300 acres, is owned by the Moons

The Ocean Resort in Yeosu is owned by the Moons

“It was also agreed that Japanese and Korean churches would cooperate with the committee tackling the Unification Church problem in Yeosu city in South Korea. Japanese representatives pointed out that the Unification Church sponsored resort development in Yeosu is supported by funds stolen from Japanese victims, and stated their policy to thoroughly investigate the source of the funds to stop the development in Yeosu.” LINK

Beaché Palace is owned by the Moons. Who paid for it?

The Moons’ Jets and Helicopters

Moon’s unused Geomun Island Palace

The $1 billion Cheonjeonggung Museum has been called a ‘palace’ by some people. It should never be called a palace.

[college-girl199328]

For several years, Giannis Antetokounmpo was unassailable in the public realm. Still, he mostly is. How can you not love him? That’s a question easily asked about the Greek-Nigerian star for the Milwaukee Bucks; two-time MVP, one-time NBA champion, small-market hero, consummate sunshine smiler, and small-pleasure goofball. Just the other day, he went viral for participating in a home game stadium tradition, snapping a picture of a jumbotron QR code to get a free fast food giveaway along with the fans. Hilarious!

In recent days, though, more skeptical remarks about Giannis have grown in volume. Newly 29 years old and into his 11th season, Antetokounmpo is entering the winter of his career. Few stars, even if they are committed midwestern idols with a demonstrated delight for the milquetoast, make it this far without various doubts proliferating about them. In his case, the previous summer’s makeover of his beleaguered squad has prompted cause for revisionism.

The Bucks’ earth-shaking trade for Damian Lillard came after they excused long-time leader Mike Budenholzer from their head coaching job, replacing him with first-timer Adrian Griffin. The Griffin/Lillard Bucks had a new characteristic: they’re bad at defense. Very, very bad, and in a way that Budenholzer, and his defense with the now-Celtic Jrue Holiday at its head, would simply never accept. The Bucks win anyway — they’re currently 32-15, good for the third-best record in the league — but it looks sloppy enough that Griffin is already gone, now replaced by Doc Rivers.

Looming over all of this, in the fan’s imagination, is Giannis. While he isn’t the team’s general manager and his defensive performance remains stalwart, the truism about the modern NBA persists: superstars at his level are culture-makers, whether they like it or not, and the Bucks’ change in character is necessarily a reflection of his own. You don’t, they say, trade a touchstone player like Holiday without Giannis’ go-ahead, or replace a widely celebrated head coach unless he wants you to. And the Bucks have done both.

World-class competitors are, of course, never just the good-times guys they usually present themselves as. In 2024 we know that Michael Jordan was a vengeance-fueled dino-shark, but when he was ascendant in the 1980’s, all he was to anyone was a chipper corporate mascot with the best highlight package you’d ever seen. There’s no "Last Dance" for Giannis, but surely one would show him to us in many unflattering ways, whether he gambles desperately in back rooms with stadium employees or not.

One absurd preview of a less cheery version of Giannis is already behind us but is worth recontextualizing in light of the Neo-Bucks’ dark night of the soul. In November 2022, he sparked a discursive frenzy when, following a road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Antetokounmpo went back out onto the floor for extra free throw practice. It didn’t go well. A team worker needed to do routine maintenance on the rim Giannis was shooting into, and he aggressively shoved the employee’s ladder away from him.

A full-on hater might say that this episode revealed his true nature. This isn’t true, or a claim made by this column, because everyone’s nature is too complex to summarize in one scene. But certainly, Antetokounmpo’s spiritual makeup is more unnervingly driven and dangerously prickly than conventional knowledge has heretofore suggested. One part of more people realizing this has been increased mentions of his organization holding a roster spot for his athletically incompetent crony brother Thanasis—a sign of privilege overindulged, surely—and more and more noticing, as well, his frequently unstrategic preference for aesthetically ambitious three-pointers that pretty much always hurt the team. And like every other big man star this side of Dwight Howard, he’s been selfishly reluctant to play off the ball as a pick-and-roll play finisher, and into the strengths of Lillard and other ball-handlers. It might be the best thing for the team, but it wouldn't look very cool for him, and he's had enough success to dictate X's O's (or the lack of them) according to what he wants his highlights to look like.

All of this is to say that Giannis is, ultimately, more like other stars than previously imagined, and less the exception to their characteristic profile than assumed. Naturally motivated to dominate, he is even more so under the influence of tier-one wealth and fame. Fans will continue to project moral qualities onto him that he maybe only sort of has—like most people—but is easier to associate with, because of the geocultural nature of the city of the team that drafted him, and because of how convincingly he smirks when he talks about Chick-fil-A. Love him all you want. I certainly do. But we’re too deep into his saga to ignore the other things, and to leave them out of our love.

Houston’s 135-119 victory over the Lakers on Monday marked another act in the ongoing drama of Dillon Brooks’ villain arc. Embracing his antagonist persona, Brooks, one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders, expertly needled under Jarred Vanderbilt’s skin until the young forward earned himself an ejection. He also continued his well-checkered history with LeBron James by smacking the 39-year-old star in the face.

The simmering tension between Brooks and Vanderbilt boiled over in the second quarter, with Vanderbilt’s frustration reaching a boiling point. Brooks, never one to shy away from a little extra jostling, met Vanderbilt with a playful nudge. Vanderbilt responded with a shove that resulted in a quick technical. However, the tension continued as Vanderbilt followed Brooks down the court. This culminated in a perplexing poke to the back of Brooks’ head. It was the final straw, another technical sending Vanderbilt packing early.

But that wasn’t the most egregious part of Monday’s game. In the fourth quarter of Monday’s game — with Los Angeles down by 16 — Brooks crashed into James on a rebound, his arm inadvertently swinging across the Lakers star’s face. The impact sent James to the floor, clutching his face in pain. The referees immediately huddled, reviewing the play before ultimately calling a Flagrant 1 foul on Brooks. And, of course, Brooks was allowed to remain in the game.

James, who has previously credited Brooks’ competitive spirit, was disinterested in discussing him in a postgame scrum with reporters. The usually candid James didn’t even allow the reporter to finish his question about Brooks, “We were here earlier in the year, you said about Brooks, and you said,” before he was abruptly cut off by the Lakers star.

Regardless of how you interpret it, LeBron’s silence served a clear purpose. It denied Brooks the oxygen of attention his antics craved, refusing to validate his ability to disrupt the team’s focus. Even if both the Vanderbilt and James incidents warranted ejections, LeBron wouldn’t give them the power to hijack the narrative.

It also likely serves as a message to other reporters that no matter the context, this isn’t a guy that James wants to speak on, even if he’s previously credited Brooks’ competitive nature.

[blowflyfag]

Pro Wrestling Illustrated: June 1994

from the desk of…

Stuart M. Saks

Some people have asked me if our company plans any legal action against “Double J” Jeff Jarrett for circulating a phony CountryBeat (one of our publications) with his picture on the cover. 

I considered it, even had a preliminary discussions with our attorney. But thinking about Jarrett and his ridiculous new image, all I could feel was pity for him. How silly he must feel trying to pawn himself off as a country music star. How frustrated he must be, living with the notion that the world cannot accept him for what he really is–a richly blessed athlete.

It wasn’t long ago that Jarrett was quite content with his lot in life. He was the number-two man (behind Jerry Lawler) in the highly successful, yet limited, USWA. He thought about leaving the area from time to time, but after weighing the pluses and minuses of wrestling in a WWF or WCW, always chose to stay home. Home was just fine, in fact, until the WWF started playing games in his backyard. He didn’t like seeing WWF wrestlers intruding on the territory that his own father, among others, worked so hard to build into one of the nation’s wrestling hotbeds.

