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perpetual-stories · 11 months ago
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Eight Strategies for Improving Dialogue in Your Writing
Well, hi! Oh my… wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve posted! I’ve been very busy and I am genuinely sorry to all my followers, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about this account, but here is one final post for the year!
Hopefully next year I become consistent with it again!
Let’s begin!
One of the best ways to help a reader connect with your writing is by crafting excellent dialogue. Use these tips to learn how to write dialogue that showcases character development, defines your characters’ voices, and hooks readers.
Why Use Dialogue?
Good dialogue performs all sorts of functions in fiction writing. It defines your characters’ voices, establishes their speech patterns, exposes the inner emotions, and showcases their character development. Beyond mere characterization, effective dialogue can also establish the setting and time period of your story and reveal information in a way that doesn’t feel overly expository.
Authors use lines of dialogue to reveal a character’s personality and express their point of view. For instance, an archetypal football coach might speak in short, terse sentences peppered with exclamation points and quotations from famous war generals. By contrast, a nebbish lover with a broken heart might drone on endlessly to his therapist or best friend, speaking in run-on sentences that circle around his true motivations. When an author can reveal character traits through dialogue, it cuts down on exposition and makes a story flow briskly.
Eight Writing Tips for Improving Dialogue
The first time you write dialogue, you may find it quite difficult to replicate the patterns of normal speech. This can be compounded by the concurrent challenges of finding your own voice and telling a great story overall. Even bestselling authors can get stuck on how a particular character says a particular line of dialogue. With practice and hard work, however, lackluster dialogue can be elevated to great dialogue.
Here are some strategies for improving the dialogue in your own work:
Mimic the voices of people in your own life. Perhaps you’ve created a physician character with the same vocal inflections as your mother. Perhaps your hero soldier talks just like your old volleyball coach. If you want to ensure that your dialogue sounds the way real people speak, there’s no better resource than the real life people in your everyday world.
Mix dialogue with narration. Long runs of dialogue can dislodge a reader from the action of a scene. As your characters talk, interpolate some descriptions of their physical postures or other activity taking place in the room. This mimics the real-world experience of listening to someone speaking while simultaneously taking in visual and olfactory stimuli.
Give your main character a secret. Sometimes a line of dialogue is most notable for what it withholds. Even if your audience doesn’t realize it, you can build dynamic three-dimensionality by having your character withhold a key bit of information from their speech. For instance, you may draft a scene in which a museum curator speaks to an artist about how she wants her work displayed—but what the curator isn’t saying out loud is that she’s in love with the artist. You can use that secret to embed layers of tension into the character’s spoken phrases.
Use a layperson character to clarify technical language. When you need dialogue to convey technical information in approachable terms, split the conversation between two people. Have one character be an expert and one character be uninformed. The expert character can speak at a technical level, and the uninformed one can stop them, asking questions for clarification. Your readers will appreciate it.
Use authentic shorthand. Does your character call a gun a “piece” or a “Glock”? Whatever it is, be authentic and consistent in how your characters speak. If they all sound the same, your dialogue needs another pass.
Look to great examples of dialogue for inspiration. If you're looking for a dialogue example in the realm of novels or short stories, consider reading the great books written by Mark Twain, Judy Blume, or Toni Morrison. Within the world of screenwriting, Aaron Sorkin is renowned for his use of dialogue.
Ensure that you’re punctuating your dialogue properly. Remember that question marks and exclamation points go inside quotation marks. Enclose dialogue in double quotation marks and use single quotation marks when a character quotes another character within their dialogue. Knowing how to punctuate dialogue properly can ensure that your reader stays immersed in the story.
Use dialogue tags that are evocative. Repeating the word “said” over and over can make for dull writing and miss out on opportunities for added expressiveness. Consider replacing the word “said” with a more descriptive verb.
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freenewsreport · 3 days ago
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Yasmin Seky's Journey to Fame: Career Highlights and Future Aspirations
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In recent years, few names have been as captivating in the entertainment industry as Yasmin Seky. With her unique talent, charismatic personality, and relentless drive, Yasmin Seky has steadily built a career that reflects her dedication and passion for her craft. This article dives into Yasmin Seky's remarkable journey to fame, highlighting key career milestones, memorable achievements, and her exciting aspirations for the future.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
Yasmin Seky's story begins in her hometown, where her love for the arts was evident from a young age. Surrounded by a supportive family and friends who encouraged her creativity, Yasmin immersed herself in acting, singing, and other performing arts, gaining recognition early on in her local community. Unlike many young talents who struggle to find their footing, Yasmin Seky's focus and determination propelled her to seize every opportunity that came her way.
Yasmin Seky's breakthrough came when she landed her first significant role. Her performance garnered the attention of critics and audiences alike, setting her apart from her peers. The passion she displayed in each scene was evident, sparking curiosity about who she was and where she might go next. This initial success was just the beginning, as Yasmin Seky was committed to pushing the boundaries of her craft, honing her skills, and exploring new creative ventures.
Career Highlights
Yasmin Seky's career is marked by a series of impressive achievements that have shaped her journey to fame. Here are some notable highlights that showcase her growth as an artist and her contributions to the industry:
Breakthrough Role: Yasmin Seky's debut in a well-regarded production earned her a solid fan base and respect within the industry. Her portrayal was both nuanced and powerful, capturing the complexities of her character in a way that felt authentic and relatable. This role set the tone for her career, displaying her knack for diving deep into character psychology and leaving a lasting impression.
Accolades and Recognition: Following her debut, Yasmin Seky quickly amassed a collection of awards and nominations. Her performances have consistently been met with critical acclaim, and industry awards served to recognize her contributions. These accolades not only added credibility to her name but also cemented her position as a leading figure among emerging talents.
Venturing Into Diverse Roles: One of the defining traits of Yasmin Seky's career has been her versatility. Refusing to be confined to a single genre, she has taken on a wide range of roles across drama, romance, comedy, and action. This flexibility has allowed her to showcase her range as an actress, appealing to diverse audiences and earning her admiration across multiple fan bases.
International Recognition: Yasmin Seky's talent has reached far beyond her home country, capturing international attention and admiration. Her appeal has transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, making her a globally recognized figure. This has led to collaborations with international brands and directors, further establishing her as a rising global icon.
Impactful Performances in Socially Relevant Films: Yasmin Seky has been intentional about selecting roles that bring awareness to important societal issues. Her involvement in socially conscious films has demonstrated her commitment to using her platform for good, shedding light on topics such as mental health, gender equality, and cultural identity. These roles have not only earned her praise but have also shown her depth and commitment as an artist.
Yasmin Seky's Approach to Craft and Personal Growth
A major part of Yasmin Seky success can be attributed to her dedication to constant improvement. Known for her disciplined work ethic, Yasmin spends hours preparing for her roles, studying the character's backstory, and perfecting her performance. Her meticulous approach to her craft has allowed her to elevate each role she plays, making it uniquely her own.
In interviews, Yasmin Seky often speaks about the importance of staying true to oneself in a highly competitive industry. She believes in authentic storytelling and is passionate about bringing characters to life in a way that resonates with audiences. Yasmin's grounded perspective has helped her navigate fame while staying connected to her roots and values.
The Future of Yasmin Seky: Aspirations and Upcoming Projects
Looking to the future, Yasmin Seky has an exciting roadmap lined up. Her ambitions go beyond acting alone; she has expressed interest in directing and producing, seeing these roles as opportunities to bring new stories to life. Yasmin’s aspirations are centered on creating narratives that inspire and empower audiences, particularly those that offer representation to underrepresented communities.
Yasmin Seky has hinted at some of her upcoming projects, which include a mix of film and television work that promises to challenge her skills further. She is also set to collaborate with international talent, signaling her growing influence on a global scale. Fans and critics eagerly anticipate how she will continue to evolve and surprise audiences with each new endeavor.
As she steps into new roles, Yasmin Seky remains focused on staying versatile and open to exploring various genres. This openness is a testament to her humility and willingness to learn, even as she enjoys considerable success. Her journey reflects her belief in continuous growth and an enduring commitment to her art.
Conclusion: Yasmin Seky's Legacy in the Making
Yasmin Seky's journey to fame is a compelling story of talent, perseverance, and vision. Through her career highlights and continuous dedication to her craft, Yasmin has made a name for herself that resonates not only with her fans but also with aspiring artists who see her as a role model. As Yasmin Seky continues to expand her horizons and take on new challenges, it’s clear that her journey is far from over.
In an industry that’s constantly evolving, Yasmin Seky's commitment to authenticity and excellence has set her apart. With her ambitions to explore new facets of the entertainment world, she is well on her way to leaving a legacy that future generations will admire. Yasmin Seky is more than an actress; she is a force of creativity, resilience, and inspiration—an artist with a journey worth following as she continues to reach new heights.
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medinabasketball · 2 months ago
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The Essential Role of Sportsmanship in Achieving Team Success
In the heat of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens, an African American athlete, struggled to qualify in the long jump. With two fouls already against him, his chances looked bleak. In an unexpected turn, his German rival, Luz Long, advised him to adjust his takeoff. Owens took the suggestion, qualified for the finals, and eventually won the gold medal, with Long taking silver. After the event, the two athletes walked arm in arm, a powerful display of sportsmanship that transcended the fierce competition and political tensions of the time. This iconic moment reminds us that true success in sports is not just about winning—it’s about respect, integrity, and the bonds we form.
What is Sportsmanship?
Sportsmanship is the embodiment of respect, fairness, and integrity in the world of sports. It’s about honoring the game, respecting opponents, and playing with a sense of fairness that goes beyond simply following the rules. At its core, sportsmanship means treating everyone—teammates, opponents, officials, and fans—with dignity and respect, no matter the outcome of the competition.
Sportsmanship vs. Competitiveness
While competitiveness drives athletes to perform at their best, sportsmanship ensures that this drive is tempered by respect for others. It's the balance between striving for victory and maintaining integrity, showing that it’s possible to compete fiercely without losing sight of fairness. True sportsmanship means understanding that how you play the game is just as important as the final score.
The Impact of Sportsmanship on Team Dynamics
Building Trust and Respect: Sportsmanship lays the foundation for trust and respect among teammates, which are essential for effective communication and collaboration. When players treat each other with respect, they create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express ideas, share feedback, and work together toward a common goal. Mutual respect fosters open lines of communication, where misunderstandings can be quickly resolved, and strategies can be refined without fear of criticism. This trust not only improves on-field coordination but also strengthens the bonds between teammates, making the team more cohesive and resilient.
Fostering a Positive Team Culture: A positive team culture is one where every member feels valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best. Sportsmanship plays a crucial role in cultivating this environment. When athletes consistently demonstrate fairness, encouragement, and support for one another, it creates a culture where personal egos are set aside for the greater good of the team. This positive environment reduces internal conflicts, increases morale, and inspires players to push through challenges together. A team culture rooted in sportsmanship becomes a self-reinforcing cycle, where positive behaviors are modeled, expected, and reciprocated, leading to sustained success.
Handling Adversity Together: Adversity is an inevitable part of any competitive endeavor, but how a team handles it can define their long-term success. Sportsmanship equips teams with the mindset needed to face challenges collectively. When players prioritize respect and integrity, they are more likely to support each other during tough times, whether it’s overcoming a losing streak, dealing with injuries, or navigating high-pressure situations. Teams that embrace sportsmanship are better equipped to maintain composure under stress, stay focused on their goals, and find strength in unity. By facing adversity with a spirit of sportsmanship, teams not only overcome obstacles but also emerge stronger and more united.
In essence, sportsmanship is the glue that holds a team together, ensuring that even in the face of challenges, the team remains focused, cohesive, and driven by mutual respect. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for sustained success both on and off the field.
Sportsmanship as a Leadership Trait
Leaders Setting the Example: Coaches and team leaders play a pivotal role in modeling sportsmanship. When leaders consistently demonstrate respect, fairness, and integrity, they set a powerful example for others to follow. Their actions on and off the field show that winning isn’t the only measure of success—how you treat others matters just as much. By leading with sportsmanship, they cultivate a culture where these values are upheld by the entire team.
Influence on Team Behavior: The emphasis that leaders place on sportsmanship has a direct impact on the team’s attitudes and behaviors. When leaders prioritize ethical behavior and respect, it influences the entire team to adopt similar values. This creates a ripple effect, where the team collectively upholds standards of fairness and mutual respect, both in competition and in their interactions with each other. In essence, leaders who champion sportsmanship not only guide their teams to success but also foster an environment where positive behavior becomes the norm.
Overcoming Challenges to Sportsmanship
In intense competitive environments, maintaining sportsmanship can be challenging. However, it’s crucial to remember that respect and integrity are just as important as winning. Strategies such as staying focused on the team’s values, keeping emotions in check, and practicing empathy toward opponents can help athletes uphold sportsmanship, even under pressure. Coaches can reinforce these principles by encouraging players to stay calm and composed, no matter the stakes.
Toxic behaviors and unsportsmanlike conduct can disrupt team dynamics and tarnish the spirit of the game. Teams need to address these issues head-on by setting clear expectations for behavior and holding everyone accountable. Open communication, conflict resolution strategies, and fostering a culture where respect is non-negotiable can help teams effectively manage and eliminate toxic behaviors, ensuring a healthy and supportive environment for all members.
Sportsmanship is the heart of true team success, fostering trust, respect, and unity among teammates. It goes beyond the pursuit of victory, shaping the character of athletes and strengthening the bonds that make a team resilient. By embracing sportsmanship, teams not only achieve success on the field but also cultivate a positive culture that extends far beyond the game. In the end, it’s the values of respect, fairness, and integrity that define a team’s legacy, proving that how we play the game is just as important as the final score. Make sportsmanship a priority and see your team excel!
MT: Sportsmanship: Key to Achieving Team Success
MD: Explore how sportsmanship fosters trust, respect, and unity, driving teams to succeed both on and off the field. Make it a priority today!
Check out the Original Article
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secrettyrant · 3 months ago
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Name: Ekaterina Sokolov
Age & Birthday: 64 years old, May 24th
Gender/Pronouns: Ciswoman, she/her
Birthplace: St Petersburg, Russia
Job/role: Ines' Alvarez Coach, Former Olympic Gymnast / Renegades
Positive Personality Traits: Disciplined, Resilient, Precise
Negative Personality Traits: Unmoved, Reserved, Particular
ABOUT
Growing up in the Soviet Union during a time when gymnastics was a dominant sport, Ekaterina was exposed to the world of gymnastics from a young age. She displayed an early aptitude for the sport, showing a natural flexibility, balance, and a fierce determination that sets her apart from her peers. By the age of six, she enrolled in a state-run gymnastics program, where her talent quickly became evident.
She rose through the ranks of the Soviet gymnastics system, earning a reputation as a disciplined and highly focused athlete. By her early teens, Ekaterina was competing in national competitions, where she consistently outperformed her competitors.
Ekaterina’s hard work and dedication paid off when she was selected to join the Soviet national team in the early 1980s. She trained intensively for the 1984 Summer Olympics, which marked the peak of her competitive career. At the Olympics, Ekaterina became one of the standout performers, winning multiple medals including gold and silver. Her success at the Olympics cemented her status as one of the world's top gymnasts, and she became a celebrated figure in the Soviet Union.
