#that tradition part may sound harmful but some traditions are actively harmful

[unauthorized-author]

not to harp on you (same anon who asked the previous questions (you still didn't answer the other questions i sent btw)) but may i ask why you're neutral on the use of ai?

i actually got this ask last night whoops i won't be super detailed (i will in fact be super detailed) but it comes down to the fact that i don't give a shit. I see a lotta of people being like "yk I may be bad at writing but at least I don't use ai on my essays" and i just... don't understand why we're shitting on people like that. a lot of kids just want to graduate, yk? and besides, most of the time they're talking about high schoolers, who are well enough informed to choose whether they want to use chatgpt on an essay or not, to which i still don't care what they choose it's like vaping in my mind, somehow, except vaping is more joked about compared to the usage of ai (from what i've seen, your experience can be totally different!). sure, vaping has been around longer, but keep that same energy. one destroys the lungs and the other destroys the brain, why joke about one and shit on the other? there's a difference between an elementary schooler using it and a high schooler. one could argue that an elementary schooler is stunting their growth but high schoolers actively choose to use it. i don't particularly believe its lazy because some teachers nowadays allow their students to use chatgpt as a resource and ai isn't actively killing people like vaping, unless i missed a murder robot being created or something. an actual take i've seen is that "ai is theft" which is true when it comes to art... but in this "ai is theft" context, the person was talking about using ai on an essay. it's a problem that people apply ai theft to everything. ai can't steal words. and again i can understand why some high schoolers choose to use it. they might be there just to graduate. i don't think that makes them losers or anything, or that they're destined to fail in life. it just makes them want to graduate. and this "anything is better than ai" take is also a bit funny to me because these are the same people who would find a robotic arm cool, or use their phones because believe it or not, a robotic arm is ai. yes, ai steals art off the internet to generate art and uses a lot of resources. i'm not going to argue that point, i agree that ai is bad that way. but I PROMISE YOU a lot more shit uses ai than you think.

that fucking Roomba? yep. ai

nearly every Google service? ai

fucking Spotify?? ai, along with YouTube Music, Pandora, etc.

it makes me wonder what people think "artificial intelligence" stands for? like, it's not limited to the internet, it's simply more advanced in the context of the internet. fucking cash registers are ai sit your holier than thou ass down I remember when Spotify admitted to using ai and people lost their shit. even back then it was stupid to me. do you expect Daniel Ek to recommend you songs himself??? and believe it or not, ai can create things that are pretty good! a guy once told ai to create a recipe that was better than Gordon Ramsay and according to the dude, the recipe was pretty damn good! he may have been biased against Ramsay, but the fact that an ai recipe didn't taste like shit still says something, yk?

"oh ai stole that recipe from the internet" firstly: no it didn't. it COMBINED different recipes to make one.

secondly: … how do you think people cook??? no recipe is original bucko. that ketchup and chocolate spaghetti you made was probably made back in the 1700s

even SHAKESPEARE had inspiration. the bible! he was able to use that inspiration to build his own thing! ai, in that particular cookinng instance (ai art is theft), was basically doing the same thing i know i sound like an ai glazer right now, but i promise you i'm not. 1: let's not import ai quite literally fucking everywhere. i don't want to be judged by a computer screen if i ever got arrested and had to go to court. ai learns from data systems, and if that system includes a bias, then what the ai outputs is also going to be biased. i would highly prefer if we kept it limited to the internet and machinery (many vehicles also use ai via a GPS system) 2: as ai is used more commonly, more people lose their jobs simply because ai is "easier" to train, and possibly more "obedient." i once saw a completely pro-ai guy say something along the lines of "the great depression was caused by humans ai wouldn't do that..." i was sick. ai systems would eventually wear down and cause errors in, say, a banking system, which is why its so expensive to maintain. is it convenient? yes, but also risky as more humans just don't feel a need to work because ai can do it. 3: art theft, as i mentioned before. you've probably heard this to hell and back so i won't explain much. 4: back to point 2, ERRORS. if something goes wrong somewhere, who's responsible? how did it happen? more often than not, multiple people are working on different parts of ai at different times, and because AI systems are (sometimes) simultaneous in, say, generating a response or art, WHAT exactly went wrong is difficult to pin down. if we can't do it confidently, why are we relying on it so heavily? are we ready to face a potentially fatal mistake if something crucial goes wong? i'm not, which is why you won't ever see me talking positively about ANY care that relies SOLELY on ai. if it falters and veers to the right a little too much, someone probably broke six ribs 5: it gives parents an excuse to just not be parents. again, you've probably heard this before so I won't go too into detail, but if you can't be bothered to raise a kid, then don't have one. "o-oh but it's tradition for my fami-" fuck them?? adopt your kid out to someone who'll actually love them. I have zero sympathy for people who throw a tablet in front of their kids and don't spend an ounce of time with them otherwise.

ironically, i've got this while trying to get sources for this post. point 4: errors. there's a ton of other points i didn't even mention, like scamming (people are so gullible nowadays) and laziness (if i EVER read a fic on ao3 and it's ai i'm crashing tf out). but this post is probably getting too long so: TLDR: i don't care for most usages of ai (also yes anon i'll answer your questions soon you asked some heavy ones so)

[arlechinav-blog]

Trancework Requires Monitors

(Just to confuse you, I have added a photo of a drummer--who is not a monitor, nor are they capable of doing these two jobs at once. Pretty pic though. lol)

If you have not yet read my post on roles in traditional group trancework, here is the link so you have a little background. This post is complicated because it involves amateur diagnostic work. In an ideal scenario, you would learn about these things in person from a qualified person who could show you the nuanced differences between spiritual needs and medical needs in a hands-on, experiential way. It is nearly impossible to truly get this information and understand it from reading about it alone.

However, I am very much aware that people do go out and perform trancework and attempt to reconstruct ancient ecstatic traditions on their own without any guidance apart from text, intuition, and conviction. And I have seen the injuries that result from this sink-or-swim style of trancework. If I can give you any kind of leg up, heads up, or framework to help you, I would like to do so. So, please accept this information in the spirit that it is being provided--which is good faith. Use your common sense. Defer to medical professionals when it comes to medical needs. And for those of you reading this who are medical professionals in some capacity, think of the entranced like sleep walkers and go from there. As always, talk to your doctor about these kinds of activities if you have a medical condition that may be impacted by changing elevation, altered states of consciousness, physical exertion, allergies, etc. And also be aware that every living trancework tradition has roles for different ages and abilities. This is not for the able bodied alone but thoughtful care does need to be put into how things get done. Also be aware that some traditions out there place an emphasis on the spiritual value of self-harm--a few Catholic practices come to my mind on that. So, not everything that is traditional is benevolent or even harmless. Be careful, be aware, and take care of each other. Do not ever feel pressured into doing something that you are not comfortable with. If any of the advice that you read here sounds weird, reach out to me and I can walk you through it or you can walk me through something I may not know myself. Oral traditions are far more interactive than books because you get to ask questions and get answers. We can mutually learn from each other. Utilize this opportunity. Now onto the info! Brace yourself for a particularly long post.

 A monitor is someone who takes care of the entranced, usually a dancer who has gone into a state of trance.

A monitor is kind of like a bodyguard or personal assistant for a trance dancer. They hang out in the background most of the time and don’t do much until they are needed. One monitor is better than none but I prefer to always have two on hand whenever possible. A monitor can be someone who just enjoys doing that job and it is all they ever do during trance ceremonies. They can also be a supportive friend or family member who knows the drill. Or they can even be dancers who have not tranced yet who want to help out before they get their turn. The most important thing is that a monitor should always secure consent to do the job before any part of the ritual begins. This is a bodycare role so talk about it and find out what the person you will be monitoring is comfortable with. Stick to it. Informed consent is key to this.

*Dancers who have already tranced during that session really should not serve as monitors because they will be trance drunk. Monitors need to be sober.

(Pictured: Just a night out with the squad. Don't worry about it.)

I have compiled some advice for those who are interested in doing trancework of any kind, especially ecstatic dance. There are some tools you will need to do the job. So, let's get that list out of the way.

A monitor’s toolkit includes:

-White flat sheets. These can be used to stretch between a dancer and an obstacle, used to cover a dancer when they are done trancing, and used to subdue a dancer who has become “full of spirit”--if they need it.  

-Scented water. Rose water or Orange blossom water are great. This is used to cool down the dancer’s forehead and limbs when they are done trancing. It helps them to come back/revive. 

-Wake-up oil. I use a blend of cedar, rosemary, cloves, and something strong like eucalyptus or cinnamon. The monitor covers their fingers with it and then wipes the nose of the entranced after they have been sheeted and sprinkled with scented water. Check in with the people you are monitoring to see if they have a preference and if they have allergies that should factor into what you use here.

-Food & Water. Eating and drinking happen away from the rug so once the dancer is awake enough to move, the monitor can offer food and water. Bread is good, chocolate is also good. I like to have a couple bites of roasted chicken or fancy cheese but everybody has their preference. 

-Medications. If the entranced person that you will be monitoring requires medications for conditions such as asthma or something, the monitor should have those things in pocket when they begin so they don’t have to go looking for them should their charge need them. 

Useful skills to hone!

The key trait of a good Monitor is empathy. To perform their jobs well, they have to be able to reach into the entranced’s body language to retrieve information about what is going on. The Monitor is up close to the entranced when needed, sometimes stepping onto the rug to help them. Understanding what the entranced feels & what they are going through, helps the Monitor to become better at their job.

A Monitor needs to be familiar with the behaviors of an entranced individual to be able to differentiate normal behavior from distressed behavior. The vast majority of the time, the job is easy and there isn’t much to it. Occasionally entranced dancers will do strange things but how do you know what is within the spectrum of normal and what is actual distressed behavior?

I made you this handy little guide so that you don't have to learn from the disaster that is trial-and-error. Hopefully.

The Normal Job

Keep outsiders from disturbing the entranced. Nobody should come up and touch your charge, or try to get their attention, or yell at them, or hand them things, or take things away from them, etc. Interrupting a person who is in a trance can make that person nauseous or sick. It is also physically and emotionally damaging. It fricken hurts! Don't let it happen.

Remove things that your trance dancer sheds without disturbing their movement. Usually this is jewelry, sometimes this is clothing that has come off, hair clips, that sort of thing. Just move it out of the way quickly and quietly, without disruption, and put it somewhere safe.

Keep the entranced from knocking into others who are entranced (if you are doing group work), obstacles, and other random hazards. This is more of an issue outdoors or in small spaces. You can do this by stretching out a flat sheet and holding it taught to separate the entranced from the obstacle. You will need 2 monitors to pull that off.

Once your dancer has PTFO’d: (PTFO = Passed the eff out.) Place the flat sheet over their body and apply light massaging pressure to their limbs, sprinkle their exposed skin (hands and forehead) with scented water, take your time, and follow up with the wake-up oil to the nose.

Help the entranced get up and get them to a safe place where they can be wide eyed for a while. After they wake from PTFO it takes a while for their senses to return so you may end up sitting with them for some time unless you are needed back on the rug. Make sure they are safe before you return to work.

(This is what PTFO care looks like. Be a gentle and supportive human. Trancework is labor.)

Reading Entranced Body Language

Understanding the hidden body language in the structure of trancework requires an experiential familiarity with it. Reading about it can help to prepare you for it but you have to see it and do it to really understand what is going on. Make peace now with the fact that trance is weird and wonderful in its own special way.

Normal Behavior. Acceptable behavior for a trance dancer consists of all kinds of strange things. It may look disturbing but if it isn’t harmful, just carry on as normal and everyone can muse over it later.

1. Bending back and forth rapidly. This might look painful, but it’s quite normal and a seasoned dancer probably won’t even experience muscle ache afterwards.

2. Screaming, yelling, or crying while clearly entranced. This one normally causes concern in inexperienced onlookers, but trancing can be a deeply emotional experience, or it may be that the dancer is simply releasing excess energy. Occasionally, a dancer may even make weird breathing or animal noises, it is all totally normal. If the person you are monitoring wakes up and starts doing these things, that is completely different and you can render care as normal. But as long as they are still in the magic floppy zone, this is just energy moving around.

3. Dropping to the ground suddenly. Know the difference between this and a fall. Dancers regularly throw themselves on the ground and dance on their knees or back, even dramatically collapsing at the conclusion of a ritual (PTFO). If a dancer doesn’t look troubled by it, then don’t worry about it. However, if the entranced trips and falls, the lead musician should just steady the music. They will come around if they need to.

4. Sitting around bobbing their head. If a dancer starts doing this after they have been in a trance for a while, it does not mean that they are fatigued. It normally indicates that they are in a fairly deep trance. The music will need to add some zing to get them going again so this is a lead musician fix. The lead musician should up the tempo or try a different rhythm. Monitors can't really do much about it.

5. Talking. If a dancer starts talking while entranced, only an actual official Guide should engage them in conversation. Never talk to the entranced, you will only encourage it. This is exclusively ecstatic territory. It is perfectly fine to let a dancer chatter as much as they want but only a Guide is qualified to carry on a dialog. If the entranced starts swearing or babbling in gibberish, definitely seek the aid of a Guide at the completion of the session. That whole thing requires a different kind of trance ritual and everyone involved will have to consent to performing it. No spontaneous ecstatic rituals without consent.

6. Speaking in tongues. This is a possible symptom of possession but it just as naturally occurs on its own. Just proceed as normal. Ignore. See above.

7. Shaking fiercely. Occasionally, the entranced will do what looks like a full body extended shiver. This is another way of melting off excess energy. It is actually supposed to be good luck if this occurs. This is very different from a seizure or a body tremor. Experience will help you learn the difference.