It irked him so much that one day (August 8, 1992, to be exact), he mustered the courage to leap over the guardrail at a WWF card at Memphis’ Great American Pyramid, climb into the ring and challenge then Intercontinental champion Bret Hart face to face. 

To the utmost surprise of the wrestling community, Hart accepted the challenge, putting the WWF in a position where it either had to recognize the existence of the USWA (something it hadn’t done with any rival organization since the early ‘80s) or ignore Hart’s verbal commitment and give the appearance of being afraid of a federation one-one hundredth its size.

The WWF chose not only to co-promote a title match between Hart and Jarrett, but took things a step further and began talks with USWA promoters of regular talent exchanges. Unfortunately for Jarrett, Hart lost the Intercontinental title to Davey Boy Smith at SummerSlam and his title shot was scratched. 

There’s an ironic twist to the story that sheds a little light on the origins of the “Double J” character you’re seeing today. At the time Jarett issued his challenge to Hart, he was co-holder of the USWA tag team title with Jerry Lawler. As it would turn out, Lawler would be the one to take advantage of Jarett having established ties to the WWF. “The King” would soon be a regular WWF TV commentator and get signed to some big-money bouts in the nation's largest federation.

[Jeff Jarrett has become so driven for attention that he’s distributed fake copies of CountryBeat magazine with him on the cover. Perhaps he’s trying to distract people from the absurdity of his new country music persona.]

Now Jarrett is not the type of guy who would begrudge a good friend’s success. He in fact, had always encouraged Lawler to accept one of the many offers that had come his way over the years from the larger wrestling leagues. What bothered him was the way Lawler was going about his business. While still a popular fan favorite in the USWA, Lawler explained his behavior, essentially saying that he was just letting out his anger at the condescending attitude portrayed by the WWF and its wrestlers. He was breaking the rules because that was the most effective way he knew to hurt those people who denigrated the USWA and other smaller promotions through the years.

Jarrett never accepted that explanation. In his mind, there was good and bad, but there was no being bad for the sake of good. Through the years, Jarrett had become almost evangelical, spreading the word of goo and trying to convert wrestling’s evil-doers. He was selfless in his pursuit of righteousness, offering his trust to men others would not offer the time of day. To see Lawler act as he did simply tore him up inside. Worsening matters, envy began to creep into the equation.

During the fall, Lawler invited Jarrett over to watch a football game. When Jarrett arrived, he saw a new Mercedes in the driveway and construction underway to add a huge extension to the house. “What do ya think?” Lawler asked Jarrett. “All with WWF money.”

Jarrett didn’t answer, but a little man inside his churning stomach said, “This should be me.”

It was Jarrett who had arranged the date between the USWA and the WWF, and now no one was asking him to dance. Everybody conveniently forgot that it was he, not Lawler, who had broken the barrier between the two federations (and, ultimately, a third–Smoky Mountain). He was determined to get what he felt was rightfully his, and he didn't care who he’d have to hurt to get it. That apparently included himself, because his new country persona, while serving as the attention-getter he needed to be invited to the WWF, is shattering the image he had worked so long to establish. The situation would be laughable if it weren’t so pathetic. Jarrett may have found the worldwide forum to showcase his skills, but at what price? He has cashed in his values, he looks like a jerk, and he’s not even wrestling as well as he could. The way things are going, it’s doubtful there’ll be any new cars or home extensions. Sue him for putting his face on the cover of CountryBeat? Heck, he’s got enough problems.

[ispravahomes]

From Farm to Table | Isprava Blog

“To understand why provenance is so important to chefs, one needs to unravel the food philosophy behind ingredient driven menus” – GAURI DEVIDAYAL

In March 2014, Devidayal took a small group of people to The Table Farm in Alibaug where they harvested the produce that was then used to make their lunch. Since then, excursions to the farm in Alibaug have been consistently sold out.

What’s really on your plate? And where does it come from? Gauri Devidayal, the woman behind some of our favourite Mumbai restaurants and The Table Farm in Alibaug, sheds light on produce and provenance, organic farming and building a real farm-to-table ecosystem.

”I’m fresh off a flight from California, the OG of the farm-to-table movement, championed by Alice Waters, who opened Chez Panisse in the early 1970s and was notorious for serving just one perfect peach with a knife for dessert. Fifty years later, the movement not only continues there, but is thriving. ‘Organic’ is no longer counterculture, it’s as mainstream as it gets. Almost every restaurant I had dined at, between Los Angeles and San Francisco, paid homage to the farms from which it sources its ingredients. But doesn’t all produce come from some farm or the other? So what’s all the fuss about?

To understand why provenance is so important to chefs, one needs to unravel the food philosophy behind ingredient-driven menus. I had the privilege of dining at Nopa in San Francisco, which is a restaurant that simply describes itself as specializing in “simple food created with seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors”. To really get under the skin of this, I accompanied production chef Sean Eastwood to the renowned Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

We spent a few hours that morning walking around several stalls with a large trolley that needed to be repeatedly loaded with crates overflowing with fresh produce, followed by multiple trips unloading it into Eastwood’s van. I asked him why he needed to come and personally buy produce from the market three times a week and why the farmers and vendors couldn’t just supply him at the restaurant directly, like we do in India. He explained, quite categorically, that if you want the good stuff you have to come and get it. There’s limited supply and demand is high.

The produce comes from small, local and regional farmers and ranchers, many of whom are certified organic. Being chemical-free means there’s scope for more spoilage of the crop due to pests and it also takes longer for produce to grow naturally when the process isn’t expedited using chemical fertilizers. All this results in it being considerably more expensive. But these very farmers are trustworthy sources of crops that are bursting with flavour and variety and which are sustainably farmed, ensuring that natural resources are not destroyed in the process. The microclimate of California has farms predominantly located within close proximity to the markets, which means the harvest has travelled a relatively short distance, thus reducing the environmental impact. Visit Isprava to read more.

[sapphire-knight]

Welcome to a new episode of Sapphire Rambles, today's topic being:

Just as c!Tommy is a simbol of Care, c!Fundy is a simbol of Love.

Let me explain.

(There are going to be 3 principal points to this rant, and each of them is gonna end with a Tl;dr in purple, so it's easier to follow)

If you're a regular in the Fundy tag (or in the Ranboo tag since this argument gets often brought up in relation to C!Ranboo), you might have already seen some rants talking about how C!Fundy is an incredibly loving person, willing to chase after the people he care about if he sees the tiniest hint that mending their relationship is possible, even if they hurted him in the past.

Yeah you are going to see the same argument again here in the first part, but I promise this gets interesting

This became more clear after the Break, when he decided to try and mend his relationship with Philza and Ranboo even if they weren't at all on good terms at the moment, but he thought it was worth it so he tried and will keep on trying anyways, but we have examples of Fundy's really loving and forgiving nature back to the Revolutionary era

Everyone knows about Eret's betrayal I'm sure, but one thing people seem to skim over is how it effected Fundy, because there's the really high possibility that he was the one who was hurted the most by it.

For everyone who has some spotty memory (me too sometimes fam), Eret was the closest person to Fundy at the time, the two being really close friends, so the betrayal must have had a terrible effect on his emotional health, but you know how it went?

