#realism debate

[pinkeoni]

I wonder still why you guys try so hard to make Karen or Ted as mildly homophobic. It is never going to happen. The reason they vote for Reagan is because they are a white upper middle class family. It doesnt necessate that they are homophobic. You dont have to invent new angst stuff for Mike's character, believe me.

But why is it so hard to believe that a conservative family from the 1980’s could possibly be mildly homophobic? And trust me, I think that a show with an active AIDS metaphor is not going to have Reagan/Bush signs as set pieces just to establish wealth.

It’s true that being white and middle class doesn’t necessitate that they be homophobic, my own parents are white and middle class and they aren’t conservative (not really an apt comparison as my parents exist now in 2023 and Ted and Karen exist in the 1980’s) But that’s also why we are given shorthand to flesh them out such as yes, Reagan/Bush signs in the yard and Karen name dropping Margaret Thatcher.

Also I think people may be interpreting calling the Wheelers mildly homophobic with calling them abusive. There are those who interpret Ted and Karen as such, which I think is waaaaaaaay off the mark. Not every homophobe in the show is going to act like Lonnie, but not every character is going to be like Steve when reacting to such things. I can still believe that Mike may find emotional comfort in his mom, and I can also still believe that he may be reasonably hesitant with coming out to her.

The show could surprise me and he could still come out to her, but I think it would all come down to how they handle it. I don’t think that Karen would suddenly become a violent and abusive homophobic bully, but I could totally believe her saying things that may come off as ignorant or not have a perfect reaction.

I can only speak for myself, but the reason for advocating for a scenario like this isn’t about “iventing angst” for Mike’s character but about trying to appeal to the queer experience at that time and wanting to see a show that can be uplifting to queer people while still acknowledging some of the very real experiences of that time. (which the show is already trying to do, btw)

[starlightandmusings]

what do u think of long term jack and kath in a hypothetical where they can be healthy enough to last

oh jatherine light of my life !!

i'm the first to say that i don't think jack and kath would work out but i love hypotheticals and i love these two. so. jack would have to work through his anger issues / PTSD / learn to use art as a healthy coping mechanism first (rizz if u see this !!) and kath would have to distance herself from her father and learn who she is underneath all the glitter and the showiness.

but if they were able to do that, and if katherine was willing to live well beneath her means, joseph likely having cut her off, (and i don't think jack could rise in rank very easily), and if they were willing to rip up the gossip columns, i could see them rent a little french flat. katherine learns to cook through trial and error, and they eat burned food for the first several months. jack works at the docks and comes home with wet clothes, smelling vaguely of fish and foreign spices, and katherine rubs his sore muscles in the evenings.

they're very young when they marry, not much more than twenty, and before two years are up, katherine is pregnant. i think they eventually have two children, a boy first and then a girl. jack spends far too much money on toys and trinkets for his kids, like baseball cards, marbles, dolls, because he tells katherine that he'll be damned if his kids grow up like he did. jack sees the first teddy bear in michton's brooklyn candy shop, hears about the origins, and rushes home with one in his arms, eager to tell his kids all about how he knew the teddy roosevelt.

[finedinereception]

the ethical implications of netnavis never fail to flatten me. like hi yes heres my new ai. its capable of thinking and feelings and forming emotional connections and falling in love and basically is just a digital human. you own them. also you can make them beat each other up for fun. they feel pain btw.

[art--harridan]

[Image description: A digital drawing of Angie from the film R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here In Name Only. She is on the left of the piece, wearing her first shown outfit of a jumper and shirt, a woolen coat, and a checkered scarf. Her hands are in her pockets, and her expression is blank, but leans a tad dour. She stares off to the left. Next to her right shoulder, there's the phrase "really here in name only" which descends with each word. In a panel which molds it borders around the words, there's a drawing of a fire escape. Though their upper half is obscured and unidentifiable, Angie can be seen descending the spiral staircase with Charley in her arms, as denoted by the small blue jacket there. There's a green expanse behind it. The background of the piece is purple and the lineart is a dark green. The colours have a purple-tone to them, and are fairly dim and desaturated.]

Inktober - Day 21 (Rhinoceros)

Film - R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here In Name Only (Jane Howell, 1983)

[stinkypeanutbutter]

Pt . 2 OF UHSH AIDEN ART YEA GIGGLES ( explodes )

*scribble scribble*

Scribbling , scribbling , not really scribbling but at the same time he was . Aiden was back in the living room drawing , drawing and drawing . What was he drawing ? He wasn’t sure really , but it was a person . Looked familiar . He knew the person , but he didn’t like the drawing , he felt it didn’t capture them at all , didn’t fit them , didn’t truly get how . . Wonderful they were . It was weird .

