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ifortom · 6 months ago

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Bad Decisions - T.H. (2)

frat!Tom x Reader - Fake dating AU

Chapter Summary: Y/N and Tom find themselves attending a lively party together, their mission disguised as a couple. As they navigate the evening's social intricacies, they must maintain their charade amidst curious friends.

MASTERLIST

W/C: +4K

• DAY 1

This was definitely a position you never expected to find yourself in.

While Tom was lying relaxed on your bed the day after you agreed to his deal, you paced back and forth without stopping. Several thoughts were going through your head with several different theories about why you had accepted such a crazy and risky proposal as this one.

Would it be out of pity for yourself? A way to save yourself the headache and questions from family members about when your big day will arrive, or why you're single?

Even worse, spare you from getting questions about your traumatic breakup with He Who Must Not Be Named?

Was all this to help a friend?

Truth be told - but never out loud - a large part of the decision was made out of jealousy. The photos from last night and your reactions are proof that you couldn't bear to see Tom with girls who don't deserve him. "Would you stop? It's making me dizzy." Tom said as he sat up properly on the bed. His hand patted the mattress twice, inviting you to join him.

"Sorry. I just… I'm nervous." You said as you sat on the bed next to him, your hands rubbing against each other trying to hide the tremors. Tom noticed.

"Y/N why are you so nervous? I thought you agreed." His hands were now intertwined with yours. "Besides, if you don't want to… that's okay. I'm not going to force you into anything and you know that."

"That's not it… I agreed, but that's strange. How should we act? What are we going to say?"

"Most people will say they saw it coming." Tom chuckled while you rolled your eyes. "Come on, I know you also heard that we should be together a while ago".

"God, even Professor Riley asked me that once." You said, releasing your hands from his and hiding your face.

"Really? Did we have any of his classes together?" Tom asked.

"Not really, but you always waited for me outside his class so we could go to lunch together. He just assumed."

"See? I think everyone figured this would happen at some point."

But would it be in these conditions? A lie. That was what this new side of your friendship would be based on.

"Okay. Since we're going to do this we need to establish some rules."

"Great, we've reached the cliché part of any fake dating deal." Tom says mockingly. "Don't tell me we can't kiss… it's impossible to make it believable if we don't do the basics."

"I wasn't going to say that, we certainly need minimal PDA." You say, getting up and walking around the room again. "But it turns out that your love language is physical touch, which happens to make you very touchy with everyone you like and have the intimacy to do."

"Okay, no touching anyone who isn't my fake girlfriend." He says. "We spend a lot of time together, nothing out of the ordinary."

"That, and being in a relationship also means you need to slow down your partying and spend more time with your partner."

"But… it also means that said partner can accompany me to these parties." Tom shot back.

"Tom, I'm not available on the same frequency as you are."

"Seriously, Y/N! It's not like I spend most of my time at frat parties." He looked at you in disbelief. "You know that very well."

He wasn't lying, Tom may have a big life but he is extremely centered and doesn't let himself get carried away so easily.

"Okay, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that. It's just…Sean used to go to a lot of parties while we were together." You sighed. "And not that that's a problem, after all just because we were dating didn't mean we needed to be glued to each other all the time, but… he was on another campus and it was strange not knowing what was going on. We know how wild these parties can get and I was always very worried because I wouldn't find out he was at one until the next day."

Tom put his arm around your shoulders and pulled you with him to lie down on the bed. Automatically, you settled into his arms, resting your head on his chest.

"He's an asshole, and everyone knows it. You don't have to worry about that with me." His hand caressed your arm. "As a friend and as a fake boyfriend, I will never leave you in a position like that."

"Thanks, Tommy!" Snuggling more and more into his body.

After a few minutes in the same position, you get up, patting Tom's chest.

"Okay, so what do we do now? What's the next step? We have two months until my sister's wedding, not counting the unofficial events that will take place beforehand."

"I think we need to start by introducing ourselves as a couple. And we start on campus."

"Shall we hold hands before entering the classroom? And will I watch you at training and games?" You say with a shameless smile.

"That too! But I thought we'd start sooner." He says, lifting his body and returning to the sitting position next to you.

"How?" You ask suspiciously and Tom sighs.

"It's Saturday and the team organized a little get together tonight to celebrate the start of the season. Which means it's not a huge party like usual. It's just the players and some friends." He analyzed your face before continuing. "I think it would be a great place for the news to start circulating. These are people close to me and I want you to meet them."

"You know our football players don't have the best reputation, right?"

"I know that, but they're good people. We're young, Y/N, and we mess up from time to time."

"You also break the hearts of innocent girls for fun." You laughed.

"Not everyone." He replied. "Not that it interests you much, but I always make it clear that everything is nothing more than a one night stand."

"What a gentleman you are, Tom Holland. Women love to be thought of like that."

"Stop making me be the bad guy. I say this so they don't get their hopes up about it happening again."

"If that's your motto, why would your friends think I'm any different?" You say quietly, and notice the proximity of your face and Tom, who is completely relaxed, supporting the weight of his body on his arms resting on the bed.

He calmly raises one of his hands and removes a strand of hair from your face, placing it behind your ear.

"Because you're different, and they know it. You're a constant in my life and that's not going to change."

Tom Holland has a habit of speaking dangerous words. Both for him and for you. It's not the first time he swears an eternal relationship between you and every time he repeats the promise your heart almost stops.

It's hard not to have deep thoughts when a handsome, intelligent and charming man says he wants to spend his life by your side.

"Is Taylor going to be there?" You ask, purposefully breaking the mood.

Tom's eyes move away from your face and stare at the wall.

"I'm not sure. But she's Jack's sister, so it's likely."

"Alright! We need to fulfill your side of the agreement too. Then we can think about what to do about the wedding."

"So we're going to the party?" He says and the fact that he used we, as if without you he wouldn't go, did things to your heart. But that's thinking too deeply, right?

"Hm…" You pretended to think. "Yes, Holland, we are.”

Once decided, you and Tom ordered a delivery for lunch while talking about the party and other common issues that were already a topic of conversation between the two of you.

He left a while later and said he would pick you up at home by car and you would go together to the house of one of the team's players where the little get together, as he said, would take place.

The butterflies in your stomach intensified the moment he left and you realized there was no turning back.

You could give up on everything but Tom was counting on you and the adrenaline was doing you good.

Especially when you reflected on your family's reaction to seeing that you had found another boy. And knowing Tom, you know that he would soon be embraced by your family with his kind and polite way.

Even though you know that there is an expiration date that has not yet been defined between you.

Since today is a non-school day, you spent the afternoon trying to distract yourself from the fact that you would be introducing yourself as someone's girlfriend after a while. Even crazier is introducing herself as the girlfriend of Tom Holland, one of the most popular guys on campus and star of the team. Even though Sean isn't very different, Tom is your friend and all of this was just a farce so that the two of you could benefit in some way.

But that can't stop you from the good feeling of being with someone in public and doing all the couple things you like.

You and Tom didn't rehearse or define what you were going to say and act when you arrived, you were just going to do what you normally do. But with more touches and caresses.

You looked in the mirror and checked what must have been your fifth change of clothes. You're not insecure, but today your feelings are running high and for the first time in a long time, you feel nervous about the idea of going out.

Between dresses and pants, you opted for a black skirt that covered half of your thighs, not too short but not too discreet either. A tight white blouse and a beige cardigan covered your upper half. Along with sneakers on your feet for comfort.

Light but striking makeup painted your face. And you felt good about what you saw in the mirror. Until the apartment doorbell rang and you felt the butterflies in your stomach again.

Tom wasn't much different than what you're used to. He wore black pants, a white blouse and a cap on his head.

"Why are you wearing a cap at night?" That's what you told him.

"Woah, thanks for letting me praise you before you criticize me." He responded ironically. "But do you think it's bad?"

"I just don't understand the purpose." You say closing and locking the door behind you as you leave the apartment.

"Maybe…" He started taking the cap off his head and placing it on yours. "I just wanted to be able to make my girlfriend wear something of mine. That was the purpose." He says adjusting it.

"But now you just destroyed my outfit that took me a long time to decide." You say pouting.

Tom laughed and held your hand, walking with you to the car.

"You look beautiful!" He said and heat rose to your cheeks.

"You're just as you always are. Where's the effort, Holland?" You respond, in an attempt to divert the topic away from you and how you are.

The way to the house was quicker than it seemed and you had no idea you lived so close to one of the team's players. Tom parked and made a point of opening the door on your side, already meeting looks from people who were passing by. You removed the cap from your head and threw it in the back seat before getting out.

Outside, you looked at the house and the number of cars parked around it. It was also possible to hear the music coming from inside.

"Now is the time. I need to know that you are sure about this. If you don't want to we can leave or you could have just come to accompany me as my friend." He stopped in front of you, capturing your attention on his face. "You decide Y/N."

And after he said that, a quick doubtful thought crossed his mind. Was it really right to do this? How many people would get involved and believe your story? Your friends, Tom's, your family?

Not to mention the friendship between you. How many books and films prove that a fake relationship between two great friends ends in trouble are there?

But you remembered Tom's reaction when you laughed at his idea and how he avoided you the next day. He seemed extremely embarrassed by what he had suggested. Maybe your friendship was already doomed to failure the moment he proposed it.

So what else is there to be done? The alternative is to take advantage and continue with the plan. Who knows the end of this story? Only you can write it and if it depends on you, the promise to always be by his side will last for eternity. Nothing will come in the way of your friendship.

Looking into his eyes you nodded.

"I'm sure, let's do it." Tom smiled and offered his hand which you held tightly as you walked together to the entrance of the house.

From the inside, it was already possible to see that the definition of small get together for you and those people was the complete opposite. Really, the place wasn't packed with people like other parties tend to be, but it seemed like every room accommodated a group.

Tom greeted some people on the way who pointed out the back of the house for him.

When you passed through the huge door that gave access to the garden, a circle of people sat in a covered space. Tom walked up to them and you finally recognized some faces. Harrison, with whom you had already shared some classes together and is a close friend of Tom's, as well as Brian, who had made the unnecessary comment about you and Tom a few days ago, and some girls on the cheer team

"Finally! The man of the hour." Harrison said ironically and the others laughed.

"Sorry, I had to make a stop." And Tom pulled you closer to him, letting go of your hand and resting his on your waist.

"Woah, Y/N! I didn't expect to see you here." Harrison said.

"Yeah… Tom can be pretty convincing." You replied looking at Tom.

"So you guys are…" Tyler, who you recognized, began to speak.

“Y/N is my date tonight.” Tom replied.

"Good job, Tommy." Brian said, raising the bottle of beer he was drinking as if in salute to Tom, a sarcastic smile on the corner of his mouth.

This caused you discomfort and Tom squeezed your waist.

Amber, one of the cheerleaders, who was always very friendly and not the classic stereotype, smiled at you.

“It’s good to see you, Y/N.” She said, getting looks from the other girls.

Tom pulled out one of the upholstered benches and sat down and when you looked at him as if asking what to do, he just looked at his lap.

It's hard to believe he simply wants you to sit on his lap. As if it were something normal and that you do every day.

He looked at you again and signaled for you to sit down. It didn't seem like it, but you felt extremely awkward as you tried to settle into his lap without looking uncomfortable for a variety of reasons, including the fact that you were wearing a skirt.

When you finally felt like you weren't showing anything you didn't want, you leaned back against Tom's chest and he also placed one of his arms on your lap, in an attempt to protect you.

His breath hit your neck, giving you goosebumps. That's how it would be from now on. One of his hands was holding your waist, while the other was on top of your thigh, even over your skirt, you could feel the heat emanating from him.

Tyler offered Tom a beer, who politely declined, explaining that he was driving, which caused a fit of laughter among some of the guys.

"I have a girl to protect." He replied and you saved the fact that you needed to reprimand him for driving after drinking.

After Tom denied it, Tyler pointed the bottle at you, who hesitated but Tom whispered in your ear that it was okay, that you could have fun and he would take care of you if you needed it.

And so the night went on, the boys really weren't what they seemed to be. Even with some unnecessary comments from time to time, they made you laugh and told stories you didn't know about. Even the cheerleaders were including you in their conversations.

"Are you having fun?" Tom whispered in your ear.

You turned to face him the way you could within the position you were in.

"They're not that bad." You answered. "At least, not all of them." You laughed, adjusting yourself on his lap so that you were on your side, legs crossed over his, making it easier to look at him.

Tom knew that you were mainly referring to Brian, that at one time or another he made comments about you and looked at you without stopping. At these moments, he would seek your attention and try to reassure you with touches showing that he was there.

"Not everything can be perfect, right?"

You laughed and threw your arms around his neck, bringing his face closer to yours.

"What is that?" He asked.

"We need to make this believable, right?" You answered. The drink was already taking effect and you were feeling more daring than usual.

His nose brushed yours, your breaths mixed due to the little space between you.

"You're dangerous, you know that?" He responded slowly.

"Really? I don't think I am."

"Why did you dress like that tonight? I wasn't lying when I said you look beautiful. And other things…"

"What you mean? Do you have a thing for legs?” You asked, playing with the hair on the back of his neck and his hand caressed the exposed part of your thigh.

"You know you're hot today. I know you. Who are you trying to impress?" He asked, squeezing your thigh.

"There's only one person I need to impress." You replied seductively. "And I think I've done a good job."

Tom and you often playfully flirt. He never held back when praising you, but something was different today. Blame it on the beer, but your perception was that he was enjoying this deeper game you were playing.

And yes, you were also more sassy than usual. The mouth close to his and the slow way you spoke were proof of that.

"Hey, I think you guys better find a room." Harrison interrupted whatever was going on between you. You pulled away, realizing you were lost in him and forgot about the people around you.

Amber called you by name.

"Shall we go to the bathroom?"

"Why do you girls have this thing about going to the bathroom together?" Tyler asked.

Amber smiled and pulled you by the hand, making Tom let go.

"We share secrets." She replied cheekily and you left together.

"Girl, what was that? You two were almost swallowing each other in front of all of us." She said as soon as she closed the bathroom door and you laughed.

"I didn't even notice." You responded by covering your face.

"I just have to congratulate you, Tom Holland is definitely the most sought-after guy on the team." She said taking out a lip gloss from the small bag she was carrying and looking at herself in the mirror. "But you were friends, right? I always saw you guys together, but today it seems like you can't keep your hands off each other."

"Yeah… we are, we're trying something." You replied and Amber smiled offering you the lip gloss which you refused.

"And I wish you guys luck, I'm happy for him. I hope you guys last." She said and the last sentence bothered you, pricking that small piece of sobriety in you. "Let's go back?" She said opening the door.

When you were close enough to the circle, you realized that Tom was no longer there. Lost, you looked around for him but to no avail.

“He went to get you some water from the kitchen” Harrison announced seeing your confusion and you nodded at him.

"And do you know who went after him?" Brian's voice filled the space. "Taylor. And it's also been a while since he left and hasn't come back yet." He shrugged as if there were no ulterior motives behind his words.

You looked back and without responding went into the house. Even though you bumped into several strangers on the way, you found the kitchen but Tom was no longer there.

He wouldn't leave you there alone, right? He wouldn't embarrass you like that by showing up to the party with you and leaving with another girl.

Tom may be many things but he values your friendship and wouldn't do that to you. Or would he? Would he allow himself to be carried away by his desire for a girl?