8. Bending backwards. Not all dancers are as flexible as gymnasts, so when they start moving in a way that they ordinarily can’t (such as bending backwards at the waist until their head touches the ground) most people familiar with that person tend to become concerned. During an altered state of consciousness the body is unimaginably loose, and it can go far beyond the limited movements of its conscious state. Even those with arthritis or fibromyalgia can achieve this kind of flexibility, they are just not fully awake to enjoy it. They may or may not feel it the next day. ***

Troubled Behavior. Some trance dancers are having trouble descending into a trance. Either they can’t relax or something isn’t clicking right. Occasionally you will meet someone who isn’t really even trying or is hamming it up for what they think is an audience. A good lead musician can spot the difference and they will handle it with music.

1. Stealing frequent glances at others. This can be fixed with a blindfold or they can leave the rug.

2. Attempts to communicate with others while on the rug. If they are awake enough to be communicating, not simply talking while entranced, then they are awake enough to leave the rug.

3. Overly showy dance moves that require great concentration. If they are awake enough to put on a show, they are awake enough to leave the rug.

4. Frequently changing outfits or rearranging themselves before their turn on the rug and during. If the dancer is on the rug while doing it, just let it go unless it becomes problematic. It can take some time for trance dancers to learn to let go of concern for how they look. Be encouraging during off-the-rug time. This issue is about trust and patience. 

5. Dramatic behavior or symptoms of possession. Trance dancers who have a spirit have a separate kind of ritual that they go through for a reason. Their trances tend to be more violent than a normal trance ritual can handle. If this is a thing for one particular dancer, they need to trance exclusively in spiritwork oriented rituals with a qualified group who understands their needs. Handle it as a monitor should in the moment and then talk about it openly as a group at a later time. There is no shame in it, we all need what we need. ***

Distressed Behavior. Distressed trance dancers are having trouble trancing for some reason, possibly due to improper music or the simple inability to reach beyond a certain point. When a dancer is distressed, the lead musician will handle it with music. Monitors should keep in mind that a distressed dancer on the rug may be sore the next day. 

1. A lack of energy. The dancer just doesn’t seem to be following the music. It may be the wrong rhythm or song for them.

2. Signs of deep concentration in the lines of the face, accompanied by tight body movements. This indicates that the dancer is trying too hard and is not relaxed enough to descend properly. Trust, relaxation, practice, stretching or massage before trance, or participating in a catalyst trance ceremony could all work but those are long term solutions to work on off-the-rug.

3. Returning to their basic stance and techniques repeatedly. This indicates an inability to remain in an altered state, most likely due to the current rhythm or some kind of distraction. Not much you can do aside from being encouraging and supportive off the rug.

4. Slowly shuffling with little or no body movement. This means that the dancer is plugged in deeply, but needs the tempo raised to become more animated. ***

Potentially Dangerous Behavior. Trance dancers who give off danger signs are likely in some kind of peril and need help. A monitor can step in at any time they feel that something dangerous is going on but it would be best to make eye contact with the lead musician so that they know. This allows everyone to work together to get the dancer through whatever they are going through safely. This almost never happens but you should be ready for it anyway.

1. Collapsing suddenly and becoming non-responsive. If the dancer suddenly goes limp in the middle of a trance ritual with no outward signs leading up to the collapse, there is a serious problem. The Monitor needs to get to them quickly and feel for vital signs while the lead musician slows the music down. Someone needs to be poised to get the dancer some real medical attention if the Monitor is not satisfied with the dancer’s condition. The Monitor should check for a pulse and breathing, and attempt to rouse the dancer. This needs to be done very quickly. If the dancer does not wake and say, “I’m fine,” the Monitor should take steps to get the dancer proper medical care from a professional. If the dancer has a known medical condition that this fits, initiate their personal medical plan (that was discussed before trancework ever began).

2. Going into a seizure. A seizure looks very different from a collapse or a full-body shiver. You can gain a working familiarity for the ways that different types of seiures present by watching videos on YouTube. There are multiple kinds and there are different strategies for them as well. Taking a first aid course would also be really helpful and practical. A good Monitor should have a first aid background for occasions such as this so that they know what steps to take. If the dancer has a known history of seizures, they should not be doing trancework like this. Hopefully someone present will have medication or a standard procedure to go by. If no known history exists, call for medical help and be advised by a professional on what to do next.

3. Serious Bleeding. If the dancer begins to bleed and it is more than a light scratch, the lead musician should slow the music down and the Monitor should attempt to rouse them as normal. Even if the dancer does not seem to be in any pain, they should probably still wake up for medical assessment. If a dancer seriously cuts themselves while trancing, the Monitor’s first concern is to stop the bleeding with pressure while the lead musician keeps the music slow and steady. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, they need to get to a place of more advanced medical care. Tiny scrapes are not much cause for concern, and they are not worth waking the dancer over. Just use good judgment.

4. Panicked, jerking movements. If the dancer starts to panic while entranced, they need soothing music or they may hyperventilate and faint. There are a number of things that could cause a fear reaction; identifying the cause comes secondary to finding the solution. The Monitor should move nearby, just in case the dancer passes out, so that someone can catch them before they fall and really hurt themselves. If the soothing music does not help and they start going wild, they will need to be wrapped up in a sheet like a baby and that could take 2-3 Monitors to pull off. Once they are awake, the Monitor should follow their empathy and PTFO formula to calm and soothe. This can also be an indication that they need a different kind of ritual at a later date.

5. Sudden change from a loose dance posture to alert and unfamiliar dance behaviors. If the dancer goes from a perfectly normal trance experience to something completely out of character for them, they have either gone in deep or they need a guide.  Watch them and look for other cues. If it is not immediately dangerous, let them continue. If they start going wild, they will need to be wrapped up in a sheet like a baby and that could take 2-3 Monitors to pull off. Once they are awake, the Monitor should follow their empathy and PTFO formula to calm and soothe. This can also be an indication that they need a different kind of ritual at a later date. 6. Displays signs of a known medical condition. I am asthmatic. If I am trancing and I start to have an asthma attack, I may not be in the right frame of mind to make responsible decisions about my health. If my Monitor notices it, I would want them to hold up my inhaler as a sign to those watching that I need my medication. The lead musician would then slow the music down, the Monitor would go through the PTFO response if I am dazed, and THEN, while on the rug, offer me my medication. Having a medical issue like that does not make trance impossible and an attack is not necessarily a dangerous situation unless it is left untreated. If you have a medical condition that could be a problem, then make a battle plan with your Monitor before trancing.

7. Hitting Their Head. Sometimes an entranced dancer will start engaging in a headbanging-like movement. This can really hurt the supportive muscles of the neck and they will probably be sore for a while afterward. There isn't much you can do about it in the moment but you can have a conversation before trancing starts to work out a game plan. Ask the dancer if they want you to stop them if they should do that. Otherwise, use your own judgment in situ. If the headbanging looks like it is going to turn into head bashing against the floor, you can slip a pillow under their head if it is on the gentle side. If it is clearly too aggressive, the music needs to be slowed down and the entranced needs to be gently roused. The long term fix for this is for the dancer to train to move in a different way while fully conscious and just building up some muscle memory with those alternative movements. This goes for any potentially harmful movement.

Fire in the Disco!

The vast majority of the time trancework is chill and pretty simple. I have done a lot of trancework in my life. At my peak I think I was trancing about 3-4 times per week. And in my 30+ years doing this, I have only had a dangerous situation pop up a handful of times. The most common injury being people who dance around a bonfire and inevitably fall into it. The only kind of trancework that can be "safely" (as safe as it can be) done around a bonfire would be a group circle/chain dance. Solo dancers orbiting flames do weird things and I have zero trust that they can keep themselves out of the fire 100% of the time. If there is fire present anywhere where trancework is taking place, you had better have burn care materials on hand and a protocol in place for handling burns. Be prepared.

Emphasis on Safety

If you do not actively work to create a safe environment for the entranced to do what they do, you will not have one. Aim for controlled chaos. Prioritize strong supports, open communication, and consent. Keep your trance space open and clear. Remove as many hazards as you possible can. Monitors should train and drill outside of trance rituals to coordinate their methods for handling the entranced. Practice using a sheet to block the entranced from smacking into objects and other people. Also practice wrapping someone up in a sheet. (And do not let it constrict the entranced.) Do it as many times as you need to until you have it down.

Aftercare

Part of the monitor's job is to provide aftercare for the entranced. Food and drink will help them come down. Simple conversation when they are ready is also helpful in getting the mind used to thinking and being present again. Physical touch also helps to return awareness to the body. Calmingly rubbing your charge's limbs and back (with consent) is an excellent way of doing this. Making sure the entranced gets home safely is also part of the job. A few check ins in the days after would be helpful as well. Just to make sure that there aren't any lingering injuries or issues. It is psychologically nourishing to care for others and to be cared for. This is a major part of how trancework heals and benefits us as people. If the entranced has muscle fatigue or mild soreness the next day, encourage them to hydrate, rest, and ice the spot if it is needed. A full day of rest after a major trance session is normal. (Do not book yourself for strenuous activities the next day.)

Not every traditional form of trance will emphasize aftercare. This is something that is more common in North African traditions. It is conspicuously absent in Catholic based trancework. Just something to be aware of.

Monitors Outside of Mediterranean Trancework

I have noticed that folks who do not have a connection to a living trancework tradition are less likely to be aware of the role monitor's play and of any kind of care or assistance for the entranced. So, not everybody uses monitors. Trancing, especially open trancing around bonfires, is very common at large polytheistic camping events. These are the places you are most likely to encounter a group trance effort out in the wild. I have never seen official monitors at these things. If you want one, you have to bring your own. To their credit, there is usually a first aid tent though. So, there's that.

The secular version would be at concerts where some kind of trance goes down--like moshing and headbanging. Those settings have their own rules. Call it pit etiquette but basically it just means protecting yourself and fellow entranced. Looking out for each other. If someone falls, pick them up. If someone is injured, stop and get them help.

Hope this helps to give you a good start. Good luck!

[chelles-trees]

"Hey, everyone! I just went from 15/16 white to 1/4 white!"

"Dude, you're in North America, and this is Europe."

"So?"

"Your parents and grandparents sacrificed their identities to gain acceptance into white society. That makes you completely white."

"But, I can learn to speak ____ and start practicing ____ traditions."

"On you, that'd be acting, costumes, and theater props. If you weren't raised in the culture, and you don't actively help the community, you aren't part of it."

"I can help the community, and learn the language, and practice the traditions, and..."

"Why do you care so much? You are powerful, or at least protected from the powerful."

"I'm not powerful. I may be protected, but from whom? In here, there's nothing. It's emptiness. I've always been at risk of being disowned--yes, even as a kid--if I was too much of a handful, or if fashionable political views changed. Everything--every friendship, and romance, and piece of filial love--is shallow and for show. Even the cultural stories are either about hard work or are there to literally sell something."

"That sounds hurtful, but it doesn't excuse pretending to be part of a people you aren't. If you want deeper relationships, work on the ones you have. Joining a different culture won't fix that, and it's pretty shitty considering what their ancestors had to do to keep their culture alive. The same goes for your 'cultural stories.'"

"But it IS my culture. It's a combination of white and non-white and is only not in the white camp because of ultra racism with the 'one drop' rule. I was raised in a city with that majority, I count as 1/4 of that mixed culture, I am one of them."

"You don't lose anything if they lose rights. You were brought up NEAR that culture, not in it. Boiling everything down to bloodlines is a very white-supremacist move. You can enjoy being on the outskirts of that community as an ally, but pretending to be in it is a lie. Deepen your existing relationships; make your own cultural additions; think about your fellow white people who are still in an environment where they have the same emptiness, would you abandon them?"

"When white people try to make those cultural additions, it so often ends up becoming supremacy, even if it wasn't intended that way. That's what happened with Superman, Batman, The Punnisher, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, stories about the old west, musical genres stolen from African Americans, and almost everything else. This sort of hard divide is part of white supremacy because it makes every white person culpable. If they leave, they're an intruder wherever they go; if they stay and try to help, it eventually gets co-opted to help supremacy. The drive that some white people have actively, and some have passively, makes it nigh impossible to do anything that doesn't help the supremacy and harm everyone. The solution is to destroy the 'white' identity in the first place."

"And how do you propose to do that?"

"I need to pick part of me heredity, and identify as that, rather than as 'white.'"

"Which part are you choosing?"

"The same mixed culture I've been talking about."

"So, this is still a round-about way to enter a space where you don't belong."

"Well, I need to belong somewhere."

"Your place is literally everyplace else. Your white predecessors made sure of that."

"Whiteness will only die with people leaving it, and I need to go somewhere."

"Pick literally any other part of your heredity."

"I don't know anything about any of the other cultures that my other great-grandparents came from. This one is just as much of my heretage as any of those, and I grew up around it, so it's more a part of my upbringing than any of the others."

[Posting now bc it's never going to end, and I need it to end somewhere.]

i found the second funniest map in the world today

[soapver4]

Franklix

Platform Bubble: A transparent content library that lets you choose the brain you want for yourself based on the averaged neurological changes of the consumers of the book, course, film, drama, etc. curated or, if the changes are too small, based on the genre, discipline, institution, lecturer, author, director or other creators. That is the definitively life-revolutionizing choice we need on top of the choices of exhilaratingly but ultimately helplessly watching larvae taking over human brains in Parasyte: The Grey or [doomsday scifi spoiler] the dispatch of a human brain to forlorn outer space in 3 Body Problem, shows which recently topped a FlixPatrol global TV streaming chart in close succession.

Content and life are fast evolving, so we need to ensure whatever forms of societal compass we have with respect to them keep pace. Sharper differentiation between beneficial content and detrimental content enables the precise and efficient choice optimization that is ever more important against a backdrop of enrichment/entertainment option overload and harrowing time scarcity. The necessity is real whether you are pro-screen or anti-screen.