. . An odd sense of Deja Vu floated somewhere in his mind , only thing missing here were his parents stuck on constant business calls and . —

Crayons . Crayons ? Yeah sure , I have a pack in an old drawer somewhere . —

Aiden got up from where he was sitting and walked upstairs to his room , unconsciously ignoring the calls of someone coming from his kitchen . Kitchen ? His dad ? No wait he wasn’t here , he was on a business trip , again . He was kinda hungry . Aiden went back to his door , about to open it back up for a snack when —

What was he doing ? He was in his room for something . Oh right , crayons ! How silly ! Aiden searched a while , eventually finding an old , slightly worn out pack in the bottom drawer near his bed . He picked it up and stared at its broken packaging for a few seconds before getting back up , and making his way to the living room . -

-

Aiden got back to the table , but another person was waiting for him . Well , more so just staring at the paper he scribbled on with a weird fixated gaze .

“ Taylor ? “

Taylor looked up in response to her name , a slight smile coming across her face when she saw him . “ Aiden ! Did you draw this ? “ “ . . Oh yeah , I was just doodling a little . “

That’s right , his friends were here ! He had to admit to being taken aback a little . He was usually private with any drawing he made . He couldn’t remember why , he just didn’t like showing them , not anymore .

“ Holy sprinkles , you’re good ! “

.

“ What ? “

“ It’s really pretty ! I didn’t know you drew so well . “ “ — I did it a lot with Ben when we were traveling , small challenges and what not ! “

A compliment . He hasn’t realized how much he liked hearing those words about something he was told was meaningless to do .

Is this of Ashlyn ? “

Ashlyn . Ash . That’s who it was . He didn’t see it before , why didn’t he ? He just did it subconsciously after all , let his hand guide him in what he thought were mindless scribbles but even without trying to use his mind , Ashlyn manages to take space in it . How silly !

” We could totally work together with arts n crafts if you want ! Basically I fold old metal together and create little sculptures to sell ,so it would be fun if you wanted to try and paint them and — “

Taylor talked , and talked . It was nice , she was pretty excited about it all . Aiden felt jealous , but he couldn’t explain why . Jealous on how much freedom she had with it ? Either way it confused but enlightened him all at the same time . Was that a bad thing ? . . She talked about ideas , opportunities , some art fair , all the silly things , and spoke of inviting ben as well . He liked that idea , all of them . He’ll manage to show all his friends this . . “ hidden talent “ of his some day , but right now he’s enjoying this moment . It was simple , and nice , a step at a time . Sometimes that was the best .

THX FOR READING !!!!! THIS IS PROBABYL SO OUT OF CHARACTER KNS UHH THZ THO 💔💔😼😼👊😼

[avenin7]

Vérontas wip from the other day (when my ipad shut off mid drawing sesh T-T)

[chipchopclipclop]

TELL ME ABOUT IT. I am so filled with Fear about Veilguard. DA has the potential to put me in such a chokehold and the last thing I want is these seemingly nice companions getting stuck in a shitty game. Or any other companions. Or my poor Inquisitor

I don't have high hopes lol (after all this production hell and firing of staff) and moreover i dont like how it looks still 😂 ppl saying it looks so diff to the cinematic one idk what ur seeing but (??) power to you.

i was telling a friend but everything in it looks very smooth and clean stylistically, which isn't what i really like about dragon age at all art direction wise anyway (even in inquisition which was hashtag #nextgen it still felt a little bit like eating grime everywhere u went) ik were in super epic mage city but everything is so clean, even the designs of the mages is really simple geometrically. It's to the point it all looks kind of boring to my eyes and very bland, which in turn makes me barely interested in the setting (which is crazy bc its tevinter) also idc abt solas like that but thats my personal issue with not giving a fuck abt the writing lol

everything we've seen in game as well weirdly looks like a pre-rendered cutscene or super cinematic, even regular conversations, in a way that feels stilted. I'm not saying it is ofc, i believe its gameplay but i don't like the direction of it at all lmao. this is all a shame bc alot of the companion concepts look very fun (necromancer old man literally is just my bg3 tav rofl) also i like running around big open world maps so them going YAYY LINEARITY isnt making me cheer !? ppl didnt like it in inquisition bc there was just fuck all to do in the maps 😂😂😂 it is going to be a mid as hell game basically. average dragon age experience though.

[cosmo-lexies]

Fictional works don't need to be realistic, they need to be 'verisimilar'

The debate about realism in art has been over for centuries. Stop trying to revive it and less for whining about inclusiveness.

