#if something explores the reality and consequences of their actions and the impact on the victims without downplaying it or ignoring it

[ilynpilled]

it frankly pisses me off that what is essentially “rapists and abusers should be depicted as monstrous caricatures because humanizing them is inappropriate” is considered a very moral and enlightened position to have on art by so many people. a rapist can feel pain, have moments of vulnerability, be amiable and charming, express remorse and compassion at times, be a victim themselves, and so on in real life. they are capable of doing good things. they can have different sides to them and have individuals in their lives that they are kind to or have a decent relationship with. they will be a human being, and that fact encompasses a lot. conflating that with the claim that they are entitled to and deserve your forgiveness or absolution is an issue. nurturing a mindset that believes they need to be one note and uncomplicated to be a correct and tasteful depiction of a rapist inadvertently falls in line with the logic of “how could they have possibly raped you? they are so normal and kind to me. they did all these good things here and there.” ok that doesn’t change that they are a rapist.

[imastoryteller]

20 Plot Twist Ideas That Will Shock Your Audience

One of the most effective tools in a storyteller's arsenal is the plot twist. A well-executed plot twist can leave your audience reeling, questioning everything they thought they knew about your story. It can turn a good story into a great one, leaving a lasting impact on your readers or viewers. In this post, we'll explore 20 plot twist ideas that will shock your audience and elevate your storytelling game to new heights.

1. The Unlikely Hero:

Turn the tables by revealing an unexpected character as the true hero. This can be someone seemingly insignificant or even an antagonist who redeems themselves at a crucial moment.

2. The Double Agent:

Introduce a character who initially appears loyal to the protagonist but is secretly working against them, only to later reveal their true intentions.

3. The Long-Lost Sibling:

Uncover a secret sibling, separated from the main character in their early years, and use their sudden appearance to shift the narrative.

4. Time Travel Paradox:

Play with time travel to create a paradox that forces the characters to confront alternate timelines or unforeseen consequences of their actions.

5. The Mastermind:

The story's villain is revealed to be a puppet in a larger scheme, controlled by a mastermind who has been operating behind the scenes.

6. The Supernatural Twist:

Introduce a supernatural element, like ghosts or mythical creatures, that the characters and audience believed were mere myths.

7. The Doppelgänger:

A character's doppelgänger appears, causing confusion and chaos as they try to determine who is the real one.

8. The Reversal of Roles:

Switch the roles of the protagonist and antagonist halfway through the story, making the audience question their allegiances.

9. The Untouchable Hero:

Create a seemingly invincible hero who unexpectedly meets their match, forcing them to reevaluate their abilities and tactics.

10. The Forgotten Past:

Unearth a character's forgotten or repressed memories, leading to a shocking revelation about their true identity or past actions.

11. The Betrayal Within:

One of the protagonist's closest allies betrays them, throwing their entire mission into disarray.

12. The Hidden Identity:

A character is not who they claim to be, and their true identity is revealed, impacting the story's direction.

13. The Inception Twist:

Blur the lines between reality and illusion, leaving the audience guessing what's real and what's a dream or illusion.

14. The Time Loop:

Trap your characters in a time loop where they're forced to relive the same events repeatedly until they can break free.

15. The Shapeshifter:

Introduce a character with the ability to change their appearance, creating doubt and suspicion within the group.

16. The Truth About the Mentor:

The mentor figure, who initially seems wise and benevolent, is unveiled as the story's true antagonist.

17. The Lost Artifact:

The much sought-after artifact or treasure turns out to be a fake, and the real item is something entirely unexpected.

18. The Pseudo-Death:

Fake a character's death to shock the audience and later reveal they were alive all along.

19. The Prophecy Reversed:

Subvert the traditional hero's journey by defying a prophesized destiny and taking the story in a different direction.

20. The Unreliable Narrator:

Reveal that the narrator has been lying or misrepresenting events, casting doubt on the entire story's accuracy.

Conclusion:

These 20 plot twist ideas are just the beginning, and by incorporating them into your narratives, you can leave your audience stunned, shocked, and eager for more. Remember that the key to a successful plot twist lies in its execution, so take your time and craft a twist that seamlessly integrates into your story, making it an unforgettable experience for your readers or viewers.

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[unboundprompts]

hey! i was wondering if you had any advice for writing a "bully" tough guy character with a hidden heart of gold that will be redeemed later on in the story? i wanted to have their motivation being seeing their bullying as making people stronger (for maybe a reason like from being bullied for being weak themselves) but idk how i would begin to write this

How to Write a Bully with Opportunity for a Redemption

Establish a Compelling Backstory

Bullying History: Flesh out the character's past. Perhaps they were bullied themselves, leading them to believe that by bullying others, they can instill strength and resilience. This creates a cycle of pain that they think they're breaking.

Family Dynamics: Consider their family situation. Maybe they have a tough home life that forces them to adopt a hard exterior, believing vulnerability is a weakness.

Defensive Mechanism: Make it clear that their bullying is a defense mechanism. They may fear being seen as weak or unworthy, so they project toughness to avoid being hurt again.

Create Layers of Personality

Contradictions: Show moments where the tough guy’s softer side shines through, such as helping someone in a subtle way or expressing empathy toward a friend. This builds intrigue and hints at their hidden depth.

Hobbies or Interests: Give them a passion that contrasts with their tough exterior, such as caring for animals, art, or even an interest in literature. This helps humanize them and shows they have more to offer than just their bullying behavior.

Develop Strong Relationships

Friendships: Explore the dynamics of their friendships. Do they have a best friend who sees through their tough exterior? This friend can be a source of support and also push the character toward redemption.

Conflict with Others: Show how their bullying impacts their relationships with other characters. This can create tension and give other characters a reason to want them to change.

Establish Their Motivation for Bullying

Internal Monologue: Use the bully’s thoughts to explain their perspective. Allow them to rationalize their behavior with phrases like “I’m just toughening them up” or “They’ll thank me later.” This internal justification provides insight into their mindset and shows that they genuinely believe in their method.

Dialogue with Others: Show conversations where the bully explains their philosophy to friends or peers. They might say something like, “You have to be tough to survive. I’m just giving them a reality check,” or “Weakness only gets you hurt.” This can illustrate their conviction that they’re helping rather than harming.

Interactions with Victims: When the bully interacts with their victims, allow moments where they express a twisted sense of encouragement. For instance, they might say something like, “You’ll thank me when you’re stronger,” or give unsolicited advice on how to handle being bullied, further solidifying their misguided belief.

In-Scene Justification: As the bully corners a victim, they might say, “You think this is tough? You should’ve seen what I went through. I’m making you stronger. You’ll thank me when you can stand up to people like me.”

Aftermath Reflection: After an intense encounter, the bully reflects, “Maybe I pushed them too hard. But if they break now, they’ll never survive out there. I can’t let them be weak.”

Confrontation with a Mentor: In a scene with a mentor or friend, the bully might insist, “I’m not a bad guy. I’m doing this for them. They need to be ready for the real world. They’ll understand one day.”

Build Moments of Realization

Catalyst for Change: Identify key moments that can serve as turning points for the character. Perhaps they witness the consequences of their actions firsthand, such as a target of their bullying breaking down.

Moment of Kindness: Have them perform a small act of kindness that contradicts their tough persona. This could be something like defending someone who’s being bullied or comforting a classmate in distress.

Craft a Redemption Arc

Struggle with Self-Perception: As they start to recognize their wrongs, explore their internal conflict. They might grapple with feelings of guilt or shame, unsure how to change.

Facing the Consequences: Introduce scenarios where they face the repercussions of their past actions. This can lead to a moment of humility, where they apologize or make amends.

Support from Others: Allow other characters to help guide their transformation. Perhaps someone who was bullied approaches them and expresses that they see potential in them, encouraging a new path.

Highlight the Heart of Gold

Acts of Courage: In the climax, have them step up to protect those they’ve bullied, showcasing their newfound understanding of strength and vulnerability.

Positive Impact: Illustrate how their change positively affects others. This can be through friendships, mentorships, or even inspiring other characters to change as well.

End on a Hopeful Note

New Identity: Conclude the character's arc by showing them embracing their softer side while still retaining the tough-guy persona, proving that they can be both strong and kind.

Forgiveness: Allow for forgiveness from those they’ve wronged, reinforcing the theme of redemption and growth.

Example Character Arc:

Initial Setup: Jake is known as the school’s tough guy, bullying anyone he deems weak, believing it will make them stronger.

Backstory Reveal: Through flashbacks, we see Jake bullied mercilessly for being small and weak, leading him to adopt his aggressive persona.

Turning Point: After witnessing the severe impact of his bullying on a classmate, Jake begins to reflect on his actions.

Redemption Moment: In a climactic scene, Jake defends the same classmate from a new bully, proving he’s changed.

Resolution: By the end, he’s mentoring younger students, using his experiences to help others find their strength rather than tear them down.

[the-cosmic-cauldron]

☹︎𝒫𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝒜 𝒫𝒾𝓁ℯ: 𝒴ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝒹ℴ𝓌 𝒮𝒾𝒹ℯ ☹︎

Welcome to 10 Days, 10 Posts from The Cosmic Cauldron! Over the next ten days, I’ll be sharing a blend of astrology and tarot posts, each designed to spark your curiosity and guide your journey. If you find my content interesting, fascinating, or engaging, be sure to click the follow button for more! Ready to dive deeper into your personal journey? Head to my homepage and book a reading — you won’t regret it.