After retiring from competitive gymnastics in the late 1980s, Ekaterina transitioned into coaching. In 1989, Ekaterina had a daughter became a mother but balanced the demands of motherhood with her professional ambitions. Ekaterina raised Ana with the same discipline and commitment that defined her own life. She instilled in her daughter a strong sense of independence and resilience, qualities that she herself has relied on throughout her career.
Ekaterina made a significant decision to relocate to the United States in the 90s after seeing greater opportunities for her coaching career. Her reputation for strict but effective training methods drew aspiring gymnasts from across the country, and she built a successful career as a coach in Los Angeles.
One of Ekaterina’s most notable protégés is Ines Alvarez, a young gymnast with immense talent. Under Ekaterina’s guidance, Ines flourished, achieving significant success on the international stage. Ekaterina’s influence on Ines is profound, shaping her into a world-class athlete and helping her navigate the pressures of elite competition. They have worked together since Ines was thirteen, and now Ekaterina is practically a family friend of the Alvarez's.
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pretparth · 4 months ago
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How to Develop a Top-Tier Social Media Plan that Boosts Brand Visibility and Delivers High ROI
Businesses looking to increase brand awareness and achieve a high return on investment (ROI) need an effective social media strategy in today's digital era. In addition to connecting with your audience, social media can help you promote your brand and grow your business. You will be guided by this comprehensive guide as you develop your brand's social media strategy.
 1. Define Clear Goals
Setting clear, measurable goals is the first step in creating an effective social media strategy. These goals should align with the overall goals of your business. A typical social media goal includes:
- A brand's awareness is measured using metrics like reach, impressions, and followers.
- The number of new email subscribers and form submissions are used to measure lead generation.
- Engagement is measured by likes, comments, shares, and direct messages.
- Traffic driving: Based on referral traffic, page views, and session duration.
Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) ensures you have a clear roadmap and can track your progress effectively.
��2. Understand Your Audience
Crafting content that resonates requires an understanding of your audience. Detailed buyer personas should be developed based on thorough research, which should include the following:
- Age, gender, location, income, education, and other demographics.
- The psychographics of a person include their interests, values, lifestyle, and personality traits.
- Insights into online behavior, buying habits, and engagement patterns  .
Tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and customer surveys can provide valuable data to help you understand your audience better.
 3. Choose the Right Platforms
It is important to understand that not all social media platforms are the same, and they cater to different demographics and content types. Your audience is most likely to be found on the following platforms:
-Social media sites like Facebook are great for building a sense of community and promoting your business.
-For visually appealing content and engagement with younger audiences, Instagram is a great option.
-Customer service and real-time updates can be achieved through Twitter.
-B2B marketing and professional networking are best done on LinkedIn.
-With TikTok, you can reach Gen Z with creative and entertaining content.
 4. Create Engaging Content
Content is the heart of your social media strategy. Your content should be:
-Provide your audience with information, entertainment, or inspiration that is relevant and valuable to them.
-Visually Appealing: Videos, images, and graphics of high quality capture the attention of viewers.
-Humanize your brand with behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and user-generated content.
-Engage your audience through polls, quizzes, contests, and Q&A sessions.
A content calendar can help you plan and organize your posts, ensuring a consistent and strategic approach.
 5. Leverage Paid Advertising
Organic reach alone is often insufficient to achieve significant growth. Investing in paid social media advertising can amplify your efforts. Each platform offers robust advertising tools with targeting options that allow you to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and more. Some effective paid strategies include:
- Boosted posts: Increase the reach of your organic content.
- Sponsored content: Promote your content to a targeted audience.
- Display ads: Visually appealing ads that can drive traffic and conversions.
- Retargeting ads: Re-engage users who have previously interacted with your brand.
 6. Engage with Your Audience
With social media, it's a two-way street. Engaging with your audience will help you build relationships with them and foster brand loyalty. Respond as soon as possible to comments, messages, and mentions. Provide a professional, empathic response to complaints or concerns. Show appreciation for positive comments. Engaging your audience is also an excellent way to learn about their preferences and opinions.    
 7. Analyze and Adjust
Learn about what is effective and ineffective in the social media space. The relevant performance indicators are:
Engagement rates give an idea of how well your audience relates to what you say.
Reach and impressions measure how far your content is seen.
Ensuring desired results from social media campaigns.
ROI: Gives a financial perspective on your social media investments.
To gather information, employ tools such as Google Analytics, social media insights, and third-party analytics platforms. Consequently, modify strategy based on these findings with a view to continuously improving performance
 8. Stay Updated and Adapt
Trends and algorithms on social media are always changing. Keep yourself updated with the latest changes in your strategy. Reading industry blogs, attending webinars and getting involved in relevant communities will keep you abreast of new features, tools, and best practices.
 Conclusion
A social media strategy that will be successful can only be achieved by knowing your audience well. Thus, you must know who your audience is and what they want. By clearly defining objectives, selecting the right platforms and creating engaging content, you can enhance brand visibility and achieve a significant ROAS through paid ads. In this case, active interaction with the customers through advertisement becomes essential in order to increase their brand awareness. Brand awareness increases as a result of these interactions and the sales increase leading to returns on investment (ROI). The ever-changing nature of social media necessitates innovation for brands’ best advantage thus one needs to have open-mindedness in using different approaches.
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steveezekiel · 2 years ago
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THE MINISTRY LIFE [Galatians 2c]
11. “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I [Paul] WITHSTOOD HIM TO HIS FACE, because he was to be blamed;
12. for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
13. AND THE REST OF THE JEWS ALSO PLAYED THE HYPOCRITE WITH HIM, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14. BUT WHEN I SAW THAT THEY WERE NOT STRAIGHTFORWARD ABOUT THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”
Galatians 2:11-14 (NKJV)
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• Temperament is defined by a dictionary As a person's nature that is shown in the way they behave or react to situations or people.
- Your temperament is the combination of traits you inherited from your parents.
A person's temperament makes him or her outgoing and extroverted, or shy and introverted.
- In the temperamental groups where every human being is said to have the combinations of two or more out of the four: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, or Phlegmatic.
- A Sanguine is a warm, buoyant, lively, and enjoying person. A Sanguine is also considered a super extrovert.
HOWEVER, one of the Sanguines' weaknesses is the tendency to be weak-willed and undisciplined. A Sanguine also lacks emotional consistency.
- Reading through the Gospel one would discover and conclude that Apostle Peter is a Sanguine.
SOMEONE said Simon Peter talked more than all the other disciples put together.
- Peter's inconsistency was displayed by being hypocritical!
- Paul did not hesitate to correct Peter because failure to do so poses a danger to the work they [Paul and his team] have been building among the Gentiles (Galatians 2:11).
• Note: You need to know your strengths and your weaknesses that the Holy Spirit may help you: "Likewise the [Holy] Spirit also helps in our weaknesses" (Romans 8:26).
- He helps, empowers, and enables you in the area of your weaknesses, in order to be a vessel of honour in the hand of God (2 Timothy 2:20,21).
- Peter's instability and inconsistency came to the limelight when he tried to be diplomatic, but hypocritical in his dealings with the Gentiles.
- When you know YOUR temperamental strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to allow the Holy Spirit to work through your strengths and augment your weaknesses.
• It is not a good thing if a Minister is not consistent, in which the word of such cannot be trusted.
IF your word cannot be taken as you said it, it means you lack integrity.
IF your actions cannot be predicted, or vouch for, it shows you lack discipline.
- Leaders influence those who are following them.
ANY weakness or character defect in your Life which you failed to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to correct in your Life, will later bring dishonour, disdain, denigration, or defamation on your character—the person of you.
- Peter's action influenced other Jews to withdraw from the Gentiles, including Barnabas who did work with Paul to win these Gentiles for Christ: "12 … for before certain men came from James, HE [Peter] WOULD EAT WITH THE GENTILES; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 AND THE REST OF THE JEWS ALSO PLAYED THE HYPOCRITE WITH HIM, SO THAT EVEN BARNABAS WAS CARRIED AWAY WITH THEIR HYPOCRISY” (Galatians 2:12,13 NKJV).
• A leader must be proactive, especially in the situation where your work, assignment, is at stake.
- Paul did not shy away from correcting Peter even in the presence of others (Galatians 2:11).
IF Paul did not arrest the situation, nib the problem at the bud, Peter's action could have rubbished all their labours among the Gentiles: "THOSE WHO ARE SINNING REBUKE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL, THAT THE REST ALSO MAY FEAR" (1 Timothy 5:20 NKJV).
• If God has Set you over a Ministry, to lead His people; you have a responsibility to correct things that might be wrong and affect negatively the unity and oneness of the fold of God, that is, the people under your leadership.
- God wants every presiding Minister to take heed to himself or herself and to the doctrine. And as they continue in doing this, they will save both themselves and those who hear them (1 Timothy 4:16).
- In the ministry leadership, you watch over the people by teaching them the Word of God and praying for them: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS" (2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV).
- Scripture is profitable: for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.
READ: 2 Peter 1:12-15
• Paul knew the implication of Peter’s action, what he did, and the damage it could cause in their work and ministry among the Gentiles.
- As a minister, a leader, you have to be ahead of the people, and you must have an eagle’s eyes to see farther than them; whatever could jeopardize the progress of the work entrusted to your hand BY God.
- Also, you must not allow sentiment to hinder you from swinging into actions whenever correction, reproof or discipline may be needed.
- If you failed to nip a problem at the bud, it can scatter your labour of several years in the ministry.
THE incident at Antioch, where Paul corrected Peter, is a doctrinal problem.
YOU have to take your stand, put your foot down on what you know to be the right thing, and be balance in your opinion on doctrinal issues.
- You should have a conviction, know what God has instructed you to preach and teach, and should not allows any sentiment to cause you to deviate from it.
- God’s dealings in your life, your persuasions and convictions, should reflect in your teaching—they are the pillars of the ministry given to you.
• Stand on the truth and refuse to recant because of persecution or opposition.
IT is the ministry built on the truth of the Word of God that will stand the test of time!
- You must stand strong and firm in your doctrinal convictions: “FOR IF I BUILD AGAIN THOSE THINGS WHICH I DESTROYED, I MAKE MYSELF A TRANSGRESSOR” (Galatians 2:18).
- If you cannot boldly declare and defend what you do believe and being convinced about, it means your Life still count or matter to you, you have not been fully crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).
YOU are to lose your life for Him: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY [Jesus'] SAKE AND THE GOSPEL'S WILL SAVE IT" (Mark 8:35).
• A minister’s work or ministry and message stem from his convictions in Christ.
- Some are in the ministry work, leading others, but they are yet to be crucified with Christ.
WHAT you are in Christ precedes what you do for Him!
- Until you are crucified with Christ, you cannot be a Blessing to others; when you no longer live but Christ lives through you; It is then you can be a Blessing to other people (Galatians 2:20).
- Fledglings and inconsistencies of many ministers is as a result of their non-crucifixion with Christ.
• What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?
- It means to be consecrated and broken.
- When you Give your life to Christ Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, you need to consecrate your life to Him.
- Consecration means to ask Jesus to take over your life and do as He pleases with it.
- If you made the unwavering commitment, the Holy Spirit will start the work of brokenness in your Life—He will help to break your ego, and subdue your flesh.
- The Holy Spirit will begin to discipline your flesh by allowing circumstances, situations and challenges, that would break your ego and makes you humble and not be opinionated.
- Know that God will not use a self-conceited person because God looks at the proud afar off (James 4:6).
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Peace!
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lpsglobalschool · 2 years ago
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Discipline Paves the Way to a Brighter Future
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn.
The early years of life constitute the phase when the mind is in its most pliable form. This is probably why the wise insist on introducing children to vital life skills and personality traits early on. One such essential trait is discipline. If we go by the dictionary definition, discipline is basically about following pre-set rules and a code of conduct with complete honesty and integrity.
However, it’s no surprise that most children find it difficult to lead a disciplined life. That’s primarily because they aren’t encouraged or educated about the importance of discipline well in time. At LPS Global School, positioned among the Best Playschool in Noida Sector 51, we see discipline as one of the prerequisites for attaining success, and thus always encourage our pupils to embrace discipline as a way of life.
With that under our purview, today, in this article below, let us look at how discipline helps pave a bright future for children.
Boosts habit formation:
As you may already know, a person’s habits play a pivotal role in determining the dynamics of his or her life. The same holds true for children as well. Developing simple, routine habits, like waking up early, completing homework without repeated reminders, and calling it a day off on time, requires a display of discipline and obedience.
At Best International School in Noida, we firmly believe that it is essential to help children realize the vitality of forming the right habits as early as possible, which is something we have been consistently doing at our school. We also help them understand that, at first, it may all seem challenging and impossible, but staying disciplined is the most effective way to keep inching closer to their short and long-term goals.
Improves physical and mental well-being:
In times when stress and worry dominate our life, it becomes difficult to cushion our physical and mental well-being. Bouts of stress don’t take time to push an individual into a shell. Binge eating and zero movement follow, which then reflect in the form of physical and mental ill health.
However, this is not the case with those who understand the importance of discipline. Come what may, disciplined individuals do take time out for physical, mental, and spiritual activities. This thereby helps pave the path to leading a holistically fulfilling life.
Promotes healthy relationships:
If you were to interact with any of the students from the Best play school in Noida, you would be pleasantly surprised with how they define the statement “Man is a Social Animal.” With an objective to prepare children for the future, we have always highlighted the need to function in groups and keep the idea of isolation away.
Here again, discipline proves useful because it guides children on the importance of filling up their cup so that they can fill the empty cups of others around. Discipline pushes them to manage their time well, wherein their timetable shouts of a proportionate mix of “me time” and “time for others around.”
When you lack the discipline to show up for yourself and your relationships, you continue to walk on the dark path. This holds true for both personal and professional equations.
Aids in multitasking:
There is no surprise to witness disciplined children correctly fit into the boxes of multitasking. When you aren’t guided by discipline, you are lack a purpose and clarity about life. You continue to perform tasks one after the other without putting your heart and soul into anything. This leads to most of the tasks being messed up, followed by time wastage and duplication of work.
Contrary to this, children who are guided by discipline are well-equipped to prioritize tasks at hand, give thought to each of these tasks, and perform these to their best abilities. Hence, we can safely state that discipline helps with multitasking, which, in turn, adds meaning and direction to one’s life.
In a nutshell…
If you do not wish to be at a loss of identity and are aiming for receiving consistent success in your endeavours, it is time you take discipline seriously. We at the LPS Global School, one of the Noida's Best school, firmly believe that though often underestimated by many, especially children, discipline is something everyone should value. After all, the benefits of leading a disciplined life are many, and what we have discussed in this article today is just a small glimpse of the same. So, make sure that you begin laying efforts towards instilling discipline as second nature in your children.
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k-s-morgan · 3 years ago
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Hi! I've been in the Hannibal fandom for two years now. Rewatched the show many times and yet Will Graham still confuses me like no one else. Hannibal's design is complex but somewhat understandable after watching the show again again. But Will's design is like a loophole. He can empathise with the killers. That means he can understand them. If he can understand them then why does it feel good for him to kill them? How does it work for him exactly. Does he feel for the killers? If he felt for the killers then what about his violent tendencies towards them?