To identify with an "anti-screen" league might sound hypocritical in this smartphone age. Even this discourse is of necessity mediated through a screen. The temptation and justification for screen usage are made powerful by the current realities of modern living — the network effect (i.e. how the value of a good or service depends on the number of users, which in turn carries implications for any digital abstinence or digital hermitism on the part of users like business owners, commentators, creators or even simply run-of-the-mill career builders), phone-addicted spouses and buddies whose attention you switch on more readily through WhatsApp, the need to join social conversations around trending shows to avoid becoming an outcast, online-only opinion pieces, and essential services increasingly requiring web connectivity. Prominent reflections of authentic neurological changes that confirm purported negative consequences of viewing excessive onscreen violence and short-form content, for example, would be reminders that may abate the temptation and turn the tide of peer pressure to some extent. Physical written materials, in contrast, can cultivate patience, concentration and an appetite for deep contemplation, provided they are not part of any multitasking setup.

That said, the books-good-TV-bad mantra needs a nuance check given the transforming content landscape. Give fair chances to new works otherwise tarnished by past scientific findings on the harm of television watching and stop shallow publications from stealing precious minutes of our lives. Television can be a rich and cognitively stimulating form of storytelling, if screen creators care to make the best of their medium, whereas a financially threatened publishing industry surviving on conservative business ethos may keep selecting works that repeat the same ideas for up to hundreds of pages at a time to meet traditional length expectations and across tens of thousands of titles. Unlike text, screen details may await careful discovery, instead of always being spelled out one way or another. What an opportunity for bookish nerds to stretch our multiple faculties. Layered audiovisual worlds take this millions of steps further as they compact ideas, emotions and sociocultural, literary and academic references into mere minutes or even seconds. The caveat is that the brain catalog must carry a warning about the content-independent perils of excessive screen time.

Not relying solely on superficial theories and industry experiences vulnerable to future disruption, @netflix itself has had a biophysical lab that measured electrical activities in volunteers' brains as they watched videos. To take this to an ideal level, we might want to randomly select individuals, habitual users of a medium and others alike, for each item or group in the proposed content library and conduct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other suitable measurements of them before and after their consumption of the item or of a statistically significant number of group items. With massive samples of such individuals, any confounding factors would hopefully cancel out each other. To be sure, the problems with this approach are tremendous: staggering technical and logistical costs, denial of personal autonomy, riding roughshod over conscientious objection to consuming works of certain ideologies or themes.

One compromise would be comparing the neurological measurements of pairs or, if the numbers permit, paired pools of consenting, anonymized viewers who share similar biographical data and viewing histories but differ in whether they have consumed the content item or group under evaluation. A discounted price tier can be offered to incentivize the consent, data sharing and measurements. There are at least two complications, on top of the obvious analytical limitation of self-selection, however. First, while pure entertainment content may be viewed as merely a foregone luxury for non-consenting individuals, the same is not true for foregone enrichment items, including important academic books and courses as well as works of profound societal value that inspire you, for instance, to push on against your real-life difficulties or to take pride in your marginalized background. The consequence is the oft-discussed data-selling equivalent of organ selling for people of lesser means who actually need to consume the works. Second, discussions around TikTok bans and around familial genomic information have raised the concern that personal data is more than personal. The geopolitical and societal implications of massive data collection may be deemed troubling, however unfettered, authentic and informed the consent given is.

Until there is a solution or favorable consensus for challenges above, here is a suggestion for a crude proxy that circumvents them: a review site-like content library where each user can pick two shapes that she believes best represent the cognitive state and emotional state of her brain respectively after consuming a curated item. Polling on the shapes starts after complete consumption of the item is plausible. For example, the brain shape poll for a web series should start at a time that is the sum of the time of release of the finale of a web series and the running duration of the finale. To minimize the effect of any manipulation by rabid fandoms or unscrupulous commercial players, the most popular brain shapes for the item are to be unveiled only after the end of a reasonably long voting period, after which no more vote will be accepted. At least the fun concept itself should be sufficient non-monetary incentive for poll participation.

Quantitative surveys of neurological states need not obliterate any romance or particularity of a viewing or fiction reading experience. Just as you can imagine having separate fabulous friendships with twins with identical looks and similar personalities, the Shinichi-Migi bromance in the Japanese manga/anime version of Parasyte and the Suin-Heidi "sismance" (never mind that a widely-accepted term for female bromance still does not exist) in the South Korean live-action adaptation of Parasyte mentioned in the beginning may be both worth cherishing in their own rights, even if they all hold out brains in the shape of a reaper with a large heart as its head in poll results. Ditto for The Three-Body Problem franchise's Cheng Xin X Yun Tianming loveline and Cheng Jin (Jin Cheng) X Will Downing loveline, and any steaming, plasmoid-shaped brains.

[lilliesforya]

Cultural exchange event with Indonesia

11/9

A group of students from Indonesia visited my middle school in early November. It was a special cultural exchange event. Everyone went to the gym (also the auditorium for all intents and purposes) and the kids led the assembly in Japanese and English. I had looked over their English parts and I was really proud of the students for speaking in front of the whole school. My principal even gave his introductory speech in English! There was an exchange of souvenirs from both groups and the head teacher from their school and the principal from my school signed documents signifying the event. The documents are in front of my school now on display, with other cultural items, but I can't read them because they're in Japanese and Indonesian. 

The students from both schools performed dances for one another. My middle schoolers performed a dance with glow sticks to Idol by Yoasobi (they also performed this at the school festival in October). The students from Indonesia had two performances, one with hand held fans and one with Angklung (an instrument made from bamboo, you shake it to make the sounds) and singing. They also wore traditional dress which was really cool to see. 

After the assembly, the kids got to pick one class to go to for activities. There was music class, sitting volleyball, and math games. I think it was like math games but I don't know for sure. I was with the sitting volleyball group to act as an English translator just in case (albeit being not super conversational in Japanese). The kids from Indonesia speak very good English, so I was able to chat with them conversationally. I also explained some of the things they found unclear in the game. I had never heard of sitting volleyball before this, but it's just volleyball with a plastic/ lighter ball and you are sitting down. It sounds weird but I think it's more fun and more accessible. Because the ball is lighter it doesn't go as fast, giving you more time to prepare to hit it. And it can’t harm you if you get hit. This was with the second years (8th graders) and I was happy to spend some time with them outside of English class! 

I asked a bunch of the Indonesian students if they liked Tokyo or Osaka better, because they had traveled around Japan before coming to the school. They all said Osaka (which I agree with for the most part). They were trying to be polite and when I asked I was met with silence and I had to explain “Oh, it's okay if you pick Osaka. I've been there and I love it.” (They were reluctant to admit it because my school is geographically closer to Tokyo). Tokyo is awesome, but your experience really depends on the neighborhood you're in because it's such a large city. It's also more fast paced, with people all trying to get to work and such. I am used to New York City so this doesn't bother me. Tokyo's subways and trains may be crowded sometimes but they're so efficient you can hardly complain. Osaka on the other hand has a reputation for being more relaxed despite being a large city. I think it honestly comes down to how the familiarity of each place meshes with it's unique aspects that determine how much someone likes a place.

This event was really fun and I was happy to be able to be apart of it.

[gendercensus]

On fae/faer pronouns and cultural appropriation

HOW IT STARTED

I had a handful, a very small handful but more than two, responses in the Gender Census feedback box telling me that fae/faer pronouns are appropriative. The reasons didn’t always agree, and the culture that was being appropriated wasn’t always the same, but here’s a selection of quotes:

“Fae pronouns are cultural appropriation and are harmful to use“ - UK, age 11-15

“I’m not a person who practices pagan holidays but, my understanding is that pronouns like fae/faeself are harmful because the fae are real to pagans and is like using Jesus/jesuself as pronouns“ - UK, age 11-15

“I know you've probably heard this a million times, so has everyone on the internet, but the ''mere existence''of the fae pronoun feels really uncomfortable for some of us. I'm personally not against neopronouns like xe/xim, er/em and the like, I am a pagan but apart from the, imo most important, reasoning of that pronoun being immensely disrespectful, I worry as an nb about people who banalize the usage of pronouns ''for fun'', and I'm quoting what some people have told me.“ - Spain, 16-20

“I don't agree with fae/deity pronouns just from a pagan perspective it's very disrespectful to the cultures they come from. Like Fae are a legit thing in many cultures and they hate with a fiery passion mortal humans calling themselves Fae to the point of harming/cursing the people who do it“ - USA, age 16-20

“only celtic people can use far/ faers otherwise it’s cultural appropriation, many celts have said this and told me this“ - USA, age 16-20

So that’s:

❓ Someone who doesn’t say whether they’re pagan or Celtic.

❌ Someone who definitely isn’t pagan.

✅ Someone who is pagan.

❓ Someone who doesn’t say whether they’re pagan or Celtic.

❓ Someone who doesn’t say whether they’re pagan or Celtic.

So, just to disclose some bias up-front, I am English so I’m not Celtic, but I do live in Wales so I am surrounded by Celts. The bit of Wales that I live in is so beautiful in such a way that when my French friend came to visit me she described it as féerique - like an enchanting, magical land, literally “fairylike” or thereabouts. Coincidentally I have also considered myself mostly pagan for over half of my life, and I can’t definitively claim whether or not the Fae are “part of paganism” because paganism is so diverse and pick’n’mix that it just doesn’t work that way.

To me the idea that fae/faer pronouns would be offensive or culturally appropriative sounds absurd. But also, I am powered by curiosity, and have been wrong enough times in my life that I wanted to approach this in a neutral way with an open mind. Perhaps what I find out can be helpful to some people.

So since we only have information from one person who is definitely directly affected by any cultural appropriation that may be happening, the first thing I wanted to do was get some information from ideally a large number of people who are in the cultures being appropriated, and see what they think.

~

WHAT I DID

First of all I put some polls up on Twitter and Mastodon. [Edit: Note that this post has been updated with results from closed polls.]

I specified that I wanted to hear from nonbinary Celts and pagans, just so that the voters would be familiar with fae/faer pronouns. I asked the questions in a neutral way, i.e. “How do you feel about...” with “good/neutral/bad” answer options, instead of something more leading like “Is this a load of rubbish?” or “are you super offended?” with “yes/no” options. I provided a “see results” option, so that the poll results wouldn’t be skewed as much by random people clicking any old answer to see the results. And I invited voters to express their opinions in replies.

Question #1: Nonbinary people of Celtic descent (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany), how do you feel about non-Celtic people using the neopronoun set fae/faer? [ It's good / No strong feelings/other / It's bad ]

Question #2: Nonbinary pagans, how do you feel about non-pagans using the neopronoun set fae/faer? [ It's good / No strong feelings/other / It's bad ]

The Twitter polls got over 1,100 responses each, and the Mastodon polls got over 140 responses each. With a little bit of spreadsheetery I removed the “N/A” responses to reverse engineer the number of people voting for each option, combined those numbers, and recalculated percentages.

Obviously this approach is not in the least scientific, but thankfully the results were unambiguous enough and the samples were big enough that I feel comfortable drawing conclusions.

Celts on fae/faer pronouns being used by non-Celts (561 voters):

It's good - 42.5%

No strong feelings/other - 44.0%

It's bad - 13.5%

Pagans on fae/faer pronouns being used by non-pagans (468 voters):

It's good - 47.2%

No strong feelings/other - 39.5%

It's bad - 13.3%

Here’s how that looks as a graph:

The limitations of polls on these platforms means that we have no way to distinguish between people who have more complicated views (”other”) and people who have “no strong feelings”, so we can’t really draw conclusions there. If we stick to just the pure positive and pure negative:

Celts were over three times as likely to feel positive about non-Celts using fae/faer pronouns than they were to feel negative.

Pagans were over three and a half times as likely to feel positive about non-pagans using fae/faer pronouns than they were to feel negative.

So Celts and pagans are way more likely to feel actively good about someone’s fae/faer pronouns, even when that person is not a Celt/pagan. That’s some strong evidence against the idea that fae/faer pronouns are appropriative, right there.

~

CORRECTIONS

To be clear, I haven’t done any research about the roots of fae/faer or the origins of the Fae and related beings, but my goal here was to get a sense of what Celts and pagans think and feel, rather than what an historian or anthropologist would say.

On the anti side, here were the replies that suggested fae/faer either is or might be inappropriate:

“I only worry that not everyone understands the origin of the word outside of modernized ideas of fairies.“ - pagan

“As a vaguely spiritual Whatever (Ireland), I think a mortal using "fae" as a pronoun/to refer to themselves is asking for a malicious and inventive fairy curse (on them, their families and possibly anyone in their vicinity, going by the traditions). I have not heard of this term before, so this is an immediate reaction from no background bar my cultural knowledge of sidhe/fae/term as culturally appropriate. My general approach is people can identify themselves as they want.“ - Celtic

So we’ve got a pagan who’s wary that people who use fae/faer (and people in general) might not have a fully fleshed out idea of the Fae. And we’ve got a Celt who doesn’t mind people using fae/faer personally, but based on what they know of the Fae they wouldn’t be surprised if the Fae got mad about it. No outright opposition, but a little concern.

There were not a lot of replies on the pro side, but not because people weren’t into it, judging by the votes. There were a lot of “it’s more complicated than that” replies, many of which repeated others, so quotes won’t really work. Here’s a summary of the Celtic bits:

“Fae” is not a Celtic word, and Celts don’t use it. It is French, or Anglo-French.

“Fae” can refer to any number of stories/legends from a wide variety of cultures in Europe, not one cohesive concept.

There are many legends about fairy-like beings in Celtic mythologies, and there are many, many different names for them.

The Celts are not a monolith, they’re a broad selection of cultures with various languages and various mythologies.

And the pagan bits:

Paganism is not closed or exclusive in any way. It might actually be more open than anything else, as “pagan” is a sort of umbrella term for non-mainstream religions in some contexts. A closed culture would be a prerequisite for something to be considered “appropriated” from paganism.