Panic set in, and you looked around for any sign of him, that he was still there.

Fingers found your shoulders and you turned around in fright. You expected to find Tom but the one in front of you was Taylor. Her eyes cold and glued to your face.

"I will destroy you." She said. "I thought my relationship with Tom was very clear, but apparently some people need to learn in a harder way."

It was unbelievable the things she could say. Taylor truly believed there was a relationship between them. And from the way she said it, they had already met at the party while you were away and apparently she didn't get what she wanted.

At any other time you would have avoided conflict, not out of fear, but because of the passive way you live outside of confusion that doesn't concern you. But how can a stranger threaten you like that? Who does she think she is?

"So this is how you react when you don't get what you want? You think threatening others will make things happen for you?" Taylor didn't expect you to hit back and her stance dropped. "You should wake up to life, not everyone will give in to your desires out of fear of you."

Her shocked expression was what you needed to put an end to the conversation, turn your back and return to Tom's arms.

But you weren't finished yet.

"Tom and I are together, and that's what we call a relationship." And with that you left her.

It didn't take long for you to find the person you were looking for, who had returned to the back of the house where the rest of the people were. But he hadn't joined them yet, in fact he was waiting for you near the door.

He saw you and smiled but noticed your irritated expression as you walked towards him.

"Hey, what happened?" His hands cupped your face. "Why that face?"

"I ran into Taylor, and I know you did too."

"What did she say to you?" His expression was one of concern. "Y/N, I cut her off right away. I said I was here with someone else and…"

You didn't let him finish, in seconds his lips were on yours.

Tom seemed surprised and hesitant but then he pulled you closer by the waist and your arms wrapped around his neck.

The kiss got deeper and deeper and you forgot that there was an audience watching. Tom explored your mouth with his tongue as if he depended on it.

The lack of air made you pull away but soon your lips collided again as if it was painful to be apart.

"Y/N, we need to stop now. I don't…"

"I don't want to." You replied, again pulling him closer.

"I admit I don't either, but we have too many eyes on us." He said laughing lightly and running his eyes over the people staring at the two of you.

You took a deep breath and rested your head on his chest, hiding your face.

"It's a shame because I won't know when we'll do it again." You said quietly but clearly enough for Tom.

His fingers squeezed you tightly because he understood what you meant. It was all a lie, and displays of affection at this level should only be done in public spaces.

"I think you went a little overboard on the beer." He sighed. "Shall we go home? It's late."

"I want to be with you."

"Let's go then. I'll let you sleep in my bed, even at the risk of waking up full of vomit." He laughed and you punched his shoulder.

You quickly said goodbye to the group of people, including Taylor who had joined them and had witnessed your entire show. Some of the boys raised their hands in thumbs up as if they knew what would happen when Tom took you home.

Oh if only they knew the truth.

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communist-manifesto-daily · 9 months ago

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The Communist Manifesto - Part 14

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III. Socialist and Communist Literature

1. Reactionary Socialism

A. Feudal Socialism

Owing to their historical position, it became the vocation of the aristocracies of France and England to write pamphlets against modern bourgeois society. In the French Revolution of July 1830, and in the English reform agitation‡, these aristocracies again succumbed to the hateful upstart. Thenceforth, a serious political struggle was altogether out of the question. A literary battle alone remained possible. But even in the domain of literature the old cries of the restoration period had become impossible.*

‡ A reference to the movement for an electoral reform which, under the pressure of the working class, was passed by the British House of Commons in 1831 and finally endorsed by the House of Lords in June, 1832. The reform was directed against monopoly rule of the landed and finance aristocracy and opened the way to Parliament for the representatives of the industrial bourgeoisie. Neither workers nor the petty-bourgeois were allowed electoral rights, despite assurances they would.

* Not the English Restoration (1660-1689), but the French Restoration (1814-1830). [Note by Engels to the English edition of 1888.]

In order to arouse sympathy, the aristocracy was obliged to lose sight, apparently, of its own interests, and to formulate their indictment against the bourgeoisie in the interest of the exploited working class alone. Thus, the aristocracy took their revenge by singing lampoons on their new masters and whispering in his ears sinister prophesies of coming catastrophe.

In this way arose feudal Socialism: half lamentation, half lampoon; half an echo of the past, half menace of the future; at times, by its bitter, witty and incisive criticism, striking the bourgeoisie to the very heart’s core; but always ludicrous in its effect, through total incapacity to comprehend the march of modern history.

The aristocracy, in order to rally the people to them, waved the proletarian alms-bag in front for a banner. But the people, so often as it joined them, saw on their hindquarters the old feudal coats of arms, and deserted with loud and irreverent laughter.

One section of the French Legitimists and “Young England” exhibited this spectacle.

In pointing out that their mode of exploitation was different to that of the bourgeoisie, the feudalists forget that they exploited under circumstances and conditions that were quite different and that are now antiquated. In showing that, under their rule, the modern proletariat never existed, they forget that the modern bourgeoisie is the necessary offspring of their own form of society.

For the rest, so little do they conceal the reactionary character of their criticism that their chief accusation against the bourgeois amounts to this, that under the bourgeois régime a class is being developed which is destined to cut up root and branch the old order of society.

What they upbraid the bourgeoisie with is not so much that it creates a proletariat as that it creates a revolutionary proletariat.

In political practice, therefore, they join in all coercive measures against the working class; and in ordinary life, despite their high-falutin phrases, they stoop to pick up the golden apples dropped from the tree of industry, and to barter truth, love, and honour, for traffic in wool, beetroot-sugar, and potato spirits.†

† This applies chiefly to Germany, where the landed aristocracy and squirearchy have large portions of their estates cultivated for their own account by stewards, and are, moreover, extensive beetroot-sugar manufacturers and distillers of potato spirits. The wealthier British aristocracy are, as yet, rather above that; but they, too, know how to make up for declining rents by lending their names to floaters or more or less shady joint-stock companies. [Note by Engels to the English edition of 1888.]

As the parson has ever gone hand in hand with the landlord, so has Clerical Socialism with Feudal Socialism.

Nothing is easier than to give Christian asceticism a Socialist tinge. Has not Christianity declaimed against private property, against marriage, against the State? Has it not preached in the place of these, charity and poverty, celibacy and mortification of the flesh, monastic life and Mother Church? Christian Socialism is but the holy water with which the priest consecrates the heart-burnings of the aristocrat.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 11 months ago

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11th February >> Fr. Martin's Homilies / Reflections on Today's Mass Readings (Inc. Mark 1:40-45) for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B: ‘Of course, I want to’.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B:

Gospel (Except USA) Mark 1:40-45 The leprosy left the man at once, and he was cured.

A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: ‘If you want to’ he said ‘you can cure me.’ Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘Of course I want to!’ he said. ‘Be cured!’ And the leprosy left him at once and he was cured. Jesus immediately sent him away and sternly ordered him, ‘Mind you say nothing to anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering for your healing prescribed by Moses as evidence of your recovery.’ The man went away, but then started talking about it freely and telling the story everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer go openly into any town, but had to stay outside in places where nobody lived. Even so, people from all around would come to him.

Gospel (USA) Mark 1:40–45 The leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Homilies (6)

(i) Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Many people find illness quite an isolating experience, especially if their illness is considered contagious. Even when their illness is not contagious, people can feel isolated. Those with a serious illness, in particular, may have a sense that people are uncomfortable around them, because they are not sure what to be saying. The various forms of illness that come with advancing years can also leave people feeling very isolated. As we get older, we can become less mobile. We cannot visit people in the way we used to and we are dependent on people making contact with us. The ideal contact is the personal visit, but even a phone call can make a huge difference to someone who lives alone. In these times technology has enabled people living along to connect with others in ways not possible in the past. They can not only hear loved ones but see them through Skype calls and the like. People of faith can connect with the community of faith at Mass through parish webcams. Yet, social isolation remains a reality for many individuals today, and for whole groups of people.

In the time of Jesus, there was no more isolating illness than the various forms of skin diseases labelled ‘leprosy’. People with this disease had to live apart from the community, because their disease was contagious and the community needed to be protected. In the words of today’s first reading, they must live apart, ‘outside the camp’. Their sense of social isolation was enormous. They also had to live with the added burden of religious isolation. According to the Jewish law, lepers were considered ritually unclean and, therefore, unfit to be in God’s presence in the synagogue or the Temple, even if they kept to themselves. Many lepers would have felt not only abandoned by others but abandoned by God. Cut off from the community and from God, leprosy was considered to be a kind of living death.

In today’s gospel reading, a leper does something that the Jewish Law prohibited at the time. He left his community of lepers to approach someone who was perfectly healthy. He had come to hear about Jesus’ ministry, which was bringing new life to the sick and dying, and new hope to the lost. He came to Jesus and pleaded with him on his knees, saying, ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. The leper doesn’t doubt Jesus’ power to heal him, but he wondered whether Jesus wanted to heal him. Would Jesus want to engage with him, or would he keep his distance, as everyone else would have done? In response to the leper’s plea, Jesus engaged with him in a way that would have surpassed his wildest expectations. Jesus spoke to him, but before he spoke to him Jesus did the unthinkable; he touched him. The touch of Jesus spoke more powerfully than any word Jesus could say. The leper would never have been touched by a healthy person before this. In touching him, Jesus was communicating very powerfully to him that his isolation was at an end. To confirm this good news, Jesus spoke the word that healed him and released him back into the community, ‘Be cured!’ Once cured, not surprisingly, the man went away and started talking about his healing freely, telling the story of what happened to him everywhere, even though Jesus had asked him not to publicize what had happened.

Today’s gospel reading reminds us that no matter how isolated we may feel from others, we need never be isolated from the Lord. Even when others do not want to connect with us for whatever reason, the Lord always wants to touch our lives. ‘If you want to’, the leper said to Jesus, to which he replied, ‘Of course, I want to!’ The Lord wants to seek us out in our isolation, just as he sought out Zacchaeus who was socially and religiously isolated, even though he was physically healthy. Jesus reveals the heart of God, a heart that has room for everyone and wants no one to feel isolated. We can sometimes isolate ourselves from the Lord, like Adam in the Book of Genesis who hid from God. We hide from the Lord because we may feel that we are unfit to be in his presence due to something we have done or failed to do. However, the Lord is always seeking us out in his love, no matter where we find ourselves on our life journey. We will often need something of the courageous faith of the leper in today’s gospel reading, who broke out of his enforced isolation to connect with Jesus. If we approach the Lord as he did, we can be assured of the Lord’s accepting and healing touch. The Lord wants to touch the lives of all those who feel isolated today. Leprosy is not the isolating disease it used to be, but we continue to regard some people as polluting society, as fit only to live apart, in the words of the first reading. The Lord wants to work through all of us to bring people in from the cold, to make them feel they belong in God’s family. This was Jesus’ life mission, to gather together the scattered children of God, and he needs our help to continue that mission today.

And/Or

(ii) Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

People who feel isolated appreciate it when someone enters their isolation and tries to connect with them. There are various reasons why people can find themselves isolated. Old age and failing health can make it difficult for people to make the kind of contact with others they deeply desire. That is especially the case if people are house bound. The radio link we have in the parish is one attempt to make contact with people who find it difficult to make contact with us. There is a certain kind of temperament that can leave people somewhat isolated. The shy, retiring, introspective person who finds it difficult to make friends can become very isolated over time. It can be a struggle for others to connect with them. To be a stranger in a land or an environment that is foreign to us can also be a very isolating experience. I’m sure some of our recent immigrants would speak to us of an initial sense of isolation. Any one of us can experience a sense of isolation from time to time. I remember my first weekend in the seminary at the age of 18. It was my first time away from home for any length. The sense of isolation was overwhelming, although it did pass. We may feel isolated even though we are surrounded by people, friends and family. We can be struggling with personal issues that we find very difficult to share with others, even those who are closest to us. In such a situation it can be a great relief to meet someone who is struggling with similar issues.

In the time of Jesus the disease of leprosy left a person totally isolated. If you were a leper, there was no one for company but other lepers. The community needed to protect itself from a highly contagious disease, and the only effective way to do this was to isolate the leper from all forms of human interaction. In that context, the action of Jesus in touching the leper in today’s gospel reading would have been considered subversive. His touching the leper was putting the whole community at risk. A chain is as strong as its weakest link. Here was a weak link, someone who risked the health of the whole community by touching an infected person. If you watch the TV programme you know what happens to the weakest link. They are banished into the darkness; they are treated like lepers. Yet, in touching the leper, Jesus did not in fact infect the community. He healed the leper and, thereby, strengthened the community. In responding to the cry of the leper and in reaching into his isolation, Jesus released him into the community again. Having healed the leper, we are told that Jesus had to stay outside in places where nobody lived. His touching the leper cost him something; he took upon himself something of the leper’s isolation. This kind of ministry would eventually lead Jesus to become totally isolated. He would be crucified ‘outside’ the city where nobody lived, where he would die isolated and alone.

The gospel reading reveals Jesus as someone who desires to enter into our isolation, who seeks to release us from our isolation, even at the cost of experiencing great isolation himself. He continues to enter our experiences of isolation today if, like the leper, we invite him. In the gospel of John Jesus says, ‘Anyone who comes to me, I will never drive away’. When the leper came to Jesus, he half expected to be driven away. This explains his rather tentative request, ‘if you are willing…’ In reply Jesus said, ‘Of course I am willing’. We can be equally tentative in our own approach to the Lord. Like the leper, we may feel unclean in some way. Something in our lives, in our past or in our present, can make us hesitate to draw near to the Lord. We may wonder if the Lord is willing to draw near to us. Yet, there is no part of our lives which the Lord will not gladly touch with his compassionate and life-giving presence. There is nothing in us that would keep him from us. He does not hesitate to touch, even to embrace, those parts of our lives we may consider ugly and infected. It is we who need to rise above our hesitation. The letter to the Hebrews puts it well when it encourages us, ‘Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need’.

The gospel reading encourages us to approach the Lord with the same assurance with which he approaches us. That reading also challenges us to be as alert to those who may be crying out to us in their isolation as Jesus was to the leper. That cry is not always easy to hear, even when it comes from those close to us. It can be subtle and faint. It can be hesitant, as it seeks out whether we are willing. Our own preoccupations can prevent us from hearing it, and can make us hesitate to respond. We may sense that it will cost us something to respond. Yet, to hear and respond can be truly life-giving for the one who cries out to us and for us. We ask the Lord to give us the willingness to heed the cry of those who cry out to us in their isolation.

And/Or

(iii) Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We know from experience that we find it easier to connect with some people than with others. We find ourselves drawn to some individuals and being somewhat put off by others. We can react negatively to some people for a great variety of reasons. Maybe we just do not like the look of them, or we find their personality hard to take, or we have very little sympathy with their views. We probably tend to avoid the people that we find difficult to connect with. We keep them at a distance from us.

