#hi i just like seeing media of beautiful people with things seen as “flaws”

[citrine-elephant]

drawing krauser's nose and i've entered a temporary state of insanity and euphoria at the sight of a sexy and powerful beast of a man with a nose that society deems "needing of change"

nah strong badasses have the sexiest sniffers. which is to say, all sniffers, really. but a honker chiseled by the gods, i'm a little biased about.

[eunnieboo]

IYHM ask replies! (2/3)

🌸 @csevet asked:

hi my copy of iyhm just came in and my fiancee and i snuggled up and read the whole thing cover to cover and CRIED!!! i love when lesbians 💕💞💝💗💝💗💘💞💖💗💝

AHHHHH thank you SO much!!! OMGGGGG 🥺 live laugh lesbian..... 💞💗💖💕💖💞💕💖💗

🌸 @chrysalis-the-butterfly asked:

I read If You'll Have Me a few months ago and I loved it! Your art is so pretty and Momo and PG are such cool characters! 🥰 If you're okay with sharing, I'd be interested to hear what inspired you during the creative process? Were there any pieces of media or any other characters which influenced the formation of Momo and PG? Or did you do your own thing?

oh my gosh! thank you!! i really love character interactions and relationship dynamics, so i wanted to depict two girls who seemed like opposites - one cool and laid-back, the other soft and sweet. after a while they started to take on a life of their own, and i thought it'd be wonderful if their story could evoke the feeling of a shoujo romance!

i had a lot of things on my mind when i wrote the script... friendship, intimacy, communication... communication can be so hard! sometimes it's harder with someone you're close to because their opinion is so important to you. and what happens when you've got a character who's non-confrontational and has low self-esteem + someone who prefers actions over words, and would rather burn bridges than admit to feeling vulnerable? how would they get past that? i wanted to write their flaws as believable, and how their life experiences have shaped the way they think about themselves / the way they respond to personal conflict... but also how they learn from each other and grow ❤️ tysm for the question!!

@bisexualgoof asked:

Hi Eunnie! I just finished reading “If You’ll Have Me” and let me tell you, it was spectacular! I saw it in a local bookstore the other day and it was a no brainer to grab. The characters are so fun, the story is beautiful and heartfelt, and honestly every character is attractive… I especially fell in love with the pages of the books without words, especially 312-313, it made me cry. Such beautiful art! I related to PG’s annoyance with her long hair, I felt very seen with her comments. I’ve definitely said “I’d like to forget” so many times myself, right to my butch heart haha. Thank you for sharing this story with the world, and thank you in particularly for your acknowledgment at the end of the book, it made me feel seen. What an amazing love story, hope to see more of this adorable couple in the future!

oh my goodness!! this is so lovely and wonderful and ahhh T_T thank you so very much. it's such a dream, having these girls be out in the world with their personalities and backstories revealed at last! and i'm so happy to hear about the cast and side characters, i love designing people hehe ♥ i'll definitely keep drawing this couple, alongside more sapphic couples that are to come 😍 thank you!!

🌸 @skittles-rainbow-cat asked:

HI HI HI!!! you’ve been one of my fave artists forever and i just got done with iyhm and it’s sooooo amazing im in love with it. also i think strawberry blonde by chloe moriondo fits mono and pg very well :] i hope you’re having a good day and thank you for all your art it heals me in many ways <3333

HIIII omg!!! thank you so much! this song is so cuteeee oh my gosh this line:

Takes my hand in hers when the lights aren’t on Smaller than mine and oh god I am gone

it's so sweet ;_; thank you forever, i hope you're having a wonderful day!! <3 <3 <3

🌸 @lord-of-the-froggies asked:

Howdy Eunnie! I know you're probably swamped with work right now, but I just wanna let you know that I got my copy of your book today!! I'm gonna start reading it right away, it looks and feels amazing. From a fellow Washington artist to another--congratulations on such a huge achievement!

yay hello fellow washingtonian! and fellow artist!! thank you so much for your kind words 🥺 and i'm so glad the book got to you safely! wishing you a happy read~

🌸 Anonymous asked:

I just found your art today and after scrolling through your stuff I went and pre-ordered your book. I'm so excited!!

omggg thank you that means so much!!! ;_; <3

🌸 @ddooyoung asked:

I got my (signed!) copy of the book, and I love it SO MUCH. It's everything I was hoping and more. I love finally getting to know them, especially Momo. Since the first time I saw them, I thought Momo was a lot like me and now I have confirmation 😆 Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful story!!! I'm excited for everything you do 💗

WAHH thank you so much!! yesss i'm so overjoyed to finally share their story after so long! i hope the signature turned out okay, i was very nervous signing books for the first time (shaky hand and everything) 😱 i think next time it would be fun to make a custom stamp and stamp a doodle next to my signature hehe. thank you again!!! 💕

🌸 Anonymous asked:

I somehow missed the news about your having created a whole damn book?? was just flipping through yu & me books's holiday gift guide and did a double take when I saw priscilla and momo!! zoomed in and sure enough, there was your name at the bottom! congrats on ihym and congrats on being featured on rec lists from shops as cool as yu & me 🎉😍

omggg thank you thank you!! 🥰 AHHH yu & me books looks so amazing! i've been to new york just once but if i ever get to go back i have to visit them... i'm always looking for indie bookstores to throw my money at 😤

🌸 Anonymous asked:

1. Will there be an “if you’ll have me” sequel? 2. Is Momo her full name or a Nick name? If it’s a Nick name what is her full name? Thank you i love your work! ❤️😊

ahh there's no sequel planned as of right now! but i'd love to make one if i get the chance... i have some ideas that i think would be fun <3 and momo gardner is her full name! i liked gardner because it made me think of flowers ☺️❤️ thank you so much!!

🌸 @upsidedown-shadow-dreamer asked:

Hello, long time fan here. If You'll Have Me was delivered an hour ago and I've already finished my first read. OMG it's AMAZING. I love the story, the beautiful art, the inner thoughts, the pacing, the page color changes for back story… Just major WOW. I hope you are so proud of this work. I'm already looking forward to reading it again. Thank you!!!

this is sooooo AHHHHH T_T i'm in tears. i can't tell you how happy and thrilled i am to hear this!!! it's so encouraging and uplifting and ahh!! i want to make more stories... and just knowing that this book will be read by the same person more than once, omg! it's truly the highest of praise. thank you from the bottom of my heart <333

🌸 Anonymous asked:

Hello!! I just remembered I could borrow graphic novels as e-books from my local library, found IYHM, devoured the entire thing in one sitting, then went through your tags so I could look at all your other IYHM art, and I was wondering if you'll make more stories about Momo and PG because I can't get enough of them! Absolutely obsessed with these two and I love seeing them so happy together 💖💖💖💖

hello!! oh i'm absolutely over the moon about this! i can definitely see myself making a follow-up book if i'm so lucky 🙏 but i'll keep on drawing more minicomics and illustrations no matter what!! thank you so much for this wonderful message 💕💕💕💕

🌸 Anonymous asked:

hi!! love love love your art!!! do you think we can expect to see another graphic novel about momo and priscilla in the future?

🌸 Anonymous asked:

I’ve read IYHM so many times already and I absolutely loved it!!!! Are you planning on writing another book with Momo and PG? Is is there a way we can buy more of your stories?

thank you both so much!!!! <3 a sequel is actually one of the ideas i pitched for my second book! my editor cautioned against it in case IYHM didn't perform well, so i ended up going in a different direction - but my fingers are crossed for future opportunities 😤 realistically, it will probably depend on sales... but for the record, i'd want to do one regardless of the numbers...

i have one more book coming out, which i'm working on right now! the timeline is a bit up in the air atm but i'll try to keep everyone posted. making a book is so slow but i'm so grateful to you all for waiting 🥺💛

🌸 @randomqueernoun asked:

Do you make webcomics for other apps/websites? If yes where can I find them and what do I search in them to find your comics?

ahh not at the moment! but thank you SO much for the interest! one of my biggest goals right now is to set up a website where i have all my work in one place, and that would definitely be the place where i post future webcomics 👀

also, just as an aside... i want to make webcomics so bad. i think after my next book, i might take a break from traditional publishing to do that. sometimes i can't believe i'm drawing hundreds of pages i can't post... i'm like, how are people supposed to read this if i can't show them? how will they know?! ahh it kills me... but yes... someday!!!

part 3 to come~

[grapejuicenharry]

Based on this request.

warnings: body image struggles, plus size Y/N, h being a caring bf, smut, eating out.

a/n: I hope anyone reading this knows you’re beautiful, you’re enough, and so damn worthy of love. I love you!

✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆ . ✶⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶. ⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶ ⋆.˚꩜ .ᐟ˙⋆✶ YN stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. Today, she and Harry were supposed to go to the beach, just steps away from the villa where they were staying. Harry had just finished his grueling tour, and after months and months of nonstop traveling, they both deserved a break. Though Y/N loved being by his side, supporting him city after city, it had been exhausting. Early flights at ungodly hours, constant hotel stays, meeting fans, and late nights had all taken a toll. Somewhere in the midst of it all, she had gained weight.

She had never had a model's figure. Long, sleek legs, a tiny waist, and a perfect zero-figure weren't part of her reality, and she'd been okay with that. Harry loved her just as she was, and most of the time, she felt the same. But being in a relationship with someone in the public eye—a celebrity surrounded by people who looked like they'd stepped out of a magazine—had its challenges.