ᑭIᒪᗴ 1

For pile 1, I see that your shadow side often manifests as emotional manipulation. When you don’t get what you want, you tend to go into your head, overthinking, and find ways to subtly manipulate others to get what you desire. You have a tendency to self-isolate, spending too much time in your head, overthinking situations. You’re not always the best at integrating yourself into the world around you. You quickly retreat, pulling away from others and going into isolation. This behavior is part of the manipulation, too. When you don’t get your way, you ghost, walk away, or avoid confrontation. You make it clear that you’re not going to engage, choosing instead to retreat into yourself.

However, this self-isolation leads to stagnation. You spend too much time in your head, ruminating and trying to manipulate situations, which doesn’t help you grow. You’re not opening yourself up to new opportunities when you withdraw. By staying in this cycle of isolation, overthinking, and emotional manipulation, you prevent yourself from experiencing new things and finding healthier ways to channel your emotions. You shut yourself off from the world and miss out on potential opportunities to explore or shift your mindset. You’re not giving yourself the chance to move forward because you’re trapped in this repetitive cycle.

During these periods of isolation, you may also cut off contact with people, ghosting them and becoming distant. If someone does try to engage with you, you may respond in a snappy, petty, or immature way. You could say something hurtful or fail to resolve an issue, only making things worse by not addressing the problem. Holding on to grudges and not letting go of past issues is another challenge for you. When you feel like you possess something, you struggle to release it, even if it’s no longer serving you. You often hold on to things, even dead weight, out of fear of instability. This attachment can be detrimental, keeping you stuck in unhealthy situations.

You tend to deal with a lot of instability, particularly in your relationships. This might stem from an immature way of thinking or communicating with others, where emotional manipulation and withdrawal lead to hot-and-cold dynamics. Your inability to be genuine and authentic creates instability in your connections. You try to gloss over problems by maintaining a positive outlook, holding on to hope that things will improve without addressing the underlying issues. This leads to gaslighting yourself, believing that your actions won’t have consequences, or that things will magically work out. In reality, holding on to things that no longer serve you keeps you stagnant, and when you do let go, it’s often too quickly, without giving situations the time they need to improve.

The themes of instability in your relationships are clear, and I believe you struggle with emotional intelligence and balancing your own energy with that of others. You may have difficulty understanding your emotions and how they impact your relationships. This imbalance further contributes to the challenges you face in connecting with others in a healthy, sustainable way.

ᑭIᒪᗴ 2

For this pile, I sense that you experience a lot of emotional overwhelm and struggle with managing your emotions. There’s also a sense of manipulation involved. You come across as someone who can be very much a “my way or the highway” type of person. You easily feel attacked, and you have a lot of pride issues. You take things way too personally and can’t find a balance between allowing someone to express themselves without feeling like you’re being attacked. You take everything to heart, which makes you feel the need to fight and defend yourself. This leads to a lot of clashes with people because you can’t let things just be. You have a hard time accepting that some people will simply be the way they are, and you feel the need to assert your opinion and your will. You know that certain people are not going to agree with you, yet you still engage with them, even if they’re problematic.

You also have a passive-aggressive side. Instead of directly expressing how you feel, you try to play it cool and act like everything is fine. But when you can’t take it anymore, you have emotional outbursts where you say a bunch of things you regret. You sometimes underestimate your ability to handle certain conversations or situations. You think you can handle them, but then they end up blowing up in your face. You are a very sensitive person, and you tend to absorb and internalize what others say emotionally, which leads to overthinking. This overthinking is part of why you can be passive-aggressive—you try to avoid conflict, but your emotions, at times, make you conflict-driven.

At the same time, you have a conflict-avoidant side, where you shut down, isolate yourself, and ghost people. You retreat into your own head, overthinking things while shutting everyone else out. This combination of being conflict-driven and conflict-avoidant makes you unpredictable. People don’t always know what to expect from you. You can be emotionally volatile, with mood swings that make it hard for others to know how to deal with you. You might not have strong boundaries because you struggle with controlling your moods. Some days, you show up as a cool, happy, engaging person, and other days, you’re crabby, distant, and don’t want to be bothered.

This unpredictability can drive people away. The sudden shift in your behavior can be jarring, and some people might find it too much to handle. You also have periods where you completely withdraw from others, not wanting to talk or interact with anyone. These inconsistencies in your behavior make it challenging for others to know how to approach or relate to you.

ᑭIᒪᗴ 3

For pile three, I feel like you often get stuck in life. There’s a lot of fear holding you back from broadening your horizons. You tend to be very secretive, and this secrecy deceives others, but it also holds you back. Instead of putting yourself out into the world, you hide in the shadows. By doing so, you miss opportunities. Even though you might want to start things, you don’t allow them to grow beyond the initial stage. You don’t give yourself enough time or patience to nurture the seeds, goals, and ideas you have because you quickly lose interest. You become apathetic too fast, and it seems like things no longer matter to you. You often tap out emotionally—getting fully invested one moment, then pulling away and acting distant the next. You tend to either isolate yourself too much or keep things too reserved.

You need to put yourself out into the world more, but you struggle to maintain your energy. You have moments of enthusiasm where you start goals or projects, but that energy fades quickly. As a result, you never reach the maturity needed to complete things, and you withdraw. You remain reserved, acting shy or indifferent, but deep down, you struggle with low confidence. You’re afraid of change, afraid of movement, and afraid of doing something different. You prefer the mundane, the routine, and you don’t know how to break out of it. There’s a fear of something going wrong, and you’re trying to protect yourself from what you perceive as potential upheaval, hurt, or pain. But in trying to protect yourself, you’re only protecting your ego, which means you’re not flourishing in the way you desire.

Your confidence is low, and you don’t believe in yourself enough. You don’t give yourself the stamina or time to endure the process and stages required to achieve your goals. You give up too easily and withdraw quickly. You don’t give yourself the patience to continue, and this keeps you stuck. By keeping yourself behind closed doors and withdrawing, you miss out on opportunities. It often takes dramatic situations to force you to face the truth because you’ve built up so many unresolved issues. You don’t feel confident in how you look, act, or what you do, and that’s holding you back.

You struggle with follow-through, which leads to abandoning things before completing them. This prevents you from reaching a point where you can truly put yourself out there and try new things. Instead, it’s the same monotonous routine, and your passion fizzles out quickly. You don’t have a strong grasp on sustaining things, and maintaining consistency seems to be a difficult aspect of your life. You need to adopt a more positive mindset, as it seems you struggle with confidence and with maintaining progress in your endeavors.

ᑭIᒪᗴ 4

For Pile 4, I feel like you hold on to the past too much, and that’s the main issue here. You have such an emotional attachment to the past that it’s hard for you to stay in the present moment and remain grounded. Instead, you often drift off into thoughts about past events. While it’s normal to feel nostalgic, you sometimes hold on to past attachments, seeing things through rose-colored glasses. This causes you to become overly emotionally attached, making it difficult to see things clearly.

Another thing I sense about you is that you overexert yourself. You tend to be very self-sacrificial and care about people deeply, but to your own detriment. Your emotional intensity when it comes to giving to others can be overwhelming because you might lack boundaries. You don’t know how to say no, take time for yourself, or stop when you’ve reached your limit. You don’t fully understand your limitations or know enough about yourself to set healthy boundaries, which leads to you taking on too much. You say yes too often and end up overburdened. Like Pile 3, you may start many things, and you have a lot of good ideas and goals, but following through is difficult. There’s a lack of drive to finish what you’ve started, and you struggle with patience and stamina when it comes to completing tasks.

It seems like you’re always going through something—facing conflict or challenges in your life that cause you to burn yourself out. You then have to dig yourself out of difficult situations, repeating this cycle. You might find yourself saying, “Now I’m finally in a good place,” only to burn out again and have to rebuild. This cyclical pattern can keep you stuck.

I also feel like it’s very hard for you to let go of the past and release people from your life, even if they’re toxic or unhealthy for you. It’s difficult for you to accept endings, and you often push your will too hard. Forcing yourself to endure struggles just to get what you want isn’t healthy, yet sometimes you’re willing to put yourself through instability because you believe you can come out of it. Even though you do manage to recover, you still hold on to emotional pain, which can lead to resentment. So, many of you are dealing with a deep well of resentment, which is not healthy. It’s hard for you to move past things and embrace change, even when it’s necessary. You tend to hoard emotions internally, and while you may not show it to others, you’re really going through a lot.

Speaking to others and freeing yourself from your attachment to the past could help you move forward, but letting go of things and dealing with change is challenging for you. This is a shadow aspect of yourself. When you avoid change, you end up stuck in a loop that you can’t escape. You need to take time for yourself, but it’s difficult for you to do so. You focus so much on others and external things that it’s hard for you to turn inward and focus on your true self.

[mywitchyblog]

The Importance of Spiritual Hygiene in Reality Shifting.

Introduction :

Reality shifting, the practice of consciously transferring one's awareness to an alternate reality or desired reality, has gained significant attention in recent years. As more individuals explore this metaphysical concept, the importance of spiritual hygiene represents a crucial factor in order to shift succesfully. This essay delves into the often overlooked aspect of maintaining spiritual cleanliness and its profound impact on a shifters journey.

Just as we maintain physical hygiene for our bodily health, spiritual hygiene is essential for our energetic and mental well-being, particularly when engaging in practices that involve altering our state of consciousness. By examining the foundations of spiritual hygiene, exploring effective practices, and understanding the consequences of neglecting this vital aspect, we can make our shifting journey smoother and easier.

In the following sections, we will explore the intricate relationship between spiritual hygiene and reality shifting, providing insights and practical guidance for those seeking to optimize their shifting journey.

Disclaimer : Read Post entirely if you didnt understand something tell me and i'l clarify it for you.