I've always thought that he is like a God. A God of the killers. The killers offer him their design and he takes sacrifice in return of understanding. But how does his psyche work exactly?
Hello! Oh yes, Will is a very confusing character - it’s his defining trait, and I think that’s because he lies to himself, to others, and to us as an audience. He wants one thing, wants to want another thing, does the third thing, and making sense of it is a complex process.
I think Will’s empathy is a big red herring. I agree with Freddie here: he understands killers because he’s one. He has an almost supernatural gift that helps him recreate the situations almost exactly as they happened. He understands what motivates killers, he might sympathize with them, but I think he might also envy them their freedom to be what they are. They are a reminder of what he is and what he can’t allow himself to have. But most importantly, they are a way for Will to find a compromise with himself and feel better about his true self. Killing bad people is an excuse to justify his darkness, but I don’t think it’s a part of his design per se. 
I agree with you that Will is like a God - he and Hannibal both are. That’s one of the things that separates them from others and elevates them above everyone else. Let’s make an overview of Will’s victims.
1) Hobbs. Hobbs was a monster and Will killed him. But it wasn’t about justice and righteousness, not according to him. Killing a person and feeling pleased that you saved someone versus liking the act of killing itself are drastically different things. Many police officers have to kill in their line of duty. Very few of them get off on the act of murder. Those who do are killers, and they are especially dangerous if they immediately try to follow it up with another murder. Will never once says he liked killing Hobbs because he made this world better. When asked, he says that he felt a sense of power. This is a motivation of many actual serial killers. If Will was just glad that he saved Abigail, he would know it's normal. He wouldn't have been almost on the verge of a break-down and haunted by Hobbs. So it’s not about helping others, it's about murder, even if the victim was a monster.
2) Stammets. Will had no reason to try to kill him (which he admits to doing). Based on his and Hannibal’s talk, he understands that he just wanted to feel what he felt after killing Hobbs, and this makes him panic. So again, no someone. He’s chasing the high of killing someone, and Stammets is the most appropriate victim. 
3) Ingram. On the surface, it looks like Will wanted to avenge Peter and himself by proxy, hence pulling the trigger on Ingram. However, after Hannibal manages to stop him, days later, Will complains about losing a chance to feel how he felt when killing Hobbs. Murder high is his main motivation again - everything else is background or an excuse, depending on your reading.    
4) Randall. Will threw away the gun on purpose to make the murder more intimate. This is not about justice and this is not about protecting himself because by doing this, he reduced his chances. Will also beat Randall up until he wasn't moving. There was no reason to snap his neck. Mutilation, cannibalism that followed, keeping his suit, admitting he enjoyed the murder and calling it his design - this is about murder and WIll’s love for it primarily. The design part is especially important: based on it, we can conclude that Will loves a performance just like Hannibal.  
4) Chiyoh and her prisoner who Will set up. Chiyoh was innocent and didn't deserve to die. Her prisoner might not have been guilty - in fact, Will was the one to suggest that, and yet Will still set him up. It was a game and he was an observer - he lied in waiting for Chiyoh’s scream. He then turned the body of a losing party into art. Very creepy and very like Hannibal.
5) Chilton. Will clearly explained his motivation: he wanted Chilton to pay just because he wanted to be famous and messed with Hannibal by writing his ridiculous book. Will showed no remorse and admitted he did it on purpose.
6) Police officers he set up to be killed by cooperating with Francis. The ones he stepped over without a second look. They were innocent and they were a collateral damage. Will is a cruel God who doesn’t bother with mere mortals as long as it fits his purpose. In this case, his purpose was freeing Hannibal. Everything else was still a blur in his mind. 
7) Francis. Enjoyed the murder, admired the blood, called the situation beautiful.
8) Bedelia. She's innocent in comparison to Will and his body count. If Will faced no repercussions and continued getting more and more people killed, she had every right to go free. But God doesn’t have to be fair, and Will proves it by targeting her. 
What does it all say about Will’s design and philosophy? Apart from Godlike attributes and indifference toward collateral damage, I think Will is led by his bloodlust - he just tends to control it and direct it at specific targets. 
Will might prefer to kill “bad people” in the first two seasons, but it’s the process of murder that excites him. So I see his righteous choices as a preference that helps him justify his dark nature partly, not the core reason for his violence. Hannibal seems to be moved by his interest in human nature and his hunter instinct, but Will, I think, is a truer killer because he actually feels drunk on murder. Unlike Hannibal, he looks downright euphoric when/after he kills Randall and Francis. In TWOTL, Hannibal is more focused on the fact that his dream came true and he and Will killed someone together, but Will seems primarily caught up in the murder after-shocks themselves. Hannibal thinks about Will, Will thinks about how beautiful blood looks under the moonlight.
So, post Fall, I believe that at first, Will will stick to killing bad people like murderers, but once some times passes, his need for justifications will fade. He’ll move on to rude people, only his rude will differ from Hannibal’s. Hannibal doesn’t differentiate between genders and ages, but I think Will will. He’s interested in a feeling of power, like he himself says, in a sense of dominance, so he’ll look forward to a fight. He won’t be interested in attacking a teenager like Cassie, for instance, because the power imbalance is too prominent. But as soon as someone more equal does something Will heavily dislikes, something that wakes his bloodlust (a personal insult, physical or verbal abuse toward other people/animals, etc.), he’ll attack. He’ll be careful - he knows how to avoid being caught, but it will still be unpredictable and passionate. Will is a storm to Hannibal’s calm.
Then there is unpredictability. Hannibal tends to plan everything methodically. The only times we see him being impulsive is in Europe, where he’s descending into self-destructive mode, so it’s not a norm for him. For Will, though? Will consists of unpredictability, and Hannibal is fascinated by it.I think Will is going to kill when an impulse strikes. For example, he might go shopping, without having any dark plans, and end up murdering someone because the circumstances pushed some unfortunate soul onto his path. Will might or might not display the body depending on his mood. Today he can be in an artistic mood, but tomorrow he’ll be in a violent and impatient one, wanting to destroy the body entirely and leaving a total mess behind.
How Will would prefer to kill? In my opinion, in an intimate way. It doesn’t mean he’ll be weaponless, but something like a knife would fit his tastes well. He’d be able to feel it plunge into his victim’s body, tearing through skin and muscles, etc. - personal and intimate. Akin to what he did with Francis - his feral half-snarl, the way he paused after stabbing him before opening him up - it was dark and mesmerizing. Will might get into strangling, too, because it takes a lot of time and it is even more intimate. It might end up being his favorite. So, I can see him using his hands or small weapons to fully sense what he’s doing to a victim. This is something that he has in common with Hannibal because from what we saw, Hannibal also enjoys more intimate and prolonged murders that give him a glimpse into a person’s pain and struggle for life.
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ashesandhackles · 4 years ago
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Deconstructing Harry: The boy we meet in Philosopher's Stone to the man in Deathly Hallows
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I have often seen fans talk about how nebulous Harry is as a character, especially in the earlier books. They can't make sense of who he is as a character and other more colourful, more actualized personalities take over our attention from any traits Harry might display. Harry becomes more defined for a lot of people OOTP onwards where he displays traits that sometimes make him unbearable or unlikable.
Harry, as we are introduced in PS, has a very little sense of self. He is narratively self deprecating or plays down his presence or skills, not that he is aware he has any. He grew up without any presence of him displayed in the house - no photos, no idea about his parents or what they look like or what really happened to them and discouraged from asking questions. Harry as we meet him is neglected, rootless about his identity and longs for escape. For him, every day is a battle against Dudley, who bullies him or Vernon, thus setting a worldview that never truly goes away: him vs adults. But just because Harry doesn't attach traits or values to self, does not mean he does not have it.
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It's an effective narrative tool though - for Harry to be our eyes of the world. Only in later re-readings can we get a grasp of the traits that become more pronounced as books go on. Also, it's not surprising that Harry develops a better sense of self when he is removed from an abusive home.
Let me begin with this:
1. Harry is a fighter
One of the things that struck me in later re-readings is that how much of a fighter Harry is, from the very beginning. He will not lie down and take abuse. The narrative presents it as no big deal, because Harry doesn't assign any importance to it - it's every day life for him.
-Verbal standing up-
See his reaction to Uncle Vernon and the letter fiasco. He stands up for himself, even if it falls on deaf ears. "I want my letter - as it is mine!". Later on, in the same book, a completely befuddled 11 year old Harry stands up to Snape too, but in a politer way: "I think Hermione knows the answer. Why don't you try her?". He gets less polite with Snape as books go on. Harry's humor is something he employs liberally with Dudley when standing up to him - "The poor toilet's never had anything as horrible as your head down it - it might be sick" and we see this trait manifest into the sass we all know and love.
- Fight or flight-
He is remarkably good at "fighting himself out of tight corners" as Snape put it. And although Snape attributes it to luck and more talented friends, he is onto something about Harry's ability to worm out of tight corners. He lives moment to moment in a dangerous situation - relying on his nerve, very fast reflexes and athleticism. He is also able to notice things in an environment that will get him out of a quick pinch. You see this clearly in Department of Mysteries in Book 5 where he comes up with the idea to smash shelves, the mad idea to escape on a dragon, the ministry escape where he manipulates Runcorn's image (as he noticed how people were reacting to him) to create chaos and get the Muggleborns and the trio out, Chamber of Secrets when he instinctively understood the diary is the source of power and stabbed it.
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Where does the athleticism and ability to spot dangerous situation come from? This boy has spent a decade cheeking Dudley and running away from his gang, spotting when he needs to get out of the way as "long experience had told him to be out of Uncle Vernon's arms reach" or "ducking when Aunt Petunia aimed a frying pan at his head". The instinct to see a dangerous situation develops over the course of the books in his adventures - to the point Harry unconsciously brings out his wand in Tottenham road without thinking too much about it. He is almost always wary and less quick to lower his wand.
When hiding/ escaping is not an option, Harry is not above physical fighting - despite how small and skinny he is in Book 1. Both he and Dudley fight for a chance to listen at the door when letter first arrives for Harry. Dudley wins the fight. Later on, Harry jumps Uncle Vernon from behind and hangs on to his neck to get his letter. He even does the same thing to the troll in the same book. ( Then over the course of series, we see him beat up Sirius in Book 3, Malfoy in Book 5, strangle Mundungus in Book 6 - all of these are related to his fury over the dead, so different context. But still).
- Manipulation/ Cunning-
11 year old Harry even tries sneakily - waking up early to get his letter (unfortunately didn't work). The other sneaky methods he has employed throughout the series is - not telling Dursleys at end of PS that he is not allowed magic at home, threatens Dudley with it in COS, not telling them Sirius is innocent to play up the threat of a murderous godfather to keep them accountable, and also the smooth way he negotiates with Uncle Vernon for Hogsmeade letter. ("Well it will be hard work, pretending to aunt Marge that I go to St Whatsits" ,"Knocking the stuffing out of me won't make Aunt Marge forget what I could tell her"). He similarly displays his negotiation and playing to what he knows about people with Slughorn in Book 6, Pettigrew in Book 7.
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The scene with Slughorn is disturbing, with Harry coercing a drunk Slughorn to give up his memory. You can argue that this is the influence of Felix Felicis, but I think the potion acted more as facilitation. The disturbing way Harry brings up his mother's murder to unnerve Slughorn is his own doing. ("Voldemort stepped over my father's body towards mum" "I forgot - you liked her, didn't you?"). Again, in a life threatening situation, Harry plays to Pettigrew's latent guilt: "You are going to kill me? After I saved your life? You owe me Wormtail!"
2. Relational justice over abstract justice
Harry's concept of justice is relational and based on his high empathy for the underdog. He notices power dynamic in a situation and empathises with the victim. This is in contrast to Hermione, who has more abstract, bigger picture view of justice. It's no wonder that Hermione is the one who is the most political of the three.
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His high empathy for the underdog and needing to stand up for them is because he feels responsiblility that no one should go through what he went through. He stands up for Neville in PS and encourages him to stand up for himself. When he sees his father bullying Snape, it is not about an abstract "this is wrong behavior". Harry goes further: "Harry knew what it felt like to be taunted among a circle of onlookers" , Harry focuses on young Snape's mismatched clothes because he himself knows what it's like to wear clothes that are not yours or ones that make you look ridiculous. His empathy extends to Voldemort too - understanding why he may not want to go back to his orphanage and desire to be in Hogwarts, wondering why Merope wouldn't stay alive for her son, his fixation with Voldemort's maimed soul in King's Cross chapter and later asking Voldemort to feel remorse (" I have seen what you will become otherwise"). Even his reaction to Dobby in COS - "Can't anyone help you? Can't I?" when Dobby talks about his slavery. Hermione is usually seeing the bigger picture, Harry sees the individual.
3. Pathological mistrust of adults
He is less likely of the trio to take an adult at their words or be assured by them when they say they are taking care of things. He has learnt, from a very young age, that he is always expected to take care of himself. And the times he does take things to adult, they consistently disappoint him - by patronising him or acting like he is a child, neither of which he has tolerance for or appreciates. This is why he takes to Sirius and Lupin, who exhibit neither of these communication patterns. In some ways, Mr Weasley too.
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Umbridge's abuse of him for him is framed as a battle of wills between her and him, as if he is an equal. And he loses if he complains - "not giving her a satisfaction of knowing she got to me". Harry's worldview has always been - adult vs him.
His inability to trust adults even extends to the ability of adults he likes to look after themselves. While Sirius is understandably a wreck in OOTP, he has by and large followed Dumbledore's orders. This doesn't register with Harry (Ron points it out: "Sirius listens to Dumbledore even though he doesn't like what he hears") and Harry's fears about Sirius, excaberated by Sirius's tendency for recklessness, comes to play.
He even showed similar distrust in Lupin's judgement in taking a potion from Snape in POA ("Harry felt the urge to knock the goblet out of Lupin's hands" and tries to hint at Lupin that Snape will "do anything" for DADA job). And he shows this once again with the most magically powerful wizard he knows - Dumbledore. ("if I tell you to abandon me and save yourself, you must do so". Dumbledore has to insist on this before Harry nods reluctantly. It's also Dumbledore's wording, but this is a wizard Harry feels safe with almost entirely because of his power - and yet Harry cannot obey an order like this without reluctance). It's not about Harry's own ability to take care of them - he just innately cannot leave people to it.
4. Humor as a value and coping mechanism
Harry has an established coping mechanism by the time we are introduced to him - quip in the face of danger/ dark humor. There are repeated instances of Harry amusing himself with snarky comments in his head when things are really bad for him. Like in PS, when they are in the hut, Harry wonders if the roof will fall in and then thought that if it did fall in, he might be warmer. In the earlier books (before his growth), he seems to value Ron over Hermione simply because he is more "fun". Harry enjoys being around funny people like Ron, Weasley twins, later Ginny simply because there is some dark stuff happening with him and he needs "fun" people for semblance of normalcy, escape. In fact, this desire is so strong, he attaches it to his romantic relationships: Ginny is a "blissful oblivion" and times with her are "something out of someone else's life". His relationship with Cho failed because her coping mechanism is discussing her trauma and Harry's is escaping it.