Early on in their relationship, her insecurities had been nearly crippling. She would question why Harry, of all people, had chosen her when he could easily have been with a Victoria's Secret model. She'd dreaded date nights that called for tight dresses, knowing paparazzi would be lurking, ready to snap pictures that would fuel online trolls. The cruel comments about her curves, dips, and imperfections had, at times, driven her to delete social media entirely. It drained her, chipped away at her confidence.

Through it all, Harry had been her rock. He was unwavering in his reassurance, always reminding her that she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. He loved every inch of her—her stretch marks, her soft tummy, her thick thighs. The very things she'd once loathed, he cherished. He'd tell her over and over that the people behind the screens didn't matter, their words nothing but venom from people who didn't know her. To prove his point, Harry had deleted his own social media accounts, wanting to shield her from the negativity.

With time, therapy, and Harry's love and support, Y/N had begun to heal. She learned to love her body—her curves, her softness, the parts of her that made her unique. She started embracing her style, wearing figure-hugging dresses that made her feel powerful, slipping into bikinis at the beach just to see Harry's jaw drop. She even found herself smiling at her stretch marks, loving the way Harry would trace them with his fingers or kiss them as if they were works of art.

But today, as she stared at herself in her favorite blue bikini, those old doubts crept back in. She noticed the weight she'd gained—the way her fuller breasts sagged slightly in the top, how the stretch marks on her stomach seemed more pronounced, and the cellulite on her thighs more noticeable. Tears prickled in her eyes as she struggled to see the beauty Harry always claimed to see. Rationally, she knew these weren't flaws; they were simply parts of her. But in this moment, she wished she could make them all disappear.

“Love, you ready—?” Harry emerged, clad in his dark green bottoms. His face immediately frowning at the sight of her.

“Baby? What happened? Have you been crying?” He asks her, concern lacing his voice. 

She simply shakes her head while her eyes blurring with unshed tears. She didn’t want him to see her like this. 

Harry’s brow furrowed in concern as he crossed the room quickly. His large hand cupped her cheeks, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. “Don’t lie to me, sweetheart. Tell me what’s going on.” He demanded softly, concern lacing his voice. 

Y/N simply shook her head again, trying to look away, but Harry wouldn’t let her. His thumb brushed away the tears that spilled over, his eyes boring into hers. “Talk to me, baby. I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me what’s wrong,” he whispered gently, pressing a kiss on her forehead. 

“It’s nothing,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Bullshit,” His response was immediate, but his tone gentle. He glanced down at her body, his hands sliding down from her face to rest on her waist. “Is this about you in that bikini?” He guessed, and the way her eyes widened slightly gave her away. 

“I just… don’t feel good in it, okay? I’ve gained weight, and I don’t—“ Her voice cracked, and she turned away from him, wrapping her arms around herself. “I just don’t feel like… me anymore.”

Harry let out a long breath before coming behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. Pulling her flush against her chest. “Baby,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. “Do you even know what I see when I look at you?”

She sniffled, shaking her head, unable to find words to reply. 

“I see the sexiest, most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid my fucking eyes on,” He said, “I see the woman who drives me crazy every time she walks in a room. I see my woman. And you in this bikini?” He chuckled softly, his hands moving to rest on her hips. “You look so fucking good, it hurts. You think I’d let you go out in this without keeping my hands on you the whole damn time?” 

Y/N laughed weakly despite herself, her head falling back against his shoulder. “You don’t mean that,” she murmured. 

Harry turned her gently so she was facing him, his hands gently cupping her cheeks as his thumb stroked against her soft skin. “I do mean it. Every word. And if you’re thinking for one second that you’re not good enough, I swear to God, baby, I’ll spend all day proving you wrong.” 

Her cheeks flushed at the way his eyes darkened, the intensity of his gaze making her shy and blush. “Harry…”

“No, don’t ‘Harry’ me.” His lips curled into a smirk as he leaned down, brushing a kiss to her lips before pulling back just enough to speak. “You’re mine, Y/N. Every inch of you. Every stretch mark, every curve, every little thing you think is a flaw? It’s mine, and I fucking love it.” 

Her heart swelled at his words. How could he love her so much? How had she gotten so lucky? He always seemed to know the right things to say, and this was exactly what she needed to hear from him. All of her insecurities slowly washed away.

“I love you,” she whispered before wrapping her arms around his neck, holding him tight.

He held her just as fiercely, one hand cradling her head and the other gripping her waist as if he couldn’t bear to let go. 

“And I love you more, always,” he murmured back, pressing a kiss to her temple. Pulling back slightly, he gave a cheeky grin. “Now, are we gonna hit the beach, or do I need to spend the next few hours worshipping you here in this bikini until you see what I see?”

Her cheeks burned as she smacked his chest lightly, “Harry!” 

He just laughed, catching her hand and bringing it to his lips. “You decide, baby. Either way, I’m not letting you go.”

Harry still remembers the first time he saw Y/N. She was standing in the front row at his concert, laughing and dancing with her friends. That pink, deep-neck top and sparkly mini skirt she wore had him hooked from the second his eyes landed on her. But it wasn't just her outfit—it was the way she carried herself, completely carefree, singing his lyrics that left him breathless. 

His gaze kept slipping back to her. Those thick, plush thighs, her curves that seemed to demand his attention, and those damn red lips. He never wanted to taste anything more in his life. Every time she twirled, her skirt would ride up just slightly, teasing him, and it took every ounce of control not to let his thoughts wander further. She had his undivided attention for the entire night, and she didn't even know it.

For the entire concert, his gaze kept slipping back to her. Looking at her swaying her hips and laughing without a care in the world. Even as he moved across the stage, his body gravitated toward her side. He wanted to make sure she was still there, still singing, still having the time of her life. By the end of the concert, he’d nearly forgotten there was anyone else in the crowd.

He didn’t waste any seconds before asking the security to bring her backstage. When she walked into that room, radiating that same infectious energy, he was gone. 

The moment she smiled at him, her voice like honey as she greeted him, Harry knew she was it for him.

  ༘ ˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚                                                                

The weather outside was perfect—a pleasant warmth filled the air, the sun shone brightly behind warm clouds, and the water was the ideal temperature. Summertime in Italy was Y/N and Harry’s favorite escape, their little getaway from the chaos of city life. 

They’d spent the last hour in the water, swimming and enjoying the water, though she was trying to swim while Harry found every excuse to keep his hands on her. Sue him; he couldn’t help himself. The sight of her in that tiny bikini hugging her wet body had driven him completely insane. 

After a while, Y/N was ready for a break. Tired from swimming, she decided to stretch out on a lounge chair, soaking up the sun and getting a tan. She perched her sunglasses on her nose, reclining in the chair to let the warmth kiss her skin. While Harry stayed in the water, enjoying himself. 

As she settled in, she noticed a group of girls nearby. They kept glancing her way—or, more likely, Harry’s—and whispering amongst themselves. She tried not to let it get to her, shaking off the usual self-conscious thoughts about her body. Instead she sank herself deeper into the chair, enjoying the sun. 

 ༘ ˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚                                                           

“You know,” Harry murmured, leaning in close enough for his lips to brush her ear, “you look absolutely breathtaking right now.” 

Y/N shot him a skeptical look, though her cheeks warmed at his tone. “Harry, you’ve said that like ten times today.” 

“And I’ll say it ten more,” he replied, his hand sliding down from her arm to rest on her bare thigh. His touch was slow and deliberate. He gave her skin a gentle squeeze; she felt her breath hitch. 

“Harry,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. 

“If we weren’t in public right now…” He mutters, his thumb tracing lazy circles over her skin. 

“You can’t just say things like that.” She shot him a look, half warning and half amused. She glanced around nervously, though no one seemed to be paying them much attention. 

“Oh, I can,” he replied, smirking as he leaned in closer, biting her ear. “And if we weren’t surrounded by all these people, I’d show you exactly how good you look in this. You have no idea what you’re doing to me, love.”

Y/N felt heat rush to her face, her cheeks burning under his words. She tried to maintain her composure, but at the rate her panties were getting damp, it was getting impossible. “You’re the worst,” she muttered, trying to bite back a smile. She sipped her piña colada, hoping the cool drink would help with the heat burning in her belly. 

“Am I?” He asked, his eyes glistening with mischief. “Guess you’ll just have to punish me later, yeah?” 

She shook her head at his words, laughing despite herself, and tried to swat his hand away. 

“Come on, let’s head back to the villa. I’ve had enough of sharing you with the rest of the world.” He said, standing and pulling her up with him. 

“Harry, we still have drinks—“ 

“They’ll be here tomorrow,” he interrupted. “Right now, I need you all to myself.” 

By the time they made it back to the villa, the tension was still thick between them. Harry wasted no time pulling her into his arms, his lips crashing against hers in a heated kiss. Both of them rushing to tear each other’s clothes. His hand slid across her back, untying her bikini while he trailed kisses down her throat. “Fucking insane, your body is fucking insane.” He murmured between the kisses; he dropped to his knees while tugging her panties down, and his palm massaged the plush, soft skin of her tummy. “This, this belongs to me, baby.” He looked in her eye while teasing her. “And this perfect pussy...” He whispered before licking a long strip of her slit. “All mine.” 