From my own experience, pagans may or may not believe in the Fae, and within that group believers may or may not consider the Fae to be sacred and/or worthy of great respect. (I’ve certainly never met a pagan who worshipped the Fae, though I don’t doubt that some do.)

And then we get into the accusations. 🍿

“this issue wasn’t started by Celtic groups or by people who know much about Celtic fae. It was started primarily by anti-neopronoun exclusionist pagans on TikTok.“

“[I’m] literally Scottish [...] and it’s not appropriative in the least and honestly to suggest as such is massively invalidating towards actual acts of cultural appropriation and is therefore racist. Feel like if this was actually brought up it was either by some people who seriously got their wires crossed or people who are just concern trolling and trying to make fun of both neo-pronouns and of the concept of cultural appropriation and stir the pot in the process.“

“It wouldn't be the first time bigots falsly claim “it's appropriative from X marginalized group" to harass people they don't like, like they did with aspec people when they claimed "aspec" was stolen from autistic language (which was false, as many autistics said)“

“It's been a discussion in pagan circles recently ... People were very quick to use the discussion as an excuse to shit on nonbinary people.“

“I think it would be apropos to note that the word "faerie/fairy" has been a synonym for various queer identities for decades, too. The Radical Faeries are a good example.“ (So if anyone has the right to [re]claim it...)

A little healthy skepticism is often wise in online LGBTQ+ “discourse”, and some of these people are making some very strong claims, for which I’d love to see some evidence/sources/context. Some of it certainly sounds plausible.

~

HOW DID IT START?

I had a look on Twitter and the earliest claim I can find that fae/faer pronouns are cultural appropriation is from 18th February 2020, almost exactly one year ago today. Again, tweets are not the best medium for this, there was very little in the way of nuance or context. If anyone can find an older claim from Twitter or Tumblr or anywhere else online, please do send it my way.

I have no idea how to navigate TikTok because I’m a nonbinosaur. (I’m 34.) I did find some videos of teens and young adults apparently earnestly asserting that they were Celtic or pagan and the use of fae/faer pronouns was offensive, but the videos were very brief and provided nothing in the way of nuance or context. For example:

This one from October 2020 with 29k ❤️s, by someone who I assume is USian based on the word “mom”?

This one from December 2020, that says “I am pagan and i find it rather disrespectful. It’s like using god/godr or jesus/jesusr.” That’s probably what inspired the feedback box comment above that refers to hypothetical jesus/jesusr pronouns.

If anyone is able to find a particularly old or influential TikTok video about fae/faer pronouns being appropriative I’d really appreciate it, especially if it’s from a different age group or from not-the-USA, to give us a feel for how universal this is.

For context, fae pronouns were mentioned in the very first Gender Census back in May 2013, though you’ll have to take my word for it as the individual responses are not currently public. The word “fae” was mentioned in the pronoun question’s “other” textbox, and no other forms in the set were entered so we have no way of knowing for sure what that person’s full pronoun set actually is. This means the set may have been around for longer. The Nonbinary Wiki says that the pronoun set was created in October 2013, as “fae/vaer”, later than the first entry in the Gender Census, so I’ll be editing that wiki page later! If anyone has any examples of fae/faer pronouns in use before 2013 I would also be very interested to see that.

~

IN SUMMARY

Obviously I can’t speak for everyone, as the Twitter polls are not super scientific and they only surveyed a selection of Celts and pagans within a few degrees of separation of the Gender Census Twitter and Mastodon accounts, but I can certainly report on what I found.

For a more conclusive result, we’d need to take into account various demographics such as age, culture, location, religion, race/heritage, etc.

As far as I can tell based on fairly small samples of over 400 people per group, a minority of about 13% of Celtic and/or pagan people felt that use of fae/faer pronouns is appropriative.

A much higher number of people per group felt positive about people who are not Celts or pagans using fae/faer pronouns. The predominant view was:

It can’t be cultural appropriation from Celtic cultures because fairy-like beings are not unique to Celtic cultures and Celtic cultures don’t call them Fae.

It can’t be cultural appropriation from pagan cultures because paganism is not “closed” or exclusive in any way, it’s too broad and open.

~

If your experience of your gender(s) or lack thereof isn’t described or encompassed by the gender binary of “male OR female”, please do click here to take the Gender Census 2021 - it’s international and it closes no earlier than 10th March 2021!

[mooni-bunni]

AOT with a Black S/O

A/N: There are SO many characters I want to do so this is definitely going to be a part one. Please know that I’m going off of MY ✨black experience✨ so if I mention something that you don’t do or experience, then idk, write your own. 🤨

CW: Modern AU, Black!Reader, Reader is female oriented,

TW: some light racism mentions.

Eren Jaeger

I’m going to start this off by saying Eren is completely into ethnic women.

If it’s not the way your skin glows under the summer sun, it’s definitely the goddamn brown eyes that are just BEAUTIFUL MAN.

He won’t say it, but he is such a nerd for learning more about your culture. Learns a lot about black history and excitedly tells you the new stuff he learned. He gets so happy when he learns about inventions by black people too.

He gets really mad about a lot of social issues though. He’s a really good listener when it comes to you voicing your feelings about something that’s happened in the community. Definitely an unapologetic activist.

Take him to a predominantly black church, watch him be all awkward but tapping his toes. He’ll tell you after that he really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. He may not be feeling the Holy Ghost, but he is definitely going with you on sunday just to enjoy it with you

Over all, he just loves you so much, he gets to experience so,etching new every single day and he loves it. Especially when it comes to music, food, and clothing. Dress him up please, he likes it. Use him as a wig stand too.

Armin Arlert

Please, he was doing research on black culture before you were even dating. 🤨🖐🏾

When you started dating, you were definitely surprised by how much he actually knows about black culture. It’s all because he wanted to make sure he never says anything to you that makes you upset. If he has questions about something, he is going right to those books and the internet. He’s also not afraid to ask you questions but he would prefer to not burden you with the responsibility of educating him.

If you grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, he tries his best to make you feel comfortable about being your most authentic self and not washing yourself down for him. He doesn’t like it when you hold yourself back or fix your speech so that he can understand you better, he’ll fight you to be yourself. USE YOUR AAVE AND TEACH HIM.

He really likes the way you talk. He takes note of any little inflectional accented letters in the words you speak. He will use words like “bussin” and “Chile” in the wrong way, so please just… stop him, he’s trying his best.

He’s also really into African American protective hairstyles and why they are important

Definitely sits down with you and helps you with your hair. He’s not the best with it, but he is definitely helpful. Like he’ll at least hold stuff for you or let you use his hand as the pallet for the grease or gel. If you’re a wig wearer, he likes being the model while you shape it. If you’ve got an Afro, he’s buying you the cutest bonnets to wear at night.

Mikasa Ackerman

The thing she loves so much about you is how she’s able to swap cultural experiences with you. 🥺

She grew up in a half Asian household and has a lot of things to share. The fact that she gets to mix her culture with yours is incredible to her. Especially with food because traditional Japanese dishes with traditional African American foods is fun to combine

She is really into r&b music, too. Swapping music with her is so much fun because she finds some new artists she’s never heard of before. She really likes Destiny’s Child

Asks you a lot of questions, too. It’s always light hearted and she means so well. She wants to know more about your family, the dynamic, what kinds of struggles you went through, the celebrations.

Bring her to parties and family functions, she is a visual and hands on learner.

Calls you beautiful every single day. There’s not a single thing about you that she doesn’t love.

Jean Kirschtein

Jean definitely gets quite the culture shock when you first start living together.

Mainly because of the food. He is not used to any cuisine that as a little spice in it. The first time you cool all the fixings for him, he is overwhelmed. It smells so good and some is familiar, but he’s never had them in this way.

He’s eating all of it anyways honey. He’s telling you it’s BUSSIN. Every fuckin meal, bro, he is saying it. Y’all can’t even go to cookouts because he says it so loud, tell him to STOP. (But don’t because it sounds funny and he’s just trying to express his love for soul food.)

OH AND DANCING. BRO. He learns a lot about how dances were ripped off from black people and he asks you to teach him the correct way to do it, if you know how. If not, he’ll happily teach you. He loves the history of it, too.

He is very active as an ally and does a lot of work to make sure the community you guys live in is accepting and safe for you and everyone else.

It really does take him a minute to get into the swing of daily life, but he is so happy he met you and that you let him in.

Sasha Braus

You already know I’m going to say food with this girl.

The way she is tearing up a plate the first time you cook food for her is a little animalistic. She licks that shit CLEAN. Some soul food at a party is going to be nonexistent if you bring her.

She may not be the brightest girl, but movies are definitely her thing. She likes it when you show her some movies directed by black people like Jordan Peele or Tyler Perry. One of her favorite movies is Dream Girls.

She also asks a lot of questions. (Ahem, her with Onyankopon…) It’s always her trying to learn more but they sometimes come off as a little uhhhhh… you know…. Like that. Don’t worry though, explain things to her and she is immediately apologetic for even asking.

You might have to teach her a few things though, I’m not gonna lie.

Take her to a family reunion or a Juneteenth celebration party, trust me she’ll enjoy herself.

Levi Ackerman

Surprisingly the thing he enjoys the best is the music.

You’d think with his classical tea loving ass, he’d be a little weary with the music, but no! He actually really likes old hip hop and rap. New age is not his favorite, but he likes artist like Tupac, Biggie, Jay Z, Old Kanye. Don’t be surprised to see him rapping randomly. I’ll stand by this.

He’s also really good with hair. Like surprisingly good with it. Like, he could actually just do your hair and you will probably never have to go to a salon ever.

He saw you struggling with yours one morning and noticed how expensive it was for you to get yours done, so he literally went out to any black owned salon and asked if they could teach him how it’s done. For weeks he just spent his free time learning how to do textured hair, which products were good, which ones were harmful, how to style, all of it. He came home one day and saw you booking an appointment to get yours done and told you he could do it. Success.

He also learns your favorite soul food meals. Spends time with your family to learn how you like it.

Overall, Levi isn’t great with words but he shows you he loves you by doing these extravagant things for your that’s how you know he cares about you and how important your heritage is.

A/N: this was so cute wahhh. Idk why I’m worried about being canceled when I’m black- also sorry for any typos I miss.

[queenofnohr]

Twisted Wonderland: Malleus Scary Outfit (SR) - Voice Lines + Personal Story

Voice Lines

Summoning Line: Halloween is a festival that can be enjoyed by those of all races and species, whether living or dead. You, too, should enjoy it to your heart’s content. Groovy: I blow a mere puff of flame and everyone trembles in fear. Watch. Set Home: This costume is not of a dragon. It is a Long. Home Idle 1: The other Diasomnia students seemed to like the costume. They all cheered in happiness. It was worth troubling myself over. Home Idle 2: Lilia is familiar with how Halloween is celebrated in many different countries. Long ago, rather than singing a lullaby, he would tuck me in with stories of such traditions. Home Idle 3: I saw two pumpkin knights on campus. The smaller one was floating, so I assume they were the Shroud brothers. Home Login: I’ve experienced Halloween many a time, but it seems this year is going to be more boisterous than usual. Home Idle Groovy: Trick or treat. How was that? If you don’t give me sweets, I’ll play a trick on you. Whatever will you do? Home Tap 1: The red Long, that hails from the Far East and serves as inspiration for our costumes, can play folk instruments. Hmmm…… they just get more and more interesting. Home Tap 2: I saw al-Asim practicing howling like a wolf. It lacked power, but was charming nonetheless. Fufu. Home Tap 3: Halloween in the Valley of Thorns is exceptionally magnificent. It’s a bit different than how other countries celebrate, but…… I do hope you’ll come to see it someday. It’s very beautiful. Home Tap 4: Even if you hear a strange noise, it would be jumping to conclusions to assume it was the work of a ghost. Fae love mischief year-round, after all. Home Tap 5: My tail? It isn’t part of the costume, it’s real. Even if it interests you, don’t get too close. If you bump into it carelessly, I’ll send you flying. Home Tap Groovy: I’ll bestow flame appropriate of a Long unto those that would try to harm your dormitory. I happen to be fond of that place.

Personal Story

That Certainly is……Interesting : Chapter 1

-Diasomnia Dorm - Lounge-

Lilia: ……So you were here, Malleus. I was looking for you. Malleus: Lilia, what is it? Lilia: Actually, I have something to ask of you. Will you choose Diasomnia’s costume for this year? Malleus: Me? Why? You’ve chosen it for the past two years, Lilia. Lilia: I’m especially busy this year with Organization Committee work. I can’t even turn up for club activities. Malleus: But I don’t know what to do. I think there are others more suitable than me…… Lilia: No, it must be you. Deciding on a costume means deciding on Diasomnia’s theme for this year. It’s an important decision that affects the dignity of our dorm……. Because of that, if not me, then our Dorm Leader must decide. Malleus: Is that truly your reason for turning over the costume selection to me, even though you’re the one who looks forward to Halloween the most every year? Lilia: Kufufu…… No, there’s another reason. It’s boring if I choose the costumes every year. But if you, the next king of the Valley of Thorns, chooses all our students will take a keen interest in it. Of course that includes me as well. So what do you say? Will you do it? Malleus: ......Okay. If you want me to, I’ll choose. Each dorm dresses in ghost costumes with various monster motifs. I’ll go to the library to search for any books that might be useful.

-Library-

Malleus: ……Now, just what kind of costume should it be? The chosen motif must embody Diasomnia. Something with a noble existence would be preferable...... If I suggest a dragon, Lilia will complain and say I should think harder about it. It should be a creature that even I, myself, have never seen. If so, we’d be able to set ourselves apart from the other dorms. If I research local legends, they may contain information on monsters even I don’t know about. However, searching for such books would be incredibly difficult. I’ve heard that you can use the computers in the library to search for the book you need...... …….No, those machines work in complicated and mysterious ways. I’ll be upfront and have a look around the bookshelves directly.