It went that Fundy was the first person to reach out to Eret and start to forgive his actions. Fundy always valued his friendships above the side he was in. So even tho he was a L'manburg abitant, he still thought of Eret as a dear friend to him and did his best to not make them feel alone or isolated

There are really few examples of people Fundy actually has an issue with, but even here Hate is a strong and mostly wrong word to apply, for example:

- Wilbur: as we are shown in the interactions with Ghostbur, Fundy didn't hate Wilbut for how he neglected and patronized him, it made him upset (as we saw when Ghostbur called him "his little champion" and he ran away) but he never hated Wilbur for that. The only thing he didn't forgive him was deciding to die, leaving him. And his issue with Ghostbur is not aknowledging or taking responsability. But he doesn't hate Ghostbur, he can talk to him in a civil manner even if the Ghost pretty much upsets him. And about Wilbur? Fundy loved Wilbur, the thing that hurted him was he taking the decision to definitivly leave him.

- Technoblade: even before Doomsday, the correct word of Fundy's feelings towards Techno has never been Hate, but Fear. A lot of people seemed to miss this point about the Butcher Army as a whole, but they weren't move by hate, even if they tried to make it look like they were. They were terrified. On their way to Techno's house, it was more clear than ever that they were TERRIBLY afraid of Techno. The Butcher army was never a movement of hate, but a bad reaction to a traumatic event that scarred them with fear. Also, after the Break? Fundy understands why Techno wanted L'manburg gone, so he doesn't hate him for that.

- Jschlatt: if you followed Fundy's pov, it won't be a surprise me saying that Fundy doesn't hate Jschlatt, but it may be news to other people, since one of the last interaction between the two was... anything but positive. I still shiver at the caravan scene. But even after all he's done, Fundy can't bring himself to completly hate Jschlatt, even if he did a lot of horrible things and was a horrible person, he still doesn't hate him. Fundy took with him Jschlatt's sword, keeping it as a relic and a memory of the man.

There is no one in the server, probably not even Dream Himself, that Fundy full-on hates. No matter how much they hurted him and everyone else, he just. Doesn't hate them. He's able to see the humanity in everyone, even if he wishes he could just hate people that wronged him. He was always forgiving and loving, these two aspects of him becoming even more prominent after his Break.

Tl;dr: Fundy is a character incredibly full of love and almost always willing to forgive and mend relationships with people he cares about at the moment he sees the possibility.

Now that I got the part most talked about out of the way, I'm taking the second tangent. Let's talk about Self-love.

It's not news the fact that there are really few characters, if not actually none of them, who love themselves. Might it be for trauma or for guilt, none of the characters actually love themself and act out of self-love.

Sometimes there are characters that act for themselves, but that is different from acting out of self-love.

Acting for themselves means doing something to achieve an objective that you want, for example: Eret's betrayal.

Eret betrayed L'Manburg becayse he was promised the role of King of the SMP by Dream, she acted out of her wish for power and control. That's an example of acting for yourself.

Acting out of self-love means doing something with the only cardinal reason being that it's good for you, taking care of yourself doing something that makes you feel better and healthier. That is acting out of self-love.

And, if you look at the server, you can easily see that no one has ever done that, expect for one single time.

The closest wrong thing you might be thinking off right now is when Tommy escaped from exile, but that was not an act driven by self-love. Sure, Tommy saved himself and went towards a healthier mindset, but what drove him towards that direction was not a desire to be better and good for himself, but rage towards Dream and a desire to be back to his family and friends.

You know what the only act that could possibly be out os self-love is?

Fundy going away for a years and a half, taking a break from everyone

Think about it for a second. Why did he do that? Let's start putting away the wrong possibilities:

- Doing it for someone: Fundy at the moment was heavily spiraling towards paranoia, wanting to be a villain to make everyone hate him. If that was his mindset at the time, why would he even want to get a break for anyone?

- Having a second cause: what second cause could there be for a choice like getting away from an unhealthy situation to heal? The only second reason a choice like this could have is healing to help someone else heal when you're feeling better, but refer to the last point

- ... that's virtually it

The only reason that could have caused Fundy to decide to take a break from the whole situation because it was unhealthy and heal was because he wanted to heal. For himself. He genuinly wanted himself to feel better for the only reason being, simply, feeling better.

Fundy is the only character for now to have ever taken an important choice for making himself feel better and letting himself heal.

Tl;dr: Fundy taking the year and a half break was the only decision on the entire SMP taken only out of self-love and genuine desire to feel better for the sole reason of feeling better.

Fundy is a representation of love, in any shape or form. He is unapologetically full of love and care, both for himself and for the people around him.

Anyway, the third part is a theory, if younwill kindly follow me:

The above analysis is the exact reason why the Egg causes Fundy an extreme repulsion.

Since both Fundy and Tubbo said that the Egg seems connected to Dreamons, I'm going to roll with that idea in mind.

As we all know, one of the only known weaknesses of a Dreamon is Love and this Dreamon seems to be acting and controlling people out of wishes and desires.

Fundy should be a perfect candidate for the Egg to manipulate, isn't he? One of Fundy's most known characteristic is his research for love, affection and appreciation from people, and we know the egg has no problem using love to manipulate someone, because he is manipulating Bbh using his (platonic?) love for Skeppy against him.

So why the egg would cause a repulsing reaction to Fundy?

Tommy seems immune because he doesn't wish for anything right now, he has everything that he wants

Tubbo also has a repulsive reaction, but is not a hateful reaction but one driven by fear and sadness, the Egg purposefully trying to scare him away, probably to make him unable to fight against him

But why Fundy's reaction would be full-on hate?

I think the egg was trying to do with Fundy the same thing he's doing with Tubbo, scaring him so badly to drive them to the point where they cannot fight back out of complete fear, but it's not working.

It's not working because the Egg fears Fundy, fears how full of pure, unfiltered and unapologetic love his heart is, fears how he's the living representation of the fact that love, of any kind, is the strongest emotion out there. Fundy already was able to defeat a Dreamon because of his own love, and now that he's more emotionally stable and has decided to follow his heart more, mending relationship with people he loves even if they hurt him?

Fundy is an incredibly dangerous threat to the Egg.

So fear is not enough to keep the fox away, he cannot let him anywhere near his plans.

He fears that if he tried the fear treatment on Fundy, Fundy would be able to break out of the web of terror as soon as someone he loved was caught in the crossfire

So he tried pushing him away in a different way, using hate instead of fear, because since Fundy is such a love-driven person all around, the best way to keep him away is to use hate, just like Tubbo is often driven by hope and optimism, so the best way to keep him far fron where he could be a danger is to use sadness and fear.

Tl;dr: The Egg is making Fundy hate him because that's the only emotion that could actually keep Fundy away from him, because he, being a Dreamon, fears how full of love Fundy is.

[astrognossienne]

scandalous beauty - dolores del río - an analysis

“I love my native Mexico but I love Hollywood, too. It has brought me much happiness and yet, while here I have been miserably unhappy also. But through it all I have found myself, my work and my true destiny.” - Dolores del Río

Like Lupe Vélez, Dolores del Río was a pioneering Latina actress, however del Río’s reach was longer. Far from being stigmatized as a woman of colour, she was acknowledged as the epitome of beauty in the Hollywood of the 1920s and early 1930s. While she insisted upon her ethnicity, she was nevertheless coded white by the film industry and its fans, and she appeared for more than a decade as a romantic lead opposite white actors. Returning to Mexico in the early 1940s, she brought enthusiasm and prestige to the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, becoming one of the great divas of Mexican film. With struggle and perseverance, she overcame the influence of men in both countries who hoped to dominate her, ultimately controlling her own life professionally and personally. Her sophistication, style and artistry bewitched everyone from Stella Adler to John Ford, Federico Fellini, and her great friends Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, who proclaimed to be “totally in love with her, just like forty million Mexicans and one hundred and twenty million Americans who couldn’t be wrong.” She was America’s first Latina superstar, and by the early 1930s, she was one of Hollywood's ten top moneymakers. Hers was a charmed life, but not even she was without problems. A child of privilege in her native Mexico, her family’s status was destroyed in the Mexican Revolution, and her desire to restore her comfortable lifestyle inspired del Río to follow a career as an actress. Discovered and promoted by American director Edwin Carewe, her obsessive protector and Svengali, as the “female Rudolph Valentino,” del Río’s aristocratic, Spanish-European background was constantly pushed to counteract Hollywood’s racism against Mexicans; indeed she was generally thought to be one of the most beautiful actresses of her era, and was the first Latin American movie star to have international appeal. She worked for over five decades and paved the way for Latin American stars in American cinema.