Harry groaned against her skin, his breath fanning over her inner thighs as he gripped her hips, pulling her closer to his mouth. “You think for a second I don’t love every inch of you? These curves, these thighs, these marks—every bit of it is mine to worship,” he growled, pressing open-mouthed kisses along her stretch-marked hips. 

Y/N’s breath hitched as she tried to twist away, her insecurities bubbling up, but he tightened his grip, “Don’t you dare, love,” he rasped, his eyes flicking up to hers. “You don’t hide from me. You’re so fucking beautiful I can’t breathe.” 

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, a mix of vulnerability and overwhelming affection. "Harry," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I just... I don't always feel like that. Not when I-"

He cut her off with a kiss pressed to the soft skin of her inner thigh, his lips lingering as if to silence her doubts.

"Then let me show you," he said firmly. "Let me prove it to you, baby. Every single day if I have to."

Her walls slowly crumbled, and she nodded, her fingers tangling in his curls as he returned his attention to her center. His tongue parted her folds, teasing her clit with slow, deliberate strokes. He kept licking her pussy while alternating pressing kisses along her inner thigh, sucking the soft skin, while taking her bud in his mouth, making her gasp loudly. “These thighs,” he murmured. Y/N could barely hear him as he was squished between her thighs, his voice muffled. “Drive me fucking wild, baby. I love feeling them around my head. Show me again, yeah?” 

She moaned as he dove back in, his tongue parting her folds, his own moans vibrating against her core. "Harry," she gasped, her voice breaking, "oh my God, that feels so good. Don't stop."

"Not planning to, baby," he murmured, between licking and sucking. His hands kneading the soft flesh of her hips as he pulled her ever closer. "You taste so fucking good. So perfect."

Her hand found his curls as she tugged on them when the pressure in her belly increased. Her legs shook as he worked her closer to the edge. “That’s it, baby,” he said, pulling back just enough to bite softly in her inner thigh, “Let me hear you; let me see how much you love this.” 

When she finally shattered, crying out his name, Harry stood, his lips slick and wet from her arousal. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed and laying her down gently, knowing she was still coming down from her orgasm. Hovering over her, his lips met hers again, slow and deep, letting her taste herself on his tongue.

"You don't get to doubt yourself," he whispered, his hands skimming down her body, mapping every dip, every curve. "Not when I'm here to remind you exactly how fucking stunning you are." His mouth moved lower, taking his time, worshiping every inch of her, his voice a steady stream of praises against her skin. "This body is mine to worship. And I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."

His lips wrapped around her nipple, his hand caressing her hip as he aligned himself with her, whispering against her chest, "Gonna show you how much I love every inch of you, baby. Over and over again."

[notsp1derman]

an hyperfixated review of the apothecary diaries season one, by natsu hyuuga

First, I just wanted to say that I NEVER expected I would be here talking about this. I started Apothecary Diaries with the same jaded tiredness of someone who doesn't consider themselves an otaku anymore, so it has to be an EVENT for an anime to be truly enjoyable. After some time I just got bored of all the isekai and harems, shallow self insert characters, braindead action and hypersexualization of women, so you can imagine how often I watch something that has come out recently.

But this thing has consumed my life and my thoughts. It has made me go through a rabbit hole of ancient chinese history and culture, and I actually can't get enough of it. Apothecary Diaries managed to do a very rare feat in the chaotic anime industry: cover all its bases brilliantly. There's the perfect amount of everything a well-thought story needs: an incredible animation, deep and believable characters, an intriguing plot without any apparent holes, solid worldbuilding and just the right touch of social issues to make you think.

In an unnamed empire totally not a copy-paste of ancient China, we follow the story of Maomao, a poor apothecary's apprentice that gets kidnapped and sold to the imperial palace to work as a servant. But soon, her abilities of reading and writing (rare for a peasant) and poisonous plants get her noticed by Jinshi, an eunuch responsible for overseeing the famous inner palace: the garden of women where the concubines of the emperor live. Maomao then starts working as a food tester for one of the four most important concubines, to ensure she isn't poisoned in the politics of the palace, but ends up getting roped into more complex challenges and mysterious events.

Despite the clever plots and solutions in each episode, the true star of the show is the character of Maomao herself. She is a brillant example of a smart female protagonist, perfectly capable of solving problems because of her love for her job but still with her flaws and peculiarities that only make her more endearing. She is calculating and detached, but still shows a great knowledge of the inner palace's hierarchy, keeping her posture but discreetly helping people how she can.

Maomao is THE perfect example of a girls girl, and every other media should learn from her character. She has a strong personality and doesn't really like appearing too feminine or demure, but it doesn't stop her from being kind to her peers, helping the concubines and servants alike and never judging them for placing so much importance on their sexuality, despite not being interested in these affairs herself.

And despite having strong morals, Maomao is also keenly aware of her place in society as a poor woman. She know how insignificant she is to those in power, but instead of making rash decisions she works around the system. And this makes her the perfect counterpart to the other great reason to watch this anime: Jinshi.

Jinshi is an eunuch that supervises the inner palace, always butting himself in every problem to make sure the concubines are taken care of. He is a man born with everything: well-spoken and smart, signs of a great education; clearly high ranked, which makes him rich and powerful; an ethereal beauty that captivates every woman in the palace and loyal servants at his beck and call.

So when Jinshi discovers Maomao's great knowledge and usefulness, he is quick to think of her as another pawn to do as he says. He couldn't be more wrong. As they solve mysteries and develop a tenuous friendship, both of them are forced to change their perspectives: Jinshi is shocked to see a woman that doesn't fall for his charms and starts to truly admire Maomao as a person, and Maomao learns to trust a bit more and not judge a person by their status.

This whole ordeal leads to some of the funniest scenes I've seen in some time, and truly one of the nicest relationships I've seen lately. It helps a lot that Jinshi respects Maomao's intelligence and trusts her judgement, but his worry about her ingesting some unknown poison is very cute too lol

The side characters are adorable too, specially Maomao's sisters and how they treat her like a baby, and everyone has their space to shine. I think my only critique would be that the concubines are still too much sexualized. I believe firmly that you can have characters that show their sexuality without having to have giant boobs barely covered, specially in a historical context. But I know how Japan's anime industry works, and if this was the least they could pander to a male audience, I'll take what I can get.

Overall, even if all of this isn't enough to catch your attention, I would recommend Apothecary Diaries just for the insane animation it has. The colors are beautiful, the movements are fluid and there are scenes I kept replaying because of how well scripted they were. This is an unexpected gem lost among the slop, and I can only hope it keeps going strong in this second season!

★★★★★ ♡

[twilight-good-yall-dumb]

the "Little Things" disrespect ends today 0_0

I NEED y'all to lock in for a moment. I have seen one too many bad faith takes on this song, and I'm over it. SO MANY people say they don't like it because they perceive the song's message as "you're ugly and fat but it's okay because I love you despite that" and I genuinely think that take is so media illiterate! So listen up kids!

In my opinion, most of this misunderstanding comes from the singular lyric: "You still have to squeeze into your jeans. But you're perfect to me" Which I will admit, when isolated, the lyric feels a little condescending, because the word "but" seems to insinuate that having to squeeze into her jeans is an inherently bad thing, or taken further, that if he wasn't in love with her, he would see it as a flaw.

But that's where my comprehension of this take ends. Because within the context of the rest of the song, that singular lyric gains an entirely different perspective. In my personal opinion, the song's message is far more along the lines of "All these things that you tell me you hate about yourself are all just bits and pieces of who you are, and I love you, not in spite of those things, but because of those things, because they make you, you!"

My evidence? Don't worry babe, I've got loads. First of all, as many people know (and many probably resent), this song was written by Ed Sheeran. Now, if you know anything about Ed Sheeran's early music, you know that what makes his lyricism so endearing is that he has an acute sense of the people around him. On his first album especially, there are several songs in which he simply exults in small, seemingly insignificant, details about a woman. My bro Ed understands the inherent romance of being known better than anyone. And I love him for it. So with that context, I think it's pretty easy to imagine Ed writing this song in the same vain. Simply remarking on the little things he notices about a girl that she seems to be insecure about, but that he adores. Simple. Beautiful. Effective.

My other evidence? LITERALLY THE REST OF THE SONG! I mean for fuck's sake, the literal chorus goes:

"I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth But if it's true, it's you It's you, they add up to I'm in love with you And all these little things"

Not only do we get the very clear insistence that the writer loves her AND all of the "little things" but it also tells us, as I said before, that this love isn't in spite of her perceived "flaws", but rather because of them. Because it's all of these things which create the unique individual he fell in love with. I also think the line "I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth" hints that these are traits the writer is wary about bringing up to the girl, because he knows she (and perhaps society) perceives them as flaws, but he dares to voice them because he wants her to see them in a positive light!

I think it's very telling how these "little things" are often brought up by describing her opinion of them:

"I know you never loved the sound of your voice on tape You never want to know how much you weigh" or "I know you've never loved The crinkles by your eyes when you smile You've never loved your stomach or your thighs"

The writer is not assigning his own negative perception to these things, but rather pointing out how it's her who views them as flaws. In the bridge, he even says:

"You'll never love yourself half as much as I love you And you'll never treat yourself right darling, but I want you to"

This lyric confirms to me that this song is not written with the intention of getting her to overlook her "flaws" in favor of his validation. Instead it exclaims, "these things you hate about yourself are in fact the very things that I admire about you and endear me to you. I wish you could see those things in the same way I do. I want you to find validation in yourself." Which, imo, is an incredibly sweet, and even sort of progressive message coming from a man.