In the time of Jesus the leper was someone that no one wanted to connect with. Indeed, the Jewish law required that lepers be kept at a distance from everyone else. Leprosy was a disease that condemned those afflicted by it to a life in which their only company was other lepers. The disease was contagious and the community had to be preserved from infection. In today’s gospel reading the leper leaves his isolation and daringly approaches Jesus, calling out to him on his knees: ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. He was prepared to break the law that condemned him to isolation in order to make contact with Jesus. Clearly the leper did not doubt Jesus’ ability to heal him, ‘you can cure me’. His only doubt was whether Jesus wanted to cure him, ‘if you want to’. In response to the leper, Jesus did the unthinkable. He stretched out his hand and touched him, declaring as he did so, ‘Of course, I want to!’ The man could now return to the community from which he had been isolated. In connecting with the leper, Jesus enabled the leper to connect with everyone else. In touching him, he enabled the leper to touch others.

In touching the leper, Jesus reveals a God who wants to make contact with us in all our brokenness. Jesus was declaring that there is no human life that God cannot touch. Everyone kept a distance from the leper. In touching the leper, Jesus was declaring that God is not like everyone. We may keep our distance from God for various reasons, but God never keeps a distance from us. We may think that because of something we have done in the past, we cannot approach God with confidence. Jesus reveals that God is always ready to approach us, regardless of how we might see ourselves, or how others might see us. Jesus could have healed the leper without touching him. The gospel often depicts Jesus healing people with a word. Yet, in the case of the leper, word was not enough. Touching the leper was a much more tangible sign that God wanted to connect with this man. Jesus makes God tangible as well as audible.

God continues to be tangible as well as audible in the church, the body of the risen Jesus. There is more to the sacraments of the church than words. The sacraments are tangible; they reveal the God who wants to touch us. The water of baptism, the oil of confirmation, the bread and wine of the Eucharist are all tangible signs of God’s presence to us. God wants to touch our lives through his Son. If it does nothing else, the story of Jesus and the leper makes that abundantly clear. The only question is, ‘Do we want God to touch our lives?’ When it comes to God, do we have the passionate daring that the leper shows in today’s gospel reading? Outside the context of family and close friends, we have to be careful with touch nowadays. In particular, many of us are much more hesitant to touch children than we might have been in the past. We know that touch can mean many things. It can be self-serving as well as serving of others. It can be harmful as well as helpful. In the culture of his time, Jesus seemed to be remarkably free when it came to touch. In last Sunday’s gospel reading, he took Simon Peter’s mother in law by the hand and lifted her up; later on in Mark’s gospel he takes Jairus’ daughter by the hand and he takes children up in his arms and lays his hands on them. We are hesitant when it comes to touch because we know of what we are made. Jesus had no need to be hesitant. His touch was always deeply respectful and completely life-giving. Jesus shows us a God who recognizes our infinite value and worth and relates to us accordingly. That is why in the words of the letter to the Hebrews, we can ‘approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need’.

And/Or

(iv) Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There are many places in Ireland that could be termed isolated. They are away from human habitation. They have their own attractiveness because of their isolation. People from the city like to head off to these isolated places to get away from the hustle and bustle of their normal routine. Many people will have their own favourite isolated spot that they keep returning to. It is not always necessary to travel long distances to find such an isolated spot. For those of us living here in Clontarf, parts of the bull island or of Saint Anne’s park can give us all the isolation we need to get a sense of being away from it all. This is the kind of isolation that we seek out; we look for it because we want it and we feel we need it. When we have had enough of it, we can return to our normal day to day routine with its various demands and schedules.

There are other forms of isolation which we don’t welcome and don’t seek out. When we experience this kind of isolation, we long for someone to enter our isolation and connect deeply with us. Old age can bring on this form of isolation for some. A person’s spouse may have died or they have always been single; family and friends may be very caught up with their own lives. If such a person moves from their home into a nursing home, their sense of isolation can be compounded. Certain forms of illness can bring on this kind of unwelcome and unsought for isolation at any age. People may not visit the person who is ill because they are not sure what to say to them, especially if that person is relatively young.

In the time of Jesus, the most isolating illness was certainly leprosy. The leper lived apart, with only other lepers for company. Lepers were not only distant from the human community, but they were also considered to be distant from God. That is why they were considered ‘unclean’, in the sense of being at the furthest possible remove from the holiness of God. Not only were they not permitted to approach people, but they were given no encouragement to approach God. That makes the portrayal of the leper in this morning’s gospel reading all the more striking. He approaches Jesus, in spite of the fact that the Jewish law forbade him to approach anyone. Here was a leper who was determined to break out of his isolation. We can only presume that he had come to hear of the healing ministry of Jesus, and that is why he approached him. The leper was in no doubt about Jesus’ power to heal him; his only doubt was whether or not Jesus wanted to heal him, ‘You can cure me, if you want to’. Did this man of God want to connect with someone who was ‘unclean’ and beyond the boundary of God’s reach? Jesus’ response to the leper’s statement was unambiguous, ‘Of course I want to. Be cured’. Jesus showed that he had not only the power to heal him but the desire to do so as well. Jesus wanted what God wanted; in the garden of Gethsemane he would pray, ‘not what I want, but what you want’.

In saying, ‘Of course I want to’, Jesus was revealing what God wanted. The leper was wrong to think that he was beyond God’s reach. Jesus reveals that there is no human condition - no human situation - that is beyond the reach of God. There is no ‘out of bounds’ as far as God is concerned; there is no need for anyone to live ‘outside the camp’ in the words of the first reading. There were many categories of people in the time of Jesus who had been led to believe that they were beyond the reach of God. Jesus revealed God to be someone who had no fear of contamination but was comfortable entering into the often murky depths of human existence.

The healing of the leper is the third healing story in Mark’s gospel. In the first healing story, Jesus healed a man by means of his word. Presumably, Jesus could have healed the leper just with a word, ‘Be cured’. Yet, Jesus chose to stretch out his hand and touch the leper. Such was the nature of this man’s isolation that more than a word was needed to show that his isolation was over. He needed to be touched, to be held. It was against the Jewish law to touch a leper, because of the risk of being contaminated and contaminating the whole community. However, Jesus knew that God’s power at work within him could never be contaminated by the human condition. The power of life, of God’s life, within Jesus was stronger that the power of death within the leper. Jesus reveals a God who wants to touch our lives in a life-giving way, regardless of how broken or ugly or hopeless our lives might seem to us or to others. The Lord not only speaks his word to us; he connects with each of us in ways that are concrete and personal.

And/Or

(v) Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We all feel a need to connect with others, to be in communion with others. We don’t like to feel isolated or cut off from family, friends, or the wider community. One of the most challenging aspects of sickness or physical disability can be the isolation that it brings. When we are ill or our body grows weak we cannot take the same initiative we used to take to connect with others. People can become housebound because of their physical condition; the things they used to do to meet up with others are no longer possible. Certain forms of illness can be more isolating than others. The most isolating form of illness in the time of Jesus was leprosy. For hygienic reasons, lepers had to live apart, ‘outside the camp’, in the words of today’s first reading. Lepers were only allowed to have each other for company. They lived apart from their family, their friends and the community to which they belonged.

The leper in today’s gospel reading seemed determined to break out of his isolation. He did something that was unconventional and daring in approaching Jesus and pleading with him, ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. His desperation to be healed of an illness that kept him totally isolated drove him to do something that was against the Jewish Law at the time. In response to the leper’s daring approach, Jesus did something just as unconventional. He reached out his hand and touched the leper. If it was forbidden for a leper to approach the healthy, it was certainly forbidden for a healthy person to touch a leper. It seems that the leper’s desire to be freed from his isolation was met by an equally strong desire on the part of Jesus to deliver the leper from his isolation. The gospels portray Jesus as someone who worked to deliver people from their isolation, whether it is an isolation imposed by illness, as in the case of the leper, or by their lifestyle, as in the case of someone like Zacchaeus.

Both the person of Jesus and of the leper have something to say to us about steps we can take to connect with people, to break out of our isolation, even when the odds seem to be stacked against us. We can all be tempted from time to time to retreat into our shell, whether it is because of our health or some disability or some past experience that has drained us of life. It is at such times that we need something of the initiative and daring energy of the leper. There can come a time when, like the leper, we need to take our courage in our own hands and, against the conventional expectation, to head out in some bold direction. It was desperation that drove the leper to seek out Jesus. Sometimes for us too, it can be our desperation that finally gets us going, gets us to connect with that person who matters to us and to whom we matter more than we realize or that gets us to link up with some gathering or some group that has the potential to do us good or maybe even to transform our lives. Sometimes I can be amazed at the initiatives that some people take to connect with others, people who are much less healthier than I am and are much less physically able. I come across it all the time in the parish, such as older people who have mastered the internet and have come completely at home with Skype; younger people who in spite of some serious disability have found the means to live a very full life in the service of others. The man in today’s gospel reading who approaches Jesus could well be the patron saint of all those who strive to connect with others against all the odds.

Unlike the leper, Jesus was perfectly healthy, yet, like the leper, he had something of the same desire and energy to connect with others. When Jesus was approached by the leper, he could have run away, as most people would have done. Instead, he stood his ground and engaged with the leper. He engaged with him not only by word but by action. He not only spoke to the leper, but he touched him. Jesus often healed people by means of his word alone; but this man who had suffered from extreme isolation needed to be touched. Jesus did more than was asked of him; he took an initiative that was as daring as the leper’s initiative towards him. He went as far as any human being could possibly go to deliver this man from his isolation. What the Lord did for the leper he wishes to continue doing through each one of us today. There are many isolated and lonely people among us. The scope is there for all of us to take the kind of step that Jesus took towards the leper. Again, I can see examples of that in the parish all the time, such as people who look in on neighbours and make sure that they are all right and have what they need. There are always people among us waiting to be touched by our compassionate presence. When they are, they can experience the same kind of transformation as the leper did in today’s gospel reading.

And/Or

(vi) Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

One of the more distressing impacts of the Coronavirus for many people has been the experience of social isolation. People in nursing homes and hospitals in recent months have felt especially isolated. I have a friend, a woman in her nineties, who was in hospital for several months before and after Christmas and, for perfectly understandable reasons, no one could visit her. I am sure that many others in the parish have had a similar experience with their loved ones or friends in hospital or nursing homes. Hopefully, we can begin to look forward to a time when we can interact with one another in a more natural and human way.

In the time of Jesus, leprosy was the most isolating of all diseases. In the words of today’s first reading, the leper had to live ‘outside the camp’, away from the normal places where people interact. If for some reason, the leper drew near to people, the Jewish law stipulated that they had to announce their coming, shouting, ‘Unclean, unclean’, so people could move away from them as quickly as possible. Not only were lepers socially isolated, but they were religiously isolated. They couldn’t come to the local synagogue to join in the Sabbath service. What we find the leper doing in today’s gospel reading then is all the more remarkable. He breaks out of his isolation to approach Jesus, going against the stipulations of the religious law of the time. Why did he so something so unconventional? Presumably, he had heard of the reputation of Jesus as one who proclaimed God’s rule of love by healing the sick and welcoming the excluded. The words of the leper to Jesus show that he was in no doubt as to Jesus’ power to heal him, ‘you can cure me’. Yet, he wasn’t sure that Jesus wanted to heal him, ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. When people have been living in isolation for a long time, they can begin to doubt whether people really want to connect with them. They may begin to wonder if anyone out there really cares enough to lessen their isolation.

If the leper had approached others as he approached Jesus, they would have promptly moved away. However, the leper suspected that Jesus might be different. Here is someone, he hoped, whose ways are not our ways. How did Jesus react to the leper? The emotion ascribed to Jesus in the gospel reading suggests a deeply rooted, gut wrenching, reaction to the leper, a mixture of anger and compassion, anger at what this disease had done to the quality of this man’s life, and a compassionate desire to change his situation for the better. This deep seated, emotional, response to the man finds expression in the words Jesus spoke to him, ‘Of course I want to. Be cured!’ It would have been enough for Jesus to say, ‘Be cured!’ for the man to be healed. In the gospels, Jesus frequently heals people with his authoritative word. However, on this occasion, Jesus does the unthinkable. Having spoken to the leper, he then touched him. Once Jesus touched him, the leper must have realized that he was being released from his isolation. We might wonder how long it had been since the leper had felt the touch of another human being. A certain understanding of God’s law had excluded him from the community of the living and left him on the threshold of a kind of death. However, by that touch, Jesus was revealing that this is not what God wanted for him. The touch of Jesus was the touch of God. Jesus reveals a God who does not exclude anyone. Jesus shows that in the heart of God there is room for everyone, especially for those who have been made to feel that they do not belong. Sometimes our religious laws and institutions exclude people, but Jesus reveals a God who wants to touch the lives of all in a healing and life-giving way. Jesus’ whole ministry displays God to be one who works to demolish the boundaries that seek to keep some people safe at the expense of leaving others out in the cold.

Leprosy is not the frightening disease today that it was in the time of Jesus, as it can be treated and cured. Yet, in every age, society has a tendency to decide who is acceptable and who is out of favour. We continue to relegate some people to the side-lines for a whole variety of reasons, perhaps because we seem them as a threat to us or as a burden on us or just because they are different from us. I am often struck by that saying of Jesus in John’s gospel, ‘When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself’. Having been lifted up on the cross and lifted up in glory, the risen Lord continues his work of drawing all people to himself today. The gospel reading today raises the question of what Jesus wants. I think we can say with certainty that today the risen Lord wants to work through each one of us to rescue people from their sense of isolation. He wants the miracle of today’s gospel reading to become a contemporary reality, through our willingness to befriend those who are isolated or who find themselves on the margins of acceptablity for whatever reason.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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ignitedfms · 4 months ago

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[ yim siwan, demi-man, he/they ] Look who just landed! DAESUNG SHIN (SH-1N V4.5), I sure hope you packed all you need. Perhaps you’re not worried as SCIENTIST of X ACADEMY. The city has plenty of spots for a 32 year old ANDROID like you. You’ll be known in the city soon enough as THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD, being AFFABLE and ABSENTMINDED. ( anna, 26, gmt+7, removed for discretion )

00000 - - INTERVIEW INCOMING - - - 001

001101 1- - ARE you A LOCAL OF MARS OR HAVE you LANDED HERE RECENTLY? WHAT IS your OPINION OF THE CITY OF NEW JAKARTA? - 00011011

-- RISK ASSESSMENT IN PROGRESS ... [ 100% COMPLETED ] -- IMMINENT THREAT DETECTED? ... [ 01001110 ] -- ACTIVATE HYDE PROTOCOL? ... [ 01001110 ]

Daesung blinked, their wandering mind wired back to the present. Did they zone out out of bad habit or jitters, Daesung wasn't sure, though that didn't stop them from cursing themselves for spacing out. Not that they were here because they were in trouble. This was a harmless, run-off-the-mill background check. Still, as the officer looked up from her screen (one that Daesung could only guess showcased their personal data and documents) the sharp gaze made them wonder if she'd slam the table and yell at him for being suspicious like in one of those sinetrons.

Now what was the first thing she had asked— something, something landed recently?

“I did not land here recently, no,” they said slowly, just to test the waters. When the officer’s face remained impassive, Daesung took it as a sign to continue. “I was born and raised in NEW JAKARTA. Or well, at least, that's what the folks at the orphanage put on my document.” They smiled sheepishly. “No one really knew where I came from. Though from what I was told, I was really tiny when they found me which would make interplanet travels impossible. So, I suppose it was a pretty fair assumption.” They shrugged. “Either way, it's the only home I know of, and I do quite like the city. Sure, there are still a lot of things we could improve on, but I'm of the opinion that new and innovative solutions will come with more scientific and technological advances.”