Some time passes……

Malleus: ......98...... 99...... And that makes 100 books. There can’t be 100 books related to local legends in this library….... Ortho: Wow~! That’s a huge amount of books! Malleus: You are…… the small Shroud. Ortho: Oh! Malleus Draconia! What are you doing with such a huge pile of books around you? Malleus: It falls to me to decide this year’s Halloween costume. I was gathering reference material, but before I realized it I was surrounded by this many books. Ortho: Hmmmm. Maybe I can help you look? I’m able to access a much larger database than just the books in the library. Also, if you use the Olympus search engine, you can perform a semantic search that takes into consideration the user’s purpose and intentions. How does that sound? Malleus: In brief………… what does all of that mean? Ortho: Basically, it will identify what you, Malleus Draconia, wants to find out. Malleus: Hmmm…… I understand. Ortho: Activating voice recognition functionality. Begin semantic search. Malleus: ............ Ortho: ......U- Um? Malleus: What is it? Ortho: Errr…… Even if it’s fragmentary, could you tell me what you want to search for? Malleus: Me? Ortho: Of course. Malleus: Then……What I’m searching for is information on monsters to use as motifs in Halloween costumes…… Ortho: Searching…… Malleus: Well? Ortho: Can you tell me again without being so concerned with your wording? Malleus: ……Understood. What I want is information on a noble creature that suits Diasomnia.………… Ortho: Search completed. I found something, Malleus Draconia. I’ll project it onto the wall right away! Malleus: Hou. That certainly is……interesting.

That Certainly is...... Interesting : Chapter 2

-Library-

Ortho: Is this the monster you were searching for, Malleus Draconia? Malleus: Hmmm…… So this is the king who presides over the demons of Bald Mountain. Ortho: He has a giant jet-black body and huge wings. And besides that, his pointed gaze…… is really cool! There shouldn’t be any costumes with this motif in the history of Night Raven College. Malleus: He certainly does have a noble existence…… But if the body is all black, it won’t stand out. Lilia will probably complain that it’s too plain. Ortho: Refining search…… Search completed. Take a look at this. It’s a headless knight, dashing through the valley at night. He’s swinging his sword while his horse sprints forth! His red cloak is also cool, isn’t it? Malleus: ......No, we can’t. Ortho: Huh! Why not? Malleus: The costume becomes too complicated when it comes to replicating its headlessness. Aside from that, it would be difficult to obtain horses for all our students. Ortho: I see…… Taking your previous comments into account, the next image is of…… this! Malleus: ……Hm? It’s quite small, but the red one…… is it a dragon? Ortho: Huh? You’ve already seen dragons before, so they should’ve been omitted from the search…… Oh! This isn’t a dragon. It’s a Long. Malleus: A Long…… It seems to be a creature that inhabits the Far East, which humans sanctify. Embodying both strength elegance...... it is a noble existence, similar to a dragon…… Any more than anything, it’s a creature I have never seen before…… Alright, it’s decided. Diasomnia’s costume will be a Long. I need detailed information about the Long in order to create a costume for my dorm. May I request that? Ortho: Yes! Leave it to me!

-Ramshackle Dorm-

Malleus: ……I’ve kept you waiting. This is the Halloween costume Diasomnia students will dress up in this year. Sebek: Y…… Young Master! What a dignified figure you cut! Silver: It suits you well. Malleus: What do you think, Lilia? I want to hear your opinion. Lilia: Even though it’s a sophisticated design, it’s also very colorful…… I like it! It seems like I was correct in having you decide on what our costumes should be, Malleus. There’s no way I would’ve thought of using a dragon from the Far East as a motif…… Malleus: It’s not a dragon. From the presence or lack thereof of wings or beards, shape of the horns, and abilities, despite their similarities, dragons and Long are very different creatures. Lilia: Wah ha ha! It’s certainly as you say. You did a lot of research in a short amount of time. You always were prone to throwing yourself wholeheartedly into things. Malleus: It’s thanks to the small Shroud. He did a good job. The method he used…… I didn’t understand it at all. Lilia: Well, the costumes are perfect. Let’s distribute them to the students immediately. Malleus: Let’s. This Halloween, we’ll provide more horror than usual.

The day of Halloween—

Malleus: Trick or treat......! Fufu…… We shall burn the majestic image of the Long into your memory……!

-

*The references were pretty obvious, I think, but just in case! The first thing Ortho suggests to Malleus is Chernabog from Disney’s Fantasia. The second is the Headless Horseman from Sleepy Hollow. Which leads me to believe...... especially from Malleus’s “small” comment, that the red-scaled Long in question is Mushu, from Mulan.

[kirksfattitties]

hi! sorry for sending this on anon, but i wanted to put my two cents in re:spock&mixed race identity and i have a current aversion to linking this directly to my blog for personal reasons.

i am coming to this discussion from the perspective of a brown mizrahi+white ashkenazi jew who is primarily in contact with the mizrahi part, both literally in the sense of they're the family i talk to and more metaphorically in the sense that i live my life moreso as a brown person and am more in touch with mizrahi tradition etc.

this is probably going to get long for it is late at night and u have adhd, so i'm breaking this down into paragraphs for each question you asked that i have presumably relevant input on and trying to avoid walls of text.

the term half-human/half-vulcan

i don't think referring to spock as half-whatever amounts to blood quantum by itself and spock does in canon refer to himself as half-human several times in a way that doesn't bother me. HOWEVER, if you feel you are approaching that territory in some way, i would recommend trusting ypur gut and rephrasing (if you were oversensitive, no harm's been done, eh?). for spock specifically, he seems to mainly view himself as vulcan. i, similarly (?) view myself as brown - in my opinion, spock is most likely to either, if relevant, say immediately that he is vulcan+human (something along the lines of "i am part/half vulcan and part/half human"/"i had a vulcan father and a human mother" etc) or he will call himself vulcan THEN elaborate (a la "i am vulcan. my mother was human"/"i am vulcan and also human" etc). depending on the conversation, the fact he's both may not be relevant at all - it may be enough to say he's vulcan/human and leave it at that; for example, if you're discussing the way starfleet views alien-ness it's probably enough just to say he's vulcan, if you're talking about him doing a kiddush or something (struggling to come up with a differnet example rn, there are probably better ones) it's likely enough to just say he's human.

the term mixed

i don't think it's offensive to call spock mixed, but it does seem to me a little bit odd. might just be personal tendencies, just seems weird to call a white person mixed becuase the word "mixed" implies the "-race" part. in context it can work, out of context it feels awkward to me.

is spock coded as a poc

seems to me like a stretch. vulcan isn't a race, and (for the time being) spock is a white character and is treated as such. coding him as a person of colour would only work if he were actually one, no matter how much star trek loves using his story to talk about race. whiteness is only distanced from spock insofar as he is a jew (jew coded, whatever. he's undeniably jewish it doesn't matter) and that doesn't take away from his whiteness, only ensures a specific experience of it. (however this is not about black/brown spock my friend spock who lives in my head. he has rights he is loved he should be canonical. but [current] canon spock IS white and it doesn't really make sense to refer to him as poc coded or anything of the sort. a comparison may make my point more clear - worf is poc coded [specifically black coded], being an alien played by a black man written in a way which can in many ways be said to fit into some common black experiences and/or black character tropes [there are some cool essays on that you can look into if you want. worf my beloved]; spock isn't, he is a white character whose alien-ness is often used for race allegories.)

balancing humanity and vulcan-ness

a big part of spock's character arc is learning to accept himself whole. part of that has to an extent been admitting to himself he is also human and was raised by a human mother and currently lives in a majority human sphere. spock engaging in more human practices, letting go of some vulcan disciplines he doesn't want or coming to peace with himself are themes that i think fit his stories and that should be featured when talking about him. BUT, i think that's important, it seems to me more like growing up/accepting himself contradictions and all than like learning to Mix His Cultures. i don't think spock's problem is that he doesn't embrace human culture as his own, i think it's that he actively disapproves of parts of himself in the attempt to be the ur vulcan and takes it out as undervaluing humanity in general. basically my point here is that a lot of spock's journey is about accepting parts of himself that are seen as more human but make sure that when you phrase it it doesn't sound like what you're saying is that in order to be happy mixed people need to embrace Traits™ from all their races or whatever. spock's problem isn't that he doesn't act "human", he doesn't have to - it's that he represses the parts of himself he thinks don't fit his typecast essentially.

writing spock

i don't know how to solve the question of how to make sure you're not overstepping the line, but i would simply say proceed with caution. spock is both human and vulcan, it's a significant part of his character, you can write it, just don't set out to write a mixed story and/or if you see you are straying too far into a life you do not feel you know lay off it.

this is most everything i have to say. i hope it was coherent. i hope it was what you wanted. i hope it wasn't exhausting to read. i would like to conclude by saying @paramount cast a jew of colour to play spock it'll be so sexy and so much less white people in alien makeup are trying to talk about race also i think spock deserves it. it's what nimoy would've wanted he told me this in a dream.

(referencing the asks i made in this post)

thank you for taking the time to make such thorough answer! this really helps

[kuromichad]

different subject that’s heavy on my mind rn but since i’m already being harsh let’s get into it. i wish it wasn’t automatically presumed to be some kind of truscum attitude when someone tries to express that different parts of The Trans Community have like, different needs and different risk levels and different experiences and that we have the ability to talk over each other, harm each other, etc... like when i put it that way people generally are like ‘of course that’s true!’ but is it ever really understood in practice? a number of people (not a large enough number, but still) are able to loosely understand ‘you can be trans and transphobic’ when it’s applied to the matter of transmisogyny but when a trans person tries to express distrust of or frustration with afab nb people due to how common it is that that category of person will, despite being trans/nb, espouse bioessentialist, anti-medical-transition, radfem-adjacent if not outright cryptoterf rhetoric, suddenly ‘trans people can be transphobic’ gets applied to... the person with a complaint about transphobia. 

because he’s clearly an evil truscum man! regardless of if the person making the complaint is a trans man or trans woman, oops, lol. he’s a bad person who is attacking and invalidating and totally hatecriming the heckin’ valid, equally at-risk transgender identity of “an afab woman who isn’t a woman except when she pointedly categorizes themself as a woman because being afab makes them a woman who is ‘politically aligned’ with women but she’s not an icky unwoke cis woman because they don’t like being forced into womanhood although Really When You Think About It 🤔 all women are dysphoric because obviously the pathologized medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria in transgender people is something that equally applies to cis women just default existing under patriarchy 🤔, and no, equating these things totally does not imply anything reductive about or add a bizarre moral dimension to the idea of being transgender, whaaaaat, this woman who isn’t a woman doesn’t think there’s anything immoral or cowardly or misogynist or delusional about being transgender, they would never say that because THEY’RE transgender, except when she feels it’s important (constantly) to make clear that she’s Still A Woman Deep Down Inherently Despite Not Identifying As One, and none of this ever has any effect on how they treat the concept, socially and politically, of people who actually wholly identify with (and possibly medically transition to) a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth, be it ‘the opposite gender’ or abstaining from binary gender altogether or ‘politically aligning’ with the ‘opposite’ gender from their asab. never ever!”

and like maybe that sounds like a completely absurd and hateful strawman to you! but in that case you’re either like, lucky, or optimistic, or ignorant. i’m literally not looking at random nb people and declaring that in My Truscum Opinion they’re ‘really a woman’ just because they’re not medically transitioning or meeting some arbitrary standard of mine. i am looking at self-identified afab nb people, who most often use she/they because, y’know, words mean things, especially pronouns, so people who are willingly ‘aligned with womanhood’ typically intentionally use she/her (sorry that i guess that’s another truscum take now!!! that pronouns mean things!!! the bigender transmasc who deliberately uses exclusively he/him wants it to invoke a perception he’s comfortable with!), who actively say the things listed above (in a non-sarcastic manner). 

like, the line between a person who says “i don’t claim to really not be my asab because i know no one would ever perceive me as anything else” because theyve internalized a defeatist attitude due to societal transphobia, and a person who says that because they... genuinely believe it’s impossible/ridiculous/an imposition to truly be transgender (in the traditional trans sense, beyond a vague nb disidentification with gender) and are actively contributing to the former person’s self loathing... is hard to define from a distance! i think plenty of people who are, in a sense, ‘tentative’ or like ‘playing close to home’ so to speak in their identity are ‘genuinely trans’ (whatever that may mean) and just going through a process. they might arrive at a different identity or might just eventually stop saying/believing defeatist stuff, who knows. but there are enough people saying it for the latter reason, or at least not caring if they sound that way, that it’s like, dangerous. it is actively incredibly harmful to other trans people. and it’s fucking ridiculous that it’s so difficult to criticize because you’ll always get the defense of “umm but i’m literally trans” and/or “well i’m just talking about ME, this doesn’t apply to other trans people” when it’s an attitude that very clearly seeps into their politics and the way they discuss gender.

because it’s just incredibly common for afab nb people (most typically those that go by she/they! since i’m aware that uh, i am also afab nb, but we clearly are extremely different, so that’s the best categorization i’ve got) to discuss gender in moralized terms, with the excuse of patriarchy/misogyny existing, which of course adds another difficult dimension to trying to criticize this because it gets the response of “don’t act like misandry is real” (it’s not, but being a dick still is) and “boohoo, let women complain about their oppressors” (this goes beyond ‘complaining’). a deliberate revocation of empathy/sympathy/compassion from men and projection of inherently malicious/brutish/cruel intent onto men (not solely in the justified generalizations ‘men suck/are dangerous’, but in specific interactions too) underpin a whole fucking lot of popular posts/discussions online, whether they’re political or casual/social, and it absolutely influences how people conceptualize and feel about transness. 