I think even the the original lyric I brought up can be explained in a similar way. Rather than him calling her a fatass but claiming he loves her anyway, the writer is bringing up something that she has probably expressed insecurity over: "ugh, i still have to squeeze into my jeans," and he's assuring her that even though she sees that as flaw, he does not, and loves her all the same. Which, again, I think is the entire point of the song. As the chorus explains, he is not voicing these "little things" with the intention of listing her flaws, but rather because he wants to bring attention to the details that he loves about her. He lets them slip, because he specifically wants her to understand that they are not flaws.

Even the title supports this. By calling her insecurities "little things" rather than flaws or imperfections, he inherently takes away any negative connotation. They are simply the little things that make up who she is, that complete her. This is also supported by the fact that some of the details he lists are fairly neutral. The sound of her voice, the way her hand fits in his, her freckles, going to bed with a cup of tea. None of these things carry an inherent negative societal connotation, which I think further emphasizes that a) the little things are not flaws, and b) that some of the insecurities she has wouldn't even be noticed or judged by anyone else. That she is her worse critic.

I've even noticed that in some live performances of the song, Harry specifically changes the lyric to: "You still have to squeeze into your jeans. And you're perfect to me." Probably because he wanted to assert that this songs implies the exact opposite of what so many of you insist it does!

I genuinely think people either internalized that singular line and that turned them off of the song forever or they just have a prejudice towards Ed Sheeran and chose to hate the song because he's the one who wrote it (rude). Which, if the reason you don't like Little Things is because you find it too sappy or because you don't like the melody, then whatever. And maybe this take started as a joke, but I've seen so many people reiterate it at this point, that it feels genuinely defaming to my poor baby Little Things. But if you're being serious, DON'T try and tell me this song is anything but a sweet and empowering anthem because I will fight you.

If any of their songs deserve this brand of ire, it should honestly be What Makes You Beautiful, because while this song says "you're insecure and you shouldn't be," WMYB quite literally says "you're insecure and that's what i like about you." Now THAT is a problematic message. But nooooooo the sappy one Ed Sheeran wrote is the real enemy. Sure.

[theconstantsidekick]

i am here cause im too old and too employed to write a thesis paper on "Zack Snyder's Superman" so my mutuals have to suffer.

henry cavill was by far the most perfect, most accurate and the most beautiful casting for superman there has ever been. it was like jackman's wolverine, rdj's ironman, reynold's deadpool or sir ian mckellen's magneto—it was preordained.

... however, he was not a good superman.

now before anyone get's up to light my ass on fire, hear me out.

cavill's great. like i said, he's perfect. but his superman is far from it. cavill does a great job portraying supes and clark kent, which is astonishing and my most beloved thing about him. he is nerdy and shy and wonderfully adorable as clark. meanwhile being suave and charming and painfully likable as superman. he is. he's perfect. but zack, unfortunately, has a bad habit of not completely understanding the source material he's adapting from.

man of steel, in my opinion is a sub par film at best, but you're entitled to your opinion on that one because you consume media in your own way and i shall defend the right of everyone's opionion on media being whatever the fuck it is, till my dying day, even while i'm being murdered by man of steel lovers.

but my problem with that film lies in the fact that zack failed to understand that superman is supposed to be good. there are interviews of him talking about how he didn't want to portray superman as the goody two shoes everyone's used to, or as sanitized as we have apparently made him—which is ultimately his fatal flaw. superman isn't made to be looked at as anything but a beacon of hope. he is categorically NOT gritty or dark. he just isn't. he is, as it's so often put, kindness in a world where kindness is old fashioned. he isn't just a part of goodness in the world, he's proof of it.

i watched a lot of superman growing up, and maybe my understanding of him is different than yours, because it's certainly different than dear old zack's. but to me, clark kent is good. he lost his world, he's the last son of krypton, he carries with him a tragedy so great that it would break most men. he has every reason to be marred by loss but he chooses to be the symbol of hope. he chooses to be kindness in a world where kindness is old fashioned, because maa and paa kent taught him to be.

he defies all the predictable possibilities of being vengeful, and instead chooses to be a hero that is nothing but kind. he wakes up every morning to protect a world that was never meant to be his, because it is his world.

snyder, in my opinion, failed to see that. he failed to understand how much it takes for a man to be good, and said that superman being a goody two shoes is boring.

should we try and look closer into the grief that haunts superman? yes. should we expand on what it must feel like to him, to be the last of his kind, to be so alone in the universe? of course! should we explore more on what it must be like for a kid from smallville, kansas to grow up and realize he is different from everyone else? yep! should we inspect how isolated he must feel, how terrified, to have to control his every step, lest he rip the ground apart? a million times yes. but man of steel doesn't do that!

snyder has a long standing problem of misconstruing the point of any piece of media he finds dear. we saw that with his batman using guns and killing people (which is literally like the one thing he does not do. so much so, that when the animated series bruce is forced to pick up a gun, he fucking QUITS BEING BATMAN) and before that we've also seen it in watchmen where the superheroes and violence and vengeance is made out to be cool instead of being something gruesome and terrifying (which btw, was the point of that graphic novel—violence bad. and snyder decided to do that theme justice by shooting every single fight sequence in slo-mo and make it look super badass). so yeah, he does this. and sure man, studios fund him and people watch it—i watched it. in fact i love his watchmen, i fucking adore it. but that doesn't make it a good adaptation.

but i digress.

the point i'm trying to make is that superman is supposed to save the cat out of the tree. he is supposed to help old ladies cross the road. he is supposed to wear trunks and look a little goofy. CAUSE HIS MOM MADE HIS FIRST COSTUME, MAN. that is so cute!!!! do you understand how cute that is? it's so fucking adorable! he is supposed to be the absolute most dorky man in the universe who just happens to have powers. clark kent would have tried to save people even if he did not have powers and THAT is why he's superman and not the other way around.

so, yeah, let's hope james gunn gets that. i hope he understands the human inside the suit and he gets clark kent, son of maa and paa kent, the son of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, boyfriend of lois lane and friend of jimmy olsen, reporter for the daily planet. because that is the only way that you get SUPERMAN.

[liamnottherose]

We need to talk about Noel's lament.

I've always perceived this performance as a way for Noel to express his queerness, it's a beautiful expression of his identity and the passion for his interests through cabaret. It's a performance, yes, but the feeling it expresses it's real. And as queer myself I could not help but connect with this way of expressing one-self. This doesn't mean every queer person will be able to see themself in any of Noel's lament performance but rather that I do because of my queerness.

I've always appreciated this segment of rtc because it doesn't actually mock Noel for it, it allows him to express himself all out as an amazing thing. Sure they laugh at the absurdity of it, but just as much as everything else on the musical. That is rare to find, a canon queer character that, although a bit stereotypical in his manners and thoughts, is allowed to be passionate without that being considered a flaw. And I thought those were the writers intentions too.

Now, I've found a different performance, almost same cast but different actor for Noel (not going to name, this is no hate to this actor, just me thinking). This performance felt like it was making fun of Noel, instead of feeling the performance, it felt like it was daring the audience to see how far would it go. And of course the audience laughed.

It is not the first time I've seen a performance of Noel's lament were people laugh because "haha boy wearing lingerie so funny" but most of the time I could play it as the audience flaw, the performer was giving it their all and it made me connect (more or less) with it.

This was the first time I genuinely felt like the performer was instigating this behavior and it felt wrong. It was genuinely hard to watch because then I started to think that, maybe, the writers did intended this as a joke. The gay passionate teenage boy with manners that does any kind of performance as "a woman". And started to spiral because, do we really know anything about Noel except the fact he's gay, he hasn't had sex and he likes queer coded pieces of media related to sexual/sensual content? I mean, it is information and it is not like we know that much about the rest of the characters either.

Even though his performance allowed me to find my queer identity represented in an allegorical sense, at the end of the day, it can also be enjoyed by homophobic audiences. Not all of them but more "subtle" ones. The behavior of Constance still bugs me to this day as "fujoshi behavior", which is generally problematic in itself. At the end of the day, is Noel written to be enjoyed by queer audiences? A character can intend to represent a minority and still not be created for that minority, which can be really problematic too.

I don't have a conclusion I'm just spiraling because I LOVE Ride the Cyclone but each time I find myself finding more and more problems with it.

Of course this doesn't mean I won't like it anymore, it doesn't mean I cannot find myself in Noel's lament, I do, this won't change that. It doesn't mean you have to agree with me, maybe there's nothing wrong with this performance, maybe it's me overthinking this. But I do like enjoying theater responsibly, enjoying but being aware of it's "flaws". Idk, I wanted to say it.

//also idk English, if something is misspelled don't go after me

[opinions-about-tiaras]

I think it's okay for people to be disappointed and feel misled and maybe even a little upset Scott Pilgrim Takes Off wasn't a more straightforward adaptation.

It's a masterwork as a piece of media, of course; a AU-that's-also-a-sequel based on both the movie AND the graphic novels, in dialogue with both, telling a tight, near-flawless story with immaculate animation and voice acting that, quite frankly, often makes the 2010 movie look poorly directed. (Tony Oliver is getting a LOT more out of these people in the booth than Edgar Wright managed to in front of the camera, frankly.)