0101022 - - ARE you AWARE OF THE CRIMINAL CIRCUIT OF NEW JAKARTA? WOULD you BE WILLING TO INFORM THE OVERSEERS IF you SEE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY? - 001200

"Yes, I'm well aware of their exist," Daesung replied with a nod. I try to keep up with the current happenings from the news and other social platforms, but that's the extent of my knowledge on them."

It was a true enough answer, if not a tad bit glossed over. After all, Daesung had grown up in AKUMU SLUMS and it was hard not to notice the dealings happening in shadows of every streets and alleys. Oddly enough, the overheard conversation on drug dealing behind a street food stall was an easier memory for Daesung to recall than naming he games they used to play with the rest of the kids in the orphanage, the people who had taken care of them at that age.

"I'd like to think I can keep myself as far away from any kinds of trouble. But yes, I see no reason why I shouldn't report in anything suspicious.”

000111311 - - HAVE you BEEN TESTED FOR ANY TRACES OF SIGHIR? HAVE your TESTS ON THE VIRUSES COME BACK CLEAN? - - 0012133

“Of course,” Daesung nodded. “I've submitted everything for your review. All tests were conducted fairly recent...”

They paused for a moment, brows furrowing slightly. They couldn't remember when he had taken the test or even the time he had made the appointment to do it. Daesung shook their head, as if that was what it takes to shake off their mind fog. But when their recollection remained hazy, they simply continued, “The date should be printed there if you need the exact information, but I don't possess any affinity for SIGHIR. Results for the viruses are perfectly clean as well.”

0113114 - - DO you HAVE ANYTHING TO DECLARE? WEAPONS, AUGMENTATIONS, MECHANICAL PARTS OR AI-RELATED APERTURE? - 0012444

"I own no weapon, nor anything else that could be classified as hazardous, no,“ Daesung said with a shake of their head. “And I haven't undergone any augmentations procedures.” Then, with a small frown, “Well, unless you count a skin graft procedure, which was uh, medically necessary.”

When the overseer asked them to elaborate, Daesung hadn't been surprised. Still, it didn't stop the uneasiness from clawing out from their chest either. No matter how hard they tried to lock it in the deepest recesses of their mind, it was one of the only memory from their youth that they had remembered vividly. “It was after the accident,” they explained. “The big fire at an orphanage over a decade ago.” In that moment, Daesung saw something clicked with the overseer. She looked away from her screen, and Daesung hated how the pity in her eyes weighed heavy on them. They shifted in their seat, trying to maintain their composure. “I suffered from severe burns on my body and had new skin grafted as part of the treatment.” Then, with a wry smile, “So yeah, other than a thicker skin in the most literal sense, I have no other modifications to report.”

#ignitedinterview #crime rp #plot driven rp #literate rp #semi appless rp #fantasy rp #lsrp #city rp #new rp #mature rp

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nwodsecondchances2e · 1 year ago

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Stigmatic Herald (Demon-Beast Crossover)

Andrew Miller has seen a lot of shit after over three decades of life as a stigmatic. He’s met most of the other things lurking in London’s shadows, been a part of nearly a dozen cults, murdered Unchained, fought alongside Agencies he’d previously tried to kill and made a name for himself among mortal occultists who have no idea what else is out there. He has one unshakable belief that guides everything he does: the conviction that the God-Machine is broken.

Andrew’s first encounter with the supernatural had actually been with the Begotten, although exposure to the God-Machine’s gears is what ensured his life would never be normal. As far as Andrew figures, there isn’t a good reason for demons and angels to be so antithetical to Beasts. They are both occult forces, and while grounded in different principles, Andrew ultimately believes in a unified reality. His hypothesis is that the God-Machine is out of sync with the rest of the occult universe, which is why Beasts react poorly to it and is the cause for its seemingly contradictory directives. It has taken years of preparation, but he feels he is finally in a position to do something about it.

Andrew wormed his way into the good graces of Ida Max, an Inguma Tyrant whose Horror reflected the fear of impossibly human-like machines. Andrew pushed Ida towards expanding her Lair and Legend in ways reflecting technology and machinery. While Ida couldn't develop Family Ties with the Unchained or the God-Machine’s angels, Andrew helped her forge bonds with other stigmatics, psychics, and stranger beings touched by the God-Machine. When Ida created her cult, Andrew became her Herald and began executing his plan. While Ida is more physically powerful than Andrew, he knows how to run a cult while making her feel like she is in control.

Now, Andrew is in the final phases of his plan. He’s started pushing Ida towards Inheritance, and while he’d prefer she become an Incarnate, an Unfettered or Rampart would also serve his purposes. As much as Andrew genuinely appreciates Ida, she has always been a means to an end for him. If he must sacrifice her to heal God, so be it.

If Andrew could still pass as an ordinary human, he’d look plain. Messy black hair, a body that’s gone slightly to seed, and a face that refuses to stand out all help blend in with a crowd. They also disguise his powerful, magnetic personality. When Andrew talks, he makes you believe whatever he is saying, regardless of how far-fetched it sounds. Between his stigmata and Ida’s influence over her Herald, Andrew lands solidly within the uncanny valley these days. His skin is slightly matte and rubbery, giving those who look at it the impression it is synthetic rather than organic. The veins under his skin are silvery rather than blue, appearing far more like circuitry than a circulatory system. His voice is distorted and synthetic like it is coming through a bad radio or an autotuner that’s gone too far.

Legend: Relentless Life: Selfless Aspirations: Recruit new cultists, Convince Ida to undergo Inheritance, Fix the God-Machine Attributes: Intelligence 4, Wits 3, Resolve 3; Strength 2, Dexterity 2, Stamina 2; Presence 4, Manipulation 5, Composure 2 Skills: Academics 1 (Religion), Computers 4, Crafts 4, Occult 3 (Cults), Politics 2, Science 2; Drive 2, Firearms 2, Larceny 1; Empathy 3 (Emotional Weaknesses), Intimidation 1, Persuasion 4, Socialize 2, Streetwise 2, Subterfuge 5 Merits: Anonymity 1, Aura Reading, Eidetic Memory (Advanced), Fast Reflexes 3 (Advanced), Omen Sensitivity, Unseen Sense (God-Machine), Unseen Sense (Primordial Dream) Health: 7 Willpower: 5 Integrity: 4 Size: 5 Speed: 9 Defence: 2 Initiative: +7 (include Fast Reflexes)

#chronicles of darkness #beast the primoridal #demon the descent #rpg inspriation

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almostcolorfulcolor · 2 years ago

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Death Note, meet Supernatural- CHAPTER 1

Relationships: L (Death Note)/Reader, L (Death Note)/Original Female Character(s)

Summary: What if Death Note existed in a world with Winchesters in it? Would L finally have the evidence he needs to prove Light is Kira? How will L fare in a world where monsters are real and not every case is solvable by him? Lucky for him, there's a hunter here to work side-by-side with him.

Chapter Summary: With data from L's investigation, it wouldn't have taken long for a hunter to find the mystery of Death Note, find the Shinigami and Kira, and ganking them both. If you're curious about how it plays out, read on!

Chapter 1: Japan, here I come!

I open my burning eyes. Tears blur my vision as I try to forget the images from my latest nightmare. My boys…my poor boys…“I will bring you both back”, I promise…for over the 100th time. Shaking off my thoughts, I get ready for the day mentally ticking off my checklist for my trip to Japan. The first truly big nuisance since Dick Roman, this Kira, was killing off criminals left and right.

It was not my typical case but something about Kira’s requirements of killing was supernatural. He needed a name and face to kill. With just those, he could kill anyone from anywhere. Which human could do that? And even if they could, the means had to be supernatural. Perhaps they made a demon deal, or Kira used a cursed object. Not only that, there was perhaps someone else with Kira’s power who only needed a face to kill. 3 Japanese police officers dropped dead during a TV broadcast- names unknown.

The world’s security agencies were stumped. The number 1 detective in the world, L, was working on it but even he hadn’t been able to put a stop to Kira's killings till now. I could only assume it was because of the supernatural factor. Which made it my responsibility. What the hell those Japanese hunters were doing I didn’t know- and I couldn’t find out because not many hunters trusted my little Team Free Will after the whole opening of the Devil’s Gate, starting the Apocalypse and releasing the Leviathans into the world. Couldn’t blame them tbh.

It did make this whole investigation pretty hard though. If only Sam was here…This was my problem. I had become so tangled up with the Winchesters that it was impossible for me to not think about them for more than 10 minutes. I was on my own now. Alone. A lone wolf. And I was about to feel like absolute shit once I landed in Japan and my social awkwardness came out to play in a foreign country whose language I wasn't familiar with. Fingers crossed.

—One plane ride later—

First stop, Wakoucha at the airport cafe. Overpriced but worth every yen. After a couple of sips, I got my bearings and hauled ass to the hotel the FBI director set me up at. Presidential suite, of course. Exorcising a demon outta his brother would go a long way.

A ping on my laptop draws my attention. A video call from the guy himself. Answering it, I say, “Hey, I just got to—” when he makes a shushing gesture. I pipe down, curious to see what he’s on about. He holds up a piece of paper for me to read. Surprisingly, I can read it perfectly. Which means someone must have taken the pain to write it inverted. There’s no doubt what it is. At my nod, he promptly sets fire to the paper with a lighter, gives me a thumbs up and ends the call.

Well, then. No time to waste.

I change into the charming suit that makes me look like a cinnamon roll, idiots never see it coming when I gank them. All geared up I go to my FBI-issued car (I miss Baby) and head up to meet the famous L and the officially “disbanded” taskforce.

—Time Skip—

The building is quite ordinary from the outside. The same old grey skyscraper with the corporate soul-sucking vibe. Somewhere inside there is a group of people with whom I will be catching a killer with supernatural powers. L’s right-hand man was informed of my arrival and he was waiting for me right as I step in the doors. He’s completely covered from head to toe so that I cannot even get one glimpse of his skin. The only thing I can say is he’s tall. The dude’s just standing there until I clear my throat and speak, “Verification?”. Nodding, he starts-“Jefferson” and I finish-“Starship”.

Codes confirmed, he wordlessly leads me down the lobby. The security inside is no joke. When the detectors beep, he gestures to me to upturn my pockets. Knowing there’s no way out of this, I take out the couple of guns and knives I had on me. He even confiscates my mobile phone. The holy water’s filled in a disposable plastic bottle so I can easily take it past the checkpoint. No way I could’ve broken in here on my own. I can’t help but feel like a dumb kid who doesn’t know the hell she’s doing. Before, with Sam and Dean, it was just natural to feel confident and self-assured. I try to channel some of that right now and attempt to make conversation. “Call me Anne (Pick your fake name). Pleased to meet you. How’s the case coming along sir? Any new leads since we last talked?” To my credit, my voice only wavers for 5 seconds max. The guy gives me a side glance but doesn’t respond. Not to be discouraged any more than I already am, I barrel on. “So I’ve been following this case like everybody and I already have a couple of theories- I can’t share them yet- but I’d like to ask you something about L. I’ve heard he’s a bit…moody and I don’t want to butt heads with him on the investigation or make him feel like I’m taking over. Any words of advice on how to make this smooth sailing?”

Silence. Fine then. I’ve already given too much power to him. Now it’s time to be all tough and laconic myself. We take the elevator and stop several floors up. My heart is fluttering as a tall dude leads me to a set of doors and just throws them open. Every head snaps my way. Well, shit.

I flashback to 1st grade when I changed schools. The teacher was mean and made me stand in front of the class and introduce myself. I hated her then and I hate the tall dude now. I turn to glare at him to find out he’s already left. Turning to face my audience, I wave and give a sheepish smile. I know I just look like a dork. God, what’s wrong with me? When did I suddenly become a schoolgirl? These guys will never take me seriously now. Damn it.

I jump when a voice pulls me out of my self-criticism, “Who are you? How did you get in?” It’s a guy about Bo…60 years old pointing a gun at me. Nearly everyone is except a couple of boys. I start to answer but another voice cuts me off. A warm, gravelly, soothing voice. “She’s our newest member.” It takes me a moment to realize the speaker is this cute little weirdo sitting in a big chair in front of a gigantic screen. Seriously, just wow. A moment of appreciation is required here. This guy is soooooo cute. I drink in his features- his big bambi eyes, his chaotic raven hair that I long to feel, his perfect mouth as he pops in a marshmall- “We have to tolerate her for now as the FBI has forced her upon us”, the said mouth pipes up. And just like that my fantasies take a sharp turn and I see my fist connecting with his teeth and his perfect mouth bloody.

Feeling sufficiently insulted, I snark back, “Shut the hell up, asshole. Like I’m thrilled to be forced to work with a bunch of incompetent jackasses who haven’t been able to catch a pathetic killer in months. The headquarters had to send in a babysitter to mind the greatly overrated L. Make sure you give me the case report before you choke to death stuffing your cakehole and do Kira’s work for him.”

His eyes narrow and I ain’t backing down. Let’s show him who’s boss.

A/N:

Thanks for reading my first work! More chapters to come- I've got the plot ready, hope you enjoy it :)

(Please reblog and comment if you please- they fuel my passion. Constructive criticism and genuine praise always help too!)

Until next time! CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

#l lawliet #l death note #l lawliet x reader #l x reader #supernatural #supernatural reader insert #hunter reader #sam winchester x reader #dean winchester #light yagami #misa amane #death note fanfiction #death note anime #death note oc

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eduplaytherapy · 2 months ago

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Title: Empowering Children with ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disorders Through Play Therapy

Introduction

Every child with special developmental needs, such as ADHD, autism, or learning disorders, faces specific challenges in the typical school and therapy settings. In the last few decades, special education has been incredibly creative, incorporating some fresh therapies, and the best one among them is play therapy. It is the type of therapy through which children can express themselves, learn social and cognitive skills, and develop emotionally in the course of play itself.

This blog post shall attempt to outline how the play therapy now helps kids suffering from ADHD, Autism, and multiple kinds of learning disorders toward further success in both academic life as well as personal growth.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a particular kind of therapy where play is the tool through which children are given an opportunity to work on their emotions, to convey their needs, and to face problems in a protected setting with a clear outline. It is helpful for those children who are unable to speak or not mature enough to be involved in ordinary talk therapy.

Why Choose Play Therapy?

Play therapy is very effective because it strikes at the very core of a child's natural way of learning and relating to the world. In this therapeutic play, children are engaged in highly structured activities designed by therapists that help support cognitive, social, and emotional development. Children can learn to do many things through play, such as:

- Emotional awareness

- Better social relationships

Improve on problem-solving capabilities

- Confident

Play therapy flexibility can cater to a variety of needs and developmental challenges, hence making it effective for children with ADHD, autism, and other learning disorders.

Supporting ADHD with Play Therapy

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder normally suffer from having a hard time with impulsive control, problems concerning focus, and the handling of their emotions. He or she might experience its worst state in a much more typical setting since they easily get drowned out or unnoticed. This is why there is an opportunity for more favorable means like play therapy where he or she may utilize the excess energy positive and concurrently build up key skills.

Benefits of Play Therapy for ADHD

1. Increasing Focus: Engaging children in activities that require attention and planning will enhance concentration and focus over time.