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-dealing with conflict with people he likes, small digression-
A part of his growing up in later books includes valuing Hermione as much he values Ron and we see it in display in HBP, where he is more willing to stand up for her to Ron (something he kind of did more quietly before in POA - "can't you give her a break?" ) and also get confrontational with her instead of using Ron as a buffer between them to fend off her more boisterous/ bossy tendencies. ("let him make up his mind" "skip the lecture" "don't nag" - Ron took the heat in earlier books. In HBP, Harry is more willing to be irritable with her in a day-to-day interaction - "I hope you enjoy yourself" he tells Hermione when she states her intention to investigate Half Blood Prince. Or when she tests the book - "Finished? Or do you want to see if it does backflips?" "Do you have rub it in Hermione, how do you think I feel now?" at the end of HBP. ) In OOTP, his best method to deal with her when she bothers him was lying, avoiding her nagging and if that doesn't work, explode and treat her to display of his temper. There is more to explore here, of course - even with regard to how he deals with Mrs Weasley in Book 4, 5 and the difference of him hugging her in Book 7.
5. Fascination with the dead/ a passive death wish
Harry feels remarkably little sense of betrayal knowing that he was set up to die by Dumbledore. His self sacrificing streak is rooted in his love, yes, but I also think Harry is a little bit too fascinated by death, not surprising considering most people he loved are dead. Him wanting the resurrection stone in DH, him obsessively spending time at Mirror of Erised (to the point he feels feverish and Ron thinking he looks strange) until Dumbledore stops him, him almost wanting to fail to learn a Patronus because he wants to hear his parents voice, the hearing of whispering voices in the Veil in OOTP which only Luna could hear apart from him, the scene at the grave where he almost wishes he was "lying under the snow" with his parents, the possession scene in the book of OOTP has him wishing to die so he can be with Sirius. You can almost argue the Harry has, in many moments, shown raw desire of death. In fact, him choosing to let go of the stone and not go looking for it is a big character decision for him.
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I also want to address Harry's temper and how that develops over course of series, the implications of understanding the people he loved and put on pedestal are flawed - but I am afraid this post is already way too long. So I will leave that for some time later.
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coda-90 · 3 years ago
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The Evolution of Social Standards
by Durga Kulkarni.
Psychological Evolution
Why do Social Opinions matter?
Social Expectations
Social Organisations
Psychological Evolution
What is it?
Psychological Evolution, or Evolutionary psychology has roots in Cognitive Psychology and Evolutionary Biology.[1] It focuses on how evolution has shaped the mind and its behavior. It also concentrates on how the main purpose of our lives has shifted, from survival, to contentment. Additionally, it helps us in understanding why we humans behave the way we do, and what are the underlying instincts that we are unaware of which is making us do these things. It also states the importance of human interaction and connection in our lives.
When it comes to human interactions, there are a few default archetypes noticed in each interaction, them being: exchanging information, opinions and expectations. In today's world, during a healthy conversation, we tend to follow these archetypes, for the sake of adding simplicity, purpose and direction to the conversation. This is where social opinions and expectations start affecting us.
Initially, due to the hierarchy that used to exist in the tribes, conversations were very minimal and reserved, but as the tribes kept splitting, and more exchange of information was needed, the people realized that they needed a proper language for their convenience.
The “Pooh-Pooh theory” holds that speech originated from spontaneous human cries and exclamations; the 'Yo-He-Ho theory' suggests that language developed from grunts evoked by physical exertion; while the 'Sing-Song theory/La- La Theory' claims that speech arose from primitive ritual chants and playful songs.[2]
By the time of the Roman civilization, the hierarchy amongst men was very much visible, and was put to use. Along that period, the importance of exemplary words and literature was noticed, and was worked upon by involving a new change bringing item in all the civilians and senators lives; Newspapers (Acta Diurna (Daily Events)). In these newspapers, multiple things were mentioned, including the next political event, the victories. They even had an obituary section in their newspapers. Along with all this information, slowly opinions started seeping into the texts. These opinions helped people in creating a judgment for voting.[3]
By 1600, the social hierarchy was divided into six parts; Monarchy, Nobility, Gentry, Merchants, Yeomen and the Labourers. Due to this, if any judgement was to be made, it would have largely been based on rank.[4]
Then by, about the 1800’s, the social hierarchy was divided into three parts; Upper class, Middle class and the Working class. The Upper class used to consist of the Aristocrats, Nobles, Dukes and other wealthy families working in the Victorian courts.The Middle class consisted of industrial revolutionaries, who have changed our lives. The Working class, lowest among the Victorian social hierarchy were the working class. This class remained aloof to the political progress of the country and was hostile to the other two classes. This working class was further categorised as the skilled workers and the unskilled workers.[5]
In the 2000’s, the hierarchy merged and divided into five social classes; Upper, Upper-Middle, Middle, Working and Lower class. This did not cause as much difference and conflicts as the other classes did in the past. But something else did.
Why do Social Opinions matter?
“Social influence is the process by which individuals adapt their opinion, revise their beliefs, or change their behavior as a result of social interactions with other people.”[6]
When we are in the presence of other people, we like to blend in. To blend in, we abide by a few social norms. These norms help us maintain a calm, mannered and composed personality throughout the day. These norms turn into expectations, expectations turn into opinions and opinions turn into reality. These opinions and expectations, when pondered upon, seem quite irrational, but due to these opinions and expectations being around for a long time, we have grown to accept them, and to some extent, even like them. But then why question it?
The reason being that these opinions and expectations ARE in fact quite irrational and toxic.
Interdependence
We follow these opinions and expectations because we are living in a society that entirely works on being Interdependent. Interdependence is the state of being dependent upon one another (Mutual dependence/Interdependence). For eg. We depend on our neighbours and they depend on us to be welcoming and decent.
To abide by the social expectation of being decent, we usually follow the societal idea of “Decency”, which is being calm, reserved, polite, helpful, straightforward and clean.
Also, other people's evaluations of us is both crucial and necessary to impact behavioral changes, which is what ultimately allows us to gain professionally and personally.
Social Expectations
Each social situation entails its own particular set of expectations about the “proper” way to behave. Social roles are the ‘part people play as members of a social group’. With each social role you adopt, your behavior changes to fit the expectations both you and others have of that role. There are 7 main types of societal roles; Leader, Knowledge Generator, Connector, Follower, Moralist, Enforcer, and Observer.[7]
To explain these roles, we will take a problematic social situation into consideration, to show what exactly each role does.
Leader: Proposes strategies and techniques to conquer a problematic situation. (Leader of a country)
Knowledge Generator: Shares information about the status of the situation. (Advisory)
Connector: Transmits the decisions made by the leader or opinions of other roles. (Media)
Follower: Follows a leader. (Politics)
Moralist: Looks for fair shares for all the other roles. (Law)
Enforcer: Punishes the behavior of other roles. (Army)
Observer: Shares information about the compliance of the behavior of other roles, as well as the role who answers to another observer's request about information about other roles. (General crowd)
We as human beings keep on switching between these roles according to the situation. With these roles, there can be unsaid expectations. Most of the time these expectations are rather helpful than problematic, though there are exceptions. But these exceptions occur only when there’s excess of Destructive criticism, Stratification, Peer Pressure and Mass Hysteria.
Destructive Criticism
Destructive criticism is defined as criticism performed with the intention to harm, derogate and destroy someone's creation, prestige, reputation and self-esteem. It's meant to ridicule, damage and bring the person down.
It is very common on social media. Sometimes it even occurs with your closest peers.
Stratification
Social stratification refers to a society's categorization of its people into rankings of socioeconomic hierarchy based on factors like wealth, income, race, education, sex, and power. The people who have more resources represent the top layer of the social structure of stratification.
This is also widely noticed in public spaces such as schools.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is the influence displayed by people within the same social group. It is also the term used to describe the effect this influence has on a person to agree to in order to be accepted by the group. Sometimes peer pressure is used to positively influence people, but most of the time it’s not. Many adolescents fall into the trap of Peer Pressure.
Mass Hysteria
Mass hysteria is a phenomenon that conveys collective illusions of threats, whether real or imaginary, through a population and society as a result of rumors and fear. Mass hysteria occurs anywhere at any time. This is very common during global pandemic.
Social Organisations
In sociology, a social organization is a pattern of relationships between and among individuals and social groups. Characteristics of social organization can include qualities such as sexual composition, spatiotemporal cohesion, leadership, division of labor, communication systems, and so on.
These are the most noticed basis for the Social Organisations; Religion, Gender, Race and Monetary status.
Religion
Religion affects human beings very much. It is the root and base for our mental growth and morals. Religion is a very controversial topic to talk about. Many of them involve multitudes of intricate rituals.
Religions are based on philosophies by spiritual people. These philosophies are more of lifestyles, and when people follow a religion they completely imbibe it, no matter what. This changes their outlook towards social interactions and social opinions. This causes a difference in everyone’s knee-jerk reactions associated with different situations.
Gender
There has always been inequality between the female and male gender. This is called Sexism. Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on one's sex or gender. Sexism can affect anyone, but it primarily affects women and girls. It has been linked to stereotypes and gender roles. This means in many countries there aren’t equal human rights for both the genders. Even though in few countries there may be basic equal rights for both the genders there always is one favored gender and things like salary and weight of opinion is not the same for the favored gender.
Race
Racism is the belief that groups of humans possess different behavioral traits according to physical appearance and can be stratified based on the superiority of one race over another. It may also mean prejudice, discrimination, or hate directed against other people because they are of a different race or ethnicity. Modern Racism is often based in social perceptions of biological differences between people. These views can take the form of social behaviour, practices or beliefs, or political systems in which different races are supposed as ingrained superior or inferior to each other, based on assumed similar inheritable traits, or qualities.
Monetary status
The Monetary status of people has an influence on decisions made by law. It also gives them unrequited privilege to commit minor or major crimes, and evade the consequences. This brings a sentiment of power and pride in them, which then gives them a sense of togetherness.
In summary, this write up covers up the basic Evolution of Communication, the importance of abiding to Social Norms, the Seven basic types of Social Roles, Compelling Social Ideologies that change the perspective of the human mind, and the differences that bring humans together.
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tabletoptrinketsbyjj · 3 years ago
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Unique Armors, 2: Splint mail, studded leather and sturdy shields of all shapes, sizes and mysterious backgrounds. Fictional characters wear their armor like a second skin, seemingly owning no clothes but their ever-present protective gear. Armor can define a character’s personality as well as their fighting style and fuel a growing character arc. From Darth Vader’s futuristic full plate, Sturm Brightblade in his father’s ancient suit of Solamnic armor, Batman’s pitch black suit and cloak (Or any superhero costume) designed to evoke fear in criminals, Warhammer 40k’s Space Marines and their enormous powered armor, Croaker’s baroque Widowmaker armor, Goblin Slayer’s grubby armor and concealing helmet, the frost covered armor of Prince Arthas and any complete armor set from any video game, a character’s protective gear is a full body first impression. These examples are not powerfully magical or even technologically more advanced than other armors in their various settings but the rich description, emotional attachment and narrative focus allows the protection to almost become a character in its own right. This table of Unique Armor can serve as the physical basis for family heirlooms, legendary artifacts and magical or masterwork weapons. Alternatively they can be found as loot and become part of a PC’s distinctive appearance, allowing the player to become fully immersed in their character’s look and feel. —Note: Some entries call for the DM to “Roll a Random armor” which simply means that the DM can roll from the pregenerated lists on this blog or choose whatever armor they feel would be appropriate for the situation.
A breastplate comprised of swamp dragon bones bound with its hide. The armor leaves the arms bare and a skirt of leather strips go down to the wielder’s knees.
A kite shield with a pattern of a great serpent painted onto it, that will writhe and attempt to dodge any blows blocked by the shield. If the serpent is struck, it will drip red oil down the shield's surface.
A suit of padded armor consisting of a billowing assemblage of earth-coloured cloth that seems to flow with the wind as if made of sand itself.
A suit of Random Armor with the emblem of a crescent moon prominently displayed on the chest piece. A creature who suffered injury while wearing the armor experiences no dreams of any sort the next time they sleep. They wake undisturbed by the traumatic memories of pain and combat subconscious might have tried to dredge up.
A tower shield whose entire outer face is taken up by the Brightly Coloured holy symbol of a God of a Random Good Domain. The interior of the shield bears a large inscription that reads “The Wall Against Which Darkness Breaks” that can be easily read by the wielder no matter how the shield is held.
A conspicuous suit of pearly white scale mail edged with glinting gold.
A steel breastplate emblazoned with a coat-of-arms; A stylized golden windmill on a red field.
A rare set of Dwarven plate armor, created from thin sheets of a specially treated stone that resemble marble. This specific suit of Dwarven stone armor is cumbersome and more ornamental than practical, the whorls in its marbled texture area pleasing to the eye. Knowledgeable PC’s are aware that this design of stone armor serves as the dress uniform for the legendary dwarven defenders. Nevertheless, the armor provides impressive protection, as long as the person wearing it does not plan on moving very fast. Dwarven stone armor includes greaves and helmet, but not gauntlets.
A tower shield made of strangely glowing obsidian and fir with a single diagonal grey stripe on an ebony field.
A hulking suit of plate mail with overall grim physical traits. The upper arms and legs are comprised out of several long, silver-colored iron plates, while the lower arms are made out of a pair of two plates tied together. The hands are a pair of iron gauntlets, each having a pair of four spikes instead of knuckles and fingers made of cloth. The middle, ring and little fingers are fused together, leaving the index and thumb separate. The feet are a pair of leather boots with iron guards. The chest piece is formed out of two large metal plates held together by an iron ring, in turn, held in place by five leather belts. Around the waist and left shoulder, the armor sports a brown tunic with fur trims, which is tied together by a black leather belt with two dangling rings of iron. The neck is an extension of the torso plates, in turn, covered by an iron guard formed from a single, long iron plate that forms a circle around the sides and the back of the head. The helmet is a composite of iron, facial bones and fur. The nape and the scalp are two distinct metal plates, with a pair of small horns just above the eye sockets, the number "66" written on the left side, just above the cheekbone, and the white long hair protruding from the back. The face is formed out of white facial bones of some unknown humanoid animal, having large eye sockets, a large mandible with two spiky bone going downwards and eight distinct razor-sharp fangs, four on the upper jaw and another four for the lower jaw. A small alchemical circle drawn in blood is located inside the armor, written on the neck plate.
-Click Here for homebrew Masterwork Armor Bonuses to give these objects even more personality and mechanical benefits.  
-Or keep reading for 90 more armors.
—Note: The previous 10 armor are repeated for easier rolling on a d100.
A breastplate comprised of swamp dragon bones bound with its hide. The armor leaves the arms bare and a skirt of leather strips go down to the wielder’s knees.
A kite shield with a pattern of a great serpent painted onto it, that will writhe and attempt to dodge any blows blocked by the shield. If the serpent is struck, it will drip red oil down the shield's surface.
A suit of padded armor consisting of a billowing assemblage of earth-coloured cloth that seems to flow with the wind as if made of sand itself.
A suit of Random Armor with the emblem of a crescent moon prominently displayed on the chest piece. A creature who suffered injury while wearing the armor experiences no dreams of any sort the next time they sleep. They wake undisturbed by the traumatic memories of pain and combat subconscious might have tried to dredge up.