Dolores del Río, according to astrotheme, was a Leo sun and Aries moon. She was born María de los Dolores Asúnsolo López-Negrete in the Mexican town of Durango; she was an only child born to parents who belonged to the wealthy Mexican aristocracy. She was the second cousin of actor Ramón Novarro and a cousin to actress Andrea Palma. They lived the high life in the company of intellectuals and artists. Dolores attended a prestigious school but soon their world was turned upside down, threatened by an insurrection led by Pancho Villa in the region. Del Río and her mother escaped Mexico City disguised as peasants, while her father crossed the border to the United States. When the family eventually reunited in 1912, they did so under the protection of Francisco I. Madero. In 1920 she married the 18-year older attorney Jaime Martinez del Río and became a socialite. Her career got off to a good start when in 1925 when the lauded American director Edwin Carewe was invited to her home and saw her perform and dance for her family and friends. He persuaded del Río and her husband to moved to the United Sates and go to Hollywood to be in his films. While in Hollywood, del Río played a variety of leading roles, from European aristocrat to "native" girl to European peasant.

Within a few years after her arrival, she was a major hit and her appeal was astonishingly broad. She quickly came to command a substantial salary and to exercise control over her choice of films, scripts, and camera angles. Despite the fact that she did not speak English when she first began and had to have the director 's instructions delivered through interpreters, she made the transition to sound films gracefully. Her accent was deemed slight, attractive, and not specific to a particular country. As socially attractive as she was, physically and personality-wise, the truth is that a major part of del Río’s seamless transition into Hollywood is down to racism and white supremacy. While her contemporary (and nemesis) Lupe Vélez was viewed as the "bad Mexican wildcat" (to be fair, her temperament didn’t help this stereotype), Dolores was viewed as the "good Spanish lady." The contrast between the two stars and their degrees of acceptance reflected society’s stereotypical dichotomy between "good" Spanish and "bad" Mexican images– which has its roots in U.S. history. While most Mexicans were perceived as racially inferior, the elite Hispanic Californianas were deemed European and superior while the mass of Mexican women were viewed as Indian and inferior. Californiana women who possessed land and intermarried with Anglo men were depicted positively; they were represented as aristocratic and virtuous and they epitomized "good" women; but this was at the price of denying their racial identity, and being treated as racially superior to Californiano males and the rest of their people. So as such, she soon divorced her Mexican husband Jaime in 1928 and two years later married MGM art director Cedric Gibbons (who happened to be Gary Cooper’s wife’s uncle).

Soon after her marriage, she was romantically linked with actor Errol Flynn, filmmaker John Farrow, writer Erich Maria Remarque, film producer Archibaldo Burns, and actor Tito Junco. However, it was her affair with Orson Welles, who considered her the love of his life, that was arguably her most high profile relationship. She and Welles met at a party hosted by director Darryl Zanuck. The couple felt a mutual attraction and began a discreet affair, which upon eventual discovery caused the divorce between Dolores and Gibbons. Their relationship lasted for 4 years; she ended it when she got word of Welles cheating on her. She decided to end her relationship with Welles through a telegram that he never answered. According to his daughter, Rebecca, until the end of his life, Welles felt for del Río a kind of obsession. Weeks later, her father died in Mexico. With these personal and professional downturns, Dolores del Río returned to Mexico in the 1940s and became a significant part of the Mexican film industry’s Golden Era. She was the muse of director Emilio Fernández and starred most notably in Las Abandonadas (1944) and La Malquerida (1949). On a national and even international level though, Dolores del Río will perhaps always be best remembered for her role in the 1946 classic María Candelaría, which is said to be the film of which she was most proud. It also marked the first tentative steps of the Mexican film industry into the world of serious cinema and was the first Latin American film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946, where it won the Grand Prix (now known as the Palme d’Or) for Best Picture. After her triumph in her native homeland, she returned to Hollywood and played opposite Henry Fonda in The Fugitive (1947). She continued to work steadily, starring in various TV shows and films until retiring in 1978. On April 11, 1983, del Río died from liver failure at the age of 78 in Newport Beach, California.

Next week, I’ll focus on her one-time lover, an iconoclastic disruptor who took on the conventions of Hollywood and won: the amazing Taurus Orson Welles.

Stats

birthdate: August 3, 1904

major planets:

Sun: Leo

Moon: Aries

Rising: Leo

Mercury: Virgo

Venus: Leo

Mars: Cancer

Midheaven: Taurus

Jupiter: Aries

Saturn: Aquarius

Uranus: Sagittarius

Neptune: Cancer

Pluto: Gemini

Overall personality snapshot:  She had a large, warm-hearted, extroverted personality that was always eager to embrace life, love and success – in big doses. There was something about her that assumed the divine right to live life to the full, and her intensity and impatience, along with her personal ambitions, pulled her ever onwards into new projects, fresh relationships and greater challenges. She was something of a gambler and had a daring and dramatic spirit which propelled her forward to make her mark, a sense of personal destiny which can only be exciting and noble. And she was prepared to fight for that glorious destiny if she had to, although she would rather simply steal the show and convince everyone with her intelligence, originality, courage and fabulous style. One of her most beguiling qualities is that she was totally lacking in guile and pretense. Although her own personal destiny was what interested her, paradoxically she at first looked for people she could admire and make into personal heroes. Strongly influenced by a favourite teacher, friend, poet, sports champion or movie star, she could then emulate them and learn through experience how to be great.

She loved the process of creating, as well as the applause that came at the end. Indeed, she relied on those adoring strokes and affirmative responses more than she liked to admit. Life without people would be colourless and boring for her. Social interaction was her life-blood – she could be the life of the party, a real ham and an eccentric, ready to take up the most outrageous dare. But when her extrovert escapades dry up, so did she. She may have, in fact, driven herself to exhaustion and then collapse like a child, home from an all-night rave-up. Yet despite her headlong rush into the experience of life, she was not necessarily irresponsible. Daring and highly idealistic dreams worked away inside her and made her want to improve things, to show people the way, and she may have simply taken charge – for a while. Intensely self-motivated, she did not respond well to orders from others, even though she could be quite bossy herself. There is a touch of the preacher inside her, and she approached her work with great enthusiasm and commitment. She needed space to do her own thing, to learn from her own mistakes, and to learn how to impose her own brand of self-discipline. Her innate self-dramatizing tendencies made her a natural for the theater, business, lecturing, the media – areas that involved group interaction and provided scope for her original and iconoclastic ideas.

She had great presence with a strong-featured face and a sunny glow of inner self-confidence and displayed a regal quality in her posture and carriage; was definitely well-built. She sought perfection in whatever she did and could be very critical of herself and her own efforts. In this way, she often became overly critical and pedantic, especially under stress. She was basically an honest person, and it disturbed her greatly when she had to deal with people who were not. Anyone who violated her sense of trust had a very hard time getting it back. It was very important for her to know that she had the security of a guaranteed paycheck coming in regularly. She had an artistic side to her that obviously influenced her choice of career as an actor. Once she had decided upon her career, she was able to (and most certainly did) pursue it with great determination. She had boundless enthusiasm and big ideas coupled with high expectations of succeeding. She was also self-sufficient and broad-minded. Her genuine pioneering spirit, positive outlook and large-scale personal ambitions led her right to the top. She needed to learn to think before you take on a challenge, and all risks should have been carefully considered. She needed to learn to relax and slow down. She was anxious to prove herself both to others and to herself. If anyone said that she couldn’t do something, she defied them to try and stop her. As long as she felt that she was the one in control, she had a high degree of optimism and was fun-loving, loving to play at life. 