And that's part of the problem, I think.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World oozed charm out of every shot; it's beloved by everyone who worked on it, which is always a good sign. But as an adaptation it was flawed in ways that were inevitable. Sacrifices had to be made to fit all six graphic novels that are deliberately messy and are meant as separate narrative arcs into something that runs on the big screen in less than two hours.

That meant a lot had to go missing. The original graphic novels were often leisurely rom-coms where they weren't stark, raw looks at emotional dysfunction, and a big part of their structure was the secondary and supporting cast. A lot of that had to go. Knives entire arc was cut to the bone. Stephen Stills being a hot mess and his weird and hilarious offscreen gay awakening went into the trash. The heart of Volume Four (still the best volume FIGHT ME), Lisa Miller's instigating presence, junked. Roxie Richter and the Katayanagi Twins are reduced basically to jokes. Envy Adams is given just enough to be a villain but none of what she needed to be a real person, which is a big deal in the comics. Even Gideon gets short shrift; the emotional violations and the dark, stinking, malign weaponization of emotional headspace that make him work in the comics are thrown aside in favor of him being a more straightforward supervillain using mind control chips.

And of course the biggest person to get shanked was Kim Pine. Kim had a storyline of quiet desperation, of seeking intimacy while being desperately terrified of it, romantic and sexual awakenings she isn't equipped to handle, deep and personal betrayals almost every volume that she nonetheless perseveres through. That had to go as well.

When I heard there was an animated adaptation coming, I was thrilled that I would finally get to see all of that rendered onto the screen. Scott Pilgrim was born to be an animated series more than it ever was live-action (and it's been proven multiple times over the past five years especially that animation can produce something wildly special when adapting a comic source handled properly) and it was finally going to have the breathing space to do it RIGHT.

Only it isn't that at all.

I wouldn't trade Scott Pilgrim Takes Off for the more straightforward adaptation we were expecting. The series has sunk its hooks deep into my brain, it's like I'm 29 again, driving my terrible, jank-ass car five hours to Toronto to attend the release party of the final volume. There's so much special about it; Knives and Kim's beautiful love duet is one of the most tender, pure things I've ever seen. The League of Evil Exes as a bumbling cadre of weirdos. Everything to do with Roxie Richter.

But it also means that we're probably deeply unlikely to get that more straightforward adaptation anytime soon. And that makes me feel like something has been lost.

And I respect the feelings of those who are disappointed and upset by it. Especially given that the marketing for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off was deliberately deceptive. I think that's a valid way to feel.

[starsinkpop]

ATEEZ Choi Jongho Tarot Reading - Future Spouse

Disclaimer: I do tarot readings for fun, so please read them with a grain of salt. Don’t take my words too seriously and just keep an open mind. Tarot is a divination tool that can’t predict the future, as every single individual has their own will and makes their own decisions. Tarot should be seen as a guidance and a good friend that just has your best interest and gives you advice when needed. I’m not putting anyone in my readings on a pedestal nor am I trying to harm anyone. One last side note, I’m not a native speaker, so please excuse any wrong spellings or poor grammar.

Date of Reading: October 26th 2023

Decks: Ethereal Visions Tarot, Dreamscape Oracle, Romance Angel Oracle, Love Oracle, island time wellness love Oracle, Angel Answers Oracle Cards

Eight of Pentacles (R), Nine of Swords, Six of Cups (R) Knight of Cups, Knight of Wands, XXI The World

Jongho’s future spouse is a perfectionist who easily obsesses over things

they give me the energy of someone who gives up on new hobbies if they don’t perfect them in the shortest amount of time

they have a tendency to quit before they finished what they’ve started

they have many talents but don’t know how to use or develop them

when it comes to their abilities and work quality they underestimate and undersell themself because of a lack of self-confidence

I see them having a pretty “average” occupation

they maybe could have an office job that doesn’t excite them but it pays the bills

could be an assistant to someone

they seem to lack direction or purpose in life

this is someone who’s a bit materialistic

I’m getting this vibe of someone who is quite bored with life and routine and since this is extremely tiring they reward themself regularly with fancy stuff just to keep themself somewhat motivated

this could lead them to overspend from time to time

they’re introverted and don’t really like attention

they feel uncomfortable when people are watching them so I’m pretty sure this is not someone in the public eye or who is posting on social media

they could deal with anxiety or insomnia

I feel like this is caused by people constantly mistreating them and stabbing them in the back

they could appear a bit helpless at times

I’m getting Bambi energy

Jongho’s gonna protect them at all costs, I just know it

they’re someone who often has to face their fears

almost feels like life is constantly testing them and forcing them into uncomfortable situation

but this will help them grow stronger, even though it’s a long and maybe painful ride

people take advantage of them

this is a quite sensitive person who’s dealing with a lot of insecurities

they focus on their flaws instead of seeing how wonderful they are

this person has a hard time moving on

but I feel like Jongho helps them getting over their fears and turns them into a new person

they gonna rise from the ashes like a Phoenix when they start dating Jongho

I also think they meet when his fs is at their lowest point in life

it’s like he reveals a whole new and different world to them, this is actually very beautiful

all strings that their inner demons have control over will be cut off when Jongho enters their life

I’m seeing both of them improving each others mental and physical health

this is Jongho’s soul mate, these two found true love in each other

Jongho makes them understand that they deserve to be loved

they both balance each other out and build the life together they always dreamed of

they can be stuck in the past and have a hard time to move forward, again that’s because they’re a bit fearful

it feels like they’re inner child needs a lot of healing

they could appear to be sweet, but like a bit too sweet

it’s like a facade so people won’t take advantage of them and rather protect them

I see them as someone pretty charming actually, but only when they feel comfortable

they could a bit dramatic at times

but they’re very romantic and love the idea of love

they could’ve been single for a long time or maybe never had a proper relationship

again, I feel like this is caused by people constantly mistreating them, kinda getting sick of others in a way

they’re very diplomatic

this is someone who loves art and has an eye for aesthetics

they’re very interested in different cultures and languages, probably even speak multiple languages

this is someone from further away, like there’s a separation between them and Jongho

could be a different city or a foreign country

they enjoy traveling a lot

this is someone who’s very intelligent knowledgeable

they’re quite stubborn and could have Capricorn or Aries placements

they have a lot of sympathy for others

look wise I can see someone conventionally beautiful

they’re very attractive

they probably have brown or black hair, either straight or a bit wavy

from the energy I’m getting someone who’s a bit younger then Jongho

Love,

~Nicky 🫧

Masterlist

[james-vi-stan-blog]

why do I feel like the previous anon was a dig at me for asking questions about the kind of people James and George were😃I could be wrong though.

my only thing about why I’m hoping all of them in the show will show their flaws or how much of a bad person they can be is because I know it’ll be so much easier for people to understand or even sympathize with George simply because Nicholas is playing him. I’ve probably mentioned this before but I fully believe it has something to do with looks.

Nicholas is incredibly attractive so a lot of people feel more inclined or gravitate towards his character to feel sympathy, maybe defend, or ‘babygirl’ George even through problematic issues he’s had (that might be in the show but idk what they’ll include) but compared to Tony portraying James? I don’t think he’s going to get that same energy or thought process because his character might be criticized more simply because some people don’t find Tony/James attractive. I’ve seen this happen many times and it’s just odd people haven’t picked up on that.

I’m not saying people aren’t allowed to make up their own opinions about how they perceive the the characters or force my opinions onto others. I honestly can say that I feel sympathy for George and James (even Mary) but I think a lot of people aren’t going to realize how much looks would come into play when their formulating their opinions about the characters.

I’m sorry if I’m not making any sense, I have a hard time writing my thoughts! also I’m not trying to start anything so I hope this doesn’t come across as rude or anything😭

-✨

I don't think asking "good or bad" type questions is necessarily pointless… after all, people do have vices and virtues, and they can make good, bad, or downright evil decisions. I think we can even evaluate relative badness to some extent (like the 5th Earl of Bothwell, there's a phenomenally shitty person). Rather, it's a binary vision of good and bad guys that's toxic for the study of history. I think it's also limiting for media. If you (general you, not you, ✨) are going into Mary & George just looking to be entertained, there's no need to have several essays cited that George Villiers Is A Good Person™ Actually before you've even sat down. Not every story is meant to be didactical. What is about to unfold in front of you could be a villain's tale, some complex shade of tragedy, etc.

But to the main thrust of your ask, honestly… I too worry about this. The halo effect and lookism are well-documented phenomena (known and understood even in the period itself… I mean… why was short, stuttering, shy Baby Charles so invested in his iconography, but to depict himself as strong, masculine, handsome, and therefore virtuous and deserving to rule!!!) and also applies to media depictions of historical figures. It's totally a real thing that when a historical figure gets played by a popular actor, people will tend to be softer on that character, not even purely due to "beauty = goodness", but also because the pleasure of the visual spectacle inclines us to excuse what we're seeing. (Actually, even outside the appearance of the actors, people tend enormously to excuse the actions of a protagonist. It's just sort of an effect of the medium.)

That said, I believe the vast majority of people who say "I support George's rights and George's wrongs!" are just being silly and having fun and are perfectly capable of rationally judging what they're watching. You guys are great, please have a great time, tell your friends about the show so that more people learn about James VI and the Villiers family!!