2. Self-Control: During structured play, a child is expected to wait, reflect and think before acting.

3. Social skills: The child develops sharing, turn-taking, and co-operating skills from playing.

4. Building Confidence: Completion of activities in play therapy is a success experience for children and, therefore, builds up their self-esteem.

Play therapy is an engaging, hands-on activity through which self-discipline and control can be developed in children with ADHD to have a better impact on their daily interactions and academic performance.

Autism and Play Therapy

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) suffer from difficulties in communication, social interactions, and emotions. Through play therapy, children with autism can now have a safe and friendly place to play where such skills can be learned and practiced with the guidance of a professional therapist.

Benefits of Play Therapy for Children with Autism

1. Enhancing Communication Skills: Games and activities will be provided to enhance linguistic usage and non-verbal signals that are typically impossible for the child with ASD to use.

2. Social Skill Improvement: Activities are geared to helping children to have a taste of interaction with other individuals, such as taking turns and learning how to decipher social messages.

3. Sensory Integration: Many of the autistic children become sensitive to their sense; thus, play therapy might make use of material friendly for the senses so that the child may enjoy diverse touch, sound, and sight at his/her comfortable speed.

4. Emotional Expression: Through role-playing and symbolic play, children with autism can learn to better recognize and express their feelings.

Play therapy is a systematic way for children with autism to engage in the process of emotional and social concepts so that they can have a better understanding of themselves and others.

Addressing Learning Disorders Through Play Therapy

Learning disorders, especially dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, make it really hard for children to fulfill the expectations of general school settings. Pressure or frustration from learning disorders leads a child to have low self-esteem as well as anxiety, creating barriers to success in his school life. Play therapy creates a non-threatening place for children to develop their cognitive abilities as well as motor skills to replace the pressure of other assessment tools.

What Are the Benefits of Using Play Therapy with Children that have Learning Disorders?

1. Development of Cognitive Skills: Puzzle games, memory tasks, and problem-solving activities improve memory, concentration, and analytical thinking.

2. Anxiety Reducer: Play therapy is different from traditional academic settings, where performance pressure is absent, thus reducing stress and anxiety.

3. Development of Motor Skills: Fine motor activities, such as drawing or building, enhance these skills in a fun and engaging manner.

4. Confidence Builder: Children, therefore, will be able to perform better in schools with confidence knowing they can exhibit their skills.

Play therapy provides a chance for children with learning disorders to overcome academic and cognitive impairments through pleasurable activities that promote growth and self-confidence.

Special Education in Play Therapy

Such special education programs have embraced play therapy among others, due to the fact that such special students with ADHD, autism, and learning disorders may receive a supportive therapeutic atmosphere through which children are able to be equipped with means of coping with various kinds of problems on social, emotional, and cognitive planes.

Individualized learning experiences empower children through play therapy and special education, addressing the specific needs and learning styles of each child.

Why EduPlay Therapy?

EduPlay Therapy is a cutting-edge organization with specially designed play-based therapeutic programs specifically designed for children with ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges. Their programs ensure that each child learns in a nurturing environment and therefore grows at their own pace.

1. Tailor-made Plans: The developmental needs of each child dictate their particular plan.

2. Therapists with experience: EduPlay Therapy offers therapies involving experienced therapists who are professionally trained in working with children with diverse developmental needs.

3. Parent Participation: EduPlay Therapy actively invites parents to participate in the therapeutic process and enables them with the tools and know-how for them to sustain their child's development when they are not present at the therapy session.

EduPlay Therapy combines play therapy with special education techniques and offers a comprehensive approach through which children can learn skills that will be helpful for both school and life.

Conclusion

Play therapy has revolutionized special education for children with ADHD, autism, and learning disorders in the field. The curriculum by play therapy creates a safe and entertaining environment for self-expression and growth, which helps the students develop emotionally, socially, as well as cognitively. EduPlay Therapy is a pioneer that ensures children gain confidence and expertise to overcome their challenges and differences.

With time, and with the benefits of play therapy gaining recognition more and more children will be able to benefit from it, and so will more tools be given to grow them into resilient, capable individuals

refrence taken from- https://medium.com/@ss.eduplay/title-empowering-children-with-adhd-autism-and-learning-disorders-through-play-therapy-53a717345ed5

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independentartistbuzz · 2 months ago

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7 from the Women: Kate McDonnell

Kate McDonnell’s sixth album, TRAPEZE, is a captivating exploration of contemporary American life, weaving together themes of hope, self-discovery, love, and loss with an unmistakable sense of humor and resilience. Following the success of her 2021 album Ballad of a Bad Girl, TRAPEZE marks a bold evolution in her songwriting, offering 14 original tracks written over a prolific three years. The album’s songs strike with raw, cathartic truth, and their melodies become instant earworms, balancing sophisticated production with deeply personal reflections.

In TRAPEZE, Kate delves into universal topics—from confronting life’s purpose and overcoming self-sabotage, to surrendering to love and desire amidst chaotic times. Tracks like "Nowhere to Go" and "You Won’t Blow Away" capture the introspective journey of navigating anger and sadness, while songs like "All On My Own" and "Pretty Good Day" offer poignant moments of resilience, humor, and simple joys. Kate’s commentary on societal issues is felt in songs like "Step Right Up," where she powerfully addresses the impact of gun violence on children’s lives.

Recorded in the winter of 2024 by Jimi Woodul, TRAPEZE features a tight-knit band with Sam Zucchini (drums) and James Gascoyne (bass) rounding out Kate’s musical vision. The album's vibrant production, mixed by Andrew Oedel and mastered by Chris Muth, provides the perfect backdrop for Kate’s dynamic storytelling. Notably, Kate continues her unique approach to guitar playing—using upside-down-and-backwards techniques, adding another layer of individuality to her artistry.

With a career spanning decades, Kate’s journey has seen her open for musical legends, play at iconic venues like the Newport Folk Festival and Kennedy Center, and tour extensively across the U.S. and Europe. Now, as TRAPEZE takes flight, Kate is gearing up for another round of performances, bringing her new music to audiences both at home and abroad.

Join us as we chat with Kate, below.

1. What Have You Been Working To Promote Lately?(here you can showcase a track, an EP or a video – give us at least 150 words about it and a link)

I’ve just released my sixth album TRAPEZE. The fourteen original songs are rooted in contemporary American life, where hope, love and desire are never very far from the shadow of violence and loss. As a singer-songwriter, my goal is to combine music and lyrics in a way that makes you catch your breath, see yourself in a new way, understand something new. Of all my albums, this one’s production feels accessible to a wider audience—from Folk to Americana to Adult Contemporary and even Pop. For these new songs I wanted a fresh and sophisticated production, and I think we nailed it, me and my producer Jimi Woodul. Jimi can play almost any instrument, too. He’s the garam masala of the album.

Some of the songs bring up the rough feelings people can’t always express. I want listeners to understand they absolutely are not alone in having these thoughts. Our current isolation on social media and the obsession with a positive “brand” are not what we need as humans. This is no ordinary time.

2. Please tell us about your favorite song written, recorded or produced by another woman and why it’s meaningful to you

It’s nearly impossible to choose one song, but Bonnie Raitt’s Grammy-winning song “Just Like That” had me on the first few chords. Her story is simple and direct, and the twist in the narrative just pushed me off the cliff. You get the sense that she’s sitting on your couch playing it right to you, delivered with ache and experience. Just spectacular writing and spare music so well matched to the lyrics, it’s a perfect song.

3. What does it mean to you to be a woman making music/in the music business today and do you feel a responsibility to other women to create messages and themes in your music?

I’m excited to see the spotlight is shining more on women these days in the music business. Growing up in the 70s, I saw women like Joni Mitchell, Nancy Wilson, Christine McVie, women who were taken seriously as songwriters and instrumentalists, rightfully so. Nowadays, the level of musicianship among women is much higher than it was when I was starting to play.

When you talk about themes and messages, I feel like when I write about my own experience the message naturally rings true with the listener. My album’s title song TRAPEZE explores the voices inside of us that dominate our true voice, that voice deep inside that’s buried alive under layers of ‘shoulds.’ I take the responsibility seriously of telling the truth about my inner life, and that’s what connects these songs to the listener.

4 Additional Questions – Choose any 4

What female artists have inspired you and influenced you?

Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Rickie Lee Jones, Amalia Rodriguez, Cesária Évora, Jo Stafford, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday…..I could go on!

Who was the first female artist that made you want to create music / be in the business?

Joan Baez. I saw a record in my mother’s record collection with her on the cover, and I thought, “oh she’s so pretty, she must sound pretty”—assumptions heavily engraved by society—so I put the needle down, and that was that. I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It was a profound and magical time when I discovered her at the age of 4.

What was the most challenging thing you have had to face as a female artist?

Sticking up for myself, feeling like I have to be nice all the time and submitting to others’ wishes have reared their ugly heads. I avoid conflict, and that just can’t be a missing skill for anybody in any business, but especially the music business. A good friend, a man, once told me that I was too nice, and that’s why I wasn’t further ahead in my career. That was a gut punch. And it was true.

If you could collaborate with any other female artists, who would you choose?

If I could reach back in time, I would want to collaborate with Jo Stafford. I love the texture of her voice and razer accuracy of her pitch and vibrato, not to mention her emotional control in her delivery. She’s right up there with many of the other greats, but there is something about her as a person who would make the whole experience easy, fun, inspiring, but also very humbling. She has a terrific sense of humor and confidence—she recorded an album “Cocktails for Two” with her piano-playing husband Paul Weston and sang all of the songs off key, on purpose! I mean, who would do that?! That would be the pitch-perfect Jo Stafford.

#Spotify

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douchebagbrainwaves · 2 months ago

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SO I BOUGHT IT, BUT BY DOING LABS AND PROBLEM SETS

As I've written before, one byproduct of technical progress is that things we like tend to become more addictive. The job of your site is to convert casual visitors into users—whatever your definition of a user is.1 Looking just at existing competitors can give you a false sense of security. But it needs to be cut still further.2 But unlike serfs they had an incentive to create a lot of ambitious people, age 20 is not the sort of wealth that becomes self-perpetuating through an alliance with power.3 An undergrad who gets something published feels like a star. So if you made it impossible to get rich. And historically the number of people who can be employed in an economy consisting of big, slow-moving companies with a couple thousand people each.4 So if you want to stay there, instead of letting foreigners take these jobs, we should expect its shortness to take us by surprise. But they won't install them, or take support calls, administer the servers, design the web site, cold-call customers, find the company office space, and go out and get everyone lunch. But that disobedience is a byproduct of the qualities that make them good programmers. Closely related to poverty is lack of social mobility.5

Over time, the powers that be were cooperating to develop the official next generation operating system, Multics. If startups are the first to go. Relentlessly prune bullshit, don't wait to do things that matter, then 2 work on problems you can treat formally, rather than something generated by doing what other people have in their heads. But that, I now believe, is like a runner asking If I'm such a good athlete, why do I have to live at home, I have no money, I have no trouble imagining that one person could be 100 times as much. Kids help.6 And the way to do that is to implement it. That's how the two are related: they're the two different senses in which the x axis represented situations and the y axis the outcome, the graph of the smart person would have high peaks. If these guys were able to do: find a question that makes the world interesting.7 If you're the rare exception—a company that has raised money is literally more valuable.8 So students who want to eliminate economic inequality, we won't fix these problems.

It's for a more practical reason: to prevent them from leaning their company against something that's going to fall over, taking them with it. How to start a startup. Put in time how and on what? When you travel to a rich or poor country, you have to spend a lot of people use them for that purpose. He succeeded despite being a complete noob at startups, because he understood his users really well.9 There's not even a tradeoff here. If an ordinary employee were asked to do the things a startup founder is not some sort of new, vocational version of college focused on entrepreneurship. Eliminating great variations in wealth without preventing people from getting rich, and you can even work on your own stuff while you're there. Errands are so effective at killing great projects that a lot of people to ask themselves about this explicitly. It should be a pencil, not a piece of cake in the fridge, and you willingly give him money in return for government contracts, or rich parents who get their children into good colleges by sending them to expensive schools designed for that purpose. After my mother died, I wished I'd spent more time with her. You have to make a cup of coffee.10

Notes

The shift in power to founders. You're going to be some formal measure that you should.

One YC founder told me they like the bizarre stuff. Confucius claimed proudly that he could just multiply 101 by 50 to get something for which you are.

In practice the first thing they'd want; it is certainly more efficient. When companies can't simply eliminate new competitors may be underestimating VCs. Which is not even allowed to ask permission to go wrong seems to pass so slowly for them, maybe you'd start to be started in Mississippi. Later you can make things very confusing.

There can be said to have discovered something intuitively without understanding all its implications. As a result, comparisons of programming languages either take the hit.

The empirical evidence suggests that if VCs are only partially driven by money. No, we love big juicy lumbar disc herniations, but I couldn't think of ourselves as investors, but a big effect on what you build this? The solution for this essay, I should add that we're not.

To get all you know whether you're in, we try to ensure there are some controversial ideas here, since they're an existing investor, lest that set an impossibly high target when raising additional money. Though they are like sheep, but that this excludes trickery like buying users; that's the intellectually honest argument for not discriminating between various types of publishers would be a startup we funded, summer jobs are the first type, and configure domain names etc.

5 seconds per day. That can be explained by math. As the name Homer, to the present, and also what we'd call random facts, like parents, truly believe they do.

Few consciously realize that species weren't, as it sounds plausible, the best day job is one resource patent trolls need: lawyers. The key to wasting time building it. The best one could argue that the investments that generate the highest returns, but Confucius, though. The First Industrial Revolution, Cambridge University Press, 1996.

But you couldn't possibly stream it from a 6/03 Nielsen study quoted on Google's site. Faced with the best hackers want to impress are not one of the world, and so on?

In retrospect, we can teach startups a lot would be reluctant to start a startup: one kind that's called into being to commercialize a scientific discovery. But I know of any that died from releasing something stable but minimal very early, then add beans don't drain the beans, and it would work better, but to a company's culture. Doing Business in 2006, http://paulgraham. This has, like the other direction.

#automatically generated text #Markov chains #Paul Graham #Python #Patrick Mooney #retrospect #competitors #Multics #things #contracts #customers #money #sup #So #lunch

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writerthreads · 3 years ago

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The Top 10 YA Tropes/Clichés & How to Avoid Them

by So You Want to Write, formatted by Writerthreads

1. THE PROTAGONIST IS AN OUTSIDER

“I’m not like the other girls”

The world just doesn’t, like, get her. Maybe she’s awkward, weird, or super-smart. She reads Proust and only eats dry toast. She’s definitely not a cheerleader and has maybe one close friend (who’s also not cool).

How to avoid it:

Don’t be afraid to write a protagonist who’s popular, who moves between social circles, or who is perfectly average (except for, you know, being thrust into this fantastic adventure.)

(If you want to know more about why you should avoid this trope, read my essay on this in one of our earlier posts.)

2. THE PARENTS ARE DEAD

“They died in a horrible golfing accident…”

Or, dad skipped town, and mom works late at 3 jobs, 7 nights a week. Your main character’s an orphan? Never heard that one before. Do your characters come home after a 2-week odyssey without a, “Where the hell were you, the police have been looking for you!?” That’s weird.

How to avoid it:

It’s not impossible to imagine a wild, supernatural, dangerous and epic adventure in which the protagonist has regular parents. Heck – maybe they even aid the good guys in some way? Or maybe they’re just comic relief.