A tower shield whose entire outer face is taken up by the Brightly Coloured holy symbol of a God of a Random Good Domain. The interior of the shield bears a large inscription that reads “The Wall Against Which Darkness Breaks” that can be easily read by the wielder no matter how the shield is held.
A conspicuous suit of pearly white scale mail edged with glinting gold.
A steel breastplate emblazoned with a coat-of-arms; A stylized golden windmill on a red field.
A rare set of Dwarven plate armor, created from thin sheets of a specially treated stone that resemble marble. This specific suit of Dwarven stone armor is cumbersome and more ornamental than practical, the whorls in its marbled texture area pleasing to the eye. Knowledgeable PC’s are aware that this design of stone armor serves as the dress uniform for the legendary dwarven defenders. Nevertheless, the armor provides impressive protection, as long as the person wearing it does not plan on moving very fast. Dwarven stone armor includes greaves and helmet, but not gauntlets.
A tower shield made of strangely glowing obsidian and fir with a single diagonal grey stripe on an ebony field.
A hulking suit of plate mail with overall grim physical traits. The upper arms and legs are comprised out of several long, silver-colored iron plates, while the lower arms are made out of a pair of two plates tied together. The hands are a pair of iron gauntlets, each having a pair of four spikes instead of knuckles and fingers made of cloth. The middle, ring and little fingers are fused together, leaving the index and thumb separate. The feet are a pair of leather boots with iron guards. The chest piece is formed out of two large metal plates held together by an iron ring, in turn, held in place by five leather belts. Around the waist and left shoulder, the armor sports a brown tunic with fur trims, which is tied together by a black leather belt with two dangling rings of iron. The neck is an extension of the torso plates, in turn, covered by an iron guard formed from a single, long iron plate that forms a circle around the sides and the back of the head. The helmet is a composite of iron, facial bones and fur. The nape and the scalp are two distinct metal plates, with a pair of small horns just above the eye sockets, the number "66" written on the left side, just above the cheekbone, and the white long hair protruding from the back. The face is formed out of white facial bones of some unknown humanoid animal, having large eye sockets, a large mandible with two spiky bone going downwards and eight distinct razor-sharp fangs, four on the upper jaw and another four for the lower jaw. A small alchemical circle drawn in blood is located inside the armor, written on the neck plate.
A set of half-plate armor assembled from a combination of chainmail with metal plates (breastplate, epaulettes, elbow guards, gauntlets, tasses, and greaves) covering vital areas. Buckles and straps hold the whole suit together and distribute the weight, but the armor still hangs more loosely than a suit of full plate. It includes matching gauntlets.
A large leather shield made of glossy blue lizard skin stretched on fir, bearing a flaming hand of white on a dark green field. Knowledgeable PC’s will the emblem as that of The Hellfire Stewards, an order of mercenary paladins whose goal is to incite, then profit from, armed conflicts between nations.
An iron breastplate covered in a white tabard bearing a triangular, pale blue, shield symbol.
A tower shield of steel and ash, with five diagonal olive green stripes on a black field.
An exquisite armor of fire blackened chainmail, adorned with the blue-black feathers of ravens.
A close close-fitting bodysuit resembling sharkskin. Multitudes of overlapping tooth-like, artificial scales cover the body from the neck down. The outfit provides as much protection as a chain shirt with being as light as leather armor and imposes no penalties to checks that involve swimming. However the bearer must spend as much time donning the bodysuit as he would donning a set of plate mail.
A tower shield of brass and mahogany displaying the image of a lute within a square in grey on a black field.
A set of druid tooled, studded leather armor fitted with pieces of amber, bone, wood, shell and jade rather than metal.
A chain mail hauberk, split for riding, with a leather undercoat, polished from wear.
A silver plated shield depicting an intense battle between a zombie mounted on a dire wolf, a snarling owl bear, and a banshee in flight ripping a priest in half.
A suit of leather armor comprised of a mixture of soft flexible leather for mobility and hard leather made rigid by being boiled in oil. The suit includes a leather skullcap that offers some protection to the scalp and ears.
A shield with two metal sticks that can be taken out of the back. When hit, the shield either sound like a steel drum, a gong, or an odd snare drum, depending on where on the shield it is struck. When not in combat, the armor serves as an odd but perfectly functional drum.
A set of studded leather that not only offers solid core protection but also a bit of extra defense in the form of two defensive shoulder pieces allowing the wielder to shrug off blows with ease. The breastplate is crafted entirely from rigid buffalo leather, configured in a lamellar style. A series of lames, or leather straps, are successively layered, from the shoulders down, to create an armor that is not only protective, but also durable.
A kite shield bearing a strange device; A small white hand in the centre of a black field.
A full suit of plate constructed from the shells of giant scorpions. The predatory arachnid’s chitin is heavily polished and the inner surfaces are fitted with padding, rendering it flexible and rather comfortable to wear. The armor making process softens the bony plates, making them far more pliable and likely to bend instead of shatter when struck. The armor includes a pair of lobstered gauntlets fashioned from a pair of the hulking scorpion’s claw’s making the wielder truly terrifying to behold.
A full set of plate armor that encases the bearer in a suit of interlocking steel plates, designed for maximum protection. The set includes a helmet, breastplate, plate bracers and plate leggings worn over mail and leather padding. The armor features intricate carvings and is embossed to strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
A wicker shield adorned with a pattern of a coatl curled in upon itself and trimmed with emerald-green quetzal feathers.
A suit of military grade lorica segmentata (Splint mail statistics) made up of four sections: two for shoulders and two for torso. The infantryman’s armor consists of broad ferrous (Steel) strips fastened to internal leather straps. The strips are arranged horizontally on the body, overlapping downwards, and they surrounded the torso in two halves, being fastened at the front and back. The upper body and shoulders are protected by additional strips (shoulder guards) and breast and back plates. This design allows it to be stored compactly since it can be separated into four sections, allowing for easy travel when not being worn, which is perfect for long distance military campaigns.
A buckler of walrus leather stretcher over whalebone backing and grip. The wielder’s side of the shield and the grip is covered with elaborate scrimshawed patterns.
A breastplate made out of reddish steel which looks as smooth as glass, but feels rough like sandpaper.
An enormous shield made of hardwood, sheathed in tin and rimmed in bronze. When not being wielded, the shield is best carried strapped over the bearer's back.
A suit of Dwarven plate armor that seems built for the up-close slaughtering of one’s enemies. The helm consists of a large spike, like a rhinoceros, with many jagged edges along the side and the back. The torso and shoulders are covered with a spiked chestplate and pauldrons, that connect with interlocking pieces. The arms are completely spiked, and end in fiercely spiked gauntlets. The same for the thighs and legs, and even boots which are also heavily spiked.
A well-waxed shield fashioned from the shell of a violent species of ferocious snapping turtle.
An impressive suit of splint mail consisting of blade-covered metal plaques on the shoulders, forearms, hands and shins. The breastplate is lightweight and coloured a greyish purple and a rich purple robe is attached at the back of the armor's neck. Along with the blade-bound suit it a steel helmet with a trident-shaped ornament on top. The helmet covers the face and leaves only the eyes visible.
A heavy bronze shield whose front is embossed with a copper dragon’s head. The word “Elvalynte” is inscribed on the interior in a flowing script which knowledgeable PC's will recognize as the name of a famous dragon.
A full sleeved hauberk (Chainmail statistics) of interlocked rings of metal to creating a protective yet flexible coat for warriors headed into battle. Each link of steep loops into four other separate rings tremendously reinforcing each one's ability to stop a weapon's blow. The chainmail is designed in an alternating method makes use of both riveted and solid flat rings to create an armor that is truly impressive, both in style and in terms of the protection it offers.
A small steel shield, triangular, emblazoned with a griffon device in red on a field of grey. The battered shield is inscribed on the interior with the words: “May this shield be your protection in battle, Jallak. Honor the Galbrand name.”
A suit of steel scale mail enriched by colourful decorations that have been acid etched into the metal. Each individual enameled scale of the armor has been adorned with the image of part of a continuous flowing story, allowing a viewer to follow the scales around and down the wielder's body like a patchwork quilt telling a tale.
A large, round, slate grey shield. It has a completely matte texture and light seems to slide right off of it around the rim.
A suit of half plate armor beaten in designs of highly stylized faces inlaid with gold to highlight their expressions. Each half of the breastplate is a glowering, howling demonic face while the plate the protects the guts is a bas relief of a beatific, androgynous human face. The shoulders, helmet, and other pieces of armor are likewise decorated. When a creature puts on the armor, they feel and hear barely audible whispers, as if the faces on the armor speaks to them. The words are encouraging and uplifting.
A tower shield fashioned from the top plate of the shell of a Tortle (Or whatever intelligent, giant turtle-man species fits your setting) fitted with brass handles on the interior. Although on first glance the use of the shell of an intelligent creature would be in incredibly poor taste as a piece of armor, a perceptive PC can find that inside the shield’s rim the following words engraved: "In loving memory of an unsung hero. May he continue his dream of protecting the innocent.”
A heavy, leather vest (Studded leather statistics) run through with tiny slivers of iron, which give the armor a dull sparkle.
A well-made but unremarkable looking wooden shield. Structurally it is comprised of six pieces of wood in total, cut circularly and bound with iron along its circumference. It sports an iron boss in the centre of the face.
A set of brilliantly polished scale mail armor in a style you have never seen before. Every surface shines as though freshly oiled.
A set of Random Armor that is battered to the point of being near useless. It is somehow still serviceable but appears as though it could fall apart at any moment.
A tremendously solid and heavy greatshield (Tower shield statistics), cut straight from a great slab of primordial stone.
A set of ring mail with faded filigree work depicting cavorting salmon.
A round shield displaying an eagle's head, worked in red copper, fire-bronze, and silver.
A patchwork set of half-plate cobbled together from over a dozen other types of armor. The pieces all fit together enough to protect he bearer but not a single piece of leather or metal matches the aesthetic of any of part.
A set of flamboyant leather armor meant to be work by a fencer or duelist. The armor has over a dozen small, carefully placed notches on the armor, reflecting the number of opponents killed in a formal duel.
A round metal shield with bands of red and white surrounding a blue circle containing a white star in the centre. Holding it causes the wielder to develop a deep desire for freedom and justice.
A chain shirt of eleven design, made of incredibly small steel rings that cling to the body like wool knitwear.
A nice set of plate armor, acid etched with a silver inlay and burnished so it shines even in the dreariest of light.
A wooden shield wrapped in suspicious leather with a band of bronze around the edge. There is an impression of a human face contorted in pain in the leather.
A set of banded mail (Splint mail statistics) that emits a dull, pulsating blood-red glow. The strange joints make it uncomfortable for most bearers.
A large reddish grey shield etched with a depiction of a gaping maw filled with teeth.
A mantle of thick leather and thin metal plates riveted together, (Studded leather statistics) protecting the neck, shoulders, upper chest, and upper back. This armor is light enough to be worn for prolonged periods, and doesn’t significantly impede mobility, making it ideal for use by those who rely on their natural reflexes in combat. It does nothing to protect the limbs or abdomen, however, and while it resembles a heavy trench coat it is still quite obviously armor.
An ornate golden shield with intricate ancient arcane runes written in a long forgotten language along its border.
A beautifully detailed set of ring mail armor. The sigil of a gold hammer on the outline of a shield, dominates the chest piece. The armor looks in good repair.
A wooden shield, round in shape, its surface ornately carved with patterns of flowers and trees. When walking through woodlands, forests or jungles, the images change and move, almost matching the surroundings. Glancing in the direction of the shield, one might not see it at all, let alone the person carrying it.
An ornate suit of plate, decorated with beautiful silver scrollwork and priceless cut rubies adorning the brass-and-gold armor
A round elven shield, adorned with the feathers of cuckoos, ravens and other trickster birds.
A dazzling set of field plate armor with silver inlaid into acid-etched scrollwork across the breastplate.
A magnificent set of plate mail, the iron worked over with fire-bronze. An emblazoned crest of twin dragons coil on the breastplate in a crimson inferno.
A shield fashioned of polished mica from the slopes of Blackrock Mountain. The shield is a perfect mirror with a completely reflective surface.
A set of burnished steel plate mail. Enameled across the breastplate is a family crest of a sunburst behind a black ship, the detail exquisite.
A heavy shield, pointed at the base with a crown of spikes at the top. The shield is several feet tall and has a frame of wrought iron. The back of the shield is a smooth piece of metal marred only by the handles.
A leather jerkin that is covered in plates of poor quality steel (Ring mail statistics). Carefully sewn into the armored coat’s lining are 100 electrum pieces. The jangling of the plates perfectly masks the sounds of the coins as they occasionally shift inside the jerkin.
A tower shield made mostly from stone and greatly resembles a castle wall. It seems bigger from behind than it appears from the front.
A set of lamellar armor (Splint mail statistics) with each individual tile made of polished jade inscribed with a unique ideograph. When exposed to moonlight, the ideographs glow like polished silver.
A round steel shield that despite looking worn, is sturdy and free of rust. A mithril sprocket embedded in the shield's face rotates slowly clockwise, making one full rotation every hour.
A unassuming set of Random Armor, the inside of which is inscribed with a warrior's prayer, intended to be recited as each individual piece is put on.
A heavy steel shield with a prominent wedge shape like that of a farmer’s plow.
A suit of beautiful, black leather armor covered in intricate scrollwork, the mantle bearing black raven feathers.
A heavy black tower shield depicting a stylized face with a large, square-toothed open maw and blankly staring white eyes.
An angled heavy-looking breastplate designed to deflect oncoming blows. The armor is topped with a reinforced, folded steel helm.
A set of quilted armor (Padded armor statistics) salt-stained and mud-spattered with iron plates sewn on shoulders and forearms brown with rust.
A set of gleaming splint mail made of polished steel plates overlapping from neck to elbow. The cuffs are heavy pieces of metal, hinged, locked, smooth except for where sigils have been engraved in deep, swirling lines.
A black breastplate, etched front and back with golden scrollwork. It has seen better days, the enamel is chipped, the rivets are stained with rust but it must once have been quite the masterpiece.
A suit of armor composed of great plates of black metal. The various pieces are studded and bolted, beaten and pointed, spiked and hammered together in a mass or twisted metal. It is a wonder of modern blacksmithing that the straps, belts and buckles are able to keep the suit together while still allowing the wielder to move freely. The plate armor is topped with a protective mask of scarred black iron.
An ornate tower shield which has a small compartment near the handle. An empty flask is found within, engraved on the bottom with the letters H and D. The shield is flawless, either being made recently or just never having been used.
A large ornate wooden shield that according to the inscription on the front, was once the front door of a halfing mayor's estate. It has fine leather straps and silken backside that was probably made from some of the halfling's nicest clothing.
A suit of pitch black, studded leather armor fitted with big shoulder plates, numerous belts, bandoleers and straps and additional protection created by overlapping hardened leather panels. The armor is inset with dozens of silver studs and spikes, so brightly polished, they gleam on the dark leather like shining stars in a moonless night.
A breastplate that is constantly reflecting every conceivable colour, creating an intense, rapidly oscillating rainbow effect.