But yeah, rarely there's… I don't go on Shitter but saw a screenshot of someone saying they hoped Somerset/Buckingham would be the main ship because Laurie Davidson is hotter and they don't want to watch an "ugly" (??) "old man fuck" and that just disheartened and disgusted me. You know, gayness doesn't exist to be hot and entertaining. Queer stories serve more purposes than fetish fuel for oglers. And this story is about real people who actually existed…

Also, I've got thoughts about people who think it's wrong and disgusting for James to have fallen in love with handsome George Villiers but also vociferously and openly thirst over Nicholas Galitzine and want to see him naked in queer roles. 😑

Anyway I'm happy to see these figures in almost any interpretation but I really hope George Villiers will be allowed to be magnificently terrible because… c'mon… it's George Villiers. The icon. The legend. The Duke of Buckingham himself. I feel like watering down his character would be cheating him of the glory he's due.

[billconrad]

“I Don’t Believe What I Write”

    For those unfamiliar with Jeremy Clarkson, he is an outspoken, brash, offensive, and controversial man with so many health problems that he should have been dead ten years before he was born. He is also responsible for Top Gear, one of the world’s highest-rated television shows. Plus, a newspaper columnist, author of several books, and now hosts the Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm.

    Over the years, Jeremy got into trouble by striking a producer and commenting negatively about the royal family. This resulted in his termination from the show Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Yet, his brash mind has also provided many words of wisdom:

    Ambition is a very dangerous thing because either you achieve it and your life ends prematurely, or you don’t, in which case your life is a constant source of disappointment. You must never have ambition.

    I don’t think I am particularly funny. In fact, I know I’m not.

    Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that’s what gets you.

    I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it here again, now. Nothing brilliant has ever resulted from a meeting.

    Flirting is the oil that lubricates the engine of ingenuity and wit.

    We waste an enormous amount of time making decisions based entirely on this fanciful notion that we like alternatives.

    The rules of war, then, have always changed as a reaction to the conflict that’s just been fought.

   A book needs more than beautiful sentence construction, a left-wing take and wry observation. It needs, more than anything else, a story.

    The problem is that social media, which is seen as the pulse of the nation, is actually nothing of the sort. It’s the pulse of the young and the idealistic.

    The faster you go, the more time slows down. This is a scientific fact. I spend my life driving quickly, which is why I have a 1970s haircut.

    I wanted to discuss this quote: “I don’t believe what I write, any more than you believe what you say (about the Iraq war).” It is from a discussion with Alastair Campbell, a British writer, campaigner, and strategist. He served as the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson from 1997 to 2000.

    It is important to remember that Jeremy earns an income by making pompous statements intended to be offensive so that the viewers/readers find them entertaining. To do so, the quote confirms that he does not necessarily believe his own words.

    Our society thrives on shock because it creates discussion, change, and problem awareness. For example, the group PETA uses pictures and protests with scantily clad celebrities to promote their cause. Their goal is that the people seeing these erotic scenes are shocked into thinking, “Wow, I should not eat meat.”

    Jeremy’s quote points out the flaw in shock value. Taking the prior PETA example, do these famous people walk around in their revealing outfits all day long to promote the PETA cause? No? Yet, they still (occasionally) pose for the pictures, just as Jeremy makes occasional bold statements.

    My writing is at the other end of the spectrum. I am morally obligated to write what I believe in, which means not having shock value. Yet, there is a significant inconsistency with my factious stories. For example, I have an immortal female character. Living forever breaks medical principles, making this character impossible. So, how do I believe my fictitious words? I must take a leap of faith.

    At the beginning of every book, I clearly state that my book is fictional. From that point forward, I am free to passionately write a story that does not follow a truthful narrative. Yet, this is not precisely the point Jeremy was making. Take this article. I researched the topic and worked hard to convey my thoughts accurately. Still, it is an opinion.

    What if I did add some shock, just like Jeremy? Readers would probably enjoy a little spice. The answer is that Jeremy’s personality is far different from my own. I welcome readers to enjoy my words and would feel bad if I offended them. This leaves lots of room for shock creators like Jeremy to occupy that space.

    I conclude that Jeremy’s simple statement embodies what it means to be a shock creator. For them, lying is not a big deal. However, to maintain sanity, such people must not believe in the lie. It’s called entertainment for a reason.

    You’re the best -Bill

    October 23, 2024

    Hey, book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:

   Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.

    Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.

    Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.

    Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.

    These books are available in softcover on Amazon and in eBook format everywhere.

[ozianfizz]

Completely Uneducated Internet Opinion after seeing Oppenheimer and Barbie

The Barbie Movie focuses on a very specific lens of misogyny that doesn't show just how pervasive and horrific it really is, and it's painfully obvious that it's selling a brand of feminism that isn't too alienating to the status quo and is very "Oh well! The Kens will have as much power as us girls do in the real world ig. Get it? 😜" It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but it's about as politically aware and active a multimillion dollar Warner Brothers film based on a Mattel IP can really be. I appreciate it more as a celebration of embracing all the terrible flaws and aspects of being a woman in a misogynistic world, and an abstract being deciding that it's all worth it because of the joyful and meaningful experience of being a woman and not just an idea.

It's also funny that Ken as a character eclipses and overshadows a lot of the film, since the whole thing is about feminism and the name of the film IS Barbie. But much like feminist causes in the real world, the audience focuses more on the men involved lol. A lot of that comes down to Ryan Gosling's fantastic performance though. This man understood the assignment like no actor ever has before.

Also, the costuming and set design are god tier and exactly what we need to see more of in a media landscape dominated by shitty looking CGI from un-unionized and poorly treated sweatshop artists. If you like good looking movies, watch this movie.

Ken does take over the screen whenever he's there, but Margot Robbie shines in this thing. The comparison can't NOT be made between Barbie and The Truman Show (Gerwig iirc says it was one of her main inspirations and it shows), and her performance as Barbie discovers the world she's lived in and her existence itself is a flimsy ideal is so moving. Because like Truman, she chooses personhood and freedom over certainty and safety. She chooses to become a real woman not despite the many disadvantages and pain that comes with it, but BECAUSE of the experience. She learns that there is beauty in cellulite and stretch marks and wrinkles, there is beauty in aging, there's an entire world of experiences and emotions that as a doll she could never achieve and truly feel. And seeing someone CHOOSE humanity is such a wonderful thing.

The film also indulges in the kind of campy silly shit we expected, and I can see how some viewers view it as inconsistent and jarring when it's juxtaposed with moments like America's speech. But despite how half-stepped and steeped in a very specific advertiser friendly brand of Hollywood/corporate liberal feminism this film is, I appreciate Greta Gerwig even trying to do this in the first place. If even one woman or girl comes out of this being more critical of the world around them and the ways misogyny affects us, then I'm happy. If even one man or boy comes out of this being more critical of the world around them and the ways misogyny and patriarchy affects THEM and how they view and treat others, I'm happy. You are Ken-ough (sweater now available via Mattel for $86.99 while supplies last btw).

Oppenheimer is...what you'd expect of a Christopher Nolan biopic of Oppenheimer. It looked nice on 35mm film but it's also got the sound quality issue every fucking Nolan film has, where if you don't have the exact setup he wanted for the film then so many bits of dialogue will be drowned out by music or be otherwise unintelligible. The effects showing one woman with radiation burns were so laughably bad, it was like she let a bunch of Elmer's glue dry on her face and it looked so goofy that it ruined the weight of the scene.

For a film that really tries to show how paradoxical and complicated Oppenheimer was, it doesn't exactly sympathize with him to the extent I've seen people say it does. The film shows he's a dramatic, dismissive, egotistical asshole that refuses to explain his convictions and at times you (and other characters) wonder if he even has any. And his hypocrisy is constantly pointed out by many characters. The prosecutor in the security hearing asks how and why he suddenly decided to have moral qualms about nuclear bombs when he was eager on the Manhattan Project and outright helped decide which city to drop the first bomb on. Strauss's belief that Oppenheimer wants to be a martyr seems true, whether it's (as Strauss believes) out of pure ego or (as his wife says) that he honestly believes that receiving every punishment possible will somehow lead to him atoning and being forgived.

Also if you're watching a Nolan film you're already coming in with low expectations for women characters and this is no exception. Florence Pugh's character exists to show tits, talk briefly about communist ideals only to be talked down to by the more well-read Oppenheimer, fulfill a "methinks she doth protest too much" shtick with her always tossing his flowers, show tits again, break down when he says he can't see her anymore, and then kill herself to add to his sorrow. I do like that his wife immediately looks at him and says that he can't do things like have an affair out of selfishness, disregard other peoples' feelings, and then be surprised when his behavior ruins peoples' lives and fucks him over. His wife is incredibly based and Nolan does a good job portraying how miserable she was as Oppenheimer's wife.

The film showcases his lack of empathy or regard for others until it comes back to fuck him over outside of the affair. He builds Los Alamos knowing that local indigenous tribes come up there for burial rites because they're less important to him than The Big Picture and building the bomb. The civilian lives in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are something he's prepared to destroy for the sake of this experiment and usher in a new era of scientific discovery (again, nothing is more important than that Big Picture). The lack of regard for the Japanese people, the indigenous tribes of New Mexico and the other civilians in the area is (imo) intentional because the film is about Oppenheimer. It's about how he put them, his family, and everyone around him aside to follow what he's worked in his entire life: theory. Real tangible lives were something he did weigh, and ultimately decided were worth the cost if it meant a) proving this theory b) furthering scientific knowledge and c) ushering humanity into a new era of understanding. And as disgusting as it is, it's interesting to see a film trying to dissect why and how one human being made that decision and seemingly came to regret it.