She had an original mind and used every skill she possessed to gain control of her affairs. She found it hard to let go of the past, and it would have been good if she did so that she could grow. She was willing to tolerate austerity for as long as it was justified. She respected institutions for as long as they served her purpose. She had the ability to judge what was viable or important. She belonged to a generation with fiery enthusiasm for new and innovative ideas and concepts. Rejecting the past and its mistakes, she sought new ideals and people to believe in. As a member of this generation, she felt restless and adventurous, and was attracted towards foreign people, places and cultures. She was part of an emotionally sensitive generation that was extremely conscious of the domestic environment and the atmosphere surrounding their home place and home country. In fact, she could be quite nostalgic about her homeland, religion and traditions, often seeing them in a romantic light. She felt a degree of escapism from everyday reality, and was very sensitive to the moods of those around him. Dolores embodied all of these Cancer Neptunian ideals, when she returned to her native Mexico in 1943, a country of which she was very proud, her decision to return to her roots changed her career. As a Gemini Plutonian, she was mentally restless and willing to examine and change old doctrines, ideas and ways of thinking. As a member of this generation, she showed an enormous amount of mental vitality, originality and perception. Traditional customs and taboos were examined and rejected for newer and more original ways of doing things. As opportunities with education expanded, she questioned more and learned more.

Love/sex life: She had a heroic conception of herself as a lover. She saw herself as strong and in control, the protector of the weak and the saviour of the desperate. Unfortunately, the realities of her love life didn’t always support this notion. Often it was her tender feelings that required protection and her desperate plunges in and out of love that called for a saviour. In order to justify this discrepancy, she often had to be less than honest, both with her lover and herself. The person most likely to win her heart would have been that individual who made it appear as if  she was the champion when, in fact, she was the one crying for help. Her tendency toward self-deception often extended to a failure to admit to her very natural emotionalism and sexual passivity. Unfortunately, there always came a day of reckoning when she had to “own” her emotional susceptibility and capitulate to her sloppy feelings of dependency and her deep-seated need for affection. The good news was that surrendering everything for love wasn’t nearly as bad as she thought it was. She may have lost her dignity but what she got in return made it all worth while.

minor asteroids and points:

North Node: Virgo

Lilith: Pisces

Vertex: Sagittarius

Fortune: Taurus

East Point: Leo

These points in her chart, however minor, packed a major punch in her sex appeal as well. Her North Node in Virgo dictated that her tendency to dream and be disorganized needed to be tempered by developing more practical and down-to-earth attitudes. Her Lilith in Pisces meant that she was a woman who was a natural born mystic and cultivated her own myth. Her Part of Fortune in Taurus and Part of Spirit in Scorpio dictated that her destiny lay in attaining personal freedom through seeking material security and comfort. Happiness and good fortune came through tangible and practical results that had a solid foundation. Her soul’s purpose lay in delving fearlessly into the unknown. She felt spiritual connections and saw the spark of the divine when she could strip away the outer layers of experiences and get to the core of a situation. East Point in Leo dictated that she was more likely to identify with the need for pleasure (including the potential of liking herself) and comfort. Vertex in Sagittarius, 4th house reveals that she dreamt of the pinnacle of adventure when it came to mating. Her psyche yearned to be carried away to the ends of the earth or to be exposed to every manner of religious and/or philosophical theory known to man and then some. Her yearning was strong and really deep when it came to rarefied experiences of any sort. Encountering and wanting to join with her demanded that she always had an itinerary that will provide her with the maps to explore the roads that they have not yet traveled, to say nothing of the different worlds they have dreamed of but not yet experienced. She had a childlike orientation, in all of its manifestations, toward relationships on an internal level. That implicit dependency and impressionable nature that was instilled in her childhood persisted far into maturity. The concomitant explosions and occasional tantrums when these constructs are violated also accompany this position. She had a need for emotional security and comfort in a committed relationship, no matter how many years it has endured. She often had deep fears, typical of children, of abandonment, as well as a need for protection and universal acceptance, no matter how she acted, which she needed her partner to respect and nurture, rather than rebuke, especially in adulthood.

elemental dominance:

fire

earth

She was dynamic and passionate, with strong leadership ability. She generated enormous warmth and vibrancy. She was exciting to be around, because she was genuinely enthusiastic and usually friendly. However, she could either be harnessed into helpful energy or flame up and cause destruction. Ultimately, she chose the latter. Confident and opinionated, she was fond of declarative statements such as “I will do this” or “It’s this way.” When out of control—usually because she was bored, or hadn’t been acknowledged—she was be bossy, demanding, and even tyrannical. But at her best, her confidence and vision inspired others to conquer new territory in the world, in society, and in themselves. She was a practical, reliable man and could provide structure and protection. She was oriented toward practical experience and thought in terms of doing rather than thinking, feeling, or imagining. Could be materialistic, unimaginative, and resistant to change. But at her best, she provided the practical resources, analysis, and leadership to make dreams come true.

modality dominance:

fixed

She liked the challenge of managing existing routines with ever more efficiency, rather than starting new enterprises or finding new ways of doing things. She likely had trouble delegating duties and had a very hard time seeing other points of view; she tried to implement the human need to create stability and order in the wake of change.      

house dominants:

12th

9th

1st

She had great interest in the unconscious, and indulged in a lot of hidden and secret affairs. Her life was defined by seclusion and escapism. She had a certain mysticism and hidden sensitivity, as well as an intense need for privacy. Traveling, whether physically across the globe, on a mental plane or expanding through study was a major theme in her life. She was not only concerned with learning facts, but also wanted to understand the connections formed between them and the philosophies and concepts they stood for. Her conscience, as well as foreign travel, people and places was also of paramount importance in her life. Her personality, disposition and temperament was highlighted in her life. The manner in which she expressed herself and the way she approached other people is also highlighted. The way she approached new situations and circumstances contributed to show how she set about her life’s goals. Early childhood experiences also factored in her life as well.

planet dominants:

Mercury

Sun

Venus

She was intelligent, mentally quick, and had excellent verbal acuity. She dealt in terms of logic and reasoning. It is likely that she was left-brained. She was restless, craved movement, newness, and the bright hope of undiscovered terrains. She had vitality and creativity, as well as a strong ego and was authoritarian and powerful. She likely had strong leadership qualities, she definitely knew who she was, and she had tremendous will. She met challenges and believed in expanding her life. She was romantic, attractive and valued  beauty, had an artistic instinct, and was sociable. She had an easy ability to create close personal relationships, for better or worse, and to form business partnerships.

sign dominants:

Leo

Aries

Virgo

She loved being the center of attention and often surrounded herself with admirers. She had an innate dramatic sense, and life was definitely her stage. Her flamboyance and personal magnetism extended to every facet of her life. She wanted to succeed and make an impact in every situation. As a Leo dominant, she was, at her best, optimistic, honorable, loyal, and ambitious. She was a physically oriented individual who took pride in her body. She was bold, courageous, and resourceful. She always seemed to know what she believed, what she wanted from life, and where she was going. She could be dynamic and aggressive (sometimes, to a fault) in pursuing her goals—whatever they might be. Could be argumentative, lacked tact, and had a bad temper. On the other hand, her anger rarely lasted long, and she could be warm and loving with those she cared about. She was a discriminating, attractive, thorough, scientific, hygienic, humane, scientific woman and had the highest standards. Her attention to detail was second to none and she had a deeply penetrative and investigative mind.