Masterlist

I. Foundations of Spiritual Hygiene in Reality Shifting

A. Defining spiritual hygiene

Spiritual hygiene, in the context of reality shifting, refers to the practice of maintaining a clean, balanced, and harmonious energetic state of being. It encompasses various techniques and habits that aim to purify one's spiritual, mental, and emotional bodies/states. Just as physical hygiene involves cleansing and caring for our physical bodies, spiritual hygiene focuses on cleansing and nurturing our non-physical aspects.

At its core, spiritual hygiene is about cultivating a state of inner clarity, positivity, and alignment with one's higher self. This involves:

Energetic cleansing: Regularly clearing one's aura/energy/chakras of negative and stagnant energies that may accumulate from daily interactions, stress, or environmental factors.

Mental clarity: Maintaining a clear and focused mind, free from excessive worry, doubt, or negative thought patterns.

Emotional balance: Processing and releasing emotions in a healthy manner, avoiding emotional stagnation or overwhelming states.

Intentional living: Aligning one's thoughts, actions, and intentions with their highest values and spiritual goals.

Spiritual connection: Nurturing a connection with one's inner guidance, higher self, or preferred spiritual entities.

Energetic boundaries: Establishing and maintaining healthy energetic boundaries to protect oneself from external negative influences.

Vibrational upliftment: Consistently raising one's vibrational frequency through positive practices, thoughts, and experiences.

In the context of reality shifting, spiritual hygiene takes on additional significance as it directly influences one's ability to navigate between different states of consciousness and therefore realities.

B. Connection between spiritual cleanliness and successful shifting

The practice of reality shifting requires a high degree of mental focus, emotional stability, and energetic alignment. Spiritual hygiene plays a crucial role in facilitating these conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful shifting attempts. The connection between spiritual cleanliness and successful shifting can be understood through several key aspects:

Vibrational alignment: Reality shifting often involves attuning oneself to the vibrational frequency of your desired reality. A spiritually clean state allows for easier alignment with higher vibrational frequencies, making it more feasible to connect with and shift to your intended/desired reality.

Mental clarity and focus: A cluttered or chaotic mind can hinder the concentration required for shifting. Regular spiritual hygiene practices help clear mental fog, reduce intrusive thoughts, and enhance the ability to visualize and focus on the desired reality.

Emotional stability: Intense or unprocessed emotions can create energetic blockages that interfere with shifting attempts. Maintaining emotional balance through spiritual hygiene practices allows for a more stable and conducive state for shifting.

Energetic purity: A clean energy field is more receptive to the subtle energies involved in reality shifting. It allows for clearer channeling of intentions and easier detachment from the current reality.

Spiritual protection: Good spiritual hygiene includes practices that protect one's energy field. This is crucial during shifting attempts, as it helps prevent interference from unwanted energies habits and so on...

Intuition and guidance: A spiritually clean state enhances one's connection to inner guidance and intuition. This can be invaluable during shifting, helping navigate the process and make decisions aligned with one's highest good.

Belief and intention amplification: Spiritual hygiene practices often involve affirmations, visualizations, and intention-setting. These reinforce the belief in one's ability to shift and amplify the power of intentions, both critical factors in successful shifts.

Energetic flexibility: Regular spiritual cleansing increases one's energetic flexibility, making it easier to adapt to the vibrations of different realities and facilitating smoother transitions during shifting attempts.

Subconscious alignment: Many spiritual hygiene practices work on a subconscious level, helping to align deeper parts of the psyche with the conscious desire to shift. This internal harmony can significantly enhance shifting success.

Resilience and perseverance: The discipline cultivated through consistent spiritual hygiene practices builds mental and emotional resilience. This is crucial for persevering through challenges or initial unsuccessful attempts in your reality shifting journey.It can help you fights against negatives habits ,thoughts and allow you to break through and not to give up.

In essence, spiritual hygiene creates an optimal internal environment for reality shifting. It clears obstacles, enhances necessary skills, and aligns one's entire being with the goal of shifting. By maintaining a high standard of spiritual cleanliness, practitioners of reality shifting can significantly increase their chances of success, enjoy more vivid and controlled experiences, and navigate the process with greater ease and safety.

Moreover, the benefits of spiritual hygiene extend beyond just facilitating successful shifts. It also helps in integrating shifting experiences, processing the insights gained from different realities, and maintaining overall well-being throughout one's shifting journey. As such, spiritual hygiene should be considered a fundamental and ongoing practice for anyone seriously engaged in reality shifting.

For exemple this is what happened in 2020. Rememeber when people told you to drink water clean your room take a shower etc... That was exemples of spiritual Hygiene .Theres tons of ways to do it but those where somme common exemples that people did you didnt have to follow them by the letters but it helped a lot of people.

II. Practices for Maintaining Spiritual Hygiene

A. Cleansing rituals and techniques

Maintaining spiritual hygiene requires regular cleansing practices to remove energetic debris, reset one's vibration, and create a clean slate for reality shifting. Here are some effective cleansing rituals and techniques:

Smudging: This ancient practice involves burning sacred herbs like sage , palo santo (White Sage and Palo Santo are cultural appropriation), or cedar to cleanse spaces and auras. The smoke is believed to attach to negative energies and carry them away as it dissipates.

Salt baths: Soaking in a bath with sea salt or Epsom salt can draw out and absorb negative energies and toxins from the body and aura. Adding essential oils can enhance the cleansing effect.

Visualization meditation: Imagine a bright white or golden light flowing through your body, cleansing every cell and your entire energy field. Visualize negative energies being washed away or transmuted into positive light.

Sound cleansing: Use singing bowls, bells, or specific frequencies (like 528 Hz) to cleanse your energy field. The vibrations help break up stagnant energies and realign your personal frequency.

Breathwork: Practices like holotropic breathwork can help clear energetic blockages and oxygenate the body, promoting a sense of lightness and clarity.

Crystal cleansing: Use crystals like clear quartz or black tourmaline to absorb negative energies. Pass them through your aura or place them on specific body parts to draw out unwanted energies.

Energy combing: Visualize or use your hands to "comb" through your aura, removing any stuck or tangled energies.

Grounding exercises: Connect with the earth's energy through barefoot walking, hugging trees, or visualizing roots growing from your feet into the earth.This will help you ground yourself which is key to prevent spiritual psychosis.

Chakra balancing: Focus on each chakra, visualizing it spinning cleanly and brightly, removing any blockages or imbalances.

Journaling and emotional release: Write out negative thoughts or emotions to acknowledge and release them from your energetic system.

Shadow Work : Arguably the best method of spiritual hygiene out there it invovles digging deep inside yourself in order to incover part of yourself that may cause issues or explain why you act the way that you act.If there is a question you feel like it makes you feel weird or that you are trying to dodge it that means that it is where you should dig.

B. Ongoing maintenance of spiritual purity

While periodic deep cleansing is important, maintaining spiritual hygiene requires consistent daily practices. Here are some techniques for ongoing maintenance:

Morning and evening rituals: Develop a routine that includes practices like meditation, affirmations, or energy clearing to start and end each day with a clean slate.

Mindfulness practice: Stay aware of your thoughts and emotions throughout the day, addressing any negativity promptly to prevent energetic buildup.

Energy shielding: Visualize a protective bubble or shield around your aura each morning to deflect negative energies throughout the day.

Regular meditation: Incorporate daily meditation to quiet the mind, release stress, and maintain a high vibrational state.

Gratitude practice: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude through journaling or mental acknowledgment, which naturally elevates your spiritual vibration.

Nature connection: Spend time in nature regularly to reset your energy and align with the earth's natural rhythms.

Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support overall energetic health.

Conscious consumption: Be mindful of the media, conversations, and environments you expose yourself to, avoiding those that lower your vibration.

Regular energy checks: Perform quick energy scans throughout the day, clearing any accumulated negativity.

Affirmations and positive self-talk: Use affirmations to maintain a positive mindset and high vibration.

Spiritual study: Engage in regular reading or learning about spiritual topics to keep your practice fresh and evolving.

Decluttering: Regularly clear your physical space, as this often corresponds to energetic clearing.

Sacred space maintenance: Keep a dedicated area for spiritual practices, regularly cleansing and energizing this space.

Intention setting: Start each day or week by setting clear, positive intentions for your spiritual hygiene and shifting practices.

Prayer : Prayer can be a form of spiritual hygiene where you pray and visualise or accept that whoever you pray to will grant you what you asked for.

Self Care: "As within,So without . As without So Within" this saying states whatever action taken in the physical or the spiritual will reflect on the other side.So taking care of yourself physically will also help you mentally. I know it is easier said then done but just trying even a litlle bit is enough and can help you tremendously. Things like brushing your teeth,doing skin care lisenting to music that makes you feel good is beneficial.

By incorporating these cleansing rituals and maintenance practices into daily life, reality shifters can create and sustain an optimal energetic environment for their shifting attempts. This consistent attention to spiritual hygiene not only enhances the shifting experience but also contributes to overall well-being, clarity of mind, and spiritual growth. Remember, the key to effective spiritual hygiene is consistency and personalization – finding the practices that resonate most strongly with you and making them a regular part of your routine.

III. Consequences of Poor or Absent Spiritual Hygiene

A. Negative impacts on shifting attempts

Neglecting spiritual hygiene can significantly hinder reality shifting efforts and lead to various undesirable outcomes:

Difficulty in shifting: A cluttered energy field can create barriers to successfully transitioning between realities, making it harder to initiate or maintain a shift (as in grounding yourself in your DR).

Inconsistent or unstable shifts: Poor spiritual hygiene may result in shifts that are brief, unclear, or difficult to control, leading to fragmented or unsatisfying experiences.

Unintended destinations: Without proper energetic alignment, shifters might find themselves in realities that don't match their intentions, potentially leading to confusion or distress.

Increased vulnerability to intrusive thoughts: A lack of mental clarity can amplify doubts, fears, and negative thoughts during shifting attempts, sabotaging the process.