Anyway while both films are completely different animals in different universes, I think I prefer Barbie because when I cringed, it was during parts I was meant to cringe. And Oppenheimer has the scene where Floremce Pugh (naked obviously) asks him to read the Bhagavad Gita and they start fucking as he says the "I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" line and thus robs it of its actual historical context AND cheapens not just Oppenheimer as he originally quoted it...as well as cheapened the Bhagavad Gita as a whole bc. Dude. Now I want a Bollywood movie where a character reads the Bible while a woman rides him and shows tiddy for superfluous bullshit reasons.

[dramasauce]

The Furthest Distance-initial thoughts

So I watched the first episode. It's filmed beautifully. I'm a little afraid because usually when it's cinematic like this (for cdramas at least) there seems to be a censorship that makes it choppy in direction. However, because of the leads I expect it to be good in standard. They tend to do things that can be taken seriously.

I'm a little nervous about the storyline. Our female lead is obviously into the male lead from the start. I don't think it's completely romantic at first. I think from her initial meeting of him, she was awestruck, envious (not negatively), of the type of love he presented for his now deceased wife, Mi Su. From the literal start as the FL made the house for them (ML and dead wife), there seems to be this reoccurring thought of a love so pure and clear, like the glass house, and the fact that he's capable of it, from what she knows of the relationship. I think that is why he is always a thought for her.

Now with this line of thought, I think it can lead up to some toxic fans. I hope that people wont look down on the FL for this. Because it could appear like she was lying in wait, for the male lead. But I don't think it was intentional. And it's 6 years later, she gave it well enough time if she was.

While I think this story could be beautiful, I can also see where it would get downright messy in a bad way.

FL has to deal with some pretty big things before and during the romance that will be very concerning:

Dead Wife Trope also known as The Lost Lenore. This is going to be a problem because I've hardly ever seen this handled well in ANY forms of media. Once that wife is dead, she WILL haunt. And it's going to be HELL for the Lover who doesn't have that baggage. Our ML is CLEARLY still in love with his wife and has been stuck ever sense. I'm not saying this is wrong or a bad thing, grief is just like that. But getting him to move on without guilt is going to be impossible, but getting him to move on in general looks bleak. (I know it will because this is a romance but yall know what I mean.)

Fixing a house of love for someone you're in love with, but know is in love with someone else. Our FL designed that house knowing who it was for and why it was made. Her design was pure and out of hope to capture what she saw in the male lead. So now that he reached out in hopes for her to fix it, she's going to see the flaws, in both the love she thought, the design of the home, and her internal battle of feelings for him.

The ML's obvious depression/grip on the past. Losing someone you love is very hard. I'm not trying to say that it isn't. But the way he looks and moves even from episode 1 alone, tells me that he hasn't gotten any help to move on. If the FL likes him she's going to have to hold on TIGHT and want him through mood swings. Because that guilt is going to keep them apart more than any other SFL wish they could. And you can tell he likes the female lead for sure. It's moving quickly to establish that. But he's not going to acknowledge it.

So essentially, she's going to be battling a love triangle with a dead woman. And this is going to be a :/ pretty sad ride more than anything.

[fromthelemontrees]

Magical Everyday Objects

Originally published to www.fromthelemontrees.com on 03.15.2024

I haven't posted anything in a while and definitely not with his tag in a minute... so how about now?

I am so very fond of "do it and forget it" work and this will be half way that. There's the "do it and forget it" but with consistent application.

1. Find an object that means something to you but you absolutely use on a daily basis or extremely regularly. I will give some example objects that might be helpful.

2. Physically clean and spiritually cleanse them.

3. Give that object to your ancestors/spirits. Please ensure that these objects will not be needed for anything else or for anyone else!

4. Pray that their presence is seen, heard, felt in the best possible way and pray for whichever blessings you care to have over the chosen objects.

Through repetitive use, the object gains significance and strength in that area so that it actually becomes better over time.

Potential objects and ways of using or thinking about them:

A mirror:

* (Self) reflection: show how you view yourself, your beautiful parts and you know... the parts that needs some extra work

* Revelation: those who stand with/behind you and those who stand against you

Makeup/Skincare:

* Attraction and glamour are obvious options; typically this is thought of as accentuating or enhancing characteristics but you could cover up/hide flaws.

* Toners, serums, etc - clearing, repairing, brightening how you are perceived

* Lotions, moisturizers, etc - smooth things out, filling in gaps

Makeup and Skincare can be used for casual reputation work when you see/speak to a lot of people for whatever reason.

Perfume: Similar to makeup and skincare in some regards but definitely good for "putting on airs". Scent is also deeply linked to memory, and lingers behind long after you've left so if you want to 'stick" to someone then scent is a good option to explore.

Jewelry: opulence, looking like a million bucks

Paper, canvas, ink, paints, etc: For many people writing was not and is not the way of life. However, if your spirits performed art in some fashion, then these objects might appeal to them and they may even be able to give you and your work a boost.

Blankets: Especially ones that you sleep with or gain comfort from, you can make use of that for living in comfort, etc.

(Internal) Consumables: This is not necessarily just food or drinks, just anything you consume/process. So it could be media as well.

* Sweets (sugar, honey, candies, etc) - ensuring steady supply of things that bring sweetness/joy into your life; consistency can be whatever you want but try to be extremely regular. Please note that, depending on sweetener and your spirits, your mileage may vary.

* Teas/Tisanes - what you get out of this very much depends on the plant but if you can find something your spirits historically consumed, even better. It will bring you into further concert. Please be mindful of contraindications and medicinal interactions! Not every plant is safe for everybody!

* Tinctures - similar to tea/tisane but less overall effort than drinking a tea every day

The list could go on but I'll leave that to you!

Blessings,

From the Lemon Trees

[halogenwarrior]

I know this poll finished a while ago, but now that I feel more confident about my ability to write analyses of these things I wanted to have a go at breaking down how the series treats female characters arc by arc - I think it would be interesting if they had arc specific polls for these because it is so long-running that the reblog didn't really have the analysis of individual characters that you get for shorter fiction. Individual characters' treatment didn't really get mentioned here just because there is so many of them, the way you see in media with just a few women that comes up here. I wish I would have felt confident enough to do this while the poll is still running but at least I can see what people who follow me for Warriors think. So:

The whole series: There are quite a few misogynistic patterns all the arcs fall into when taken as a whole. The creation of a society that is intended to have gender equality but winds up having women (she-cats) typically fall and be pressured into roles and expectations of women in the author's society anyway, leading to things like Clan leaders being only 1/4 female for no real in-universe reason; this comes off as a lot more sexist than if the society was written as flawed in this manner on purpose because it shows the authors think women just inherently are like that. And then creating the Sisters as an "obvious bad example" of "look here is a real intentionally sexist society the narrative acknowledges and it's men they discriminate against, our society isn't that bad then see?" The coding of "dainty beautiful woman" and "tough muscular man" on nearly all the characters (lots of male characters described as small but nary a big female character to be seen except the most prominent female villain and aforementioned straw misandry faction). This goes down even to the names, where despite the unisex warrior society, "pretty" suffixes like flower are female only and ones like "claw" are almost male-only. Villains being disproportionately male and when a rare female one appears, they are motivated by stereotypical woman things like love for a man and children. And how they handle the she-cats having or not having children (with the exception of Twigbranch who still was open for maybe having children in the future, every female character who expresses wanting to not have children ends up mentally breaking down (Hollyleaf, Bluestar), making things worse with the power they choose instead of children and being somewhat of a villain (Leopardstar) or straight-up being a straw evil stereotype (Lizardstripe), while characters who say women's purpose is to have children and they have to be happy about it are portrayed by the narrative as right and paragons of virtue). And tendency (except for Berryheart) for abusive mothers to be one-dimensional while abusive fathers are forgiven and made excuses for by the narrative. Also the tendency to, while the overall death tolls are about the same for male and female characters, fridge female love interests way more often than male ones, and killing a female member of the main cast almost every arc while the male deaths are all supporting characters.

Arc 1: Definitely suffers from "male defaultism" where just about every character is male unless there is a reason for them to be female, so not a huge focus on women. The main love interest character Sandstorm gets to be generically cool and sassy but doesn't really have much going for her, her arc is all about her romance and coming to see beyond her prejudices that her love interest is a good guy while the male equivalents who have arcs about breaking free from Clan racist (Dustpelt and Longtail) have more to those arcs than just being driven by a love interest, what with Dustpelt's relationship with his mentor and epic call-out of Tigerstar or Longtail and his apprentice Swiftpaw. So I'd hardly call her good representation. To its credit, it does have two female mentor figures, Bluestar and Yellowfang, who are given complexity and compelling stories (Bluestar's breakdown doesn't ever feel like a "women shouldn't be given power" but written in the same way as tragic male leaders despite the aspect about her children). But when you compare these two to the background characters it shows a nasty pattern - male characters can be fathers and also respected, honorable warriors to look up to, a female character who's a mother is just "mom" and nothing else. Goldenflower gets completely neglected even in her son's POV because she's just a vessel to have Tigerstar's kid, Speckletail is treated as hysterical for believing in her son and gets punished by him dying. The two mentor figures, meanwhile, are only allowed that position of respect due to giving up their children, and that forms the core of why their arcs are so tragic. So the message seems to be "be a mother and you are a faceless nothing, don't and you get to be important but it's not worth it because it will make your life miserable, while men get to have it all".