Read more about her under the cut.

Dolores del Rio was the one of the first Mexican movie stars with international appeal and who had meteoric career in the 1920s/1930s Hollywood. Del Rio came from an aristocratic family in Durango. In the Mexican revolution of 1916, however, the family lost everything and emigrated to Mexico City, where Dolores became a socialite. In 1921 she married Jaime Del Río (also known as Jaime Martínez Del Río), a wealthy Mexican, and the two became friends with Hollywood producer/director Edwin Carewe, who "discovered" del Rio and invited the couple to move to Hollywood where they launched careers in the movie business (she as an actress, Jaime as a screenwriter). Eventually they divorced after Carewe cast her in her first film Joanna (1925), followed by High Steppers (1926), and Pals First (1926). She had her first leading role in Carewe's silent version of Pals First (1926) and soared to stardom in 1928 with Carewe's Ramona (1928). The film was a success and del Rio was hailed as a female Rudolph Valentino. Her career continued to rise with the arrival of sound in the drama/romance Bird of Paradise (1932) and hit musical Flying Down to Rio (1933). She later married Cedric Gibbons, the well-known art director and production designer at MGM studios. Dolores returned to Mexico in 1942. Her Hollywood career was over, and a romance with Orson Welles--who later called her "the most exciting woman I've ever met"--caused her second divorce. Mexican director Emilio Fernández offered her the lead in his film Wild Flower (1943), with a wholly unexpected result: at age 37, Dolores del Río became the most famous movie star in her country, filming in Spanish for the first time. Her association with Fernández' team (cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa, writer Mauricio Magdaleno and actor Pedro Armendáriz) was mainly responsible for creating what has been called the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema. With such pictures as Maria Candelaria (1944), The Abandoned (1945) and Bugambilia (1945), del Río became the prototypical Mexican beauty. career included film, theater and television. In her last years she received accolades because of her work for orphaned children. Her last film was The Children of Sanchez (1978). (x)

[armysantiny]

Reckless - DSC

Pairing: Sicheng (Winwin) x female reader || WayV

Genre: fluff, angst, comfort

Includes: motocross racer reader, tournaments, established relationship, crashes, head injury, broken arm, Mark mention, news headline, hospital visit, overnight stay, falling unconscious, concussion, Renjun mention, Donghyuck mention, Jeno mention, hot chocolate, eating breakfast together, teasing, domestic fluff

Word count: 3.31k

Warning: hospital, injury, concussion, broken arm

Rating: 12

Networks:@kwritersworld, @kdiarynet, @kpopscape, @ultkpopnetwork, @kpopficsnetwork, @kpopcontentcreatorsclub, @k-dinernet, @lovesick-net, @whipped-kpop-creators, @prism-nw, @k-library, @neoswitchnet, @nct-writers, @nctcreations

Tagging: @teeztheflag, @intokook, @cherry-hyejin

Summary: : After ending her tournament on a high, y/n takes Sicheng to the practice track for a few spins on her bike. Opting to watch her instead, he warns y/n not to injure herself; she does need to rest after her race. Promising to try and be as careful as she can, y/n takes her bike on a few laps of the track. When she takes her eyes off the track for just a moment, she sends the bike and herself flying into the ground.

An: My first collab fic! (I’m kinda ehh about this tho-)

Champagne, cameras, crowds; winning the national championship - y/n had done it. As she ran into Sicheng’s arms in front of the cameras, he spun her around. Setting his girlfriend down, he pulled her in for a soft kiss. A kiss that held a thousand meanings; longing, congratulations, you did it, I’m proud of you, well done, y/n. Pulling away and seeing the stars in each other’s eyes, the couple stayed like that, the cameras capturing their moment - as if they were the only ones in the world at that moment.

“Shall we get out of here? I think I’ve seen enough cameras to last a lifetime.”

Sicheng couldn’t describe just how proud he was of y/n; seeing her win a tournament after she had returned from a dip in motivation felt like a scene out of a drama. Except it wasn’t a drama: this was y/n, this was real. His hand intertwined with hers, the couple walked through the streets of Seoul and simply enjoyed each other’s company. As they stopped to cross the street, a cheeky grin made its way onto his face as he quickly pressed a kiss to y/n’s cheek. When she looked to Sicheng, he turned away immediately, a bashful series of giggles falling from him as he walked across the crosswalk with y/n. With the blush on her face dying down, y/n scoffed to herself, shaking her head. Gosh, he was endearing. 

Somehow, they ended up at the race track not that far from their shared apartment, and y/n was already eying the practice bikes they kept in the shed. Sicheng knew that look in her eyes all too well, and it already seemed like a bad idea in his head. Didn’t y/n just come back from a race tournament? It wasn’t that he wanted her away from what made her happy, but he missed her dearly. A little quiet time together before she hit the tracks again would be more than ideal.

“Baby...you only just returned home today, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to get back in your gear tomorrow.” An effort to persuade y/n was made, but it wasn’t strong enough, because with nothing more than a pout, some aegyo and ‘please baby~’, Sicheng’s resolve crumbled. He was whipped for y/n, and it showed. A lot. With a sigh, he ruffled her hair and nodded, a smile finding its way onto his face. Giggling, y/n kissed her boyfriend on the cheek and took her long coat off, asking Sicheng to hold it as she went over to the garage. Picking out a bike that she used frequently, y/n changed into gear and pushed the bike out to the track.

As Sicheng took a seat by a bench, his phone rang whilst he was watching y/n, making sure that was safe. Looking at the caller, he chuckled to himself. 

“Mark! How are you?” The younger male across the line was bouncing with excitement, the news article on his computer. Being the couple’s mutual younger friend, he was practically treated like a little brother.

“Hyung! Oh my gosh - have you seen the article?! Your relationship is viral!” He exclaimed, the article in question running with the headline; ‘Motocross champion in a loving relationship. How long has this been going on?’. As far as tabloid news articles went, it was definitely a much kinder title than what could’ve been developed. Listening to Mark ramble on while y/n drove a few laps around the track, Sicheng burst out laughing at Mark’s impression of some of their friends. And this caught y/n’s attention, for better or for worse. To her detriment, y/n turned her head towards her boyfriend as she approached a corner, however, she failed to control her bike. Before the professional racer knew what was going on, she was sent flying off of her bike and into the metal chairs - that had been stacked up and stored under a shelter -  her bike getting caught on the barriers. The sound of the crash itself was by no means quiet, as multiple chairs collapsed and fell on top of y/n.

As the crash happened, Sicheng’s gaze was ripped from the sky towards the fallen bike, and soon the chairs. A panicked horror fell on his face and he immediately hung up on the younger friend, running down towards the track and to the mess of chairs that had covered y/n.

“Y/n! Oh dear God… I told you to be careful!” His heart dropped out of his chest when y/n  didn’t respond for a few seconds - although it felt like an eternity - and Sicheng feared the worst. As the adrenaline flooded his veins, the 23-year-old started pulling the chairs away, discarding them every-which-way as he tried to find y/n. Once a majority of the chairs were out of the way, he pulled her to his chest, cradling her unconscious - but thankfully alive - body. Hands still trembling, he fumbled with his phone as he dialled 119. His voice trembled as he described his situation, a shaky sigh of relief when help was confirmed. Putting the call on speaker and leaving it next to him, Sicheng held y/n’s face in his hands. 

He didn’t like this. He didn’t like any of it.

He hated seeing her like this.