A set of Random Light Armor that when not worn appears completely inconspicuous. When donned, the armor is covered in a weak but constant illusion that causes it to appear as a suit of sturdy plate mail to any creature who has not yet touched it or come within five feet of it. Close proximity or physical contact renders a creature permanently immune to the illusion. The bearer can activate of suppress the illusion with a command word.
A coat of iron (Splint mail statistics), made of small plates shaped like leaves, each individually stitched into the leather beneath it. Eerie blue flames flicker on the dull iron, the horsehair-plumed helmet and the greaved boots, both found alongside the coat.
A breastplate designed for a military officer. Its entire surface is etched with beautifully symmetric patterns and runes. Minor damage sustained by the armor as a result of a battle automatically repairs itself, ensuring the armor always looks unblemished.
A steel kite shield completely devoid of any coat of arms or identifying standard. The surface of the shield is pristine and seamless. The shield’s outer surface displays a beautifully rendered image that shifts to match the coat of arms of whomever else wields it. If the bearer has no coat of arms, the shield remains blank.
A suit of mottled blue hide armor with a monster's cracked carapace serving as a breastplate.
An angular shield that is pure white with blue fractals emblazoned along its edges. It is said to be forged from the scales of a white dragon to defend an ancient dwarven city.
A set of half plate whose steel is always bright and shiny. Dirt and grime seem to simply fall off its surfaces and any dings or dents received in battle disappear overnight. The white angel wings emblazoned on its front are always shining and Elvish runes are engraved in gold and diamond around the armor's edges.
A black hide shield. Green stripes radiating out from a blue flower in the centre that has a shimmering light swirling within the petals. Rimmed with bone, it can be worn as a wide brimmed hat.
A set of green and brown hide armor that is actually constructed of heavily treated tortoise shells. The wielder feels slightly more secure and safe when it is donned.
A set of scorched studded leather armor that smells of ash and burnt hide.
A round shield fashioned to resemble the religious symbol of the divine being.
A glamorous buckler lavishly decorated with gilding and inset gemstones that glitter in the light.
A beautifully constructed breastplate that consists of seven separate segments riveted together, while the back piece is rigid. The lower two segments are hinged, allowing the wielder a suitable range of mobility, while attachments at the shoulders are intended to help connect a set of spaulders to the cuirass.
An overly large shield that weighs 15 pounds and is covered in dozens of overlapping sheets of metal across its face.
A set of silvered scale mail made up of triangular pieces of insect carapace, with three of the pieces down the front being a dark sea green. The top and bottom of the front have purple trim, while the back is a dull pink, and has purple shoulder straps attached to the inside with matching silver scale shoulder guards attached to the top of the straps.
Shield of False Sorcery: A rune etched shield that has enchanted with an overwhelming magical aura of abjuration and protection. Apart from this, the shield is entirely plain in every way and can be damaged as though it were a non-magical shield. When closely examined by a creature skilled in arcane matters it can be determined that the protective aura is nothing more than a convincing illusion which offers no protection whatsoever. It is not readily apparent why someone would go through a fair bit of trouble to create a counterfeit magic shield.   
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turneverybodyintopuppets · 4 years ago
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Hi. The following is my attempt to systematically hash out the “Mr. Infodump” controversy in the TS fandom. It’s primarily for my benefit, but I’m posting it on the off chance it helps someone else who’s just as confused/dismayed as I was. I’m not attempting to argue for blind absolution (”Thomas is an angel who can do no wrong!”) or cancellation (“He’s no better than the likes of J.K. Rowling!”), just to present as intellectually honest an assessment as I can make of what happened and the degree to which the TS team is responsible.
Laconic: Thomas Sanders, a content creator on youtube, posted a skit in which a character calls an aspie-coded character “Mr. Infodump”. Several fans have expressed hurt and anger over the use of a trait associated with neurodivergence as an insult.
My own initial impression: I’m on the autism spectrum myself, and personally, “Mr. Infodump” didn’t register as offensive to me; in fact, as a huge Logan kinnie, I liked that a neurodiverse trait I see in myself was being explicitly linked to my favorite character. That said, there are many in the community who feel deeply hurt and betrayed, and it would be a) irresponsible and b) close-minded to handwave their concerns. Thus:
[Abridged version: Bolded]
Context for use of the word:
Line from Roman: “I was going for regal sophistication [in last commercial pitch], but Mr. Infodump over here [*gestures to Logan*] wasn’t cooperating.” Defensive tone, alluding to the fact that Logan’s commercial pitch included excessive product information that would leave buyers disengaged.
History: Roman regularly invents nicknames for fellow sides and employs them in a manner that can range from fond teasing to a juvenile way of insulting the side he’s presently bickering with.
Names previously directed at Logan include “Calculator watch,” “Egghead,” and “No-Funsen Honeydew… Doo.” They generally play off of Logan’s tendency toward being uptight, stereotypically nerdy, and eager to furnish the group with information in the capacity of a teacher.
In this particular instance, I doubt anyone would say the word’s use was “malicious,” but it wasn’t “affectionate” either. Roman is visibly preoccupied and defensive in the scene, throwing out a nickname offhand.
Power Dynamic: There is no imbalance of power between Logan and Roman that would indicate anything resembling a bully-victim relationship. Logan responds to the word in the same manner he does Roman’s other antics and displays no particularly hurt reaction.
In-Universe Response: No character corrects or condemns Roman’s use of the term. This may, however, be because Logan is the first to respond, armed with his own complaints about the others’ commercials.
Meta-Level Implications: The audience is not encouraged to agree with Roman’s sentiment that infodumping is a negative trait anymore than they are his other commentary on Logan via nicknames like “Egghead,” because Logan’s role in the story consistently proves it wrong; all that infodumping saved an unconscious Roman from his murder-happy brother, for one, and the audience knows it. Given the posturing and defensiveness that accompany Roman’s delivery of the line, it’s clear the creators were communicating that he was in the wrong to say it. That, and Logan will almost certainly reinforce this by verbally decimating someone in the next episode, as per usual.
I think that last point is key. People will accuse others of infodumping in a negative way IRL—I know I’ve been called far worse for failing to mask—and to pretend that such things don’t exist in fiction is misrepresenting reality. Instead, creators can and should include minority characters (race, sexuality, gender, neuroatypicality, etc.) *confronting* discrimination, dealing with it complexly, and showing both the misguided character and the audience how wrong they are. Logan resonates with me—and other aspies, I think—largely because of how he clearly struggles in dealing with the other sides’ occasional criticism of his eccentricities, but he ultimately remains committed to his identity and ideals. If the TS crew continues to write a show that reinforces the fact that his neurodivergent qualities are what make him strong—and god knows there's not much media that does this well—, they’re doing something incredibly important for us.
The issue here, then, wasn’t the show promoting ableism as a message, because its handling of the conversation here doesn’t. Rather, it was the use of a term that many consider inherently ableist as an insult. So:
“Infodump” the word:
I find this fascinating, actually—Science is discovered. Math is discovered**. Language? Language is unequivocally invented. We’ve create these words with combinations of mouth-sounds, and we’ve assigned them meaning.
But the thing is, people have different backgrounds and experiences that define both who they are and the nuances of the meaning they tie to those mouth-sounds
Basic example of varied mental prototypes: I live in the northeast USA, so when I hear the word “bird,” the first thing that pops into my head is a bluejay or robin. If you ask my friend who’s studying in Brazil, though, he’d likely think of a macaw or toucan. 
For me, “spring” = my mom’s pink zinnia garden and “chocolate” = a square of hershey melting against gooey marshmallow. This idea of memories and experience informing word-meaning mapping, of course, extends to a) more nuanced concepts and b) a more subconscious level of understanding. Poetry in particular, I think, tends to play with this to invoke the sensory experiences it does... I could infodump about translated poetry but that’s a whoooollleee other thing and I’m getting off track.
But essentially, an individual’s experience of any given word, to a degree, is subjective. Our dictionary definitions are merely approximations of a collective understanding of that mouthsound-to-meaning mapping, and we have to update those definitions as language evolves (remember when “Google” couldn’t be used as a verb?)
So, what happens if I look up “infodumping”? TVTropes tells me it’s a “type of exposition that’s particularly long and wordy”. UrbanDictionary says its “used to deposit large amounts (usually entire articles) of information in online forums without summarizing or paraphrasing the information.” I reach the resources that explain it in the context of autism and ADHD over halfway down the Google results. The word “infodumping” has quite a few circulating meanings, and the one associated with neurodivergence isn’t as visible as we’d like it to be.
From what I understand, Thomas Sanders and co. merely knew “infodumping” as the practice of talking at length about a subject, like closing a rant with a friendly “aw, sorry for infodumping on ya” and such. This was exactly how Logan opens his commercial, so they stuck it in as a—frankly, kinda feeble—nickname á la the creative genius behind “Mr. Smarty... Pants”. They had no knowledge of the term’s gravity to the autism and ADHD community, because they haven’t been exposed to settings that use that definition.
So, where does that leave us on accountability? If they’re ultimately not producing ableist content, do Thomas Sanders and his team have the responsibility to be aware of how an insult featuring this particular word might be inherently triggering to a community?
Many accounts show that the inclusion of the term caused real emotional harm and as content creators—particularly ones with a relatively young fanbase—the TS team should have taken more precautions. A more diverse staff/writing room may have caught this, given how egregious some fanders found the error. Furthermore, why shouldn’t it fall on neurotypical people in general to “educate themselves” on these issues, as in the cases of other minority groups?
That said, however, can any creative team be reasonably expected to know of any-and-all potentially triggering content? I’ve avoided speaking of Thomas Sanders’ personal character to maintain some impartiality, but a long history of promoting representation and careful content warnings does suggest a genuine commitment to self-correcting. Accepting the well-intentioned criticism of fanders—many of whom are so broken up by this precisely because of the amount of faith they place in the TS team—and taking active steps to change is ultimately the best course of action, and I, for one, will be sticking around to see the results.
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necromancy-savant · 3 years ago
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Is Shakespeare's Richard III a Psychopath?
It is once again Shakespeare Richard III hours on this blog. A question that's come up in multiple conversations I've had with people in the past is whether or not Richard is a psychopath. With the disclaimer that this is not a strictly literary question and that it's hard to put modern psychiatric diagnoses on fictional characters from 400 years ago, etc., I looked up the actual DSM V criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder and I think reading it actually highlights some interesting things that are going on the first tetralogy.
So let's go through the diagnostic criteria; all the letters here are criteria that need to be met:
A. Impairments in self-functioning, either in "identity: ego-centrism; self-esteem derived from personal gain, power, or pleasure," or "self-direction: goal-setting based on personal gratification; absence of prosocial internal standards associated with failure to conform to lawful or culturally normative ethical behavior," AND impairments in interpersonal functioning, either in empathy or intimacy.
B. Pathological personality traits: antagonism, characterized by manipulativeness, deceitfulness, callousness, and hostility, and disinhibition, characterized by irresponsibility (defined here as not following through on agreements, promises, or obligations), impulsivity, and risk-taking.
C. "The impairments...are relatively stable across time and consistent across situations."
D. "The impairments...are not better understood as normative for the individual's developmental stage or sociocultural environment."
E. "The impairments...are not solely due to the direct physiological effects of a substance... or a general medical condition...
F. "The individual is at least age 18 years."
Looking through A and B, we're checking a lot of boxes based solely on the text alone. But C and D are where things get interesting.
As many boxes as I was able to check going through those first two criteria, most of them are not stable or consistent throughout the three plays Richard appears in. When we first meet him at the end of 2H6, he is ruthless but more than capable of pro-social behavior, helping the "old" and "feeble" Salisbury three times in battle by going into the middle of the danger, bringing him away, and then keeping him safe (see the beginning of 5.3.) Up until he emerges as a villain in 3.2 of 3H6, Richard is portrayed as brutal to his enemies but loyal to his family and allies. He even calls out Clifford's killing of Rutland, an innocent child, as morally wrong. And that's not even speaking of his monologue in 5.3 of Richard III, before the Battle of Bosworth field, where he feels incredibly guilty and regrets everything.
That leaves us in kind of a weird place, to be presented with a character who displays all these dysfunctional and harmful traits, but only in the middle of his story.
But it's D that raises the real questions and I think helps you see something that's going on in the tetralogy. Is anything Richard does nonnormative for a sociocultural environment full of warfare, murder, and backstabbing for political gain that's been getting worse and worse over the course of four plays? I don't really think anything he does is completely unprecedented. Part 2 is full of nobles plotting against and killing each other and even starting rebellions to gain and keep power. Humphrey is pretty harsh during his stint in power. Clifford later kills Rutland. And let's look back at some of Richard's early ruthlessness in light of this: his father York (who also breaks his agreement with Henry to end the war) praises his brutality. This behavior is not only normalized, but encouraged. Richard's bloody rise to power and paranoid rule are kind of just the logical conclusion of everything that's been building up over the course of the tetralogy.
So I guess my answer to the original question is no, I don't think so. You do have to meet all the letters to qualify for diagnosis, and I didn't even quote the language about "impairments in functioning" - Richard functions just fine until there's no more fighting - but more importantly, trying to view Richard as pathological pins everything on one individual in a narrative that chronicles the downfall of a civilized society into one where this stuff is normal. Maybe part of the point is that he's a product not just of family or interpersonal dynamics but of his larger social environment, and maybe that's why, in the end, even he is able to recognize that it isn't right.
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parachutingkitten · 4 years ago
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Season 5 Analysis
STANDARD DISCLAIMER: I am going to be applying the concept of criticism to a TV show you presumably love and adore as much as I do. If you do not want your idea that the show is immaculate to be challenged, I would not advise reading past this point.
Additional Disclaimer: This includes criticism of Nya’s arc, so if you’re the type of person to get catty about this subject, turn back now.
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Mood for this season: It’s spoopy time.
You don’t need to, but if you are interested, and haven’t seen my analysis of past seasons, you can find those here:
Pilot - Season 1 - Season 2 - Season 3 - Season 4
You can also find all of these, and future installments, on my blog using the tag #analysis 
Hey everyone! I’m still doing these things! Let’s see, when was my last one? Over two years ago...? Yikes, I owe y’all an apology. I really didn’t mean to put these off that long. Anyway, get ready to hate me, cuz although (for the most part) this seems to be the fandom favorite season… I think it’s overhyped. I know, don’t kill me. I’ll explain myself. I don’t think it’s bad or anything, it’s very well structured, but I definitely wouldn’t rank it among my favorites. First, for a little context, I am making a one second of every ninjago episode video right now, so I’ve been binging the series and all it’s shorts back to back, so I think I’ll have a bit more to say about connective tissue between seasons, and hopefully you guys can look forward to more of these analyses between now and the new year when I’m releasing that video. I’m also officially a film major now so… sorry if I come of as extra pretentious or get too deep. Anyway, let’s jump into the thick of it, shall we? 