The New Prophecy: Mostly fixes the male default thing with about an evenly gender split main cast, but then the female characters mostly fall into being oh so wise and dainty and put together compared to the male ones, while snarking at nonsensical toms. This leads to them getting less interesting arcs, like Brambleclaw struggling with his heritage while his sister Tawnypelt has it all put together so she has less focus and no arc. The one who doesn't fit that mold and is immature and messy, Squirrelflight, gets treated by the narrative (or by Brambleclaw, but the narrative never calls him out for it) much more harshly than male equivalents like Crowfeather because men are expected to be tormented and flawed while it's unusual and thus annoying for a woman. Of the POV characters, the two female ones' arcs are largely about romance while the male one is about his heritage and ambition and insecurities. To be fair, Mothwing is actually a well-written and not misogynistic character who has struggles that while they do relate to her relationship with her brother are also about her outsider identity and relationship with religion, she gets written as one-note in later arcs but not in a sexist way - though definitely in an anti-atheist way. This arc also introduces regular main characters Squirrelstar and Leafpool. A lot of people have said the narrative hates them in a sexist way, and I feel that's not quite true - the narrative quite likes them (or at least Squirrelstar, Leafpool gets shafted in SqH) and is interested in their struggles and moments of strength, but it likes then in the way you like deeply flawed, tragic antiheroes and it's misogyny that makes it see them that way when they objectively haven't done that much wrong, while letting morally worse equivalents like Crowfeather suffer less in their tragic anti-hero redemption arc.

Power of Three: Does have the typical 2 boys 1 girl structure but Hollyleaf, while she could have easily fallen into the "boring straight woman above it all" archetype, actually is given complexity and love by the narrative and it quickly becomes clear that she is the type A straight man only in the sense of the messy tragic hero who is just as prideful and sometimes ridiculous as her male counterparts, and ultimately ends up falling apart in a way that fits with her character rather than being because she is a she-cat (though as mentioned it still falls into patterns of how women who don't want children are treated, and she falls into the pattern of female main who gets killed off). However, the supporting cast... we have Nightcloud (one-dimensional "other woman" stereotype until CT who's demonized for getting in the way even though she hasn't really done much wrong), Heathertail who only exists as a love interest to further Lionblaze and later Breezepelt's arcs and gets dropped when she's not needed for that, Cinderheart whose arc is nonsensical and ableist but I guess isn't anything offensive from a sexism perspective...

Omen of the Stars: Has two female leads, but then their plot line is a rather cliche thing to do with female characters (sibling jealousy and fighting over who's more special). Dovewing does fall into the trope of female protagonist who is in the plot for what she innately is (her powers and the prophecy) rather than what she does, but does get some rather interesting characterization around what she feels about her sensory experience of the world and the pressure put on her. But the way the authors talk about her in things like the ultimate guide make this all feel unintentional, with her real purpose to be a satellite love interest for Tigerstar II whose arc revolves around him even though she's the one who's an arc protagonist. Ivypool does get an arc after getting past the jealousy stuff which isn't particularly sexist, but she also doesn't get to have any positive effect on the plot as a spy for fear of breaking the narrative. And points off for the authors having the memory of a goldfish and thus dropping the bit about her husband being the primary caretaker of her children.

Dawn of the Clans: Ok leaving this out because I haven't read it, but I've heard it's the worst of the lot...

A Vision of Shadows: Actually the only one that, if it was put alone, I would vote yes on, but with some reservations. It is driven by the female protagonists Violetshine and Twigbranch with Alderheart fading mostly into the background, as well as Needletail despite her not having a POV. Violetshine is a "strong character", a little bland for me but not in a sexist way, but Twigbranch and Needletail in particular are allowed to be "human" and break typical warriors gender stereotypes. Needletail could have easily been from the first book the "rebellious manic pixie dream girl who teaches the awkward relatable male protagonist to live but doesn't have interiority", but seeing her through Violetshine's perspective later instead allows her to become more than that, and be a flawed and complex character who doesn't get hated by the narrative for it, as well as having a complicated relationship with her young charge that doesn't just get boiled down into "one dimensional bad mother figure". Of course it's filtered through the general conservative boomer tendencies of the narrative towards rebellious youth, but that isn't gendered. Likewise Twigbranch (although not my favorite character personally) is definitely given a personality and arc that isn't about men, allowed to drive the SkyClan plot, and is allowed to be a bad caretaker figure as mentor and stand her ground about not wanting to have children without being demonized for it, and even without fitting into the stereotypical "stoic ambitious career woman one of the guys" archetype that is usually the only way the authors can imagine a woman who doesn't want children. Instead she's hardworking but doesn't always fit into the ambitions of the Clan career trap and passionately emotional, and she also at least for now doesn't want children. As for the misgivings... well there's Sleekwhisker not being given much development for her villainy besides stereotypical "girl motives" like love for her male boss and jealousy towards other women, and of course Sparkpelt, which is the most remembered part of the arc by fans in terms of treating women and why you often hear it said that the new author arcs are worse. The way she's punished for being successful and outgoing, combined with the much better treatment of the other woman, does give the sense that this arc really likes women who are rebels and misfits, but despises the idea of a woman who does fit in and is traditionally successful, seeing them as inherently taking a rightful place away from men.

And I haven't actually read TBC or ASC so I will leave them here, just wanted to say my thoughts.

warrior cats (yes i know its about cats but trust me on this one)

Warriors (AKA Warrior Cats) (Novel Series, 2003)

Explain your reasoning in the tags!

[goetzjpvis]

2/6/24 "MOB PSYCHO 100" JPT3702

Alright, now onto one of the best creations in human history.

MOB PSYCHO 100!

I am incredibly excited to cover this anime, so I'm going to try to talk about it per episode and per theme so that I don't start rambling, and that it's easier for you guys to read.

EPISODE 1:

Mob as autistic representation: Even if it wasn't ONE's intention, I thought that he did an amazing job with autistic representation. I myself am not autistic, by my diagnosed ASD friends who are also mp100 fans consider mob one of the best representations they've ever seen media. Mob struggles to maintain friendships, is often blunt, has difficulty initiating conversation, has an inability to understand tonal change and "read the room", has an underreaction to physical stimuli, and the 100% alluding to a 'meltdown' are all things that people have verifiably cited as behavior which coincides with many people with ASD (disclaimer: ASD is a spectrum- many people have varied behaviors to different degrees). I was fond of this representation because I felt like people around mob acknowledged that he was different, accepted him, made some accommodations for him, but otherwise his uniqueness was not a focal point of the comic. It was actually never even outright stated that he was autistic. Nowadays, many characters with disabilities are created with the intention of displaying and being an activist piece for said disability, and while I understand that that's valid, it's very rare to see a character that is really accepted within the story without being singled out due to said disability. Some may also consider Tome an autistic representation as well, because of her affinity/special interest for aliens that followers her throughout the series, where she stops at nothing, even at the behest of her friends (and being seen as weird), to communicate with them. That being said...

100%: I said earlier that mob's 100% mode can be seen as an allegory to an autistic meltdown, but I also think that it can be applied further than that. People nowadays are so hellbent on projecting a certain image of themselves onto society that they have to conform to strict, rigid societal rules while simultaneously acting like it comes naturally to them. It's tiring, stressful, and uncomfortable. Mob can also be a representation of the average person who is forced to deal with discomfort while simultaneously accepting it with a smile. We all have those days where we hit 100%, be real! I believe that this is a critique on society because... well....... we need to learn to be honest with our own emotions, and be more graceful of other's as well. TERU V MOB:

Honne/Tatemae: What was that fight all about? Teru is desperate and power hungry- when he hears that somebody even nearly as strong as him exists, he knows he has to challenge him, even when that person doesn't even want to fight! This fight was a beautiful showcase of Teru's character arc, which happened in just under 10 minutes! Teru is in need of social approval, making his powers (uniqueness) his entire personality. After the fight, Teru had virtually nothing left (seriously, his clothes, his hair, his strength, and his social status were all gone!), but he allowed his defeat to change him positively, realizing that he had come to terms with not being special.

Most characters in this series have their own form of honne/tatemae (the face they show to society versus how they truly feel). Mob, Ritsu, student council president, Inuyama, and Reigen, are all deeply flawed and use masks to hide their discomfort. ONE uses this technique for nearly every character arc, forcing us to realize that we can only run with our 'masks' for so long. Tome is actually the only character that I can think of that doesn't follow this Honne/Tatemae format. She is unapologetically herself, even when she is put down or made fun of. In the end, after all the characters go through their own special transformations... what happens to Tome? She meets fucking aliens. And she deserves to.

You can all change:

People changing is another massive theme from the Teru arc that I feel reflects a large portion of the show in general. Dimple, Boss, Reigen, Teru, Ritsu, and Toichiro, were all previously "bad guys" one way or another. Mob uses his power of pacifism and empathy to help each character with their problems instead of beating them down (but in Teru's case beating him up was helping him). This shows you that you can flip the script on your tatemae and live your unapologetically true self while also self reflecting and improving.