Energetic interference: An unprotected or "dirty" energy field may attract or allow interference from unwanted energies or "entities" (the whole entity thing cannot happen but some shifters claimed it to be so but you quickly realize that it is all in their head and they start going into spiritual psychosis) during shifting, potentially leading to disruptive or even frightening experiences.

Difficulty in maintaining focus: Poor spiritual hygiene can result in a scattered mind, making it challenging to concentrate on shifting intentions or visualizations.

Emotional instability during shifts: Unprocessed emotions or energetic imbalances may surface during shifting attempts, causing emotional turbulence that disrupts the experience.

Difficulty in returning or grounding: Poor spiritual hygiene may complicate the process of returning to the original reality or grounding oneself after a shift.

Increased skepticism and self-doubt: Repeated unsuccessful or unsatisfying shifting attempts due to poor spiritual hygiene may erode confidence in one's ability to shift, creating a negative feedback loop that could cause a snowball effect and scar you for life.

B. Potential risks to personal well-being and energy

Beyond impacting shifting attempts, neglecting spiritual hygiene can have broader consequences for one's overall well-being:

Energy depletion: Constant exposure to negative energies without proper cleansing can lead to chronic fatigue, low motivation, and a general sense of being drained.

Increased susceptibility to negative influences: A weakened energy field may make one more vulnerable to picking up others' negative emotions or thought patterns.

Emotional imbalance: Poor spiritual hygiene can result in mood swings, irritability, or persistent negative emotional states.

Mental fog and confusion: Accumulation of energetic debris can lead to difficulty in concentration, decision-making, and clarity of thought.

Physical manifestations: Prolonged energetic imbalances may eventually manifest as physical discomfort or health issues.

Spiritual disconnection: Neglecting spiritual hygiene can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's higher self, intuition, or spiritual guidance.

Relationship strain: An imbalanced energy field can negatively impact interactions with others, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.

Increased anxiety or paranoia: Poor energetic boundaries may result in feeling overwhelmed by external energies, leading to heightened anxiety or paranoid thoughts.

Stagnation in personal growth: Neglecting spiritual practices can hinder overall spiritual development and self-awareness.

Negative thought spirals: Without proper cleansing and maintenance, negative thought patterns can become entrenched, leading to a pessimistic outlook on life.

Blocked intuition: An unclear energy field can muffle intuitive signals, making it harder to make decisions aligned with one's highest good.

Increased sensitivity to environmental stressors: Poor spiritual hygiene can make one more susceptible to the negative effects of electromagnetic fields, crowd energies, or other environmental factors.

Difficulty in manifesting desires: Since reality shifting is closely related to manifestation, poor spiritual hygiene can obstruct one's ability to attract positive experiences or outcomes in any reality.

Karmic accumulation: Some believe that neglecting spiritual cleanliness can lead to the accumulation of negative karma, potentially affecting future experiences across realities.

Loss of energetic discernment: Without regular cleansing and maintenance, it may become increasingly difficult to distinguish between one's own energies and external influences.

In addition to the previously mentioned risks, it's crucial to highlight more severe consequences that have affected some shifters who neglected spiritual hygiene:

Mental health misinterpretations: Many individuals who attempted shifting without proper spiritual hygiene have experienced mental distress, leading them to mistakenly attribute these issues to shifting itself. This has resulted in some believing they developed psychosis or other mental health conditions, when in fact, these were consequences of poor energetic maintenance.

Physical and mental scars: Neglecting spiritual hygiene has left some shifters with lasting mental and physical scars. These may manifest as persistent anxiety, unexplained physical sensations, or a lingering sense of disconnection from their original reality.

Loss of faith in shifting: Due to negative experiences stemming from poor spiritual hygiene, some practitioners have erroneously concluded that shifting is "fake" or dangerous, abandoning the practice altogether.

Energetic attachments: Some shifters have reported feeling like they've brought back unwanted energetic attachments or entities from other realities, leading to persistent feelings of being watched or influenced by external forces.

Reality bleed-through: Poor boundaries between realities, caused by inadequate spiritual hygiene, have led to some shifters experiencing unsettling "bleed-through" effects, where elements of other realities intrude into their daily life.(These are nothing more than extreamly vivid hallucinations and at this point please seek help this is not normal at all).

Difficulty in maintaining a stable sense of self: Some practitioners have struggled with identity issues after shifting, finding it hard to reconcile their experiences across different realities. This is often exacerbated by poor spiritual hygiene practices.

Chronic fatigue and energy depletion: Many shifters have reported feeling constantly drained, unable to shake off fatigue even with adequate physical rest, due to energetic imbalances.(and again you are not suppoised to feel exhausted or tired when you shift back to your CR/OR considering that it is not that version of you who did all those things but your DR self not your OR self by logic it shoudnt and cannot happen)

Increased sensitivity to negative energies: Some individuals have developed hypersensitivity to energies around them, finding it overwhelming to be in crowded places or around certain individuals.

Nightmares and sleep disturbances: Poor spiritual hygiene has led to some shifters experiencing persistent nightmares or feeling like they're involuntarily shifting during sleep, disrupting their rest and daily functioning.

Difficulty in grounding: Some practitioners have found it challenging to fully "return" to their CR (current reality) or feel grounded in daily life, leading to a persistent feeling of dissociation.

It's important to emphasize that these negative experiences are not inherent to the practice of reality shifting itself, but rather consequences of neglecting proper spiritual hygiene. Shifting, being a spiritual practice, requires the same level of care and maintenance as any other spiritual or energetic work. Just as a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, maintaining spiritual hygiene is vital for a healthy shifting practice and overall well-being.

By understanding these potential risks and the importance of spiritual hygiene, practitioners can approach reality shifting more responsibly and safely. This awareness can help prevent negative experiences and misconceptions about shifting, allowing individuals to explore this practice in a balanced and beneficial manner.

If you do not beleive me do it yourself. As in do the research look at the articles testimonies and story time from "ex-shifters". You will soon realize that it all stems for a poor or non existant spiritual hygiene that's what fucked them up.Not Shifting, they shot themselves in the foot.

Conlcusion :

Reality shifting, a practice of consciously transferring awareness to alternate realities, relies heavily on proper spiritual hygiene. This concept encompasses techniques for maintaining energetic cleanliness and balance, which are crucial for successful shifting experiences and overall well-being.

Spiritual hygiene in shifting involves regular cleansing rituals, such as smudging, meditation, and energy work, as well as ongoing practices like mindfulness, grounding, and energy protection. These techniques create an optimal internal environment for shifting by clearing energetic debris, enhancing focus, and aligning one's vibration with desired realities.

Neglecting spiritual hygiene can lead to significant challenges, including difficulty in shifting, unstable experiences, and potential risks to mental and physical health. Some practitioners have mistakenly attributed negative effects of poor spiritual hygiene to shifting itself, leading to misconceptions about the practice. By understanding and prioritizing spiritual hygiene, shifters can enhance their experiences, prevent negative outcomes, and foster holistic well-being across all realities they encounter.

In essence, spiritual hygiene is not just a supplementary aspect of reality shifting, but a fundamental component that ensures safe, enriching, and transformative experiences. As the practice of reality shifting continues to evolve, emphasizing the importance of spiritual hygiene will be crucial in creating a responsible and rewarding approach to this profound spiritual journey.

[soniaknox]

10 Ways to Craft an Ending That Leaves Readers Satisfied (and Haunted)

To avoid making your story ending disappointing, you need to create an ending that feels earned, meaningful, and resonant. Here’s how you can achieve that:

1. Fulfill the Promise of the Story

• Setup and Payoff: Make sure that your ending resolves the central conflict or answers the key question posed at the beginning. If you’ve set up big mysteries, themes, or emotional stakes, the ending must address them meaningfully.

• Genre Expectations: A horror story should leave readers disturbed, unsettled, or haunted. A romance should offer closure to the love story (happy or tragic). Honor the genre you’re working in while still aiming for originality.

2. Avoid Deus Ex Machina

• Don’t introduce sudden solutions, characters, or twists that haven’t been set up earlier in the story. The ending should arise organically from the events, choices, and themes you’ve established.

3. Ensure Character Arcs are Complete

• Your protagonist (and key supporting characters) should have gone through meaningful change. Their transformation—whether growth, failure, or stagnation—should resonate with the reader.

• Ask yourself:

• Has the protagonist learned something?

• Have they made a choice that reflects who they’ve become?

• Do the events of the story matter to their journey?

4. Avoid Rushing the Ending

• A rushed ending often feels abrupt or hollow. Give the resolution enough space for emotional weight to sink in. Readers need time to process the climax and see the consequences of the story’s events.

5. Embrace Emotional Resolution

• Beyond plot resolution, your ending should strike an emotional chord. Even in horror, readers crave some form of catharsis—be it dread, unease, sadness, or even a glimmer of hope.

• Show Aftermath: Highlight how the events affected your characters or world. This helps ground the stakes and reinforces the emotional impact.

6. Surprise, but Satisfy

• A good ending doesn’t need to be predictable, but it must make sense in retrospect. Twists should feel clever, not cheap. Readers should be able to look back and see that the clues were there all along.

• Subvert Expectations Thoughtfully: Surprises should align with your story’s themes and tone. Avoid shocking readers just for the sake of it.

7. Thematic Resonance

• Your ending should tie back to the themes you’ve explored. If your story is about the destructive nature of obsession, your ending could reflect that theme in an unexpected but inevitable way.

• Ask: What do I want my reader to feel or think as they close the book? Leave them with something to ponder.

8. Test the Ending

• Read it aloud to see how it flows emotionally and structurally.

• Beta Readers: Ask readers if the ending felt satisfying, earned, and true to the story. If they’re left feeling underwhelmed, find out why.