3. ALL ADULTS ARE USELESS

“Did your mom pass out drunk on the couch again tonight?”

Sure, some young readers are angst-y tweens who get their kicks from reading about parents getting their comeuppance, but we’d wager that most of the ones who are reading have a fairly decent rapport with ole’ mom and dad.

How to avoid it:

Let’s see some adult characters with agency for a change. It’s possible to build a world where the teenage protagonist is a formidable force and who also plays well with adults.

4. TOKEN DIVERSITY

“Hi, I’m Cheng, and I’m really good at math.”

Daily, YA readers come into contact with friends who have a different skin colour, culture, disability, family arrangement, and sexual orientation from them. They are surely capable of relating to a story involving non-white/handsome/fit characters. Publishers are clamouring for this kind of diversity, but don’t be the cautionary tale that writes in a token character for the sake of it!

How to avoid it:

Write diverse characters, but make them believable. Do you research: talk to someone of that lived experience. Your characters should talk, act, and even think the way that someone who is X would. Don’t force it.

5. YE OLDE DYSTOPIAN WORLD

“Hey do you mind just leading this insurgency for a quick sec?”

War. Really Bad War. Everything’s different now, bad different. This government sucks bad, gotta start a rebellion. Nope, it can’t be done peacefully – gotta be overthrown. Sure, this was an interesting premise in The Hunger Games, but nobody wants to read 50 books with that same basic plot.

How to avoid it:

Ask yourself – what is the story that only you can tell? Start with the problem or challenge your protagonist is facing, and then write out 25 ideas for the basic structure of your world (Hint: it doesn’t have to be all bleak and broken.)

6. PROTAGONIST CAN’T SEE HER BEAUTY

“I’m just an ordinary Hollywood girl making $20 mil a picture”

She’s the family favourite and has a line up of guys at her locker. She volunteers at the orphanage and is at the top of her class. But she’s modest. “Oh, who, little old me? I’m nothing special.” She goes through the book seeing herself as a wilting wallflower despite her incredible feats – until some guy shows her how special he is by falling for her. Please – spare us the 20th-century prince charming thing.

How to avoid it:

Show us a girl (or guy) that doesn’t need rescuing. Write a character who is actually quite comfortable in her own skin, thank you very much. She can still fall in love, but she doesn’t need

7. HEY, MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF TOWN. HOUSE PARTY!

“Whoa, you have a hot tub, dude?”

I did actually throw a party EVERY time my mom left town. But the house never got trashed and nobody ever got pregnant. That scene where everyone’s arriving at the upper-middle-class mansion, the protagonist not sure if he’s going to go in, and some kind of conflict ensues, has been done. While we’re at it, nobody wants to read about prom again.

How to avoid it:

Put your characters in one of the billion other settings that a teenager might find himself in: stuck at a little brother’s birthday party? Being the elderly neighbour’s dance partner for $5 an hour? Identifying bodies at the morgue? Get the story out of the parents’ liquor cabinet.

8. FORCED ROMANCE

“There’s something about the way your abs are glistening that makes me want to have your babies”

Have you read a story where a character serves absolutely no purpose except to look pretty and be some kind of one-dimensional love interest for the main character? That’s the calling card of a lazy author.

How to avoid it:

By all means – write romance into your character’s life, but his beau doesn’t need to be a walking mannequin. Think about how this other person can drive the plot, or aid the protagonist. You can steer right around the “love at first sight” angle. While we’re at it, let’s drop the “best friend turned lover” trope.

9. I AM THE CHOSEN ONE!

“Flunked algebra, but I’m going to defeat the greatest evil the world has ever known”

Main character is just a REGULAR GUY™ but finds out TERRIBLE SECRET™ revealed by FATALISTIC PROPHECY™. Protagonist may or may not have SPECIAL POWERS™ that must be used to SAVE THE WORLD™. Oh, and he finds out in the last chapter he’s of royal blood. Your readers are already considering suicide by paper cuts.

How to avoid it:

If you really need to use this trope (since it works so well) don’t just write another Harry Potter; come up with an interesting variation on the theme. Maybe your protagonist’s uniqueness is ordained not by fate, but because he trained his whole life in a special skill?

And the Top YA Trope Award goes to…

10. THE LOVE TRIANGLE

“Betty or Veronica?”

Your main character needs to find the Trident of Poseidon to complete the 12 Tasks of the Merovingians, aligning the Stargates and thwarting the Arachnid invasion. Also: hormones. Should she go for the guy with the 6-pack or 8-pack? The popular blond athlete, or the brooding brunette anarchist?

How to avoid it:

Love triangles are the most overused YA plot device by an order of magnitude. Unless this unholy trinity is integral to your plot (and why would you do that to your book?), don’t force it into your story. Your story might not even need any romantic sub-plot, but if you choose to include one, it need not be this dusty has-been. Get creative.

#writers on tumblr #writing inspiration #writing #writeblr #writers block #story writing #teen writer #writers #creative writing #writers of tumblr #writing tips #writing help #writing advice

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kawaiijohn · 3 years ago

Text

Rewind, Rinse, Repeat Chapter 1

For Invisobang Minibang 2021

Ao3 Link

Chapters: 3 finished, 12 total Rating: T+ Warnings: Major and Minor Character Death- all temporary, Implied Child Abuse/Neglect, Strong Language, Mild Body Horror, Mild Injury. Other warnings listed by chapter Characters: Clockwork, Danny Fenton, Pariah Dark, Levi | Leviathan (OC), Mal (OC), Observants, Mentions of other characters Ships: Lost Time, Dark Ages, CW & OC child, CW & Levi | Leviathan (OC) Genre/Tropes: Human AU, Magic AU, Found Family, Character Origin, Hurt/Comfort, Original Magic System and Lore Additional Tags: Existentialism & Existential Angst, Memory Loss & Amnesia, Corruption, Clockwork Centric, They/Them Pronouns for Clockwork, The Fenton's A+ Parenting, Obersvant Bashing

Summary

“Clockwork can I ask you something? How did you become a ghost?”

The tale surrounding the mystery of Clockwork's existence; a world where magic is common and ghosts are not. A world where one lonely, average mage tries with all their might to save what means most to them. A world where things need to be remade into something better.

Shout out to my betas @bibliophilea and @moonlights-shadow-warrior for keeping me sane, @13thdoodle for letting me use their OC, Levi, @dailudannos and @sailor-toni for providing art for later chapters, and all the folks over at @invisobang for being awesome!!!!

Chapter One below the Cut. The rest is available on my Ao3 account because tumblr linking/posting is hella broken.

Chapter 1: An Inquiry

“Hey, Clockwork? Can I ask you something?”

Clockwork looks over from the mirror they were watching intently. “You already have, Daniel,” they reply, offering the other a smirk.

“Oh, ha ha. You've never said that to me before.” The reply is filled to the brim with sarcasm, as per usual. Danny rolls his eyes, but a small smile gracing his lips betrays the fact he isn't annoyed in the least. “Seriously, though. It’s something that's been on my mind like... every day for the last two weeks!!" He raises his hands towards the sky, flopping back in the air dramatically. "But... it's kinda, y'know. Personal-” Danny trails off, slightly embarrassed.

Of course. Clockwork finds themself smiling fondly- Danny thought he’d said something he shouldn't have- an inquiry that could make his guardian upset (as if it's even possible to upset Clockwork like that). A question is a question, and this is a worrying habit of his that the Time Master is trying to help break, even if it's still somewhat endearing to them.

“I uh, I mean... it’s personal about- to you, not to me. That’s what I meant!!” Danny continued.

Clockwork stares at him, unblinking. An idea (or thousands) of what he may ask flashes through their mind’s eye. With a single, calming pulse to their Core, Clockwork pushes the involuntary slideshow of timelines aside as if they're no more than curtains. They need to focus on the window in front of them; the here and now, not the temporal drapery.

It's a habit they are trying to overcome for Daniel’s sake. To ensure their ward's growth, they need to stop peering into the near future as often- not discourage his asking of questions. After all, what is a child if not but a well of endless curiosity? Cutting Danny off is also sure to disallow the development of any trust or patience Clockwork needs to build within their young ward. They wouldn’t receive either of those things if they assume what he wanted to ask.

It's common decency to not assume, lest it ‘make an ass out of you and me’, according to Daniel.

It is going to be a tough habit to break, but by the (other) Ancients, they're trying their best. Their ward deserves the infinitesimal choices all other children have when asking things of their guardians, so even if they do glimpse to the future, they will not mention it to him. Clockwork refuses and will continue to refuse to take their ward’s agency away; to not have a choice in things is a fate worse than fading.

The boy has been quiet, stuck deep within his own thoughts even after an impressive five minutes and thirty-seven and a half seconds of silence (uncharacteristic of the boy, Clockwork notes).

Now that just won't do- he must have lost his train of thought. Clockwork gestures at the ghost boy, motioning for him to continue. It works- Danny adverting his eyes and clearing his throat, "Well, it’s just like- you know so much about me- like, how I died, the whole Ghost Zone Prince business, that entire disaster doomed timeline with Dan... I just keep thinking- no- realizing, that I barely know anything about you!!” He throws his arms up in thinly veiled frustration.

Clockwork smirks. “You had another question, did you not?” They place a hand along the edge of the closest Temporal Mirror, turning to face the mirror- still halfway facing Danny. They can see his inner debate clearly written on the boy's face- the mirror reflecting as if it were an ordinary object (for now). They turn towards it fully and watch Daniel's reaction from behind them, acting as if they aren't finding joy in their ward's hesitation. It's always adorable when he tries not to offend Clockwork. "I may be able to work with time, but that doesn't mean I wish to float here waiting for an answer all day."

Danny blinks a few times, rolling his eyes again in response. Clockwork is certain that if they weren’t secured to his skull by human musculature they’d fall out and roll away. “Well, I’m sorry for trying not to be rude and like, asking outright... but since it’s you I have to always be super direct!! Jeeze you’re frustrating sometimes!” He floats towards his mentor, crossing his arms.

Danny often forgets Clockwork isn't easily upset over trivial things such as questions. Most questions are about things they already know the answers to, anyways. And the few things that they don’t know when asked, they figure out soon after. Such is the duty of the Master of Time- to be a step ahead of everyone and everything else always. Besides, in most timelines (68.3% of them, to round up) the question Daniel wishes to ask is along the lines of ‘What was your past like?’ Another small fraction (a little under 20%) the question is ‘How did you get so strong?’ . And even in the remaining timelines, the question would be along the lines of ‘How do your time powers work?’

They are each things Clockwork expects Daniel to ask them at some point or other, as it were. There isn’t really anything Daniel can ask that could be too shockin-

“Clockwork, I was wondering… how exactly did you become a ghost?”

They... did not see that coming… in any of the timelines they’d glimpsed. Clockwork stills for only a fraction of a moment, but it’s long enough for Danny to flinch, feeling as if he’s crossed a line. They hear more than see Daniel shrinking in on himself as they look off into nothing, buried memories waking slowly in their mind.

Clockwork is brought from their introspection by a mumbled curse. “Shit! I mean... uh crap??" They just stare at Danny as they are brought back to the present. "Never mind just... sorry for asking... Oh man! Did I offend you somehow? Ancients dammit, this is what I was worried about!!” They watch him curiously, soft whirring coming from their ward's anxious core. “We can just forget about it if-” Daniel’s hands wring together nervously, shoulders tense with worry and face full of guilt.

Right- facial expressions are also important for a young ghost's emotional communication and development. Sometimes the Time Master wonders if their isolation in Long Now affected their social behavior (it did). Their face is carefully blank most times, so they set to fix it- they offer a small grin, hand coming to rest on Daniel’s shoulder. “It is more than fine, Daniel. You asked if you could ask a question- which is in fact, two questions, I should note- but I gave you consent to ask it of me.” They squeeze his shoulder to placate the worry.

“It’s about time I told you this story, as it were. I just did not foresee it being told at this very moment." Clockwork floats slowly, turning away from their Mirrors. "Come along- it’s best we sit for this. I’ll have one of your friends bring us some tea.”

Danny floats after his mentor, looking around the room the two normally use to study history of the Realms. “So, uh… is it a long story or...?”

“Oh, it is very long, indeed.” They fly through an ornate door and over to their favored 'chair'- a stack of comfortable cushions in violets and blues, both impossibly cool and warm at the same time. They recall Daniel discovering the room, eyes full of wonder and posture relaxed. Clockwork chuckles- the first time their boy had wandered in here he'd decided to take a running dive into the pile, jumping up in surprise when it was cold as ice, yet warm as fresh laundry. The expression on their ward’s face is one of their fondest memories; a happy moment amongst all the tedium of watching time.

“It may take a while to tell this tale proper. But, it is a story that ought to be told.” Daniel makes himself comfortable on his chair of choice- an unholy combination of 'borrowed' pillows and what appears to be a more modern gaming chair- complete with an obnoxiously bright green-black color scheme. Clockwork has to hide another smile as Danny wiggles himself deep into the pile. “So, Daniel- what do you know of the phrase ‘Totems of Power’?”

“I thought I was getting a story, not a pop quiz! Unfair!!” His disdain for schooling makes Clockwork laugh fondly before the boy continues. “But they’re like… hmm how do I explain this? Well, there’s the universe right? Like every timeline and every result of every timeline all at the same time kind of ties into the main universe thingy- but there's still a main timeline, and that's kinda like... Main Street, and the other possible timelines are uh... like side streets with dead ends? But there's other forces that like, aren't time and… uhhh...”

He hums, crossing his arms deep in thought. Clockwork takes the time to purr-sing-hum at one of the many blobs floating in and out of their lair; Daniel had asked them to keep some around as pets and the Time Master was happy to oblige. They were unable to deny something so beneficial to the young Prince, after all. The one deemed ‘Mr. Pants’ by one of Daniel’s friends answers their call. Clockwork buzzes to it a quiet request- ‘bring Daniel's favorite tea and mugs for two, please.’ The little thing chirrups and zips off through the walls- eager to serve the Lair’s owner and be (potentially) rewarded with pats (from Daniel).

The Time Master brings their undivided attention back toward a grumbling ghost boy, lost in thought. “Daniel if you need to ask for help I’m glad to-”

Danny snaps his fingers, coming to a realization before his mentor can finish. “I got it!! The best way to explain it is ‘The Universe needs to run smoothly, so there’s certain forces- like Time or Space- that are upheld by a powerful entity, like a person or like… the avatar of that concept? Yeah, something like that, but they ensure the aspect they represent is properly cared for so the universe doesn’t completely like, die.’” Danny nods to himself. "It's why you stepped in to stop Dan, to make sure the world didn't end like that."

“That is correct- it is my job to ensure this universe of ghosts and reality doesn't crumble prematurely. Now, do you have a recollection of any other Totems you may have encountered?”

“Well, yeah! We call them ‘Ancients’, though- so like… Pandora is the one for war and history, and Nocturn is for like… dreams? The Void or something, maybe? And then there’s old man Pariah who isn’t one, but he said there’s a Leadership Ancient somewhere, and then-” Danny pauses, blinking at Clockwork in realization. “Wait, you asked that for a reason, didn’t you?”