The tremble in his voice turned to whimpers as he ran his hand through her hair. But something felt off. Pulling his hand away, a stifled cry fell from him when his hand came back stained red. Blood. Y/N was bleeding from the back of her head. How hard did she hit her head..? Sicheng’s eyes warmed with tears as he brushed his girlfriend’s hair out of her face, a thumb tracing over her shut eyes. Soon, he could feel the tears drip down his face and he made no attempt to wipe them away, simply letting them stain his cheeks. If only he hadn’t distracted her, then she wouldn’t be unconscious. Then y/n wouldn’t be laying in his arms, bleeding from her head.

The sound of sirens brought the 23-year-old back to reality and Sicheng raised an arm up to grab the paramedics’ attention. Surrounded by paramedics, they brought y/n onto a stretcher and into the ambulance that had accompanied them. Still trembling as he tried to explain what had just happened, Sicheng was brought to the ambulance afterwards and given a glass of water to drink as the doors closed and they were driven to the hospital. His leg bounced as he grew more and more panicked, eyes blurring up with tears again as he looked over to y/n. The irony was painful, and it still didn’t register to Sicheng that only a few hours ago y/n was awake and joking around with him.

A few hours later, Sicheng was sitting in y/n’s room, on a chair close to her bed. Her hand enclosed in his, he rubbed his thumb over her palm subconsciously while he replayed the crash in his head over and over again. Getting up to walk off the anxiety, he turned to the door when he heard a series of knocks. Walking to open the door, he was met by a panicking Mark, who looked like he’d seen a ghost. Seeing y/n laid on the bed, his face fell. Lying unconscious in a hospital bed didn’t suit the motocross racer at all. He looked at Sicheng and his eyes said more than he could ever say with words. A hand on the older male’s shoulder, Mark sighed before he spoke.

“Hyung, why don’t we go outside for a bit? Y/n’s still going to be right here.” He suggested, hoping that Sicheng would agree and go to the courtyard with him. Fresh air would do them both some good. Nodding, Sicheng exhaled and grabbed his coat, which had been draped over the chair he was sitting on. With one last look at y/n, the older of the two opened the hospital room door and they left the room, making their way to the courtyard.

Handing Sicheng an iced caramel latte, Mark sat down on the bench and took a sip of his own drink. Neither of them knew what to say, but they both knew that they had to stay positive about it. Sicheng was the first to bring his attention away from the floor, looking at Mark.

“Do you think she’ll actually take a break after she recovers?” He asked, his features softening.

“She definitely won’t want to, but Noona really should take a break. A few weeks away from her bikes won’t kill her.” The brunet responded, a conviction in his voice. Y/n was brave, but sometimes too reckless for her own good and today proved that effortlessly. They both had a lingering feeling that they’d have to force y/n to take a break.  Staying like that for the meantime, both were lost in thought until Mark’s phone rang; he was needed back in his apartment. Renjun was seconds from beating Donghyuck up and Jeno did not want to be the one in between it. Although, he did agree to film if anything did happen. 

“Hyung, I’m sorry - I gotta go. Renjun’s going to beat Hyuck’s ass-”

“Go on, and send me the video later.” Sicheng chuckled, patting Mark’s shoulder in the reassurance that he’d be okay. A quick goodbye, and soon Mark was making his way out of the hospital, getting a taxi and heading to his shared apartment before he would be greeted by a screaming Donghyuck. Watching the younger male leave with an amused smile, Sicheng hummed to himself before he figured it was time he headed back to y/n.

Returning to his girlfriend’s hospital room, he sat back in his chair, his hand holding hers once again. The sun had started setting outside as his eyes felt heavy, and Sicheng could tell he’d most likely end up spending the night in the hospital. Pulling his chair closer to y/n’s bedside, he laid his head on the mattress, facing his girlfriend as he let the urge to sleep take over. A nurse who happened to be passing by peeked inside the room and smiled gently, almost parent-like. Going into the storage room, they picked out a pillow and blanket for Sicheng as he slept through the night shift.

By morning light, the sunlight had just started to fall on y/n’s face, and the motocross racer’s skin glowed in the early morning rays. Eyes opening with a low groan, she looked around at her surroundings, a brow raised in confusion. Why exactly was she in the hospital? Wasn’t she riding her motorbike when- oh right…

She crashed. Headfirst. That was why she was lying in a hospital bed, dazed and with a throbbing headache. Wonderful. A soft smile on her face when she saw Sicheng asleep, y/n sat herself up - albeit slowly and with a lot of effort - and reached forward to lace her fingers through his hair. Stopping when the sleeping brunet started opening his eyes, y/n’s hand stayed in her boyfriend’s hair. Yawning as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Sicheng’s eyes formed into an ‘ㅇ’ when he noticed the pillow and blanket.

“Oh? One of the nurses must have-” words getting caught in his throat when he ran his hands through his hair and ended up feeling y/n’s own hand in his hair. Turning to face y/n in hopes that he wasn’t simply just imagining things, his eyes almost didn’t process what he was seeing until Y/N smiled, amused by the shock on his face. It was cute, she had to admit.

“Y-y/n, you’re…”

“Awake?” She answered, her voice a tad hoarse.  Reacting immediately and pulling her into a hug, Sicheng exhaled, content with staying like that for a few minutes - in hope that y/n being awake wasn’t a dream. Releasing her from the hug, Sicheng held her hands in his, stars in his eyes.

“How, how do you feel?... You scared me, you know?” Sicheng asked, peacefully admiring how his girlfriend looked in the morning - despite the bandages, IV and cute but unruly bed hair. Throat still dry, y/n shrugged.

“My head’s killing me, that’s for sure. Uh - what, what did the doctors say?” She asked, curious as to exactly how bad her injury was. The way Sicheng grimaced before answering wasn’t helping either. Preparing for the worst, y/n braced herself for the news. What if she couldn’t ride bikes again from that point on? Her career couldn’t be over that quick-

“Well, you got a pretty bad concussion, and they want to see if you’ve broken anything.” Sicheng explained with a sigh, indicating her elevated arm. Y/n had gotten away with concussions before - it was nothing new. Workplace incidents, that sort of thing. But if she had broken a bone, there was no way she’d be allowed to go anywhere near a motorbike until she was fully healed. Which would be a minimum of a month off the tracks, at least.

“I hope it isn’t broken.”

Getting the x-ray done was the easy bit; keeping her arm in place, letting the doctors do what they had to do, simple. It was the waiting for the results that was the hard part. Although it was only a few hours, y/n’s train of thought wasn’t letting up. The worry was eating away at her. Distracting herself by staring out of the window, even that was proving to be of little help. Biting at her lip as she went through what she’d do in the event that she did break her arm, y/n hadn’t noticed the nurse walking up to her bedside until Sicheng had repeatedly tapped her leg, an amused grin on his face after he had gotten a cup of water for the both of them. Shaking her head and turning to the nurse, y/n waited for the news.

“How bad is it?” Y/n asked, a blend of hesitation and hope in her voice.

“You’re quite lucky, Miss L/n, you had a pretty nasty crash. Apart from your concussion, you’ve sustained a mild fracture in your right arm.” The nurse answered, a polite smile on their face as they broke the news as best they could. As y/n took in the news that she’d ended up with a broken arm, she exhaled, thanking the nurse for letting her know. There was a pause in the room as the couple were left alone, an amused realisation and chuckle coming from the professional bike racer.

“Well, isn’t that wonderful?”

Holding y/n’s free hand as the couple left the hospital, Sicheng reached over and ruffled his injured girlfriend’s hair, a grin on his face at y/n shaking his hand off with a sulky downturn to her lips. They’d been on the phone with her manager, and it was confirmed that she’d be taking the required time off to recover, and an extra two weeks to actually take some time away from the track. Lips pursed as she observed her arm sling, y/n turned to her boyfriend - who had been calling a cab while she was zoned out in her own world. If she was going to be taking time off, the idea of spending as much of that time with Sicheng was quite appealing, to say the least.