9. Be Honest About Your Story’s Tone

• Don’t force a “happy” or “tidy” ending if it doesn’t fit your story. For horror, ambiguity, tragedy, or lingering questions can often make for the most powerful endings.

• Consider the following types of endings:

• Closed Ending: All questions answered, full resolution.

• Open Ending: Some questions remain, but the main arc feels resolved.

• Bittersweet Ending: A mix of triumph and loss.

• Circular Ending: The story ends where it began but with deeper meaning.

10. Craft a Memorable Final Image or Line

• End with a powerful visual, thought, or action that lingers. In horror, the final moment can leave readers unsettled, questioning reality, or haunted by what’s to come.

Reflective Questions for Yourself:

• Does the ending feel earned, or does it come out of nowhere?

• Will readers feel that the time they invested in the story was worth it?

• What emotional impact do I want the ending to have?

[howtofightwrite]

Hello! I know yall have talked about how overusing violence in a story makes it less impactful especially if it doesn’t cause lasting impacts for the characters. In my story this lack of impact slowly clues the mc in that something is Wrong with [them/reality, they’re not sure] because hey, these things *should* be having some effects, healing in this setting may be magic but it’s not *miracles*, but I’m not sure how to differentiate it from the typical outcomes of violence in fiction that the reader will simply be used to seeing, outside just the mc’s thoughts on the matter. What are some things yall would want to see acknowledged and/or explored when treating violent encounters this way intentionally? Would someone become more violent (or more willing to do awful things to others when engaged in violence) over time when it didn’t have lasting consequences? Thanks!

Okay, so there's three separate things going on, and two of these intersect normally, but we usually approach them separately.

The first is the diminishing returns on violence; the simplest explanation would be that the less violence you have in your story, the more impactful (or potent) it will be. For example, looking at a pair of films from Tarantino's career. The violence is Reservoir Dogs hits much harder than the violence in Kill Bill. For example, if you've seen the former and I mention, “the ear scene,” you know exactly what I'm talking about. Yes, it's a somewhat gruesome scene, but it sticks with you, even decades later, potentially even to the point that you can't listen to Stuck in the Middle With You, without thinking of that scene. Now, how many people were decapitated in Kill Bill? It's a bit of an honest question, because I genuinely don't remember. While Tarantino has a well deserved reputation for violence, the violence in Reservoir Dogs is far more memorable, because there's far less of it, and the violence that occurs serves very deliberate story purposes. None of it is gratuitous for the purpose of, “here's a fight.” Where Kill Bill basically posits the question of, “how much can you cut out of an action film, while keeping the fight scenes, without the narrative completely collapsing?” As a result, there's a lot of violence, but none of it sticks with you. None of it has any particular impact. Even the moments that are supposed to be meaningful (such as the wedding) blend together.

Managing consequences of violence is more about preserving narrative tension. If that violence poses a real threat to your characters, then putting them in situations where they could be seriously injured or killed does have tension. But there are multiple points of potential failure with this thought process, and the more violence you engage in, the more risk you'll accidentally vent tension when you didn't intend to.

A major issue that can undermine your tension is when your characters, inexplicably, avoid harm. This is frequently an issue with non-powered superheroes, where throwing mountains of cannon fodder at them doesn't result in any meaningful wear and tear on the character.

Ironically, being too cavalier about violence can have a similar effect. Kill off too many characters, and your audience just won't care anymore about the survivors.

There are ways to manage this. A lot of the time a better option is to tie your characters' “fail state” to something other than your characters being hurt or killed. In fact, a lot of superhero narratives have to find other ways to maintain tension, because the protagonist is functionally immune to harm.

For example: The danger that a superhero will become completely ethically detached from their humanity. I hate to break it to you, but that's not a strictly new concept. The classic example of that is probably Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen, though The Comedian from the same is probably a better affirmative answer to your question. Could someone become completely debased when they're insulated from the consequences of their actions? Yeah. You don't even need fictional examples. Whoever Fights Monsters by Robert Ressler is a pretty decent, introductory, look into serial killer pathology, and the process of escalation they go through. Lack of adverse consequences can lead someone down a path to becoming their worst version of themselves.

Specifically talking about superheroes, Watchman casts a long shadow, and one of the issues that a lot of imitators suffered from was to pawn off a superhero's psychological problems into far more mundane causes, like abusive childhoods. (If you're wondering, this is why I'm not recommending things like The Boys, Irredeemable, or Invincible, it's because the only one of those that's even peripherally applicable is Invincible.) If you really want another example, Planetary comes to mind, though it won't be immediately apparent why that's relevant.

Something that's probably worth saying is, it's not about what I, or anyone else, wants to see from your work. This is about you finding the tools to do the best you can with your idea. So, I'm not really sitting her as an arbiter about what you can, can't, should, or shouldn't do. Rather, I'm mostly sitting here observing that, “this is how these things tend to work,” in a story. So, ultimately the decision is what you want to see in your work.

It's also worth remembering that hyperviolent media does exist. The violence doesn't have the same impact as in a more constrained narrative, but that doesn't make one story better than the other. I'm sure there are people who will argue that out of Tarantino's career, Kill Bill is the better film than Reservoir Dogs, (even if I'm not one to make that specific argument.) The point I don't often draw attention to, within the diminishing returns is, if you're going to use a lot of violence, it becomes difficult to pull out an individual violent moment and say, “no, this one's different; this one means more.” You can write an absolute gore-fest, but the individual moments of violence won't have the same kind of weight, and if you want one of those to carry more emotional weight, it's going to require a lot more care in how you structure your events.

A lot of the times with writing advice, it's not about, “right or wrong,” it's about identifying what works and what will take a bit more finesse to get working.

-Starke

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[allaboutthemoonlight]

Understanding the Difference Between Hard Work and Workaholism, and Self-Care Strategies for Avoiding Burnout

Hi friends,

In today’s post, I want to talk about the idea of hard-work vs workaholism and the resulting consequence of burnout. It’s a longer post today because I believe this is something that many people are dealing with, especially in this space.

In the self-improvement and personal development bubble, there’s a constant culture of ambition and striving for improvement. While the intention behind this can be rewarding, it can sometimes fall into toxic territory with constant encouragement of and sentiments such as “just work harder” or “you‘re not disciplined enough”, often leading people to exhaust and overwork themselves.

Due to this, I'd like to discuss the significance of distinguishing between hard work and workaholism — both for productivity and well-being. While hard work can indeed lead to success and fulfillment, workaholism can result in burnout and physical and mental health issues. Recognizing the distinction between these two and equipping oneself with self-care strategies is essential for leading a balanced, healthy life.

What is hard work?

Hard work can vary from person to person, and it’s the same for everyone. Generally, hard work can be described as dedicated and focused effort towards achieving a specific goal. This can mean anything from daily runs to train for a marathon to watching numerous youtube tutorials to learn how to code.

The point here is that, although hard work involves a certain level of persistence, discipline, and strong work ethic, there’s often rewarding outcomes as you know you’re making progress towards something you want to achieve.

Understanding if you’re a hard worker or someone suffering from workaholism dictates a high level of self-reflection and introspection. In my experience, hard workers are those who:

Have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve

Are action oriented and know the purpose behind their efforts

Have the ability to achieve a work/life balance

Are either intrinsically motivated and have a high level of identified motivation

Maintain an internal locus of control

Know when to take breaks

Being a hard worker is a significant skill, one that can lead to personal development, growth, and multiple career opportunities, these are facts that can’t be denied. However, in our current environment where an individuals worth is often determined by their accomplishments and successes, the line between working hard and being a workaholic has been blurred.

Understanding workaholism

Now that we’ve talked about what exactly makes a hard-worker, I want to uncover the other reality: workaholism.

Workaholism is an uncontrollable and compulsive need to work constantly. It comes from feelings of from anxiety, perfectionism, or a desire to escape personal issues. This includes:

Obsessively thinking about work

Struggling to relax or unwind outside of work

Ignoring personal relationships and self-care

Feeling physically drained with fatigue and insomnia

Multiple studies have explored the mental and physical impacts of workaholism, revealing impacts such as high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, cardiovascular issues, among others. It’s truly an exhaustive list of consequences, all of which can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Beyond mental and physical health risks, the effects of workaholism can include professional issues. It’s ironic that overworking oneself can have a negative impact on your career, yet there’s a higher likelihood of decreased job performance and strained professional relationships as a result.

I think Jordan Peterson said it best: “You don’t want to do so much work that the amount of you do interferes with the amount of work you could still do”.

Here are some of the key differences between hard work and workaholism to keep in mind:

Purpose and Motivation: Hard work is driven by intentional goals and motivation, while workaholism tends to be more compulsive.

Work-Life Balance: Hard workers manage to balance their professional and personal lives, while workaholics often neglect their personal life and self-care.

Sustainability: Hard work is sustainable over time with breaks for rest and recovery, whereas workaholism leads to burnout due to its unsustainable nature.

Control Over Work: Hard workers can regulate their work habits and take breaks when needed, while workaholics often feel out of control and struggle to stop working.

Stress Levels: Hard work can be stressful but usually within healthy limits, while workaholism leads to chronic stress and health problems.

What is burnout and how can we prevent it

With all that being said, I want to move on to clearly defining burnout and how we can avoid it. Burnout is a work-related state of exhaustion where you feel extreme fatigue, have a hard time concentrating, suffer from emotional dysregulation and poor cognitive function, and mentally distance yourself from the people around you.

Burnout doesn't happen all at once; it's a gradual process that builds up over time, often linked to workaholism. When you’re constantly in a mental state of go-go-go or feel the need to work excessively, you’ll start feeling stressed out from trying to meet all these demands. Over time, if you don’t find ways to take breaks and rest to recharge, you’ll lose energy and find yourself in a state of burnout.