“That I did. Becoming the Totem, or Ancient of Time is where this story starts.” Clockwork hums, seeing Mr. Pants fly back towards the two- nearly spilling scalding tea all over the ground. “Now then. We have drinks. We are sitting comfortably. I believe it’s time I spin my tale for you.” They take a sip, closing their eyes in bliss.

They open them once more and see Daniel sitting, eyes full of stars and eager- Eager to hear, eager to fire off a question a minute. It makes a chuckle bubble up in their throat, to see their favorite person so excited to learn.

“Once upon a time, there was a human; average in most ways, a simple person living a simple life. They would get up in the morning, perform their daily tasks, and go to sleep at night. Day in, and day out- a boring, but fulfilling existence.

“However, where this story differs from what we recognize as reality, is that in this realm, humans who could control magic were the norm. Think as if it were like one of those fantasy games you and Tucker play together- mages, healers… all of those and more were commonplace when I was alive. Yes, humans can wield magic now, but it is nowhere near as frequent as they could in our tale.”

They pause, seeing that Danny was about to interrupt. “Wait wait- this realm? Like- this is a completely different reality?? And people can wield magic now??? Are you messing with me? Like… I thought it was all just-” The boy stops, his train of thought drifting off the tracks as it tends to now and then.

“Yes, first, this is a completely different realm from either the Mortal Plane or the Ghost Zone. Second, Daniel- tell me... have you not noticed the magic of those you have encountered? Blood blossoms… a reality warping gauntlet? The existence that is ‘Freakshow’ in general should be a red flag, seeing as his talents were… strangely non-ghostly in origin. Not to mention objects such as the Infi-map...”

“Man, I wish I could forget about Freakshow… who mind controls ghosts??? He was the worst!” Their young ward crossed his arms and grumbles.

“If you’re done sulking about your past misadventures and former foes, I was in the middle of telling a story, if I recall correctly. One you asked I tell you…” Clockwork simply stares, unblinking as steam wafts from their slowly cooling tea.

All is well, they knew Danny would only take approximately 4.85 seconds to snap his attention back to their story. Clockwork sips their tea, waiting.

Danny snaps out of his thoughts only a millisecond off of Clockwork's prediction. “Sorry... it’s just super weird to think that magic actually… still exists? Like ghosts are real and all but magic being a thing feels a bit far fetched, don’t ya think?” He pouts, brow furrowed.

The Master of Time finally closes their eyes, removing the hood from their head. White hair floats gracefully behind them, settling just past their shoulders. Clockwork opens their eyes again- a serious, yet warm expression directed at their ward. “Magic is simply defined as reality altering acts using both energy and the willpower of a sentient being, if that helps.” Another sip. Mr. Pants made a wonderful batch of tea, as always. They smile wider when they notice Danny’s expression- the boy has never seen them without a hood, and they know doing this will (in 99.78% of all possible timelines) convince the boy to take what they said seriously. ”Just as ghosts can be defined as ‘ectoplasm given form and consciousness’, forces beyond humanity and the physical realm can be explained with scientific terminology if you know where to look.”

“So like... what all did magic have to do with this ‘simple human’ version of you? Did you ever have the power to shoot lightning?? Could I shoot lightning if I tried? Like were you some sorta time wizard? Is that why you’re all… timey-wimey and powerful?” Danny wiggles his fingers with a look of confusion on his face.

Clockwork always finds their Core warming when their boy acts his age. He's abnormally prone to shoulder the destiny of the world on himself and often forgets he's just a kid. “You could continue asking questions one at a time, or you could allow me to tell my story. The choice is yours, Daniel.” They smirk, watching as Danny purses his lips, his steady flow of questions stopping short. The best answer. “Perfect- all is as I thought it would be.”

They close their eyes and reminisce as they continue. “Now- to answer your last question… Yes. You could say magic is how I came to be the Master of Time in both the Infinite Realms and the mortal plane, but there is much more to the story than that. Other players, situations, and pure circumstances. The universe in its infinite chances and possibilities brought myself, as well as many others to the situations they face here and now.” Clockwork pauses, taking the moment to stare straight through Danny’s soul. “Even yourself.”

The boy shudders, an appropriate response. “Wait... me? Did you… do something in the past to like… a past version of someone we know?? Can that even happen???” Danny is already enraptured by the story, eyes twinkling as his mentor opens up about themself. The boy is obviously thinking about everything that has happened, everything that could possibly have happened, and everything that Clockwork could possibly drop on him.

They feel Daniel cautiously tug on loose strands of time to see if he could possibly scope out what is about to be said, quickly failing to do much else beside give himself a small headache. “Time stuff is still really confusing, Clockwork…”

“You could say that. You could even say that trying to mess with time in the inner sanctum of Long Now is the most confusing ‘time stuff’ one could do if they were not myself.” They grin- a Temporal Mirror appearing behind them with a thought.

“What’s the mirror for?” Danny catches sight of himself and looks away, embarrassed that he’s been literally glowing with power after trying to do something so simple with his developing powers. The glow is something he’s been working on suppressing recently. After all, it would be a shame if other ghosts could see the boy powering up by aura alone.

The Master of Time smirks, bringing tea to their lips again. “I thought it would be fun to attempt braiding my hair and doing my makeup for once. It has been an awfully long time since I’ve done either.”

They stare at Danny who just bursts into laughter. “Did you just use sarcasm??? Man, I didn’t know you could lighten up, Clockwork!” The boy laughs harder, sinking deeper into his nest of pillows. After a few minutes he was finally wiping tears from his eyes. “But no. Seriously… what’s the mirror for??”

“Why, what they are always for, Daniel- seeing through time and space.” Clockwork waves their hand. The mirrors show an image of a human with dark hair and burgundy eyes. They have a large, hooked nose and medium brown skin- and Danny finds himself having a hard time guessing their gender. The human sits at a desk, paused in time with the delicate gears of a clock sprawled along the desk surface, tools in hand.

Behind Clockwork, the image changes, showing the human living through an average day- images play in small spurts, never showing the whole story. “Do you understand what’s being seen?” The young boy nods, grabbing Mr. Pants out of the air as the blob drifts between the two. Good, he will probably need the companionship, especially towards the end.

This isn’t the easiest story to tell, nor is it easy to listen to, but with a sip of their tea, Clockwork continues.

#danny phantom #invisobang #invisobang 2021 #dp #phanfic #art #my fic #RRR #dantes vibe corner

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 2 years ago

Photo

12th January >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Mark 1:40-45 for Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time: ‘Of course I want to’.

Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Except USA)

Mark 1:40-45

The leprosy left the man at once, and he was cured.

Gospel (USA)

Mark 1:40-45

The leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Reflections (8)

(i) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

In the time of Jesus, lepers and people experiencing extreme skin diseases suffered complete social and religious isolation. The Jewish Law declared that such a person ‘shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp’. In defiance of the Law, this leper approached Jesus. He believes that Jesus has the power to make him clean. The only question is whether Jesus wants to make him clean. Will Jesus turn aside from him like all others who do not suffer from this disease? Jesus does not only turn aside, but does the unthinkable; he stretched out his hand and touched him. We are being reminded that there is no area of our lives that the Lord cannot touch with his healing power. Those areas that may be repugnant to others and to ourselves are, for the Lord, the spaces where he can work powerfully and comfortably. Having healed him, Jesus makes one request of the leper, ‘Mind you say nothing to anyone, but go show yourself to the priest’. Jesus did not want people flocking to him purely on the basis of his healing power. He recognized the ambiguity of a popular enthusiasm for his healing work. It could put pressure on him to exercise his ministry in a way that was not in keeping with God’s will for his life. The leper did not respond to Jesus’ request. Instead, he started talking about his healing freely and telling the story everywhere. As a result, Jesus could not go openly into any town but had to stay outside in places where nobody lived. Having healed the leper who had been living in places where nobody lived, Jesus now has to live the kind of outcast existence from which he had freed the leper. Jesus’ service of others often came at great cost to himself. It is to this kind of costly service that the Lord calls all his disciples. Jesus’ costly service was ultimately supremely life-giving for himself and for others, and the same is true of whatever costly service we offer.

And/Or

(ii) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

Making choices is something that we do every day. We try to choose well, to make the best choice possible, the choice that the Lord would want us to make. We don’t always succeed in choosing well; sometimes, we make choices the Lord would not have wanted us to make. In the gospel reading, a leper comes up to Jesus and says, ‘If you want to – if you choose – you can cure me’. The leper could not presume that Jesus would choose to heal him, because lepers were not supposed to approach others; they were to keep out of the way, for fear they would contaminate others. However, in reply, Jesus said to him, ‘Of course I want to! Be cured’. Jesus chose to do what nobody else would have chosen to do; he reached out and touched the leper and, as a result, his leprosy was healed. In the gospels, Jesus is consistently portrayed as choosing to make contact with those who are broken in body, mind or spirit, and who are not part of the mainstream. The risen Lord continues make those same choices; he chooses to connect with each of us in our own brokenness. He will always be a healing and life-giving presence in our lives. He asks us to be the same for each other, to make the kinds of choices that bring healing and new life to others.

And/Or

(iii) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

A leper in the time of Jesus was someone who lived in places where nobody lived. Lepers lived outside the community with only each other for company. For a leper to approach Jesus for healing was a very daring thing to do; he was doing something that was forbidden. For Jesus to respond to the leper’s plea by touching him was also a very daring thing to do. Lepers were the untouchables. The leper and Jesus have something in common; they both were prepared to break with very strongly enforced convention in the search for healing and a fuller life. Jesus and the leper turn out to have something else in common as well. According to the gospel reading, because the leper started talking about his healing freely and everywhere, against Jesus wishes, Jesus himself had to stay in places where nobody lived. In other words, as a result of his healing the leper, Jesus went on to experience the isolation of the leper. Jesus gave life to others at great cost to himself. Sometimes our own service of others can take a lot out of us; we may be tempted, as a result, to pull back. However, the example of Jesus inspires us to keep serving, trusting that God will bless us because of our service, in God’s own time.

And/Or

(iv) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading, Jesus heals a leper. Often in the gospels Jesus heals people by means of his word. In healing the leper, however, Jesus not only spoke to him, but he touched him. In touching the leper, Jesus did what no one else would have done. For obvious reasons, people kept lepers at a distance, and lepers were expected to keep their distance from others. Jesus, however, kept no one at a distance, not even lepers. No one was beyond his reach; no one was untouchable. He came to touch our lives in a very tangible way, all of our lives, regardless of our condition. The leper wasn’t sure whether Jesus wanted to heal him, as is clear from his opening words to Jesus, ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. Jesus showed he wanted to heal him, by touching him. Jesus wants to touch all of our lives, because he wants to bring life to us all. Nothing we do or fail to do, no circumstance in which we find ourselves, need place us beyond his reach. As Paul says in his letter to the Romans, ‘nothing can come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus’. The Lord touches our lives, where we are, as we are. All we need is something of the leper’s daring initiative in approaching Jesus.

And/Or

(v) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

In the time of Jesus the Jewish Law strictly laid down that lepers cannot come into contact with anyone. They must live in isolation. Yet, in the gospel reading, a leper, in his desperation, dares to defy the Law. He draws near to Jesus, going down on his knees, to make his heart-felt plea, ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. The leper did not doubt Jesus’ power to heal him, but he doubted whether or not Jesus wanted to heal him. Would Jesus engage with a leper who dared to approach him in defiance of the religious Law of the time? Most people would have been angered at the approach of a leper. However, Jesus’ response to the desperate plight of this man was not one of anger, but one of compassion. Jesus’ compassion led him to do the unthinkable, what was forbidden by the Law; he touched the leper and in so doing healed him of his leprosy. Jesus’ compassion broke the boundaries that the Law sought to create. His response to the leper shows that no one is outside the reach of the Lord. Jesus is not in the business of excluding people, regardless of how they are judged by others. The Lord’s compassion knows no limits; it cannot be confined by religious Law. The gospel reading suggests that the Lord’s instinct to include overcomes all the forces that work to exclude. That message is both a reassuring word for us when we feel excluded and a challenging word when we are tempted to exclude others.

And/Or

(vi) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading this morning reveals the power of Jesus and, at the same time, his powerlessness. His power was displayed in his healing of the leper. This was a power that was rooted in his compassion and that did not hesitate to break one of the great taboos of the ancient world, touching a leper. This was a life-giving power that was ready to disregard the most hallowed of traditions in order to heal the broken and include the excluded. Whenever we find that kind of life-giving power at work in our world today, there the risen Lord is to be found. Yet, Jesus who was so powerful in healing the man’s leprosy was immediately shown to be powerless. He asked the healed man to be silent about what happened to him. Instead the man went away and started talking about it freely and telling the story everywhere and there was nothing that Jesus could do about it. Indeed, because of the excitement the man stirred up by his story, Jesus could not go openly into any town but had to stay outside in places where nobody lived, which is what the leper had to do before his healing. The man’s refusal to do what Jesus asked had serious consequences for Jesus’ work. There is a sense in which the Lord remains powerless today before our refusal to do what he asks of us. The mystery of human freedom can continue to render Jesus powerless. He needs us to respond with a ready and open heart to his call and his will for our lives. Only then will his life-giving work continue to be done in today’s world.

And/Or

(vii) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

It may strike us as strange that having healed the leper in today’s gospel reading, Jesus sternly orders him, ‘Mind you say nothing to anyone’. Apart from going to the priest in the Temple in Jerusalem, the healed man was not to tell anyone what Jesus had done for him. Why wouldn’t Jesus want everyone to know that he had performed this powerful work? Perhaps he was aware that if people came to hear of his reputation as a healer, they would start to follow him for the wrong reasons. They would follow him not for who he was in himself but for what he could do for them. Jesus was happy for whatever good he might do for someone to remain below the radar. He knew that his healing and life-giving ministry would bear its own good fruit, without it having to be trumpeted abroad. This is often how the Lord continues to work today. He works through someone in the service of others and the good that is done often remains below the radar. So much of the good that is done in the world is like that. It doesn’t become widely known. Sometimes it is only after someone dies that people become aware of all the good the person did. Yet, every act of service done out of love for someone bears its own good fruit, in the life of the one serving and the one being served, and, very often, in the lives of many other people who are impacted indirectly by this act of service. We can learn from Jesus in the gospels to be faithful to the good work the Lord may be asking us to do, without using it to promote ourselves in any way.

And/Or

(viii) Thursday, First Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s first reading, the author calls on the Christians he is addressing to ‘keep a grasp on our first confidence right to the end’. He wants them to keep the faith to the end, to endure in their living out of their faith in Christ. If this is to happen, he knows that they will need to support one another. That is why he also calls on them to ‘keep encouraging one another’. We need to encourage one another in the faith, to support what is best in each other, if our faith in the Lord, and the way of life that flows from it, is to endure to the end. We find a striking example of that ministry of encouragement in today’s gospel reading. The leper would have lived a very isolated life. Far from receiving any encouragement, he was shunned by all. He was made to feel that his physical condition, which cut him off from others, also cut him off from God. In throwing himself at the feet of Jesus, he was hoping and trusting that in Jesus he would finally find someone who would reveal to him God’s encouraging and life-giving love. His hope and trust would not be disappointed. Jesus healed him of his leprosy not only with a word but with a touch. Jesus often healed people by means of his word, ‘Be cured’, but here was someone who needed to be touched. He needed to know that God, working in Jesus, could break through his life-draining isolation. As a result of his encounter with Jesus, with God, the leper who had lived in isolation became an evangelist, telling his good news story to others, everywhere. Jesus reveals a God who always wants to break through whatever isolation in which we find ourselves. The Lord does not do social distancing; he touches us, especially when we are at our most vulnerable and isolated; he encourages us, working to build us up, to put new courage and strength into us. All we need in response is something of the trusting and hopeful faith of the leper.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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alatismeni-theitsa · 4 years ago

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(1/2) I know this is some controversial topic and that you sometimes cover US politics, but what do you think the american left needs to improve to reach to more people and be taken more seriously?; It's unbelievable that in the very 2021, apolitical folk are still fallin into the whole "the leftist are a bunch of crazies" narrative, we may do some pushback the last three years against conservative politics.