because ‘maleness is evil’ is still shitty politics even when you’ve slightly reframed it from the terf ‘trans women are evil because they’re Really Men and can never escape being horrific soulless brutes just as women can never escape being fragile morally superior flowers’ to the tumblr shethey “trans women who are out to me/unclockable are tolerable i guess because they’re women and women are good; anyone i personally presume to be a cis man, though, is still automatically evil, and saying trans men are Just As Bad is progressive of me, and it’s totally unrelated and apolitical that i think we should expand the concept of afab lesbianism so broadly that you can now be basically indistinguishable from trans men on literally every single level except for a declaration of ‘but i would never claim to be a man because i’m secure in the Innate Womanhood of the body i was born into, even as i medically alter that body because it causes me great gendered discomfort.’ none of this at all indicates that i feel there’s an immense moral/political gap between being an afab nb lesbian vs a straight trans man! it says nothing at all about my concept of ‘maleness’ and there’s no way this rhetoric bleeds into my perception of trans women and no way loudly talking about all this could keep trans people around me self-loathing and closeted, because i’m Literally Trans and Not A Terf!”

again, if that sounds like a hateful strawman, sorry but it’s not. i guess i’m supposed to be like ‘all of the many people ive seen saying these shitty things is an evil outlier who Doesn’t Count, and it’s not fair to the broad identity of afab shethey to not believe that every person who doesn’t outright say terfy enough things is a perfectly earnest valid accepting trans person who’s beyond criticism’ but like. this cannot be about broad validation. this can’t be about discarding all the bad apples as not really part of the group. we can’t be walking on eggshells to coddle what are essentially, in the end, Cis Feelings, because in the best cases this kind of rhetoric comes from naive people who are early and uncertain in their gender journey or whatever and are in the process of unraveling internalized transphobia, and in the easily observable worst cases these people are very literally redefining shit so that ‘actually all afab women are trans, spiritually, all afabs have dysphoria, we are all Equally oppressed by Males uh i mean cis men <3’ because, let’s be honest, they know that the moment they call themselves trans they get to say whatever they want about gender no matter how harmful it is to the rest of us. and those ideas spread like wildfire through the afab shethey “woman that’s not a woman” community that frankly greatly outnumbers other types of trans people online, because many of those people just do not have the experiences that lead you to really understand this shit and have to push back against concepts of gender that actively harm you as a trans person.

like that’s all i want to be able to say, is Things Are Different For Different Groups. and a willful ignorance of these differences leads to bad rhetoric controlling the overall discourse which gets people hurt. and even when concepts arise from it that seem positive and helpful and inclusive, in practice or in origin those ideas can still be upholding shit that gets other people hurt. like, i don’t doubt that many people are very straightforwardly happy and comfortable with an identity like ‘afab nb lesbian on testosterone’ and it would be ridiculous and hypocritical for me, ‘afab nb who wants to pass as a guy so he can comfortably wear skirts again,’ to act like that’s something that can’t or shouldn’t exist. it’s not about the identity itself, it’s about the politics that are popular within its community, and how the use of identities as moral labels with like, fucking pokemon type interactions for oppression effectiveness which directly informs the moral correctness of your every opinion and your very existence, is a shitty practice that gets people hurt and leads us to revoke empathy from each other.

like. sorry this is all over the place and long and probably still sounds evil because i haven’t thought through and disclaimered every single statement. but i’m like exhausted from living with this self-conscious guilt that maybe i’ve turned into a horrible evil truscum misogynist etc etc due to feeling upset by this seemingly inescapable approach to gender in lgbt/online circles that like, actively harms me, because when i vent with my friends all the stuff i’ve tried to explain here gets condensed down to referencing ‘she/theys’ as a category and that feels mean and generalizing and i genuinely dislike generalizations but the dread i feel about that category gets proven right way too often. it’s just like. this is not truscum this is not misgendering this is not misogyny. this is not about me decreeing that all transmascs have to be manly enough or dysphoric enough and all nbs have to be neatly agender and androgynous or something, i’m especially not saying that nb gender isn’t real lmao or even that it’s automatically wrong to partially identify with your asab; this is not me saying you can only medically transition for specific traditional reasons or that you don’t get a say on anything if you aren’t medically transitioning for whatever reason, now or ever. i just. want to be allowed to be frank about how... when there’s different experiences in a community we should like. acknowledge those differences and be willing to say that sometimes people don’t know what they’re talking about or that what they’re saying is harmful. without the primary concern being whether people will feel invalidated by being told so. because these are like, real issues, that are more important than politely including everyone, because that method is just getting vulnerable people drowned out constantly.

[ltleflrt]

So I was having a conversation on Discord about omegaverse tonight, and my brain won’t shut up about it, because as usual I come up with my arguments after the discussion is over.  I should have been asleep 3 hours ago, but it’s hot and I can’t unwind, so I’m going to stay up EVEN LATER while the a/c brings things down a few degrees, and I try to get these thoughts out of my head.

I was pro-omegaverse, and trying to explain why *I personally* like the genre, and why I think even with it’s problematic origins and frequently used elements, it’s still a cool genre.  I was essentially having 2 discussions, but they were both using my answers to their questions, even though I was usually addressing them 1 at a time.  That happens when you’re in a Discord chat, and I wasn’t @ing my answers to them, since we were all in the room together.  And I think that cunfuddled the discussion and my thoughts.  So here’s a breakdown.

Issue 1. Biological Essentialism is gross and rapey.

Answer:  Yes, it is.  But so what?  Some people like pure rape-fantasy.  Is it healthy?  That can be argued either way, and it definitely depends on the person writing, or the person reading.  People like gross and rapey stories to get their rocks off.  Whether we like non-con or not, rape fics should be allowed to exist because some people like it.  It doesn’t matter if I think their reasons are valid.  As long as they’re not actively trying to harm someone, let people get down and dirty with their rapey fantasies.

Also, the whole biological imperative to mate isn’t that far off from Soulmate AUs.  Truemates = Soulmates.  Whether we like Soulmate AUs or not, are we also arguing that they shouldn’t exist because they’re problematic?  No, we’re not.  Soulmate AUs are romantic for a lot of people.  Let people have their uncomplicated, fluffy, 1 Destined Love stories.

Something to keep in mind though, is that not all omegaverse fics use the true mate trope.  And quite a lot of fics have characters with a lot more self control during their mating cycles than what you’d find in the short smutty one shots.  It’s common for them to avoid each other during heats, and only share their mating cycle as an act of love, trust, and devotion.  After they’ve been dating for a while.  (I love it when the alpha brings over snacks and water for the omega, and immediately hightails it out of there once they get a whiff of their sexy love interest.  “Take care of yourself, text me when you feel better, loveyoubye! *nyoooom*”)

Issue 2. It’s transphobic.

Answer:  This one is harder to argue, because yeah.  It can be.  But so can non-omegaverse.  Transphobia is, unfortunately, everywhere.  Exploring human gender through non-human gendered beings isn’t a bad thing though.  Cis people should be allowed to explore those things too.  This is step 1 to fighting the Patriarchy.  Questioning it.  Someone may come out of the experience still cis, but they’re going to be more open minded to trans people.  Not to mention, all the trans and enby folks who probably figured themselves out through the gender exploration to be found in omegaverse.

Now, if someone’s into omegaverse and they tell you they won’t read a story about a trans character?  Red flag.

Personally, I like the gender exploration in omegaverse.  Not just in the hormonal stuff, although I do kinda love the idea of seeing cis male characters suffer cramps once a month lol... but I like the stuff about social inequality that women have to go through mapped onto a male character.

I brought this up in the chat, and my use of the term “women’s issues” raised a terfy flag I think, which upset me and made it harder to make my point.  Cuz if there’s one thing I’m not, it’s terfy.  But I do see women’s issues as also trans issues.  Trans Men are treated differently after they start to present as male.  There’s a marked difference between their treatment as a woman pre-transition, and as a man afterwards.  And they still have to be really careful about accidental pregnancy.  I cannot fathom how awful the dysphoria would be for them if they get pregnant.  Trans Women are treated horribly pre-transition if they give any hint of feminine interests.  There’s a reason “girly” is an insult, and it’s because Toxic Masculinity Is The Worst.  And then when they transition?  Hooooboy, gods bless those ladies because Trans Women are treated worse than Cis Women on the social pyramid.  And Enbies?  Oh you sweet things, how the hell do you deal with the rest of us bastards? 

When I say that I am interested in seeing the characters I like deal with women’s issues, I am talking about social inequality, not just periods and cramps (although that a little bit too, because I wish a cis man could just fucking UNDERSTAND why I need a goddamn nap okay? lol), but also sexual health rights, including birth control, including the right to choose whether or not to take hormones, the right to equal pay, the right to equal education.  Feminism, for me, includes trans and enby folks at the table. 

But anyway, the characters I like right now just happen to be men.  I see Dean as a man.  That could mean he’s a trans man too, because trans men are men, yo.  Castiel I see either as a man or non-binary.  So if I want to put them through “women’s issues”, I have to plunk them in a special universe for that.  No one is writing Matriarchy AUs, so Omegaverse it is!

(Side note: If my OTP were f/f, I’d still like omegaverse.  And I could see lots of interesting ways to use all those same tropes for 2 female presenting characters.  So it has nothing to do with genitalia.  Unless it’s smut.  But I swing all the ways, so still not an issue for me lol)

(Side note part deux: I like to read trans stories too.  They have unique things about them that cannot be found in stories about cis characters, even in omegaverse.  And when I see Dean and Cas as men or enby, I’m not putting down people who like them gender flipped.  I just see myself enjoying Trans Woman Claire dating Enby Kaia, more than I’d like to see Dean or Cas written as cis/trans-women.)

Issue 3.  Internalized misogyny!

Answer: This is an argument used against women shipping m/m in general, and has nothing to do with omegaverse.  It just so happens that omegaverse was created for m/m pairings.  But there are TONS of reasons we ship more m/m than any other pairings, ranging from those are the most interesting characters presented to us, to--yes--internalized misogyny.  But I’m tired of that one.  Internalized misogyny is rampant, and telling women that their fantasies are problematic isn’t going to cure them.  There’s better ways to go about it. 

Omegaverse now covers m/f and f/f pairings as well, sooooo... yeah, this one just doesn’t hold water like it used to.  We just need to yoink the media out of the hands of the cis-men who are mostly in charge, and make them give us more compelling women to ship.

Issue 4: That’s not how human bodies work.

Answer: They’re not human lol!  Okay but real talk here.  This issue actually sounds transphobic to me, because it strikes very close to the XX vs XY chromosomes argument.  Omegaverse characters have intersex variations.  Alpha females and Omega males can have both a penis and a vagina in some fics.  It depends on how the author wants to write it, of course.  I usually go with the (horrifying) cloaca for omega males, and the (hyena inspired) psueudo-penis for alpha females instead, but to each writer their own lol

But again... not human.  Let wet buttholes be a thing, lube is expensive and sometimes the bottle gets tangled in the sheets, and you have to stop what you’re doing to find it and... anyway, convenience in fantasy sex is nice lol

In Conclusion: 

Personally, I only like non-traditional omegaverse.  The stuff that subverts the “problematic” tropes.  I was asked what I liked about the genre, and when I explained, it devolved into discussion of the topics above.  But I think what was forgotten in that discussion, was that I kept saying I don’t like the “problematic” things.  I like flipping the tropes.  Which I like in general, when I’m looking for things to read.  I mean, how many Castiel Thinks He’s Straight fics are there?  Not many!  So I wrote one!  Because flipping tropes is my jam! 

I don’t like Soulmate AUs, but with the proper twist I can still enjoy it.  I don’t like Highschool AUs, but I’ve read some that touched me so deeply I still think of them years later.  There’s always someone subverting the tropes I don’t like and turning them into something I do like.

And yet even though I kept saying I liked the subversion of the genre, the discussion kept coming back around to the parts of omegaverse that I *don’t* like.  I will still defend anyone’s right to like the parts of it that aren’t for me though, so I argued away XD

And? Sometimes I like the dark problematic stuff when I’m in the mood to get my rocks off.  Don’t judge, you’re all a little weird in some way or another ;D

Anywho, now that I got this stuff off my chest, hopefully I can sleep.  It has also cooled down by like 4 degrees, and I no longer feel like I’m going to melt in my sleep.  Tomorrow is going to suck, because I have to get up in 5 hours.  Yay!

[witchcraftingboop]

Re: Jbird & RainS. (Briar) Discourse

Previously, I have spoken with the person who made very serious allegations against JBird, calling him a racist, that were then used by others to spread slander against him. They have since apologized and admitted that JBird isn't a racist, and I genuinely think there was a stark miscommunication that went on to prompt such a claim. I don't want to name them or involve them here, since I do believe they've already reflected enough on the situation at hand, and is still deeply considering the multi-faceted hornet's nest of problems they've stumbled upon.

However, in light of the blatant dismissal and refusal to submit actual proof against the two, I feel as if I should share the information I offered this person before.

If you are basing your arguments against Jbird and Briar off of the previous, separate Discord group discussions of Trio & co. - screenshots of which have been, and continue to be spread years later, by Prim - then I especially implore you to be open to what I have to say. As a third party to this continually and rapidly spiralling debacle, I feel like there's not much I can say or do to assist my friends in being heard, but I feel as if I ought to try. Prim's following is large and actively prepared to follow her "do not interact even to ask questions" policy, so I worry it may be too late already. But I am not without hope or faith.

Tumblr is, unfortunately, a place where hate spreads rapidly, and while I do love the broad community it fosters, I am also aware that, even with the best of folks, it is hard to see the side of someone you've already decided is guilty and not worth approaching for an explanation.

First and foremost, I believe in innocence until proven guilty.

Now then! Onto my offered commentary/input! (Sorry to prattle on so much.)