This all happens because burnout leads to emotional exhaustion, detachment from work and others in your life, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment and motivation.

So how can we prevent this?

There are 5 domains in our lives that we can pay more attention to for preventing burnout: physical, mental/emotional, social, work, and personal/leisure.

Physical Well-being:

Find a form of physical activity you enjoy and do it regularly

Take short breaks during work sessions to stretch and move around

Maintain a balanced diet to sustain energy levels

Get enough each night to support brain function during the day

Mental and Emotional Well-being:

Practice mindfulness techniques and meditation to reduce stress

Practice gratitude daily to adopt a positive mindset

Use deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body.

Social Support and Relationships:

Seek help when needed through therapy, counseling, or support groups

Make time to connect with family and friends outside of work

Set boundaries for maintaining balance by defining working hours and learn to say no

Workplace Strategies:

Try to opt for projects or tasks in your work that align with personal goals and preferences

Try to schedule meetings to obtain feedback from your higher ups so that you have clear measures on your performance can identity areas for improvement

Find ways to make your work fun to sustain motivation and satisfaction in your work

Leisure and Relaxation:

Schedule leisure activities throughout your day to recharge

Dedicate time to hobbies and interests outside of work

Spend time in nature to connect with the environment and reduce mental fatigue

Thank’s for tuning in.

As always,

L <3

[ana-snz]

More thoughts on the recent snzblr discourse. I will try my best to be understanding and levelheaded about this, but this topic is very personal to me so forgive me if I’m not entirely able to.

I will start by saying that it is not “purity culture” or “moral panic” to say that having this kink does not excuse intentionally infecting unconsenting individuals with illness. There is a MASSIVE difference between enjoying a kink in a consensual setting or fantasizing about it (no one is saying you can’t do these things, you are not being shamed for your fantasies / desires!) and actually involving unwilling individuals in your kink.

Consent is the #1 most important thing in all kink spaces. Like yes we are all here for the same reason, and there may be a propensity to feel defensive if you feel you are being kink-shamed in what is supposed to be a space for us all to be as open and loud and unabashed about our desires as we want, but it is still absolutely crucial to delineate between what is fantasy and what is reality, and understand that our real life actions can and do have consequences. We are not living inside a sickfic, the ways in which we choose to engage in our kink MUST be consensual, respectful, responsible, and safe. It is the bare minimum for this, or any kink space.

It is not kink-shaming to say that non-consensual engagement is wrong and unethical, ESPECIALLY when it comes to something as potentially dangerous as illness. It’s also worth acknowledging that the dynamic of our community has been greatly impacted by COVID, just by the nature of what the kink entails, and that this sucks and is worth mourning, but just like with many other things the pandemic has impacted, we cannot hang on to this old way of being when it no longer is safe or realistic to do so. This is the way things are now, and it sucks, but we can still find SO much enjoyment and gratification and pleasure in the way things are now.

If you are feeling discomfort, if the points disabled people are bringing up around this topic are making you question yourself and your actions, that is likely something for you sit with and explore yourself, rather than trying to debate with disabled people on whether or not their reaction to inflammatory, ableist content is “moral panic”. Understand that this conversation is part of a much, much larger picture and that it is not isolated to just our community, but rather a reflection of a larger systemic response in which disabled people have been disbelieved, undermined, and discarded when it comes to our rights and safety during an ongoing pandemic.

If you didn’t read as much into *that* post as some of us did, great. You likely don’t have to be on hyper alert for this kind of content, but we see it all the time, everywhere. The casual downplaying of COVID and the flippancy about its risks are things we are all too familiar with, and tone policing marginalized folks when we get upset about harmful content is not the move. Listen to us, learn from us, be in solidarity with us. It may seem counterintuitive to you to care about these things in what many of us may see as just a place to escape and have a little fun, but respect is the backbone of kink spaces and we’d all fare well if we could remember that.

This was longer than I planned on it being, oops. I also blocked some people so I don’t even know who will see this but just wanted to add my piece. Love y’all bbs, stay safe ❤️

[lostinstem]

Let's talk about Ruvik fanon and the amount of unnecessary hate Jiménez receives

Tw: poor english lmao

Something that I have seen too much during the five years I have been in this unfortunately dead fandom is that some people believe Ruvik became purely evil due to the incident he suffered. In reality, it is not at all like that. It generates a certain rejection in me that he was seen as a poor victim who only wanted to get his sister back.

It is essential to recognize that Ruvik possessed an exceptional mind from an early age, exhibiting traits of psychopathy due to his lack of empathy towards the animals he killed. His intelligence, along with his ability to understand and manipulate complex concepts, distinguished him from the rest, as well as isolated him. From a young age, his intellectual brilliance not only allowed him to excel in various fields of knowledge but also pushed him into a state of loneliness and emotional distancing.

This emotional distancing is a characteristic feature of psychopathy, a condition that often manifests in childhood and worsens over time. Throughout his childhood, Ruvik demonstrated a lack of empathy towards others, even his own family. His reactions to the suffering of others were cold and indifferent, indicating a significant emotional disconnection. This disturbing behavior became evident in his cruelty towards animals and his inability to relate emotionally to other human beings, showing an early inclination towards manipulation and control.

He was aware of his actions even though he was a child. He grew up in an environment of high social status and traditional morality, where values and standards of conduct were instilled. His sensitivity allowed him to discern between good and evil, understanding the ethical implications of his actions from an early age. Although he was just a child, his psychopathic traits and formidable intellect made him an individual dangerously obsessed with control and experimentation, foreshadowing what he would eventually become

All of these characteristics are evident prior to the fire. It should be mentioned that Ruvik's traumas acted as catalysts that exacerbated his internal psychopathic tendencies. His childhood manifested signs of a disturbed mind where traumatic events served to trigger his complete instability and even push him to his full limit.

Marcelo Jiménez

It's not his fault that Ruvik is so fucked up lol

I would like to introduce this character because, in addition to being important, many solidify the distorted fanon vision of Ruvik due to the impact of Jiménez's actions on him and why he ends up unfairly being one of the most hated characters in the game.

The main game presents Jiménez from a perspective that highlights the dire consequences of his experiments, leading to a negative and superficial perception of his character. However, when explored further in the DLC, a more complex and empathetic dimension of Jiménez, often overlooked, is revealed.

Jiménez is constantly blamed for Ruvik's death and the theft of his research, but it is crucial to analyze what is truly behind this. The dilemma Jiménez faced was complex. On the one hand, he felt loyalty and respect toward Ruvik, his colleague and friend. On the other hand, there was immense pressure from Mobius. The decision to steal Ruvik's research was not a simple betrayal but a desperate act to save his career and maintain access to the resources necessary to continue the research. Although morally questionable, this action is best understood in the context of constant coercion and threat.

Mobius's threats were clear: if Jiménez did not provide more information and progress on the stem project, he would be replaced. This threat was not trivial. The loss of his position at Beacon Psychiatric Hospital involved more than just dismissal; it meant the end of his career and the loss of access to resources essential for his research. Furthermore, these threats suggested a potential risk to his life, given Mobius's power to remove obstacles from his path.

It is obviously not justified that he stole Ruvik's research without permission, but he had an understandable reason.

Regarding the murder of Ruvik, it is essential to underline a very important point: Jiménez did not kill him; Mobius did. Jiménez only intervened when Ruvik had managed to make the stem system work solely with his brain waves, and was gradually withdrawing from the project to the point of almost never visiting the laboratory.

In entry #201, Jiménez expresses his deep fear of what Mobius could do to Ruvik. This entry reflects Jiménez’s fear of possible reprisals from Mobius and his concern about the situation, considering both the threats and Ruvik's refusal to participate in the laboratory. Technically, it was Jiménez's only option to force him (without knowing that Mobius intended to kill him).

Clear proof of the remorse Jiménez feels is found in entry #209, where, in addition to expressing disbelief at having been part of such an atrocity, he shows a visible decline in his way of recounting it. Jiménez demonstrates respect for Ruvik's work rather than mere greed, while Mobius pursued his own goals with ruthless determination, focusing primarily on large-scale control and manipulation. The stem project, in which Ruvik was deeply involved, had immense potential for mind control and the creation of alternate realities, something Mobius viewed as a tool to consolidate his power. The organization did not value Ruvik's scientific discoveries and advances for their intrinsic merit but solely for how they could be exploited for its own purposes.

It remains to be mentioned that Jiménez integrated Ruvik into Mobius because they had found out about his existence, he wanted to provide him with better facilities along with support to avoid his morbid inclinations (entry #120)

It's okay if you don't like the character, but I feel like most of the hate he gets is due to a lack of understanding.

[thechaseaphrodite]

Peter Pan offers a complex perspective on childhood, presenting it as a time of innocence, purity, and joy, while also exploring the inherent heartlessness of children.

In the book, Peter and the Darling children’s journey to Neverland takes months, surviving only on scraps of bread stolen from birds. They often fall asleep mid-flight, and Peter only intervenes at the last moment, finding amusement in the danger. The book notes, "it was his cleverness that interested him and not the saving of human life."

Peter Pan's interactions with the Lost Boys reveal a darker side. Although he is the smallest among them, they revere him, driven by fear. Peter imposes strict rules: they can't dress like him, know more than he does, or complain about the pretend meals.

Despite his violent tendencies, Peter Pan isn’t portrayed as a villain. Instead, he embodies the nature of a young child who, unfettered by adult constraints, exercises control over his peers much like a domineering five-year-old in a playground. His forgetfulness of past adventures reflects a child living entirely in the moment, and the violence in Neverland mirrors the unfiltered nature of children’s play in the real world.