[tricoufamily]

i told you i was giving them a real last name next time

[lafcadiosadventures]

Marx 🤝 Hugo on Balzac

Marx: “The realism I allude to may crop out even in spite of the author’s opinions. (…) Balzac was politically a Legitimist; his great work is a constant elegy on the inevitable decay of good society, his sympathies are all with the class doomed to extinction. But for all that his satire is never keener, his irony never bitterer, than when he sets in motion the very men and women with whom he sympathizes most deeply - the nobles. And the only men of whom he always speaks with undisguised admiration, are his bitterest political antagonists, the republican heroes of the Cloître Saint-Méry*, the men, who at that time (1830-6) were indeed the representatives of the popular masses. That Balzac thus was compelled to go against his own class sympathies and political prejudices, that he saw the necessity of the downfall of his favourite nobles, and described them as people deserving no better fate; and that he saw the real men of the future where, for the time being, they alone were to be found - that I consider one of the greatest triumphs of Realism, and one of the grandest features in old Balzac.” Karl Marx letter to Harkness, April 1888.

Hugo: “Unknown to himself, whether he wished it or not, whether he consented or not, the author of this immense and strange work is one of the strong race of Revolutionist writers. Balzac goes straight to the goal(...) by grace of his free and vigorous nature; by a privilege of the intellect of our time, which, having seen revolutions face to face, can see more clearly the destiny of humanity and comprehend Providence better,- Balzac redeemed himself smiling and severe from all those formidable studies which produced melancholy in Moliere and misanthropy in Rousseau.” Hugo’s Eulogy for Balzac from J. Berg Esenwein and Dale Carnagey’s the art of public speaking.

*marx could be thinking of Michel Chrestien, portrayed as the honorable alternative to Lucien de Rubempré, who dies a hero in 1832 at saint-mery (but balzac makes him fall in love with a princess because. of course he does)(i have not read all of balzac’s novels so i’m not sure if he has more revolutionary heroes, since marx claims he is “always” speaking in positive terms of them)

[books-coffee-and-the-woods]

I'm trying so hard with The Secret Country but the pacing is SO slow...

[neonacidtrip]

I’m developing a new chart system

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Ontological Commitment

Ontological commitment is a philosophical concept that deals with the assumptions and entities that a theory or belief system posits as necessary for its truth or coherence. It stems from the broader field of ontology, the study of what exists and the nature of being. When philosophers and scientists create theories, they often implicitly or explicitly commit to the existence of certain entities or concepts, which forms the basis of ontological commitment. The idea is essential in understanding how different theories relate to the world and what they imply about the nature of reality.

Key Aspects:

Quantification and Existence: Ontological commitment often revolves around the use of quantifiers in logical expressions, such as "there exists" or "for all." These quantifiers can indicate the existence of certain entities, leading to a commitment to their reality.

Theories and Models: In the context of scientific and philosophical theories, ontological commitment refers to the entities that must be assumed to exist for the theory to be valid. For example, a theory of physics might be ontologically committed to the existence of particles, fields, or forces.

Quine’s Criterion: Philosopher W.V.O. Quine is closely associated with the idea of ontological commitment. He proposed that a theory's ontological commitments are determined by what the theory quantifies over. According to Quine, "To be is to be the value of a variable," meaning that if a theory requires something to exist in order for its variables to have value, the theory is committed to the existence of that thing.

Debates in Ontology: Philosophical debates around ontological commitment often involve discussions about whether certain entities are "real" or merely useful fictions. For instance, are mathematical objects like numbers and sets real, or are they simply convenient tools for describing reality?

The philosophy of ontological commitment is crucial for understanding the assumptions underlying different theories and beliefs. It forces us to confront the question of what we are implicitly assuming to exist when we adopt a particular worldview or scientific theory. By examining these commitments, we can better understand the implications of our beliefs and refine our understanding of what it means for something to exist.

[jettreno]

I really like how half the articles I’m seeing right now are “the democratic leadership are completely out of touch with reality if they think joe biden is going to win, they NEED a new candidate” and “everybody complaining about joe biden needs to stop being whiny little pissbabies”

[imastoryteller]

Understanding Morally Gray Characters in Storytelling

Definition and Core Characteristics:

Complex and Ambiguous Morality: Morally gray characters exhibit traits and make decisions that do not fit neatly into the categories of 'good' or 'evil'. Their actions and motivations often blend aspects of both.

Humanized Flaws: They possess human flaws, which make their actions and decisions relatable and believable. These flaws often drive their complex behavior.

Realistic Motivations: Their motivations are multifaceted and realistic, often stemming from personal experiences, traumas, or societal pressures.