Plot
This is probably the area I have the fewest number of complaints about. This season has a breakneck pace and it keeps everyone busy. I think that’s why people like it. Everyone’s favorite has something to do. Which brings me to the question… which ninja’s season is this? Lloyd is on a lot of the promotional stuff, but he’s possessed and out of the picture for over half the season, so that can’t be right. Cole turns into a ghost, and the season is a ghost season, but that can’t be right cuz I don’t know that I’ve ever heard anyone claim it was his. Nya reaches her true potential, maybe it’s hers? Well, she does have a large b-plot, but she is consistently not a part of the a-plot. Kai has a whole thing with being protective of Lloyd, he has his fear of water, maybe it’s just another Kai season? Thing is, it’s no one’s. It is an ensemble season, and I think that’s a healthy thing for ninjago to keep doing. The more we label certain seasons for certain ninja, the more complaining we’ll get about who’s turn it is for screen time that we’ll miss out on telling a good story. Also, If the season is focused on a ninja you don’t like, you are less likely to like the season (see my next analysis for that can of worms). Again, this season tells it’s story really well. Morro directly ties into the ending of last season, and Nya’s getting water powers was foreshadowed the season before. That’s some cool connective tissue to start. The opening episode establishes the three different things the ninja will be looking for, and for once they’re actual tools instead of a series of weapons, blades, masks, whatever. I like that. Jay has some really good humor, Zane has his speech changes, Kai has his irrational fears and protective instincts, Cole has his ghost angst, Lloyd has to deal with his father’s passing, Nya is a new water ninja, Wu has a shop to run and a student to reconnect with, even Ronin has an arc about developing morals and gaining friends. There’s the mystery about how to deal with the ghosts, what the rules are, there’s the leader subplot, the ninja’s money situation, and lore of the different realms, they even worked in Skylor and Borg, there’s a lot of cool stuff going on. This is a tightly woven script that manages to include a lot of new concepts that you get pretty quick. I don’t feel like there’s even that much fat to cut. The opening is a little slow and strange, and the cloud kingdom episode feels a little unnecessary, but I do like the idea of visiting a different realm early in the season so the audience isn’t caught off guard in the climax. Again, the plot all works for me, it’s the other stuff I find myself pretty meh on.
Characters
Ronin
I’m pretty sure Ronin is the only new (non villain) character introduced. I like him a lot. Ninjago needed a true wildcard to shake things up and be unpredictable. I also think he’s pretty nicely woven into the action of the plot. I think his introduction is a bit strange. Like, the ninja already know him, but we’ve never seen him before? Just the way they talk about him sounds like they’re quickly recapping who this guy is for those who missed previous episodes. It’s fine if the ninja already know him but either 1) Introduce or foreshadow him a season earlier or 2) Introduce their dynamic to the audience before it becomes plot relevant. Maybe the ninja are grumbling about him being a nuisance while tea shenanigans are going on or something. Or maybe you have a scene of him stealing the scroll and making snarky remarks about the ninja while he does it. Idk. just something so his sudden plot relevance isn’t out of nowhere. Also, I don’t hate his and Nya’s dynamic, but I know a lot of people love it, and I’m just not totally here for it. Is he supposed to be a father figure for her? Mentor? Frienemy? Just plain friend? (love interest???) it’s not super clear and I could have used some clarification. I also like his use and tie to the next season, so overall, well integrated character.
Nya
I’m adding in Nya here cuz she goes through a major character change, and how she’s handled is one of the things that rubs me the wrong way about the season. A lot of people will probably disagree and/or hate me for this section of the analysis so… here we go! The thing she has to get past to reach her true potential is fear of failure (supposedly) and the solution to that is to just… not care as much? First of all, I know this isn’t supper important, but the fun thing about the ninjago elements is that every elemental master matched up personality wise with their element. Jay is the energetic master of lightning, Kai is the hothead master of fire, Zane is the calm and calculating master of ice, Cole is the strong and dependable master of earth, Lloyd is the literal child master of energy. This especially goes for all the new season 4 masters. So what qualities are often associated with water personalities? Well, serenity, control, flexibility, elegance, patience… calm. You know, like a Zane type character (the element directly adjacent to hers). These are things that Nya isn’t - or at the very least don’t define her. (there’s also something to be said about water and its ties to more feminine qualities, which Nya has been actively shown to reject, but I won’t go into that rant here.) She was designed as the fire master’s sister, and when you try to fit a fire personality into a water shaped character mold… it doesn’t exactly mesh well. It doesn’t make sense. But, like I said, whatever. Maybe that’s the point? Like she has to change her personality to be more in tune with water? Sure. But let’s talk about this fear of failure thing. Because that’s the stated thing that dialogue tells us she needs to overcome. But when has Nya ever been afraid of failure? Fear of failure means avoiding doing something because of fear. Nya is ridiculously persistent, always has been (you know, fire personality). She tries training when no one tells her to, she makes her own alter ego to try and be a hero and save the people who would constantly tell her she wasn’t ready. Wu says she only wants things that come easy, but that’s never been her character before now, she has carried the team with her tech, research, and covert ops that no one forced her to do, all things which are not easy. Fear of failure is usually characterized by what if questions. If Nya is so afraid of failure, why don’t we hear her saying stuff like “but what if I’m not strong enough, what if I can’t save them in time, or worse, what if I lose control of my power and end up hurting people?” Cole shows much more of a fear of failure this season surrounding his insecurity about being a ghost. He wants to sit out from missions because he’s not sure he’ll be able to do it - he’s afraid of failure. But whatever, the writing isn’t clear at expressing her true setbacks, but she does display a real problem that a lot of people have and I think could have been well done if set up correctly. She shows an undying persistence that gets her too close, and makes her increasingly incapable. She lets her frustration hinder her progress (again, fire personality trait), and I think that’s interesting because I don’t think ninjago has done this character arc yet. The supposed solution to this problem is that she just needs to… care less? And yes, I kind of see where they were going with this, we sometimes cloud our natural potential by thinking about it too much, but saying “you need to stop caring” is the absolute wrong way to word it. Caring is not her problem, the problem is her control over the emotions that come from her caring. Caring is a good thing, and teaching kids that if you’re ambivalent about your problems, they’ll go away is not a good message. What she needs to do is take a step back. She needs to take a break, stop to think, and look at the big picture instead of hyper focusing on the roadblock directly in front of her. The usual and much better wording of the moral I think they were going for is “stop overthinking things”. Teaching kids to look at a problem from a different angle and give themselves time to cool down is a great thing. And just think of it, in the climax she could have this ah-ha moment where she steps back and looks at the bigger picture - the whole town, surrounded by the ocean - and gets the idea to sink the preeminent into the water, you could even easily tie that back into the bucket exercise, and that’s what triggers her true potential rather than the current… I’m honestly not sure what. Random flashbacks and the end of the season approaching quickly. Alternatively, you could tie it more directly into samurai x, and make her struggle with letting go of the past and allowing yourself to give up something good in your life to progress to something better. Anyway, I don’t think this was a bad decision long term, she needed to be solidified on the team as a full fledged ninja, I just think this season doesn’t handle the transition that well. Anyway, whatever, I’ll be waiting for your hate comments in the notes.
Romance
Um… there’s none this season? Like there’s a few Wusako moments that are still as weird as they were in season 2, but they’re really not prevalent. There’s also the Jay seeing the future thing which has some weird implications next season (again, some interesting connective tissue between seasons), but that’s about it. Maybe that’s part of why I don’t love this season? Like where’s the pixane? Lol, I’m kidding. But maybe that’s why a lot of people do like it. If you don’t like the canon ships… this is a nice little safe haven for you. Rare for a majority of the series.
Villains
So Morro is a good idea… in theory. I know he’s the fandom’s favorite edgy boy, but idk I think the brand of angsty teen they ended up with was more of an angsty 13 year old than 17 year old. His voice is really grating and I always want to yell at him to just… go get some cough drops. Stop throat screaming, use your diaphragm man! Also, everyone goes on about his last minute redemption, but as far as season 5 goes, he has like half a second of a change of heart. Literally, when Wu comes over and he’s drowning, he’s still being a persistent little idiot like “you never cared about me nooooo!” and it’s only at the last possible second that gives him the crystal, and even that he does it kind of saltily. The preeminent is pretty cool, I like her concept, her design, all that. All the other ghosts are fine I guess. Nothing super memorable out of them, although their aesthetic, especially when there’s a bunch of them swarming around is pretty cool. One last thing was I never understood how Morro “becoming the green ninja” worked and what exactly it was that… did for him? Like he didn’t actually get the power of energy, right? I don’t remember him using it. Did just him defeating Lloyd make him the green ninja? How does that transfer work? And why did he need it to take over the world or realms or whatever? Like I get that it’s supposed to give him more power and what not but idk, it wasn’t super clear. That’s a minor thing though.
Climax
Pretty cool. I like the ATMOSPHERE. Green light is a hard thing to use and justify correctly, but it works really well here, especially with the dark kinda gray blue sky complimenting it. When the preeminent starts walking into the ocean, it’s genuinely terrifying, but you understand exactly how it works and why she’s strong enough to do it. Nya’s true potential is again a little out of left field and could have had some better motivation put behind it. Like what is it Nya learned in that instant? To not be afraid to protect people? She’s… been doing that. Idk. I’ve hit on that enough for now. Overall, there was good variety. I like the green ninja fake out, I like the realm hopping, I even like the little Garmadon visit and Lloyd getting the robe. I feel like we didn’t need a part one and two, you could have had different titles. I mean come on. But hey, now we know, if Pix had only been there, the whole climax would have been wrapped up in like 10 minutes apparently. Pix for the win.
Humor
Really good. Like I’m surprised how much I laughed. Jay wasn’t annoying humor, it was good stuff, there were some good running gags, there’s a solid fourth wall joke about who the lead ninja is at the beginning of the season. Overall, I am pretty impressed. My favorite joke was perhaps the bit where Jay is sarcastically positive, the voice acting is just really solid. Then again, there’s also the whole Borg scene where he roasts half the ninja, that’s solid stuff right there. There’s just some really solid character interaction this season and the humor feels a lot more natural and less forced.
Drama
Okay, we’ve got a lot this season. Y’all know how I feel about Nya’s arc by now. It does not work for me. Ronin’s relationship with her is alright, but kind of comes out of nowhere. Ronin’s solo plot about kinda working for the ghosts works. Cole’s ghost angst works for the most part, although I wish he would have actually skipped a mission and then gone in to help save his friends once they can’t do it without him. That was probably the most solid drama of the season. The other main thing we have this season is Kai’s whole… fear/protective streak. This also doesn’t really work for me. Like, I get that Lloyd and Kai are friends and stuff, like his whole true potential was centered around Lloyd. But like, why does it have to be framed so weirdly? Sometimes in trying to make it seem like Kai is protective of him, it seems like the other ninja just like… don’t care about him? Not all the time, but there are some weird vibes. Also, it doesn’t really go anywhere. No one learns anything about themselves from this subplot, nothing comes of it, there isn’t really a payoff. Also, Kai has yet another irrational fear, this time of water, which really comes right the hell out of nowhere. They try to explain it away like “Oh, Kai feels powerless and so water can get to him” but like… what? That’s the exact situation he was in at the end of season 2 and he seemed perfectly content to literally swim across the ocean (which um… what do you mean the sworn protector of ninjago can’t swim?). Where is this coming from?! Again, it doesn’t really go anywhere, there’s not a point where he has to learn to confront it or he grows because of it. It’s just pointless stuff added cuz the writers like giving Kai vague trails to try and develop him. The cloud kingdom is kinda cool. That last minute twist about them working with Morro is… stupid and unnecessary though. 
Spotlight Episode
I really like the Spinjitzu master tomb episode. Some cool riddles, I like the first two rooms a lot. I do think the third room is a bit strange. Like, the clue was “don’t look ahead” and the solution was to look beneath them, which is the exact same solution as the previous room. Like, you already have magic ice that shows the future, why not play into that? Don’t look ahead could maybe mean don’t look to the future, the opposite of that being the past. Maybe they have to draw on their past adventures to solve it somehow? Learning from the past is a good lesson, right? But overall, I really like it. Some real solid humor this episode. This episode has the sarcastic Jay optimism, Kai totally stalling for time, Zane dealing a pretty sick burn on Cole, just a lot of fun stuff. I like it. It just has great energy and nothing feels like it’s drawn out for too long.
Misc
The aesthetic this season… can be inconsistent, but the main ghost vibe displayed in the opening theme is really solid and I really like it
Speaking of the opening, Ghost wip is great and the opening in on par with last season’s (which is my fav) for sure
Ice age references… okay.
Chima references…. OKAY...
Okay, but like Deepstone can… kill ghosts? Or not? Is it just something ghosts can touch? It’s supposed to be like water in weapon form, right? Like that’s how I understood it when they first introduced it. Wouldn’t the deepstone bars kill Ghoultar then? And then like, Cole’s bike is made of deepstone. He uses it as a weapon. Wouldn’t it kill him? It kills other ghosts when they touch it. How… how does it work?! I need answers!!!
The captain of the steam boat says they’re going as fast as possible, but later Ronin comes in and cranks it up like twice as fast… that always bothered me like, why would he lie about that? Who is this captain and why is he so chill about everyone’s lives?! And then later Wu cranks it up yet again, like the ship had slowed down to it’s previous speed. What the hell is happening with the controls of this ship???
So pissed that the nasty CGI nightmare cloud monster that chases the ninja is named Nimbus. Totally forgot about that. I have an OC with a cat named Nimbus… I promise, there is not going to be a stupid twist bout the cat being the monster thing in Mists of Fate. That would be very stupid.
I was all excited that season 13 gave us minecart chases, but I totally forgot season 5 gave us one first. I really like the return to the caves of despair btw, good reuse of a known location.
How many times this season did we do the: 
Kai: Oh, I don’t like water, I can’t do it uwu  Cole: ...You serious?
Thanks for reading! And if you got this far… I don’t know. I would love to hear your thoughts if you have any! These are just my opinions, so don’t think too much of it if you disagree.
-Kitten
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writeanapocalae · 4 years ago
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A Guide for Writing Trans People
Written by a Trans Man. 
I’ve seen a lot of different posts on how to write trans characters (absolutely none on how to write cis characters and I am so lost on how to do that oh my goodness) but maybe I’ve got a different perspective and maybe I’ve got something you haven’t heard before. Let’s go! 
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Terminology
There are a lot of different genders out there, not just male and female. Some people think Trans men and women are some outside of the binary extra gender, which is very much not true. While many trans people do fall outside the binary, there are a lot who are strictly male or female. Therefore their genders are male and female. The trans part is not part of the word, it is a definer to state that the person is transitioning, that is all. So when you write trans man or trans woman the words are separate, not transman or transwoman. 
A trans man is someone who is transitioning his appearance for society to view him as male. 
A trans woman is someone who is transitioning her appearance for society to view her as female. 
The reason I am wording it this way is because they were already their genders. They have always been their genders. Transitioning is greatly influenced by the way we are treated by society, the same way that beauty standards influence people to contour and get surgeries and whatnot. 
Demi means mostly in terms of gender so a demi boy is someone who is male most of the time and a demi girl is someone who is female most of the time. 