Barrie suggests that children's heartlessness stems from their innocence. Without enough life experience, they cannot fully comprehend others' feelings, remaining too innocent to develop empathy.

Peter Pan, like any other child, lacks the developed sense of empathy that comes with experience and teaching. His magical nature blurs the lines between make-believe and reality, making him unique yet still reflective of a typical child’s inability to fully grasp the impact of their actions.

There is a distinct aloofness toward unconditional love, something Peter and the Lost Boys don't fully understand. Despite their months-long absence from home, Wendy is the only one who ever considers the feelings of their parents. Barrie reflects on this with the line, "thus children are ever ready, when novelty knocks, to desert their dearest ones. Off we skip like the most heartless things in the world, which is what children are, but so attractive; and we have an entirely selfish time, and then, when we have need of special attention, we nobly return for it, confident that we shall be embraced instead of smacked."

It’s only when the children learn what happened to Peter — being barred from returning home — that they begin to take the situation seriously.

Barrie ensures we remember the children's selfishness, calling them "rubbishy children" and "brats." He even declares Mrs. Darling his favorite character, and remarks that it would serve the children right if their parents were away when they returned. That such moral lesson is something they have needed all along.

Despite this, the children are welcomed home with open arms, just as they anticipated. They face no consequences for their heartless behavior, shielded by the patient, unconditional love of their parents. Even the Lost Boys are welcomed into the Darling family.

In the end, none of the children express regret for their selfish actions, except, perhaps, Peter.

Peter originally plans to prevent Wendy from leaving by closing and barring her window, making it appear as though her mother no longer wanted her — mirroring his own experience as a child. However, when he arrives at the window, he sees Mrs. Darling sitting in the nursery, quietly crying. Initially, Peter feels anger, wanting Wendy for himself, unable to share her love. Like a child who lashes out, Peter recognizes the discomfort caused by someone else's distress.

Yet, his anger fades, and in possibly the only truly selfless act of his life, Peter abandons his plan, allowing Wendy to return home.

In a quiet moment, after the Lost Boys are adopted, Mrs. Darling offers to adopt Peter as well. But he refuses; he doesn’t want to grow up.

As Peter leaves, he gazes back at the Darling family, united in their love for one another. Barrie writes, "he had ecstasies innumerable that other children can never know... but he was looking through the window at the one joy from which he must be forever barred." Peter may never age, but growing up is not about aging; it’s about developing empathy and emotional depth — growing a heart. By the story’s end, Peter, the boy who refuses to grow up, perhaps becomes the only character who truly does.

In a very interesting way, Galinda's journey is similar to Peter Pan’s in a few compelling ways. Both characters start with a lack of empathy, operating in a self-centered world where their desires and comforts reign supreme.

Galinda begins her story with a strong sense of entitlement. She doesn't want to share her room at Shiz and begrudgingly offers Elphaba the smallest possible space. Her attitude towards Elphaba is dismissive and condescending, seeing her as an inconvenience rather than a person deserving respect.

Furthermore, Galinda expects Elphaba to do her a favor — putting in a good word with Madame Morrible — without offering anything in return. When Elphaba refuses, having no reason to oblige, Galinda's reaction is to escalate her cruelty. This behavior is reminiscent of Peter Pan's heartlessness when he only cares about his amusement, not the well-being of those around him. Both Galinda and Peter exhibit a form of childishness, unable to process rejection in a mature way, and respond with spite when their desires are thwarted.

Galinda’s loathing for Elphaba it’s a childish kind of loathing — akin to a toddler throwing a tantrum because they didn’t get their way. Elphaba’s green skin makes it easier for Galinda to direct her disdain, but fundamentally, her reaction is rooted in immaturity.

The turning point for Galinda comes at the Ozdust Ballroom. A moment that parallels Peter Pan's realization when he sees Mrs. Darling crying in the nursery. Elphaba's unexpected kindness sparks something within Galinda.

This realization is Galinda's "heart-growing" moment, similar to Peter Pan’s fleeting moment of selflessness when he decides not to shut the window on Wendy. Galinda starts to see beyond her own desires and considers the feelings and dignity of others, marking the beginning of her emotional growth. She transitions from a self-absorbed young woman to someone capable of empathy and genuine connection.

Both characters, through their arcs, illustrate the journey from selfish innocence to a more complex understanding of others. Peter Pan and Galinda both begin their stories insulated by their own immaturity and desires. Still, through pivotal moments of realization, they start to grow a heart — Peter, in his decision to let Wendy return home, and Galinda, in her developing empathy for Elphaba.

[ovwechoes]

OVW Mains and Horror Books (Recommendations) This is completely self indulgent I'm so normal about the horror genre, especially novels, and if I don't assign some I've really enjoyed these past few months I think I might go a little insane (btw if you send me a rqst asking for some for ur own mains I'll cry in happiness) TW/CWs are labelled with each book, please read them and take them into consideration before reading anything recommended below - enjoy! Characters: Ana, Ashe, Sombra, and Zarya.

If you main Ana, you might enjoy… A Collapse of Horses by Brian Evenson! This is an anthology series with a plethora of short stories intertwined with themes of perception vs. reality, dependence on the known and surrealism into each one, connecting them all unanimously. Each story is different, offering a new setting with characters you can't help but feel something for, which I really loved. I think Ana would enjoy this novel simply because she doesn't need to dedicate too much time to each short story, finding that they serve her well with how short they can be. As well, each one leaves with open ended questions left in the reader's mind that Ana would enjoy considering and discussing with others. It's a good read if you're wanting to take a step back, enjoy something not entirely focused on a complicated, long plotline and have a taste for horror. TW/CWs include: violence and gore, mental illness and psychological distress, death and suicide, existential dread and nihilism, body horror and disfigurement, child endangerment and death, and isolation and despair.

If you main Ashe, you might enjoy… The Rats by James Herbert! People might expect Elizabeth to be enamoured with the wild west, consuming nothing but that genre. However, I like to think that she enjoys monster stories, especially ones based in reality with how the creatures causing havoc came to be. ‘Rats’ satisfies that for her, serving as a novel where you follow a school teacher tasked with helping overcome the swarm of rats unlike any other that've affected London before - their bite can kill, and they have a lust for flesh that can't be contained. It was one of the first books I read after a reading slump, and it reignited my love for horror novels completely. I think that Elizabeth would enjoy the action in the book, whilst finding the bloody details enjoyable to read. TW/CWs include: violence and gore, animal cruelty, themes of fear and paranoia, body horror, mental illness, death and injury, and unsettling depictions of survival and despair.

If you main Sombra, you might enjoy… Rabbits by Terry Miles! This novel explores a reality where Rabbits is a secretive, underground and dangerous game with a high reward for it's players - you're reading as one of them, as you uncover exactly what that reward is. Sombra might enjoy the book because of it's themes of obsession, the nature of reality, and the consequences of playing a game that has real-life impacts. The tension mixed with the mystery makes this novel all the more enjoyable, and I feel like Olivia would appreciate the reminder to remove herself from online spaces and take a moment in reality. It's hard for her to remain focused on novels, especially longer horror ones, but she thoroughly would enjoy this one. TW/CWs include: graphic violence, themes of obsession and paranoia, mental illness, death and injury, existential dread, and unsettling situations involving survival and the unknown.

If you main Zarya, you might enjoy… Piercing by Ryu Murakami! I think that Aleksandra would be squeamish to horror, not enjoying it visually because of jump scares and reading because of the way they can settle under her skin and make her feel uncomfortable. However, one she would probably enjoy is this one as it's much more mild with it's themes compared to others in this post. You follow a young man who's tackling his trauma-driven, obsessive thoughts about harming his new born child (he doesn't don't worry), and how he's going to enact it on a prostitute. It has a beautifully written plot exploring the way trauma can impact behaviour and mindset, and would definitely make Aleksandra consider how her own has changed her. It's not necessarily long, so if you wanted to, you could finish it in one sitting, just like I and Aleksandra did/would. But, it's one that really sticks with you and makes you feel as though it's stained on your mind with it's vivid details. TW/CWs include: graphic violence and gore, themes of sexual violence, mental illness, disturbing psychological content, and depictions of obsession and trauma.

[theficdealer]

While Peter, MJ, and Ned are saying their goodbyes as Dr. Strange is completing his spell, a final rift opens up right in front of them. To their shock, they are hit by a small, green meteor that immediately sucks them into a vortex.

Unable to control their wild ride through history, the vortex collapses, violently expelling them into the unknown. The trio finds themselves in New York City, 2009 and learn their original future is gone.

Choosing to change this new reality for the better, they turn to an unlikely ally - Jarvis, Tony Stark's highly advanced AI assistant. Peter, MJ, Ned and their artificial allies must confront not just the threats of this altered present, but the rippling consequences their actions could have across the multiverse itself.

In an epic adventure that spans realities and timelines, this unlikely squad of heroes must embrace their second chance and rewrite the future, navigating a universe of infinite possibilities where every choice they make massively impacts the world as they know it.

—Summary of Spider-Man: Time to Go Home by Kythara on ao3

Is it just me or have the time travel fix-it fics been awesome lately, because I’m following like seven fantastic ones right now and t h r i v i n g.

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a fic that was so simultaneously conscious of character’s strengths and weaknesses and toed the line of making people brilliant but not infallible so well.

Peter, Ned, and MJ, for example, while geniuses, are still portrayed as teenagers in possibly the most reasonable way they could have been. They each have unique strengths and weaknesses that balance out well and give them each something unique to bring to the table, which makes them feel more even ground than the way they’re generally portrayed as Peter’s sidekick and long suffering girlfriend.

Tony, also, is a complex character with his faults and hang-ups, but can buckle down and focus when he needs to, and even if he doesn’t like something, is able to put aside those hang-ups and do what’s right.