Importance in Storytelling:

Adds Depth: These characters add depth and richness to the narrative, providing a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of human nature.

Creates Tension and Conflict: Their unpredictability and complex morality create tension and conflict, driving the plot and engaging the audience.

Reflects Real Life: By portraying characters with both good and bad qualities, stories can reflect the complexity of real-life moral decisions.

Examples and Their Impact:

Walter White from Breaking Bad: Initially a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer, Walter turns to manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family’s future. His descent into criminality and moral compromise makes him a quintessential morally gray character.

Severus Snape from Harry Potter: Snape’s actions and allegiances are ambiguous throughout much of the series. His ultimate loyalty and sacrifices reveal a deeply complex character motivated by love and regret.

Creating a Morally Gray Character:

Blend Virtues and Vices: Give your character a mix of admirable qualities and significant flaws. This balance helps create a sense of realism.

Motivations Over Actions: Focus on the character’s motivations rather than just their actions. Understand why they make certain decisions, even if those decisions are morally questionable.

Consequences and Growth: Show the consequences of their actions and allow for character growth or regression. This evolution keeps the character dynamic and engaging.

Impact on the Audience:

Empathy and Engagement: Morally gray characters can evoke empathy from the audience, as they see parts of themselves in the character’s struggles and decisions.

Moral Reflection: These characters prompt audiences to reflect on their own moral beliefs and the complexities of right and wrong.

Discussion and Debate: The ambiguous nature of morally gray characters often sparks discussion and debate, making stories more engaging and thought-provoking.

By understanding and effectively using morally gray characters, storytellers can craft richer, more engaging narratives that resonate deeply with their audience.

[nevermind-i-forgot-whats-that]

Sometimes, as much as I love internet communities and spaces, I really think a lot of people have spent so much time in sanitized, morally pure echo chambers that they lose sight of realism and life outside the internet.

I live in Alabama. My fiancée and I cannot hold hands down the street without fear of homophobic assholes. We have an abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. We are one of the poorest states in the US with some of the lowest scores on metrics related to quality of life, including maternal mortality, healthcare, education, and violence. It’s not a coincidence that we are also one of the most red, one of the most Republican states in the Union. In 2017 the UN said the conditions in Alabama are similar to those in a third-world country.

Trump gave a voice to the most violently racist, sexist, xenophobic groups of people who, unfortunately for most of us in the Southern U.S., run our states and have only grown more powerful since his rise to power. The Deep South powers MAGA, and we all suffer for it.

We have no protections if they don’t come from the federal government.

I know people are suffering internationally and my heart is with them. However, this election is not just about foreign policy - we have millions of Americans right here at home living in danger, living in areas where they have been completely abandoned by their local leaders. We need this win.

No candidate is perfect, but for the first time in my voting lifetime I’m excited to vote. I’m excited for the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket because they are addressing the issues close to home. They’re advocating for education as the ticket to a better life, but without the crippling student debt. They’re advocating for the right to love who you love without fear and with pride. Kamala has always been pro-LGBT+ and so has Tim. Again, if you’re queer in the South, we don’t have support unless it comes from the federal government, and we absolutely will not have support if the Republicans regain the White House.

Kamala speaks in length about re-entry programs to reduce recidivism and help people who have been arrested and imprisoned regain their lives. Tim Walz supported restoring voting rights to felons. In the South, you know who comprise the majority of felons? Members of minorities. It’s one of the major tools of systemic racism and mass disenfranchisement, and arguably the modern face of slavery (there are some fantastic documentaries and books that explain the connection between the post-Reconstruction South and the disproportionate rates of imprisonment for BIPOC). Having candidates who recognize this and want to restore the freedom and rights to people who have come into contact with the criminal justice system? And keep them from having to go to prison in the first place? That’s refreshing. That’s exciting.

I would *love* to live in a country where women’s rights are respected, where LGBT+ rights and protections are a given, where we treat former criminals and individuals experiencing mental health crises with respect and dignity. I would *love* to live in a country where education is free of religious interference and each and every citizen is entitled to a fair start and equal opportunities.

But I don’t live in that country. Millions and millions of Americans find their rights and freedoms up for debate and on the ballot.

Project 2025 poses the largest threat to the future of our democracy as we know it. We are being called to fight for the future of our country.

We have to put on our oxygen masks first before we can help others.

You don’t have moral purity when you wash your hands of the millions of us who are still fighting for own freedoms right here.

The reality is that a presidential candidate is a best fit, and not a perfect fit. But comparatively speaking? Kamala is pretty damn close.