Agender is someone who has no gender
Genderfluid is someone who shifts from gender to gender
Genderqueer is someone who’s gender is nondefined by other terms
Two Spirit is a third gender that encapsulates masculinity and femininity (according to Wikipedia) that is only used by Native Americans 
Third Gender is a gender that can encapsulate or be a completely different solid gender like male or female
Nonbinary is someone who is somewhere on the spectrum between genders and their gender is defined by them 
Pangender is someone who has all genders
Androgyny is not something that actually relates to gender as much as it does presentation. Presentation does not inherently tell you someone’s gender. Being androgynous just means that someone fits right in the middle of societies expectations of male and female and their AGAB cannot be guessed by onlookers. 
AGAB AFAB and AMAB mean Assigned Gender At Birth, Assigned Female At Birth, and Assigned Male At Birth. At birth someone will often assign a gender to a baby based on their genitals and parents tend to show off what sort of genitals their baby has with accessories and colors. Pretty creepy if you ask me. 
FTM and MTF has been deemed problematic but many still use them. They mean Female to Male and Male to Female. The terminology states that the person’s AGAB is their initial gender and they are becoming the opposite when, as stated before, it’s more that they were always their gender and now society has to catch up. 
Gender Nonconformity can be practiced by anyone regardless of gender. It just means that they do things that aren’t expected of someone of their gender like men wearing skirts (for some reason?) or women growing beards or a nonbinary person not being androgynous (for some reason that’s become an expectation)
Intersex is not a part of the trans umbrella, even though it is often lumped in and people who are intersex can also be trans. It is a sex (different from gender) in which different parts of genitals and chromosomes and hormones are produced in a way that deviates from the norm. Many intersex people undergo genital reconstruction or reduction surgery when they are infants (and can’t consent) in order to fit the mold better. Intersex people can be cis. 
Cis just means that someone agrees with the people who assigned them a gender when they were a baby and how society treats them. 
Slurs: Don’t use them. There are a lot. If you see it in a porn category you probably should stay away from it. 
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Pronouns
Pronouns are highly personal and can be a myriad of things so I will not be going over all of them. They do not always match presentation (a long haired man with breasts is still a man) and many people will use multiple sets of pronouns or fluctuate between them for what they feel most comfortable with. 
Common pronouns are: they/them, he/him, she/her
Less common pronouns are: xi/xir, fae/faer, it/its, e/em, per/pers, ve/vir, zie/hir
Neopronouns: People make up pronouns all the time since they are personal and these new pronouns are just as valid as any others. Someone made up his and hers after all. When making neopronouns the main thing to be aware of is consistency. You want the different forms of conjugation to make sense and you want to spell them the same way every time. 
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Appearance
As has already been stated, there’s no correlation between gender presentation and gender and many trans people are unable to present the way they want to due to the economy, genetics, health, or community. Still, people do what they can to pass or feel comfortable in their body and these things need to be in mind during descriptions. People tend to think of the slight things that make people not pass are unattractive and will point out a woman’s 5 o’clock shadow or a man’s high pitched voice as flaws. These things do not necessarily need to be skipped over but they can be described in a way that doesn’t distract from the characters gender. 
Try to stop thinking of an hourglass shape as an intrinsically feminine trait and height as an inherently masculine one. There are cis women with full beards and cis men with round jaws. Exploring different features, combining them, and seeing how they meld will give your characters more depth and help with differentiating them from one another. A good rule of thumb is, if you mention something that people don’t immediately clock as the characters gender, describe it as gender accurate. 
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Misgendering
This is another one that I would say don’t do but there are characters who the writers don’t always agree with. Misgendering is extremely harmful, puts trans people’s lives in danger, and can out them without their permission. The narrator should never misgender a character unless the character does not realize they are trans until the story is underway but this should be rare. The trans character would have no reason to ever misgender themself and may talk about how they presented in the past but will, most likely, still refer to themself with the correct gender. The POV character may misgender a trans character upon meeting them but after being corrected should fix their behavior unless you want your audience to dislike the POV character. Friends of the trans character should not misgender the character unless they are in a situation in which being correctly gendered would bring them harm, otherwise they’re not good friends. Family may misgender the trans character if they are not out or if the family members are terrible people. 
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Dysphoria/Euphoria
Dysphoria is when there’s a painful discrepancy between mind and body, like when someone knows they are one way but they don’t look the way they feel. Misgendering can be a large cause of dysphoria, as can hearing a recording of their voice, reflections, binding and tucking not hiding what the individual may want to hide, height, muscle structure, bone structure, etc. 
Euphoria is the exact opposite of this. It is an extreme sensation of peace and joy in personal gender presentation. This can be caused by hormone replacement therapy, correct gendering, presenting in a way that feels natural, and acceptance. 
Dysphoria is not necessary for being transgender. 
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Social Groups
Look around your friend group. Notice anything eerie? Notice how most of your friends are similar to you in a lot of ways, especially IRL friends? They’re people that you trust and expect to keep you safe while having a fun time with because you share interests and experiences with. Same for trans people. This is why, if you look at my friend group there’s 2 genderfluid, 1 agender, 1 nonbinary, 2 trans women, 1 trans man, and 1 cis man (who’s a cousin). If you have just 1 trans character in a group of friends it is going to read as a need for diversity points and that character is less likely to feel safe with discussing trans issues due to no one around them being able to relate.
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Outing 
This is one that a lot of people have a hard time with and even trans writers mess up a lot. We all know the infamous scene of someone walking in on a trans person changing and, hopefully, we know that this is not only cliche but actually harmful as it tends to lead to the idea of “lying” when it’s really just not anyone’s business and that trans bodies must be on display. I would say that you shouldn’t have to out your character because coming out is dangerous for real trans people in a lot of situations and it normalizes the idea that trans people must doxx themselves at any moment but due to the lack of representation and the nature of novels, you pretty much have to out your characters. No amount of subtext will be as beneficial to a trans reader as cementing the fact that there’s someone they can relate to in canon. Luckily outing a trans character is a lot easier than people think. 
Some of us can’t shut up. A lot of trans people will hint at it a lot and just flat out say it if they’re in similar company. If we see people who we feel confident are also queer we often drop hints that we understand we’re safe, they can come to us (especially in a retail setting), because we want a community. The amount I bring up my masculinity is very very often, to the point I’m surprised people aren’t annoyed with me. I don’t pass very well so I wear a lot of brightly colored buttons that explicitly state my pronouns. There’s also this very strong urge to correct people who use gendered language for things that don’t need gender (like sexual organs and menstrual cycles). There’s nothing wrong with just saying that a character is trans. 
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Resources
The best thing you can do for your story is research. The trans people you know are not google and they do not deserve to be treated like google. You can use google. Here’s some stuff I found on google: 
Dummies | Transequality | EverydayFeminism | Scriptlgbt
But no matter how much research you do it’s not going to be as useful as a sensitivity reader. Once your story is complete ask people to read it as beta readers and sensitivity readers and listen to the people that fit your minority characters. 
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Some musicians to check out for inspiration
I have to recommend music. I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t. 
Agender: Angel Haze | Mood Killer
Androgyne: Florian- Ayala Flora | 
Genderfluid: Aja | Miley Cyrus | Dorian Electra | Jana Hunter | Ruby Rose |  Sons of an Illustrious Father | Eliot Sumner | Maxine Feldman | Chester Lockhart 
Genderqueer: Sopor Aeternus | CN Lester | Planningtorock | Chris Pureka | Sam Smith | Rae Spoon | Vaginal Davis | Ezra Furman | Randa | Vivek Shraya
Genderneutral: Grimes | 
Nonbinary: Arca | Mal Blum | Justin Vivian Bond | Adore Delano | Grey Gritt | Rose McGowan | Shamir | T Thomason | Beth Jean Houghton | Openside | Fraxiom 
Pandrogyne: Genesis P-orridge 
Trans Man: Alexander James Adams | Bettens | Little Axe and the Golden Echoes | Cidney Bullens | Meryn Cadell | Ryan Cassata | Quinn Christopherson | Beverly Glenn Copeland | Quinn Marston | Clyde Peterson | Schmekel | Lucas Silveira | Billy Tipton 
Trans Woman: 1.8.7. | Nadia Almada | Vacancy Chain | Barbra Amesbury | anohni | Estelle Asmodelle | Backxwash | Mykki Blanco | Namoli Brennet | Tona Brown | Sara Davis Buechner | Mya Byrne | The Neptune Darlings | Simona Castricum | Lili Chen | Jessie Chung | Coccinelle | Jayne County | Bulent Ersoy | Deena Kaye Rose | Bibi Anderson | Marci Free |  Teddy Geiger | Gila Goldstein | Laurie Jane Grace | Romy Haag | Ai Haruna | Juliana Huxtable | Mila Jam | Christine Jorgensen | Lady | Left@London | Amanda Lapore | Liniker | Jennifer Maidman | Michete | Trevi Moran | Angela Morley | Ataru Nakamura | Octo Octa | Dee Palmer | Kim Petras | Axis of Awesome | Katey Red | Patricia Ribeiro | Danica Roem | Jackie Shane | Breanna Synclaire | Sophie | Ramon Te Wake | Terre Thaemlitz | Cindy Thai Tai | Titicia | Venus Flytrap 
Two Spirit: Tony Enos | Cris Derksen
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steveezekiel · 2 years ago
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THE MINISTRY LIFE [Galatians 2c]
11. “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I [Paul] WITHSTOOD HIM TO HIS FACE, because he was to be blamed;
12. for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
13. AND THE REST OF THE JEWS ALSO PLAYED THE HYPOCRITE WITH HIM, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14. BUT WHEN I SAW THAT THEY WERE NOT STRAIGHTFORWARD ABOUT THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”
Galatians 2:11-14 (NKJV)
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• Temperament is defined by a dictionary As a person's nature that is shown in the way they behave or react to situations or people.
- Your temperament is the combination of traits you inherited from your parents.
A person's temperament makes him or her outgoing and extroverted, or shy and introverted.
- In the temperamental groups where every human being is said to have the combinations of two or more out of the four: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, or Phlegmatic.
- A Sanguine is a warm, buoyant, lively, and enjoying person. A Sanguine is also considered a super extrovert.
HOWEVER, one of the Sanguines' weaknesses is the tendency to be weak-willed and undisciplined. A Sanguine also lacks emotional consistency.
- Reading through the Gospel one would discover and conclude that Apostle Peter is a Sanguine.
SOMEONE said Simon Peter talked more than all the other disciples put together.
- Peter's inconsistency was displayed by being hypocritical!
- Paul did not hesitate to correct Peter because failure to do so poses a danger to the work they [Paul and his team] have been building among the Gentiles (Galatians 2:11).
• Note: You need to know your strengths and your weaknesses that the Holy Spirit may help you: "Likewise the [Holy] Spirit also helps in our weaknesses" (Romans 8:26).
- He helps, empowers, and enables you in the area of your weaknesses, in order to be a vessel of honour in the hand of God (2 Timothy 2:20,21).
- Peter's instability and inconsistency came to the limelight when he tried to be diplomatic, but hypocritical in his dealings with the Gentiles.
- When you know YOUR temperamental strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to allow the Holy Spirit to work through your strengths and augment your weaknesses.
• It is not a good thing if a Minister is not consistent, in which the word of such cannot be trusted.
IF your word cannot be taken as you said it, it means you lack integrity.
IF your actions cannot be predicted, or vouch for, it shows you lack discipline.
- Leaders influence those who are following them.
ANY weakness or character defect in your Life which you failed to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to correct in your Life, will later bring dishonour, disdain, denigration, or defamation on your character—the person of you.
- Peter's action influenced other Jews to withdraw from the Gentiles, including Barnabas who did work with Paul to win these Gentiles for Christ: "12 … for before certain men came from James, HE [Peter] WOULD EAT WITH THE GENTILES; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 AND THE REST OF THE JEWS ALSO PLAYED THE HYPOCRITE WITH HIM, SO THAT EVEN BARNABAS WAS CARRIED AWAY WITH THEIR HYPOCRISY” (Galatians 2:12,13 NKJV).
• A leader must be proactive, especially in the situation where your work, assignment, is at stake.
- Paul did not shy away from correcting Peter even in the presence of others (Galatians 2:11).
IF Paul did not arrest the situation, nib the problem at the bud, Peter's action could have rubbished all their labours among the Gentiles: "THOSE WHO ARE SINNING REBUKE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL, THAT THE REST ALSO MAY FEAR" (1 Timothy 5:20 NKJV).
• If God has Set you over a Ministry, to lead His people; you have a responsibility to correct things that might be wrong and affect negatively the unity and oneness of the fold of God, that is, the people under your leadership.
- God wants every presiding Minister to take heed to himself or herself and to the doctrine. And as they continue in doing this, they will save both themselves and those who hear them (1 Timothy 4:16).
- In the ministry leadership, you watch over the people by teaching them the Word of God and praying for them: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS" (2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV).
- Scripture is profitable: for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.
READ: 2 Peter 1:12-15
• Paul knew the implication of Peter’s action, what he did, and the damage it could cause in their work and ministry among the Gentiles.
- As a minister, a leader, you have to be ahead of the people, and you must have an eagle’s eyes to see farther than them; whatever could jeopardize the progress of the work entrusted to your hand BY God.
- Also, you must not allow sentiment to hinder you from swinging into actions whenever correction, reproof or discipline may be needed.
- If you failed to nip a problem at the bud, it can scatter your labour of several years in the ministry.
THE incident at Antioch, where Paul corrected Peter, is a doctrinal problem.
YOU have to take your stand, put your foot down on what you know to be the right thing, and be balance in your opinion on doctrinal issues.
- You should have a conviction, know what God has instructed you to preach and teach, and should not allows any sentiment to cause you to deviate from it.
- God’s dealings in your life, your persuasions and convictions, should reflect in your teaching—they are the pillars of the ministry given to you.
• Stand on the truth and refuse to recant because of persecution or opposition.
IT is the ministry built on the truth of the Word of God that will stand the test of time!
- You must stand strong and firm in your doctrinal convictions: “FOR IF I BUILD AGAIN THOSE THINGS WHICH I DESTROYED, I MAKE MYSELF A TRANSGRESSOR” (Galatians 2:18).
- If you cannot boldly declare and defend what you do believe and being convinced about, it means your Life still count or matter to you, you have not been fully crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).
YOU are to lose your life for Him: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY [Jesus'] SAKE AND THE GOSPEL'S WILL SAVE IT" (Mark 8:35).
• A minister’s work or ministry and message stem from his convictions in Christ.
- Some are in the ministry work, leading others, but they are yet to be crucified with Christ.
WHAT you are in Christ precedes what you do for Him!
- Until you are crucified with Christ, you cannot be a Blessing to others; when you no longer live but Christ lives through you; It is then you can be a Blessing to other people (Galatians 2:20).
- Fledglings and inconsistencies of many ministers is as a result of their non-crucifixion with Christ.
• What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?
- It means to be consecrated and broken.
- When you Give your life to Christ Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, you need to consecrate your life to Him.
- Consecration means to ask Jesus to take over your life and do as He pleases with it.
- If you made the unwavering commitment, the Holy Spirit will start the work of brokenness in your Life—He will help to break your ego, and subdue your flesh.
- The Holy Spirit will begin to discipline your flesh by allowing circumstances, situations and challenges, that would break your ego and makes you humble and not be opinionated.
- Know that God will not use a self-conceited person because God looks at the proud afar off (James 4:6).
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Peace!
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