To start, thedesertgod, also known as Trio, did go through and look for her personal information, which is messed up. But that person has already apologized, if I'm remembering correctly, and left Tumblr. And the other main user who helped spread information about Prim being a race faker also admitted wrong and left. The others in the chat, particularly Mystic and Ronan appear to just be making jokes and stating factual informative summaries, respectively. E-muete also said "ok no" after the Dolezal comment, which is a common "no that's too far a comparison/joke/statement" substitute among their forums and chats and often means they don't actually agree with what they themselves said. Ruby also politely reminds Trio that it's impossible to tell someone's race off of their appearance alone. So what I see here is definitely problematic, but entirely on Trio's part. I'm not saying it's not screwed up to find pictures of someone's parents and debate their race, but the persons who did those things have already left the Tumblrsphere.

Unfortunately, the people you've pointed out don't have a good history with Prim even before the whole "Trio nitpicking her race" thing. Prim used to follow more than a few of them and use their posts to fuel her platform, oftentimes creating uninformed mish-mosh articles with a voice of authority that simply wasn't warranted. As I'm sure you're aware, it's hard enough dealing with people stealing your content word for word, but to attempt to steal your knowledge? Your initiations and rites of passage? And use them to sell yourself as a master of a breadth of practices? The tradcrafters of that particular circle decided to band together and block her from interacting with them directly for that very reason. And because of that, Prim started telling her followers that they are all racist and elitist and ableist and gatekeepers. These terms over the years have become almost like triggers in that once they're said, everyone seems to put on a blindfold and fall into a frenzied rage. And to be fair, Prim is far too quick, in my opinion, to bring up racism as the reason others disagree with her. Most times, I've noticed at least, that if she calls someone racist or says they're unsupportive of POC, she nearly immediately brings up BLM activism in her posts or reblogs. I'm not saying I necessarily support calling all of her activistic inclinations performative, but where the tradcradt group she calls racist is more than willing to talk of and show proof of their contribution, Prim never has and avoids it if asked. I can see both sides, really. But the fact remains that calling someone performative in their actions, does not a racist make. Neither, in my opinion, does interacting with people who are assumed (without real and concrete proof) to be racist.

I can appreciate where you're coming from; honestly, I can. People have grown accustomed to hearing the prefix trad- and preparing for the worst. Racism is a systematic and prevailing problem in the society all around us, so it makes sense to be on the lookout for it. You want to protect yourself and your community. I can understand your sentiments perfectly. But I cannot support "guilty by association" viewpoints. As a WOC who grew up in some rough areas, I have seen boys killed under that very same reasoning. Jbird is a good friend of mine, and I have never questioned his morals or ethics. I have seen no sign of my being looked down upon for the color of my skin, nor anyone else who runs in that very same circle.

What I see is what I see in a lot of faces on this hellsite: hurt. Before Trio and after Trio left, the tradcraft community has been slandered and ostracized. They have shut themselves off to outsiders for the very thing you've done to Jbird just yesterday. They hold their secrets closer than most other communities now because persecution is seemingly forever at their door. On Prim's end too, there has been struggle and pain and needless arguing and hurt. If those you approach seem prickly, it is often because the world has roughened their edges, not because they personally are against you.

I asked for a couple examples from the group and one person (I'll keep them anonymous because I didn't confirm they'd like their name here) said: she has talked about saint magic (trio), hadean pamphlet (trio), hubris (Ruby), fairies, trad craft shit (Mahigan among others), etc etc

From what I personally have seen, her most recent was the Witch Fire podcast. A few tradcraft blogs had a debate/discussion about Witch Fire and its traditional eurocentric foundations in witchcraft not that long ago, and then Prim decided to put out a podcast that was so uninformed, I'm still worried about how younger or newer witches might be hurt by it.

Unfortunately the tradcraft community is vulnerable to that kind of thing [being called names or falsely accused] and an easy target. That's why being called those kind of harsh words - like gatekeeping, elitist, racist, and ableist - are met with so much anger from them. I take it very seriously because I've seen the kind of whiplash it has, especially on such a closed off group.

[A Reply.] Yeah no, Prim "apologizes" by talking about how she's been previously given a hard time with interjections of "but please don't go around spreading hate" and never directly apologizes to the tradcrafter in such posts. Unfortunately, her "apology" did more harm than good. I was hoping she'd just ignore it but . . . This tends to happen too 🤦‍♀️

I think that if both sides were able to approach it as openmindedly as you have, there would be a lot less drama and in-fighting on this app 😩 I really did enjoy talking with you though!

That just about covers everything I'd like to say on the matter.

I do not condone spreading hate, just as I don't condone misinformation or blind allegiance to what one person says. So if you can respectfully and openmindedly address your questions/comments/concerns, I don't see why you can't interact with Briar, Jbird, or myself. I understand it's easy to get caught up in the first perspective you're given, but it is my hope that Witchblr as a whole can be more open to hearing both sides of the story. Blindly blocking and cancelling certain bloggers is something I don't support nor encourage. I understand Prim must be tired of addressing all of the drama that churns around her, so I won't speak as to what her reasoning could be for suggesting such a solution. I'm simply stating what I hope for the community as a whole.

| | Note: The statements above were written early (I think, my sense of time is off) yesterday, and as of yet, I have still seen no concrete evidence that Briar or Jbird have ever made racist comments. On Briar's part, I have seen her observation that activism on a performative platform such as Tumblr can come off as performative, but she never once said she doesn't know or see why Prim would support and promote BLM activism. Something I think was misconstrued and lumped all together to sound as if she thought Prim were faking her contributions altogether. | |

[shiorimizuyami-kyu]

Angie Yonaga Analysis:

Angie Yonaga, a Danganronpa V3 character with the title of Ultimate Artist has the reputation of being disliked due to her obsession with Atua. Hopefully this analysis would show Angie in a different light.

Trigger Warning: This analysis will have discussions of sexual assault, sexual abuse, religion and possible other stuff that may be sensitive towards some readers. You have be Warned.

Atua:

In order to better understand Angie as a character, we have to include Atua. The term 'atua' is used as a plural noun referring to all gods and spirits within their religious practices among people of Polynesian descent, particularly native Hawaiians and the Maori people of New Zealand. 

In other words, 'atua' isn't necessarily a specific kind of god, but the term is used in the English release of the game to avoid using a specific god such as Jesus. (So no Angie isn't Christian) In the Japanese release of the game, Angie refers to Atua as "Kami-sama" in which similar to Atua is plural for god without using a specific religious figurehead.

From the first interaction with Angie the most noticeable traits is Angie's devotion towards Atua, although some fans have theorized that Angie's religion could be Christian, however they're some religious acts that Angie has mentioned that don't match up with Christianity such as the extensive amount of worshipping towards Atua. 

Angie's religion is shown to be anonymous to not only to avoid using specific religious figure heads like Jesus, but to show a darker side of religion. To be more specific, Angie's religion is actually a cult using Atua as a figure head.

During Angie's free time events, when talking about her homeland, Angie almost always brings up Atua. Here is the interaction between Angie and Shuichi about her island:

~

Angie: Angie lives with Atua on a divine island paradise.

Shuichi: Ah, right, but... Where is the island? What's it like?

*Angie: It's a tiny, divine island. It used to be much bigger...

But Atua used a natural disaster to make it smaller cuz He thought it would look cuter.

Shuichi: *That* was the reason?

Angie: My island has lots of plants and flowers too, y'know?

Shuichi: Ah, is that so?

Angie: But most of the plants and flowers on my island like to attack people.

Shuichi: They attack people!?

*Angie: Come to think of it...I'm honestly not sure if they're actual plants or flowers.

Shuichi: What...? What kind of island *is* this?

~

This comes off as strange due to the sound of uncertainty in some of her lines, quickly changing the subject as if she isn't aware of what goes on in her island in a geographical standpoint.

On an 'interesting' note, Angie has something called 'DeepSea' which is a website that's used for shipping the following:

magazines, food, clothing, organ meat, medicine, blood, children.

It's safe to say the 'DeepSea' is a black market website used for illegal activities like human trafficking.(and considering that Angie never mentioned her parents once through her free time event, there is the disturbing possibility of Angie being a victim of human trafficking at a young age)

Angie has also mentioned some of her traditional act that she along with the others on her island part-take(which might implied both child abuse and sexual abuse) in such as:

~

Angie: First, you're not allowed to feed children after midnight!

Angie: Cuz it's unhealthy! They won't grow up to be stable adults!

Angie: And they hafta undergo a divine initiation ritual before they can enter adulthood...

Angie: During the ritual, we perform intense physical workouts.

Angie: They all become adults at the same time, and feel all happy and relaxed afterward.

~

Sexual Assault:

Throughout this specific detail on why Angie's religion is most likely a cult based off this interaction between Angie and Shuichi:

~

Angie: That's right. On my island, everyone shares in our fun, happy times.

At weddings, for example, after the bride and groom consummate their vows...

The guests make their own vows, and then they consummate those, too.

Shuichi: What, everyone!?

Angie: After a successful consummation, the bride is blessed with a baby.

Of course, we all share the baby, too...

using a sickle...

...

Shuichi: What...the hell...are you going to do with that!?

Angie: Nyahahahaha! Just kidding! We can't share a baby!

We just share the bride!

Shuichi:...What does that mean!?

This island has a ton of strange traditions…

~

In other words, Angie has implied that everyone(which might include minors) can part-take in sexually assaulting the bride(and possibly impregnating her), more proof that Angie has possibly witnessed, part-take and experience sexual abuse from a young age. To a serious degree that she sees this behaviour as normal. This line from her FTE also indicates this as well:

~

Angie: On my island, if you feel sad and lonely at night, you stab a sickle into your window!

Shuichi: That's...an odd custom.

Angie: Anyone who sees it can't just ignore it. They gotta go console that person.

They gotta do anything they can to console them. And I do mean ANYTHING.

~

What we must keep in mind based off this discussion is that Angie has been on this island before becoming an Ultimate, meaning that her religious traditions and everyone else's are completely different. This interaction between Angie and Shuichi is proof of it(Although there's more proof of Angie sexually assaulting Shuichi in the Love Hotel Scene, I chose to not included it for the time being):

~

Angie: Very well... By Atua's divine decree, your training begins today.

Shuichi: 'Grinning ear-to-ear, Angie skipped over to me and…'

Shuichi: Whoa!

Angie: Huhhh? Why are you running, Shuichi?

Shuichi: Y-You grabbed me all of a sudden... And you tried to take my clothes off!

Angie: Of course. How else would I provide what you're lacking?

Shuichi: I-I think I'm okay, thanks anyway!

*Angie: Why are you afraid?

*Angie: Atua and I will gently embrace you.

*Shuichi: What does that mean? What are you going to do...?

*Angie: Huh?

Shuichi: I-I just wanted to talk, Angie! Just be friends!

Angie: …

Shuichi:...Ah! S-Sorry for yelling, I just...

Angie: …

Shuichi: I'm just worried about you.

Angie:...

Shuichi: Ah, Angie?

~

When Angie made her attempt to assault Shuichi, he reacted in fear and hostility. And yet Angie was the one confused on 'why would he react so hostile towards her advances?' And when Shuichi said he just wanted to be friends, Angie, just ran away. As if she doesn't know how to react.

~

While doing research on Angie's religion, this particular term show up on my Google search: 

Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a function of both the chronic abuses of harmful religion and the impact of severing one's connection with one's faith and faith community. It can be compared to a combination of PTSD and Complex PTSD (C‐PTSD).

Believe it or not, Angie in Kaeda's FTE, we see Angie suffer a PTSD attack(it was more of a nightmare then a PTSD attack) in the game, and when questioned about, Angie just brushes off like it was nothing:

~

Kaede: Well, how was it, Angie? This song…

Kaede: Huh!?

Angie: Zzzzz...zzzzz…

Kaede: She's sleeping!?

Angie: Zzzzz...zzzzz...zzzzz...zzzzz…

Kaede: Geez, she fell asleep even though she asked me to play. And it was a really lively song, too.

Angie: Ngh, grgh...zzzzz...zzzzz…

Kaede: Angie...scares me sometimes, but she looks like an angel right now.

Angie: Hmmmm…

Kaede: Oh, are you awake?

Angie: Wednesday morning... Need sacrifice... Hurry... Can't wait…

Kaede: What?

Angie: Not enough blood... Need more blood... So I'll... I'll...

Hahhh! Stop! Ngh, ergh... Ngahhhh... It's too much!

Kaede: Is she having a nightmare!? Angie, wake up! I said, wake up!

Angie: Huh?

Angie: Oh, hi Kaede. Was I sleeping?

Sorry 'bout that. But thanks to your piano, I got to have a wonderful dream.

Kaede: Are you sure about that...? You sounded pretty distressed…

Angie: Hehe, Atua says He was so enchanted by you, He accidentally poured His divine wrath somewhere.

Kaede: He poured it!? Where!? Divine wrath shouldn't just be accidentally poured somewhere, right!?

Angie: I'm starting to like your music, Kaede! Let's have a paint-and-piano jam session very soon!

~

To sum up the analysis, there's more to Angie character then just Atua even though Atua is a huge part of her character. The point of this analysis was to better understand Angie while pointing out some of the things she has done.

Thank you for reading!

[axolotl-druk]

The 100ed impression is the one that count 

The other two children at ground level are also scanning the stage where the princess is being shown for the first time. They have no idea who this people are, why is everyone gathered here for them. It doesn't really matter as they won't see each other again. 

(So I should probably create an AO3 account, because this one is about to be chapters long. Enjoy the prologue)

It's still dark, as is tradition for the highlight of the ceremony to take part at sunrise. There is a crown of Caldera citizens in front of the palace, waiting for the royal family to introduce the newest member. They also want to catch a glimpse of the firstborn, they haven't seen him in a year, but his ceremony is still a talked topic in the city. 

