#i just think theyre neat :]

[codenameregnar]

Ok ok this is actually one of my favorite pieces of Cardassian society as outlined in asit.

So Garak essentially opens the letter questioning how most Humans can so readily except the masks they are shown, seemingly without ever stopping to question what they see at face value or examine their own subterranean motives and obfuscations. Implying that most Cardassians are acutely aware of what lies behind the mask others wear and are more adept at reading between the lines of the truth presented to them.

He then goes on to explain that in Cardassian society it is paramount above all that everyone do their duty in service to the state and work withing the group to achieve a goal set forth by the leader of the group, but that as along as the job gets done it is frankly nobody's business how you did it. What others don't know won't hurt them. Efficiency above transparency. As such children are taught from a very early age to mask their emotions and deflect from outside perception.

Later in the book, once he arrives at Bamarren, it is quite literally beat into him that the unit and cohesiveness of such is the most important thing. That the individual is nothing and without the group you will be singled out and made to pay.

All of this to say, it is a good deal more complicated than "lying is good". Unit cohesiveness is good, and more than that, the appearance of such. Everyone knows they cannot trust what others tell them at face value, but to appear as though you have warranted such mistrust or are yourself mistrustful amounts to a chink in the armor of Cardassian unity, and thus compromises the entire Union. By appearing to be anything less than truthful you have effectively singled yourself out and are thus a weak link that must be punished accordingly until you fall back in line.

Garak, while in the Order, made it his life's work to lie so deeply yet so effortlessly that it would be difficult to expose his dishonesty and use it against him to remove him from the group. Which is exactly why he was so dangerous. He says in the book that his smile was his biggest tool in his line of work because it is disarming and made him appear open and genuine while, when he chose, it could also be used as a threat. And I think that is a great example of how lying and dishonesty works on Cardassia. The trick isn't to make everyone think you're being honest, it's to lie in such a way that to expose the lie would come at more of a detriment to the person exposing you and give the group a reason to feel attacked or betrayed.

Idk, I just find the layers of their society and personal psychologies as colored by the state so endlessly fascinating.

it's funny when fics make it out like all of Cardassian society openly and conciously values secrecy when the show makes it more complicated in two ways: both the shri-tal and prisoners are encouraged to confess secrets, and the latter is done through a spiritual framework. "Confession is good for the soul".

plus I'm given to understand authoritarian societies naturally keep secrets, but expect the public to be "honest" as a matter of control, even though naturally, the populace will keep secrets, and indeed, keeps more secrets in response to authoritarianism. However, one should not be perceived as secretive, because it can invite trouble. So secrecy is valued in every part of society, but being PERCEIVED as honest and open also carries a lot of value. Dukat certainly tries to present himself as honest, and I think at times he almost fools the audience.

It reminds me of a post I think @idonotbitemythumbatyou made or added onto- Garak’s ability to be unknown and ambiguous on DS9 is a great freedom not normally afforded to Cardassians. "He's guilty, but of what". Frankly being so blatantly dishonest might be considered disturbingly anti social behavior.

[cyberlandpursefire]

For those curious this is probably tied for my favorite timebomb fanart. Shout out to @canwabd on twitter for this

[shyaringan]

they are truely the duo ever.. sometimes the only friend you have left in the world is the ex-cop who tried to kill you in the woods

(not a ship post)

[southpauz]

A disastrous turn during date night

[b1p-b00p-b0p]

I am unwell

Pt.2

[merlins-art]

My guyss

[dieubius]

got Demons in my head (the demons is bruharvey)

[etanow]

OH NO OH NO OH N

Freakshow au belongs to @hootbon

[tharett]

Sonics your Emerald Duo (again lmao)💥💥💥👊

Edit: this is the parody (low quality) version where they say "that's what she said" wink wink

/

Convierte tu Emerald Duo a Sonic (otra vez JAJAJA) 💥💥💥👊

Edit en Español: este es la parodia de baja calidad donde dicen "eso es lo que ella dijo" (un meme en inglés), te guiña el ojo y sonríe todo guapo xdxd

[forbiddentaako]

charging up to be the season 2 villains

[zaerxa]

losers (I miss them)

[holysheithyall]

i love toxic yuri

[mugiwara--ya]

wish you were here

don’t repost // support me on ko-fi

[southpauz]

And then they go on a lil' date

Based on this post:

[lilshoots]

vulnerability

[missallanious]

Franky and Robin!!! My OP OTP, the Best In Show, Cutest, Most Fabulous,, *SUPERRRRR*, all the adjectives