Pepper too, actually. This fic, like with MJ, Ned, and Peter, puts her and Tony on much more equal footing than I see most of the time (though I am, admittedly, in and out of this fandom) and has her making her own decisions for SI that don’t necessarily go through Tony first, which, while it theoretically happens, isn’t often shown (in my experience) and generally if it is, it generally doesn’t include her perspective. To the same effect, Happy and Rhodey aren’t treated as accessories, but their own people.

Things I loved in Particular:

Ned learning magic!

MJ’s focus on the environment and how she goes about laying the groundwork for large scale, multi-faceted discussion on the topic (bamf shit, honestly)

Jarvis Plotting

TrioWeb0rs<3

The entire Stark Expo section

Rhodey’s meeting with the higher ups

Wong<3

The resolution of the Hulk Situation

Nick Fury having three (3) people he can trust and absolutely hating that one of them is Tony Goddamn Stark

Sassy The Slightly Unhinged But Very Fabulous Magical Sash which took one look at Ned and was like “that one’s mine now”

The application of the web formula the author came up with is actually fucking genius i love it

Ross’s sentence<3

General Blackwell<3

Isabella<3

Peter’s exploration of various martial arts

Just generally the sheer amount of research that must be going into this fic

Go read it or lose the toes<3

[passerine-parable]

A friend of mine said in her art-writing-fiction essay that metaphysics is the study of violence against the material world. As a beginner magician (one closer to occultism than to paganism, but respectful to both- Hail eris), I’ve found this lately to be true.

Magic is sometimes violent, even self-violent, as it is also constructive. I am in the process of recovering from a pair of rituals; both of which allege to have permanently changed how I walk through the physical world(s), and at least three days later the effects have been maintained so I suspect they will persist.

It is weird to admit that I am recovering from something which has no apparent physical impact (save for the black bracer I now wear upon my left arm; a piece of armor now required as consequence of my actions and also a proud raiment-reminder of the thing I have accomplished). What I have done in some ways created metaphysical wounds upon myself, even though the entire effect is overall worthwhile.

It is weird to wake up each morning and feel one’s soul, still stinging from stitching itself together, waking up in every universe as one, a layered many, this form now bearing a skeleton embroidered with every possible facet of who I could’ve been and could still be.

(I recognize this sounds like insanity- this is nevertheless where we are at- for further information this lecture by Grant Morrison explains this somewhat, and is overall an excellent lecture )

I think magic is also art, and I want to explore this. We can create memories, we can create literal realities. The people in fiction are in their own universes as real as we are, and we have a responsibility as their gods (whether creators or witnesses) to treat them gently.

I recognize that magic is generally not an accepted school of study- the objectivity of the institutional system generally excludes it as a possibility of truth- yet nevertheless I am intrigued, humbled, uncertain of its implications in terms of my responsibilities as an artist and reality-maker-experiencer.

[san-storage-blog]

Can You Get in Trouble for YouTube Comments? They May Land You in Jail

In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of online interactions, social media platforms like YouTube have transformed how we communicate and share information. For many technology enthusiasts, YouTube is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and community engagement. However, within this dynamic digital sphere lies a less discussed yet significant issue: the impact and consequences of what you post in the comments section. While it might be hard to believe that something as seemingly innocuous as a comment could lead to legal trouble or even jail time, reality paints a different picture. This blog explores the complexities surrounding YouTube comments and how they can potentially land you in hot water with the law.

Blog Body

In today's digitally connected world, freedom of speech is often touted as one of the greatest benefits of social media platforms like YouTube. However, this freedom comes with its own set of responsibilities and limitations. Online comment sections are akin to public forums where individuals can express their opinions freely. But what happens when those opinions cross legal boundaries? The answer lies in understanding that online speech isn't exempt from real-world laws. Many jurisdictions consider certain types of speech—such as threats, harassment, or hate speech—as criminal offenses whether conducted offline or online.

The notion that your digital footprint can have real-world consequences is becoming increasingly recognized by legal systems worldwide. In fact, several high-profile cases have demonstrated just how seriously authorities are taking harmful online behavior. For instance, individuals who have posted threatening comments or engaged in cyberbullying on YouTube have faced not only civil lawsuits but also criminal charges leading to arrests and convictions. The anonymity that once protected users is gradually eroding as law enforcement agencies become more adept at tracing digital origins back to individual devices.

Moreover, it's essential to comprehend the diverse laws governing internet usage across different countries. What may be considered acceptable commentary in one part of the world could be interpreted as unlawful elsewhere due to variations in legal interpretations regarding free speech and public safety concerns. Countries like Germany enforce strict regulations against hate speech and defamation online; meanwhile, others might focus more on curbing misinformation or protecting minors from harmful content. Consequently, an international commenter must be aware that their words can transcend borders—and so too can potential repercussions.

As technology advances rapidly with artificial intelligence algorithms capable of detecting problematic language patterns automatically flagging content for review—YouTube itself has evolved its policies pertaining to user comments significantly over recent years aiming towards creating safer environments for all users involved while maintaining platform integrity simultaneously ensuring accountability amongst creators alike thus highlighting importance self-regulation before posting anything impulsively without considering implications thoroughly beforehand

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—it’s crucial never forget power wielded by each keystroke typed out onto keyboards worldwide today shapes tomorrow's narratives whether intended not! Encouraging healthy discourse amongst peers promoting mutual respect appreciation diversity opinions ultimately strengthens communities rather than divides them apart through hostile exchanges potentially leading down perilous paths unforeseen outcomes later regrettable moments history books still being written every day anew

Conclusion

As technology enthusiasts who thrive on innovation creativity found within platforms such as YouTube navigating ever-changing landscape requires vigilance thoughtful consideration actions taken both positively negatively impacting virtual spaces inhabit daily basis understanding risks associated careless commenting cannot underestimated fully appreciated until personally experienced firsthand learning lessons others mistakes proves invaluable guide future endeavors empowering us all contribute meaningful ways building better brighter interconnected society going forward together hand-in-hand toward shared aspirations dreams limitless possibilities ahead

[carolhsu]

Academic Blog 5: Semiotics - Love’s a Bitch

Figure 1. “Amores Perros” (2000)

In this blog post, I will analyze Alejandro González Iñárritu's Love’s a Bitch (2000) in semiotic perspective (Saussure, 1983). The film uses its interweaved narrative and complex characters to explore the themes of love, betrayal, and survival. It reveals all the irrational things people do because of love, irrational but real and touching.

Love’s a Bitch unfolds three stories linked by a car accident, each portraying a different face of human relationships. The film’s strong realism highlights the struggles of Mexico City’s lower class compared with the urban elite. The title Amores Perros translates to “Love’s a Bitch,” reflecting the raw and brutal realities of love and loyalty, both human and animal.

Denotation and Connotation in Amores Perros

In Saussure (1983)’s semiotic model, signifier (denotation) stands for the surface meaning or literal meaning of a symbol. As signified (connotation) means the cultural association or emotional meaning implicit in a symbol, which may be affected by context or cultural background. It can be deconstruct key symbols in the film:

1. Dogs as Central Symbols

Denotation: Dogs are all around in the film, appearing as pets, fighters, or street dogs. Each story involves dogs in significant ways, from main character Octavio’s fighting pit bull to Valeria’s injured pet Ritchie.

Connotation: Dogs symbolize loyalty, violence, and vulnerability. In Octavio’s story, his tough pit bull Cofi kills every dogs, reflects Octavio’s struggle for control and power in a violent world. In the beginning, Cofi joined the dog fighting and won lots of money for Octavio, but at the end, Cofi killed all the dogs own by the old man who saved Cofi from dead. It also symbolizes the hope of Octavio's love for his sister in law initially, and eventually he killed his brother accidently. In Valeria’s segment, the little fluffy Ritchie represents the gorgeous of young model Valeria. However, Ritchie’s injury and was trapped under the floor, mirror Valeria's own physical and emotional decline after the car accident.

Figure 2. Octavio and his fighting pit bull

2. The Car Accident

Denotation: A sudden, catastrophic links the three narratives.

Connotation: The accident symbolizes the fragility of human life and the interconnected of fates. It also shows characters from different social backgrounds colliding in unexpected ways.

Figure 3. Valeria trying to find her dog Ritchie after it ran under the floor

According to Silverman and Torode (1980), paradigm is a set of changeable symbols that represent choices in a context. As to syntagm, it is a specific arrangement of symbols that represents structure. The paradigmatic and syntagmatic relations in a text influence its meaning:

Paradigm: The three storylines offer alternative perspectives on love and loss. Each character’s choices—Octavio’s yearning for a better life, Valeria’s vanity and decline, El Chivo’s redemption—are paradigmatic variations on the human condition.

Syntagm: The nonlinear narrative weaves these stories into a cohesive whole, emphasizing how individual actions across lives. The accident serves as the center, binding the narratives together. After different choice done by the characters, they got different results and consequences.

This film blends denotation and connotation, while constructing myths that critique inequality, highlights its enduring impact as a cinematic masterpiece. This kind of narrative technique is something I can learn to lead the audience through layers of confusion to find the ultimate truth. In various seemingly ordinary plots, I can cleverly use denotations and connotations to enrich the story completely.

Bibliography

IMDb (n.d.) Amores Perros (2000). Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245712/?ref_=ttmi_ov (Accessed: 12 December 2024).

Iñárritu, A.G. (Director). (2000) Amores Perros. [Film]. Mexico: Altavista Films.

Saussure, F. de. (1983) Course in General Linguistics. Translated by R. Harris. London: Duckworth.

Silverman, D. and Torode, B. (1980) The Material Word: Some Theories of Language and its Limits. London: Routledge.