(2/2) But it's still not enough; on your personal opinion, what fundamental core value needs to be changed to engage to these apolitical people and that leftist want politics to improve the quality of life of the population without being labeled as a "petulant, whiney children" There's some greek-flavored advice that we can apply to our discourse? Thanks in advance :)

========================== END OF ASK ======================

Ooooo… Great question! And by “great” I mean “Do you want me to go down in flames and get cut a thousand times with pitchforks??” xD But it’s very interesting so I will answer it! And you will be subjected to an essay of 3.200 words 😘💅 (I want to be meticulous, don’t come at me)

Please assume the tone is light and conversational. I am not in a very serious or dramatic mood, and I don’t want to estrange any group by assuming the role of an all knowing tutor or someone who always has the high moral ground. This is just 1am blabbering.

I am not against leftists. On the contrary, I know their side so well that I think I have a solid opinion on its flaws. (I have friends who are left- okay I’ll stop xD) Needless to say, the right side also has flaws and the two sides often share flaws. But right now, we are only talking about the leftists. And of course, #notallleftists xD I recognize that leftists are ordinary and diverse people with empathy and capability of critical thinking and problem-solving (Did I mention I have friends who ar--) Jokes aside, I think my following is quite left leaning and I am not bashing them here. I am criticizing the movement as a whole and trying to see where it can be improved.

***** Anyways, I will generalize the bad traits for the sake of everyone’s time, it’s what I am saying! So, when I say “they” I will probably mean “some” or “the bad apples” etc. *****

To begin, US leftists don’t want to, but they are accidentally imperialist xD Unfortunately, they don't know much about other countries, and they don’t usually have knowledge of countries they are talking about if they don’t have an immediate connection to them. Not knowing things is fine, but when people on this site are like “ugh Americans” this points to an ignorance and a sort of entitlement that doesn’t occur this often in other countries. My internet cycle is overwhelmingly leftist and yet I continue seeing willingness for ignorance all around - and when I check it’s not by conservatives.

Leftists think their (social and not) politics apply to every country and culture, that people in different countries classify themselves as they do in the US. And when people from those countries talk about their problems, there is always an American that wants to give input based on American politics, and without knowing the situation in this other country they want to talk about. Ironically, the last one is a behavior of conservative politicians. Conservative politicians and citizens sometimes think it’s fine to intervene in other countries for “the greater good”. Well, leftists do the same but on the internet. It stalls conversation and makes it messy and force foreigners to apply to American standards.

Because leftists don't understand social differences between countries, they project their own politics, and that can make them seem obsessed with skin color and blind to cultural diversity. They act like only Americans or certain countries have every lived through colonialism and suffered slaughter and slavery. (Because they don’t feel the need to study and learn further.) To an American that might not be the case, but when Americans converse with foreigners about foreign issues, they seem to have a blind spot.

They act as if only white, cis, straight people can be perpetrators of imperialism. Booyyy I have news xD Yes, of course white, cis, straight people can be perpetrators of imperialism, but the attitude that they are the first to blame, always, it’s faulted. I have many experiences, but let’s start with a very simple one, of an Indian American young woman who thought only a lota can clean you with water in the toilet, and that Europeans haven’t heard of bidets or any other means of cleanliness (or that they have the bathtub RIGHT THERE xD) One of the highlights was a Black woman insisting “Medusa was Black because my grandma told me” despite what Greeks were telling her.

Another thing that stuck with me was the case of a Greek who wanted to write about the people who happen to be a minority in the US (you would call them poc I guess). Many people from those countries were enthusiastic about the project and aided the writer as much as they could, sharing culture and realizing how many things in common they had. But it was from same populations in the US that the writer found people who blamed them for daring to write something outside of their culture. (To explain, most US Americans were fine, but only in the US were some who were hostile). Or, I have seen Chinese Americans being offended by a certain thing (I think it was something about fashion) saying “this is an offense to Chinese culture” meanwhile Chinese people from everywhere else in the world (99% of Chinese, I’d say) said “I don’t understand… this is fine!”

Many US American poc categorize all light skinned Caucasians of the world as White Americans and the rest are the “cultured” Black or Brown people. US Americans are now learning that Slavic cultures exist and it’s… something else to watch leftists realizing light skinned people can have great embroidery and they are not actually stealing Mexican traditional clothing xD (reference to an obscure “calling out” comment on tik tok).

I don’t specifically target US poc here, I am just mentioning that everyone conveniently forgets them as if they are untouchable and never said anything ignorant, while they are as active on social media causes as other Americans. In fact, if most poc are aligned to a side, that would be the Left. They are a very big part of the progressive movement – and that’s why I am giving so much space here for them – but then it seems they can’t have a share of the “bad” things of the leftist movement, only the good. Which is humanly impossible, to be always correct.

That’s one of the problems of leftism, that in a way pardons certain minorities and by doing that it not only lets the problematic bubbles grow but also infantilizes those minorities because it passes the message that “they can never do anything wrong”. While background matters when having an opinion, I see that skin-color goes ridiculously above opinion on these matters, which is not very egalitarian. When I argue with a person, the last thing I see is the person’s skin color. When someone says “ancient Greeks were actually a Black nation ad then they became White” I don’t care how this person looks like. No matter your skin color, you must take responsibility for the misinformation you are spreading. I won’t assume that because someone is a poc that they can’t study and learn more about the matter of discussion.

So… the “issue” doesn’t come from being white, cis, straight etc but from being raised as a US American. I don’t imply by any means that being a US American is bad. The last thing I want to do here is enforce guilt. (If you are feeling guilty already I must be mistaken in my wording so I am sorry for that). I am talking about certain beliefs that come with raised as a US American. Similarly, many beliefs a Greek can have are because of their environment. Everyone is affected by their background in one way or another.

American leftists believe that even the piss poor British farmers benefited from colonialism – and still benefit perhaps on a systemic scale. So, with the same logic, even the lowest layers of the US American society benefit from imperialism and war crimes overseas. (Truth is the quality of living in the US is great and extremely progressive compared to most of the world, because of the US’ politics. I had analyzed this in a previous post). But American leftists never mention that when it comes to THEIR case, because it doesn’t give them an advantage.

To tie it up with how American leftists see the world, there is youtuber I like, who is a US American woc and one time she said “My country is bombing Brown people” in an annoyed tone and it just sounded so offensive I closed the video. It’s obvious the youtuber doesn’t support the bombing, but it was just the phrasing which left a bitter taste in my mouth the whole day. It was the fact that 1) she could make a statement in an annoyed/joking tone 2) people in those countries don’t identify as “Brown” outside the US (and you are talking about them now) 3) your country is indeed bombing them so maybe at least categorize them as they wish?? They have a certain ethnicity, so mention that and stop categorizing them like dog breeds! They already have the bombs, do you want them to hear Americans categorize them like that?

Moreover, many US leftists think they care about other countries while, in actuality, they don’t. They just want to make other countries have the exact progressive US politics - because that’s the only “correct” political system they know. That shows even in kind of superficial matters. In a movie about Greek mythology, they will make sure there is an American Arab, an American Black person, an American East Asian person etc (which would be a cast that would reflect American diversity, not Mediterranean) and are hesitant to cast Greeks or ask Greeks how the portrayal of the story and figures could be better and respecting.

Another thing, they take everything too personally. They think success and failure of a movement is highly dependent on them as an individual. It’s difficult for them to approach a harsh past or present situation in a levelheaded manner because they don’t realize this situation has been universal. So, they feel a special kind of guilt and that makes them over apologetic but also overzealous (like a righteous self-flogging zealot) and that is what drives people away. They combine that behavior with ignorance about the rest of the world, and you can see why a non-US American might want to keep their distance.

I had some Americans apologizing to me because their ancestors did something to Greeks and just… don’t. I know you have the best intentions, but it makes everyone – even me – feel bad. There is no need for apologizing because 1) you and your family did nothing wrong 2) it was centuries ago 3) this bad shit happens/happened literally everywhere. You might as well apologize for your people knowing how to cook. It’s FINE, really, it’s FINE. For instance, do you think I have a grudge on YOUR people running a slave trade six centuries ago while there was dozen active slavetrades in the area, and while Greeks of the Byzantine empire probably bought slaves some decades before they were sold to slavery themselves? Do you see what a mess this is? Not only it doesn’t fix anything, but you also put unnecessary weight on yourself, as an individual. It’s fine to be aware and trying to fix past mistakes - if it’s possible - but there is a certain delicate process that must be followed. Not… whatever this is.

To continue on the extreme individualism, leftists think it's the end of the world if they have done or said something controversial (and that's also because they have cultivated a culture where any small transgression is a potential danger to the whole society :p aka "the left eats itself"). Around them people feel they must tread on eggshells just in case they phrase a thing wrong or post something that could be linked to a person the Left doesn't like.

The left is also on the extremes, so I have to put 1000 disclaimers every time I say something. (I guarantee that the example with the Chinese people will be translated by some Americans like “Theitsa promotes Asian hate!!”) Do you know who doesn't annoy me if I don't put 1000 disclaimers? Certainly not Conservatives. I had more harassment from leftists than I had from actual nazis, even though my blog is not conservative or (god forbid!!) supportive of nazism or any type of supremacy. Even nazis completely understand my beliefs before they send hate. (It might be odd but I never had one not understanding my point xD) But the leftists who sent hate misinterpret stuff, or they don’t bother reading actual posts. The funny thing is that I usually agree with these progressives in 99% of issues but they don’t care asking or learning, they just decide our morals are opposite. I mean they don’t have to like me, but many leftists don’t even read the basics.

On top of that, leftists rarely want to have a conversation with a conservative. I don't say go and AGREE with a conservative, I say just talk. (see? I feel the need to clarify here because many leftists might say “Theitsa wants us to go and AGREE with conservatives! Does Theitsa want us to become nazis and homophobes???”) How does one feel they have to be sooo righteous and then cauterize every member of society who disagrees with them? Why do leftists rarely want to have a conversation? Some people were ready to attack me for referencing a meme which referenced Steven Crowder, as if that shows I am his supporter 😩 (Guilty by association is strong on the leftist side and it’s very reminiscent of authoritarian tactics, another thing that needs to be improved, to my opinion.)

I don’t support Crowder (I know Crowder has done awful stuff) but I shouldn’t be scared to admit I like the “change my mind” episodes. (Flash news, leftists, you might like a part from a person’s work and not 100% support that person!) I like the episodes because both sides are heard, the conversation is civil (for the most part xD) and I can see the thought process of the two speakers as they explain their worries and what solutions are out there.

Most of all, in those episodes I see how BOTH sides CARE about the SAME problems, it’s just the perspectives that differ. And those conversations highlight the issues the left hasn’t studied very well, so it helps the leftists understand what they need to learn in order to better society. But where the “immaturity“ of the leftist side can show is in the unwillingness to approach the “opponent“ as a human just like them.

(They might instead prefer to call Mexicans white supremacists and claim that “whiteness” has no color because quite a few poc voted Republican, as some leftist news sources have stated)

What is more, is it just my idea or conservatives understand leftists better than leftists understand conservatives? Of course both sides jokes about the other one but I am talking about the serious talks. Leftists just describe conservatives as horrible people who want all minorities to perish and we must not talk to them while, surprisingly, the conservatives are the ones who stereotype less the opposite side. (I am talking about the normal, moderate people). From what I have seen, most simple people who are conservatives DON’T want the US’ ethnic and sexual minorities to perish. They are worried about problems they don’t have a good understanding about. And the only way to make them understand it’s to… talk to them, show them what good the left to offer.

Some leftists think conversation is “emotional labor” but 1) that applies to actual labor as in… jobs, so stop invalidating doctors, nurses, teachers etc, 2) yeah, sorry, sometimes things get difficult and you have to explain your side. (As non US-Americans endlessly have to do for US-Americans). That was, is and will be life until the sun swallows us all. You can’t be THAT militant on social media with 100 posts per day and remembering 50 different campaigns about social issues but the moment someone genuinely asks you for directions on your side you shut them off with “why do you demand labor from me? Do your own research” (hint: most likely they have done their research, but they are stuck, and you don’t help them like this).

If you are very tired and don’t want to explain (as it is your right) you can be polite about it and not blame the individual about their circumstances when they are trying to learn. If you DO want to explain but you get tired, be more organized. Have posts and F.A.Q.s ready, or send them to someone else (a friend, a blog, a youtube channel, an article, whatever). Instead of leftists arguing their positions, sometimes they are like “Do more research and realize I am right.” Yyyeah the other person is not gonna do that – especially because you haven’t pointed them anywhere or supported your position with arguments. Moreover, leftists can have the attitude of “I stand for PROGRESS, how can I ever be wrong??” Weeell things are not black and white and me, you, everyone has the potential to not have a not that beneficial to society position at some issues no matter where we stand on the political compass.

For the “petty whiny children” thing, I believe a lot of people might think that because the youth is usually making noise about progressive issues on social media. It’s true that oftentimes in social media discussions their emotions get the best of them (it’s happened to everyone) but combined with the lack of life experience they may have about the world, the argument sounds silly. (I heard one leftist university student say that the US shouldn’t have borders because borders are bad but then they realized they don’t want people to come and go as they please in the US, so she said there should be SNIPERS in the borders to shot everyone who tries to get in…….)

And, as I mentioned, the leftists are very quick to cancel and attack for the slightest transgression so people prefer to deal with the conservatives who can, at least, take a slight misstep, than meddling with people who are going to cancel them for doing or not doing a small, insignificant, but not ‘woke enough’ thing. Leftists are constantly checking each other to see if they are doing better and better (even in silly issues) and that can be intimidating to someone who is new to politics.

Some leftists get REALLY turned on by righteousness (Frollo villain style) and instead of trying to unite the society, they aim to divide it further. They don’t want to create bridges but burn them and find themselves on the “right side“ of morals.

And, last but not least, they don’t realize leftist propaganda is a thing. Malicious people are EVERYWHERE and they don’t just magically avoid the left. Leftists are not automatically super virtuous people. There are some manipulators and bullies around, so one has to be cautious even with leftist sources. (Cross-examine stuff, always. You might have the best intentions but accidentally share something nonfactual because you trusted a source).

Ok that was all, I think. To anyone who comments, PLEASE keep the tones down, have a conversation, take it slow, remember it doesn’t help us being hateful towards each other. (And causing serious friction wasn’t the purpose of this post). Oh, and if you need a clarification on something I said, before gossiping with your friends about how awful I am, do me the courtesy of first asking me what I meant xD

#answered #leftism #leftist #us politics #progressivism #progressive #long post

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