“Sicheng, can you stay the night? I wanna spend more time with you,”

“Sure~ I’m free for next week. I’m all yours y/n-ah~” 

Entering the apartment together, y/n sighed, taking a seat on the sofa and resting her head as she stared up at the ceiling. Hanging up his coat, Sicheng joined her, taking the same position and giggling when y/n turned to him in confusion. She knew why she was staring at the uninteresting ceiling, but why did he have to? His giggles turning into snickers, Sicheng excused himself into the kitchen before y/n could ask the question that was on her mind. Returning to the living room with two mugs of hot chocolate in hand, Sicheng set y/n’s down and took a sip of his own, an amused grin remaining on his face. Still more or less not in the mood to talk, y/n leaned over and pressed a kiss to her boyfriend’s cheek as she picked up the other mug with her unbandaged hand. The couple stayed like that, enjoying their drinks and the silence. 

As the evening drew closer, and both y/n and Sicheng were feeling their eyelids grew heavy, a yawn from the motocross racer in the room signaled to them both that it would be best for the couple to get some sleep. 

“Baby, I don’t know about you, but I’m seconds away from passing out on this sofa,” Y/n joked as she pulled herself up and helped Sicheng to his feet. Wincing a tad when her ankle collided with the corner of the table, y/n rolled her eyes with a shake of her head and a smile when Sicheng started giggling.

“Y/n-ah, are - are you okay?”

“Well, I’m glad you’re entertained,” y/n sassed, walking into their bedroom with Sicheng trailing after, a grin still on his face, “I’m fine, just so you know~” 

The next day, y/n had woken up with a groan. Although she had spent ten minutes trying to find the best way to sleep, she had tossed and turned - and now her arm was starting to ache. Pushing herself to sit up and get out of bed, y/n tried managing as best she could, gently massaging her arm every so often. She’d take some painkillers after she ate breakfast. Heading to the kitchen to try and make herself something to eat, y/n stopped and looked down, a flustered smile on her face as she turned to see Sicheng with his head buried in her shoulders.

“Good morning you~ could I interest you in some breakfast~?” Y/n laughed, kissing the still half asleep man’s cheek. Muttering something about making it himself, Sicheng unwinded his hands and dragged his feet around the kitchen floor as he made himself something to eat, his girlfriend watching him as she leaned against the dining table, sipping on a fruit smoothie.

“How do you manage to get up so early? I’m exhausted.” Sicheng asked, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Prone to working afternoons himself, waking up early morning was definitely something he wasn’t used to. Giggling as she ate, y/n shrugged, a playful smile on her face. Waking up early was the norm for the motocross racer; arriving at the tracks at unforgiving times to practice.

“Oh I don’t know~? Motocross perhaps?” She asked, teasing the man in front of her. His unamused face turning into a smile that screamed ‘I love her so much’, Sicheng rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he watched the pleased grin on y/n’s face.

“Y/n-ah, do you know how much I love you?”

“Do I?”

“I- come here you-” Walking over to y/n and pulling her out of the chair and into his arms, the couple stood there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes...Until y/n started wincing.

“Baby? What’s wrong? Did, did I hurt you, I’m so-” Sicheng pouted in concern as he started checking y/n’s arm, looking back up in confusion when she started laughing. “What? What is it?”

“Got you~”

“Y/n! You scared me! Seriously, you’ve got to be less reckless next time” 

“Love you too baby~”

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Wilfords Demands (Darkish Curtis Series)

Moodboard made by @thelemonadestxnd​

Just Another Prisoner- 4.5k. Curtis Everett x Y/N. Wilford places you in Curtis care so he can impregnate. WARNINGS- Non Con, Loss of Virginity. Written for MCU Dark Library March Kink Challenge. This has no relation to my other Curtis Fics.

Who Do You Belong To?- 5.2k. Curtis Everett x Y/N. Been in Curtis care for a few weeks now and he has no issue in reminding you who you belong to. Warnings- Dub Con/Non Con situations, punishment, and drug/alcohol mentions. Written for MCU Dark Library April Kink Challenge. 

Raising The Stakes-  6.2k Curtis Everett x You. Its the day after the disaster of the trains New Years party. Curtis processes some of what caused his out lash towards you as well as start to prepare for the up coming tournament against Wilford’s Prized Champions. You are once more checked to see if you have become pregnant and the doctor decides to increase your chances. Warnings- Dub Con/Non Con situations, Needle Use, mentions of pregnancy, language. 

Mutual Understanding- 5.6k Curtis Everett x You. You are being driven mad after the shot you were given to send your hormones raging. Curtis knows he has to help you. Afterwards a peace settles between you two and the situation you have both been forced into. All seems fine till Wilford collects you to let you in on his plans for you. Warnings- Non Con/Dub Con, sex pollen theme, darkish story line, mentions of scars, mentions of punishment/torture. 

Simple As That-  7.3k Curtis Everett x You. Realization of your predicament really sinks in, but Curtis wont simply let that happen. Wilford seems happy to extend the deal, after all Curtis is his favorite fighter, always has been. Confident that things wont be as bad as they could be, you and Curtis settle into preparing for the new child. Warnings- talks of pregnancy, hint of possible abortion (a sentence), smut. 18+ Only. 

It’s Time- 6k Curtis Everett x You. You are in the third trimester of your pregnancy and things have been to good, for to long. It’s time for Curtis to finalize his claim on you in the tournament. Warnings- Violence, Blood, Smut, Pregnancy. This is an 18+ Blog. 

Separated- 5.6k Curtis x You. Curtis lost the tournament and has been cast back to his original home, the tail end. You are now contained in Wilford’s precious engine to see the crazy ramblings of Snowpiercer’s leader. You also must find out Curtis’s fate and you believe you can find him, if you can just get beyond that door Wilford likes to disappear into. Warnings- Stressful situations, spitting, hitting, demeaning talk, threats, language. You also find out what happened with Curtis’s other children, its dark and upsetting. Proceed reading with caution. That’s as descriptive as I’m going to get in that warning. 

Revolution- 5.5k Curtis Everett x You. Right now you are stuck in the engine car and Curtis is in the tail end. There is a whole train between you two. Not to mention locked doors, Wilfords guards, kronole crazed residents, and dangers that would keep you two apart. You have to escape and keep yourself safe for Jace's sake. Warnings- Stressful situation, assault of pregnant reader, mentions of blood and violence.

Coming To The End- 4.9k Curtis x You. Curtis is just beyond that closed door and with Edgar at your side, it's coming closer to the end. Right when you all think the fighting is over, Grey takes one last attempt to destroy Curtis. Warnings- Danger to unborn child, traumatic birth, violence, and descriptions of death. 

Find Us In Paradise (Final Chapter)- Ending A (4.6k) Ending B (6.8k) Curtis finds out your fate and has to keep it all together for Jace. Now it is no longer about you and Curtis, it is about taking care of Jace. There is also the matter of dealing with Grey who has lost his protection as Wilford's right hand. Warnings- Death.

Wilfords Demands One Shots- 

Making The Best of Bad Situations- 3.7k Curtis Everett x You. Pregnancy has you unable to rest, no matter what you or Curtis try. It's becoming an ongoing issue, but Curtis had gotten some tips from the midwife in charge of the front-end nursery.

Dark Curtis Random Pieces- (Not a part of above series) 

Curtis HC- Curtis receiving Oral

Make Me Curtis- 1.1k. Curtis Evereett and Y/N. Late night ramblings on my part. NSFW

Curtis Request- Dealing with Brat. Short. NSFW