Some sun rays start to peek through the clouds, both the princess and the sun will make their appearances at the same time, a tradition century old to show that the royal family and the sun are one mind, one force and that they will show enlighten and prosperity to their subjects, today looks like it's going to be a very bright day. 

This is the grown up reasons for her to be enduring this torture, mother is explaining to Ty Liu and Ty Lin. How lucky they are to be participants and some more that gets lost when her new baby sister starts to cry in Ty Lao arms. Ty Lee is an energetic baby, if it's difficult for them to put her to sleep in normal circumstances, at the moment, with all the excitement around is almost impossible

Her mother starts conversation with Ty Lum, about how the ceremony seems close to start, not like the last time that even though they waited almost until noon the sun decided to make a very short and weak appearance.

How sad to carry a bad omen since your birth, but that is not the only rumor that spreads, some people even say the firstborn hasn't shown the spark yet, or that he stays up until late and wakes up past sunrise. 

For Ty Liu that just sounds like normal baby behavior, her sister does it and her neighbors daughter does it too. Ty Lee screams again like trying to rob the spot or make her deaf and Ty Liu just hopes for this to be over soon. 

She can see her neighbor far away in the front rows, next to other noblemen one of them is Ukano. Who is telling them how he had arrived almost with the ushers, and how he can't control his excitement, he wasn't even this happy to meet his daughter. Mai, his daughter who is sleeping now, is somewhere near, being carried by a maid, letting her parents make small talk with other families and enjoy themselves. Once in a while her parents look at her direction, but in reality you could take her out of the picture without making any real changes.

There is the sound of a Tsungi horn and the doors open.  The royal family makes their entrance and everyone comments in how beautiful the princess looks in her mother's arms. She is Agni touched and there is no doubt she is a fire bender as she wakes up with no problem as soon as the sun starts to show. 

The baby looks up and scans the crowd, her eyes are curious and wary to her new surroundings, yet they don't look scared. She looks like she is memorizing all the faces in the crowd. To be a baby she looks weirdly imposing.

The other two children at ground level are also scanning the stage, most likely searching for the sound, or the movement. They have no idea who this people are or why is everyone gathered, but it doesn't really matter as probably this is only going to be an unimportant anecdote for when they grow up, the day they assisted the princess Agni blessing ceremony 

Azula is the name of the princess. The nobles say she looks like a true ruler, a very fitting name and other compliments. After studying, judging and making their minds around her, the crowd is ready to start the same process with the firstborn. 

Zuko is fussing in his father's arms, he is uncomfortable as Ozai doesn't know how to hold his child yet. It's been a year since he had to pretend to be part of a happy family and the lack of practice is showing. Still the crowd founds it endearing, a new father having difficulties performing women duties makes him look more human than what people say about him. 

Mai’s family are close enough to smell the gunpowder of the starting fireworks. Mai just makes a face at the sound but doesn't cover her ears like the other children, she looks like she is going to fall sleep again, like she has accepted that this is her life now and is just trying to make her best in the situation, in this case sleep. It’s not like her mother would interrupt her conversation to pay attention to her anyway and the maid is very old, she won't even listen. 

Some rows behind Ty Lee starts to cry again, maybe she thinks she can be hurt by the fire, but there is no need to worry, they are too far way to touch her or harm her. Ty Liu wants to explain to her sister that once that is over, it's the end. They can go back home, sleep until late, and ignore FN customs as they are used to. No need to care what the royal family does in their spare time when they are not under the public eye. Their lives are just her and her sisters. 

The fireworks are from different colors, Azula looks at them like trying to predict where they’ll land or as Ozai says later, like trying to impose her wants over their trajectory. A true ruler he repeats. 

Zuko isn't looking at the fireworks, as much as Ozai isn't looking at Zuko. He is looking at the crowd where he spots a sleeping child, which reminds him that is morning and that he very much wishes he could go back to bed. But he is happy to have a sister now, as much as he can understand what that means anyway. 

Finally, the ceremony is over, Azula has been named, good will has been vested upon her and everyone has said their blessing, the doors close and the crowd starts to dissipate.

Everyone leaves with the image of a happy family and loved children, the two noble families go back to their activities and life for all the four children occurs without change. For a while at least. .

[herryportal]

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[fanartfunart]

Prom Date

Me: *listens to Prom Dress by Mxmtoon* ...Ah, time to write a fic.

Summery: Logan’s at prom. Alone. Roman’s gonna fix that whether Logan likes it or not. 

Ships: Platonic all around basically, w/ emphasis on the platonic Logince & miss-it-if-you-blink implied pining Dukeceit. (It’s not like, shippy-shippy, but there’s some mild flirtation & talk of crushes.... if you’d like, please feel free to imagine that it turns into Analogince or LAMP eventually, because that’d be where it would headed. >w<)

Warnings: Um, being lonely? Hh, Remus is an absolute dork who intends to do a prank?? ....idk man, I think it turned away from the key inspiration a bit and turned fairly cute for the most part.

Words: 1751

-

The clouds were a hazy orange as dusk fell over the courtyard. The air was brisk and cool now. The muggy heat of summer only just at its start.

Logan tugged at his tie, adjusting it for what must’ve been the hundredth time this night. Half his suit was borrowed, the blazer a different shade of black from his slacks. Awkwardly tight across his shoulders and chest.

Music was blaring at a level that was certainly harmful to one’s hearing. If he could hear it from out here, the doors closed, it must be absolutely deafening inside. How could anyone hear themselves in there? Logan was clearly much saner than the rest of the crowd for having migrated outside.

Logan let out a huff, fixing his hair back. (For perhaps the 15th time tonight. Surely it was messier now than before he began fixing it back). 

Prom.

Boring when you’ve got nobody to go with.

He glanced back towards the inside of the building, lights flashing and dizzying. Shadows of people dancing- having fun. He turned his head to look at the early stars of the night. This was stupid. He didn’t like the social climate of traditional high school, why would he ever agree to go to their prom?

That was the thing, wasn’t it? It was Their prom. He was just an intruder none of these people had seen since middle school. He groaned and leaned his head against the wall. God even the wall was vibrating from the music. How could any of them stand it?

The music was briefly allowed outside as the door opened, and Logan sat up, excuses ready on his tongue if it was a chaperone who was supposed to keep them inside.

Instead it was an individual he didn’t recognize. (however, Logan was rather confident that the groups he once knew were busy with their prom.) 

Their attire was… interesting. Possibly homemade, now that he inspected the shimmering golden embroidery, swirling on the draped skirt swishing around their ankles and the dress shirt cuffs. The mostly white outfit was accented with a red vest peeking out from under the unbuttoned white blazer. A corsage that nearly held the whole rainbow in flowers was tied around their wrist in a way that only half-worked with the ensemble. Eccentric. That was the word for it.

They swore under their breath, glancing back through the windows as if searching for someone… that they were avoiding. 

They finally glanced at Logan, blinking rapidly. “Oh.” 

A polite smile flickered across Logan’s face, although he was rather more inclined to ask them why they were so inclined to interrupt his silence, he uttered a polite, “Hello.”

“How long have you been out here?” The individual opted to ask, pleasantries apparently the least of their problems. 

“Approximately 30 minutes,” Logan responded, pushing his hair back and adjusting his glasses, he glanced back through the window, “Why did you come out here?”

They sighed so heavily Logan was mildly concerned they had expelled the entirety of their lung’s capacity. “I needed an escape from my brother.” They gestured at the bench Logan had taken to himself, and he shifted so they could sit next to him.

“What about you, what’ve you been doing out here for the past 30ish minutes?”

“Um. Thinking, I suppose.” Logan gestured towards the building, “It’s loud.”

“Is it?” The individual tilted their head, “Must be used to it.” They leaned back on their palms, glancing at Logan, green eyes examining every inch of Logan’s face. “Have I seen you around before?”

“Unlikely,” Logan huffed, “I’m Homeschooled.”

They hummed, “Nah, I think I know you from somewhere- I’m good with faces- admittedly bad with names- but!” they gestured to the whole of Logan’s face, “Good with faces!” 

“Ah, so I assume that’s why you never mentioned your name then?” 

“Oh! I’m Roman-” they-Roman, threw out a hand and Logan glanced them over before accepting the hand.

“Logan. He/him pronouns.”

“Oh, frick, pronouns are a thing-” Logan laughed, taking his hand back to cover his smile. Roman let out a gasp, “Hey, don’t hide that shining smile, it just made you 5% cuter!”

Logan quirked a brow, “Only 5%?”

“Well, you were already cute, and I need to give all the rest of your features a percentage of the pie.”

“That’s not how percentages work in that context; but, I’ll take it. Clearly the classic brick and mortar schooling system has done you a disservice.”

“Who doesn’t it do a disservice to?” Roman scoffed.

Logan shrugged, eyes flickering over the other, “Returning to the previous topic of introductions, pronouns?”

Roman glanced over Logan, smiling a little lopsided- Logan might presume they were a little nervous if he was confident at all at understanding emotions. “They/them is preferable.”

“Perfect, thank you.” Roman’s smile grew. A small silence followed. A timid space where each of them were searching for something to say. 

Roman’s eyes lit up, “Oh, wait, Logan-”

“Yes, that is indeed my name.”

“Logan Sanders?”

“That is the other half of my name-” Logan tilted his head, raising a brow.

“You’re that mysterious nerd who dominated the debate club in like, 8th grade, aren’t you! Virgil complained about you a whole year, and then complained about another two years after you dropped.” 

Logan glanced up at the stars, taking a breath of the cold air. “I, hadn’t considered anybody would have- cared enough when I stopped.”

Roman laughed, “To be honest, I think he had a tiny crush.” Roman’s nose crinkled up when they smiled, bright and wide, “I can see the appeal.”

A soft “Oh” is all that left Logan’s lips, feeling the hint of warmth rush to his face. Out of embarrassment or from the compliment he wasn’t entirely sure.

The music intruded on the quiet space again. “Excuse me, but shouldn’t you two be inside?”

Roman spun, eyes wide. They clutched their chest, and laughed, bright and boisterous, “Pat! You scared me!”

Patton raised his hands, “What? You’re not supposed to be outside, you’ll get in trouble!” 

“Well there’s hardly anything they can do at this point. We’re graduating soon. It’s not as if we’re doing anything wrong in of itself, and I don’t even go here-”

“Ohmygods he doesn’t even go here,” Roman whispered.

“I have no idea why you found that amusing, it is simply true.”

“Well it’s cold out here- oh and Remus is looking for you, said he needed you to help him with something?”

“He wants me to help him slime the prom royalty because he likes the Prom King and doesn’t know how to deal with it.”

Patton glanced back through the doorway, “Oh geez-”

“He can’t do it without me, I hid the slime and I doubt he’ll be able to scavenge more unless he gets real creative. He might dump water on them though and somehow blame me when he gets in trouble. Virgil’s supposed to be watching him anyway.”

“Still!” Patton squealed, promptly turning heel, to, Logan assumed, find one or more of the involved parties.

Logan’s eyes flickered over the door as it shut again, and he curled his legs against his chest.

Roman leaned back again, eyes looking up to the sky. “Have you had a chance to dance yet?”

Logan shook his head, “Again, homeschooled, loud. Not- This isn’t my usual scene.”

They nodded, “What’s the usual scene then?”

A far away look fell over Logan’s features, inspecting the stars. “I don’t think I really have one.”

Roman huffed, “You’re starting to sound like Virge. You two would get along, I think.”

Logan practically whispered in response, “A bit late to be making highschool friends.” A laugh bit through the quiet. Logan turned to glance over at them, “Did I say something amusing?”

“Sorry, it’s just- Better late than never, sometimes, right?”

“Well it’s bound to fail after we go to college, as most relationships do when stressed by a decrease of face to face communication and communication overall.”

“Mm, sounds like somebody’s just scared.”

Logan turned sharply to stare at the eccentrically dressed teen, leveling a glare.

Roman tilted their head, a melancholy smile flickering on their face. “Can’t lose a friend if you don’t try to keep one, right?”

Logan folded his arms, he glared at the corsage rather than Roman’s face. With all it’s paled, mismatched colors- Logan considered the possibility that it too, was homemade. And maybe that was part of the charm.

“I get it. I even actively pushed people away sometimes. 10th grade was rough, ok?” Roman laughed, “Look, I know I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, but, I would very much like to try to be your friend. Even if for a summer.” 

“That’s stupid.” Logan grumbled.

“Eh, stupid is fun though. Remus is stupid 24-7, and he’s the happiest guy I’ve ever met. He’s absolutely terrible and I want to defenestrate him, but my point stands.” 

Logan kicked at the ground, and sighed, “I’m- not amazing at friendships. I don’t understand people. And I’m exceptionally unpracticed at social interaction.”

“Perfect, we like ourselves some terrible social interaction. Adds some flavor, can’t bake a cake without the salt and awkwardness!” Roman smirked.

“I’m quite sure you can bake a cake without awkwardness. And also probably salt, given you replace it with another ingredient that fulfils the role of salt-.”

“God, you and Virgil are gonna get along perfectly-” Roman muttered in a way that Logan was unsure if he was meant to hear or not.

Roman abruptly stood, and held out their hand, “Anygay. May I perhaps have this dance? It is prom, you gotta dance at least once. If not for yourself, then to tell your parents that you did.”

Logan scoffed, “That’s true. At least to tell my parents I did.” 

Roman smiled, bright and wide and a little lopsided. Logan stood, brushed off his jacket and straightened his tie. He took Roman’s hand and smiled in return, gentle and soft and a little awkward. And in a fashion fairly similar to the rush that was their entrance, Roman pulled Logan back into the blare of music. It was loud, and probably still too loud for the safety of one’s ears, but it wasn’t quite as intimidating as it had been before.

Prom. Boring when you’ve got nobody to go with. 

And there would never be another dance where Logan had to go alone again. That was for sure.