#trying to get into that secondary mindset

[edensvessel]

How to Study Resources

Many people in the modern day pagan/polytheist communities are young. As such, a majority of them are neurodivergent, like I am. For me, that means a majority of the language used in resources is difficult to understand. This was originally going to be a post about that, but the more I wrote, the more I realised that many people, neurodivergent or not, just... don't know how to study resources. So, if you are someone that also struggles, I now present to you... my full guide on how to study resources.

Little disclaimer: I myself am a hellenic polytheist, but this guide is for anyone that struggles with understanding information from resources, whether you are a hellenic polytheist, norse polytheist, kemetic polytheist, etc. Though do understand that I am writing from the perspective of a hellenic polytheist, so I am bound to make mistakes when it comes to religions I am less educated on. You are always welcome to adjust anything I say here to fit your own religion accordingly.

Let's get started.

Firstly, you have to find resources. Many people happen to get stuck here, unfortunately.

How do I know what to research to begin with? When starting out, the general consensus among the polytheist/pagan communities is to research the related historical practice. How the deities were worshipped, what contexts they were worshipped in, the history of the deities, etc etc... all of these are very important factors to consider as a beginner. Only by knowing the history can you then delve deeper into specific terms and specific paths that may be right for you!

How do I find resources? Unfortunately, a lot of resources are behind paywalls or just plain hard to find. Here is a list of websites that I personally use and recommend:

scholar.google.com

academia.edu

pdfdrive.com

library.memoryoftheworld.org

libcom.org

libretexts.org

standardebooks.org

By the way, just a reminder that if you find a resource but there is a pesky paywall in your way, you can probably find it on archive.org for free!

How do I choose a resource though? If you are part of hellenic polytheism, then theoi.com is a great resource, but I always like to add primary sources into my research + not everyone reading this will be part of helpol. Try to find primary sources, first and foremost. Then read historical accounts. Then read secondary sources. Also, make sure your author is reliable! (that link is only for hellenic polytheism though, apologies. If you are not part of hellenic polytheism, then looking into who the author is/was as a person and what sort of contributions they made and beliefs they held never failed me personally!)

Found your resource? Made sure the author is reliable? Wonderful! Now what?

This is usually where the procrastination hits for me. Either that, or I get hyperfocused for a while but never complete it and then lose interest.

To avoid that, break things down and establish a routine. You do not have to finish a book in a day, or understand everything you read straight away. Setting those kinds of expectations for yourself will only make things so much more difficult.

Instead, make a routine for yourself. Outlined below is my routine:

Getting into the mindset. I always like to get myself into the mindset of studying by praying, whether this is studying for school or studying a resource. Since my entire life is devoted to lord Apollon, I pray to Him for it. However, if I am researching a specific god, I will typically pray to them instead. However, sometimes I do not have the spoons to write out a prayer, so I typically just adjust my surroundings instead. Turning my LED lights to a warmer colour and putting on some lofi music usually helps me! The studyblr community has great tips for this part! I also recommend I Miss My Cafe.

Reading. First, I try to read without annotating or taking notes. This is the time to take in the information, to try and grasp what I am reading. This is usually the most difficult part for me, because a lot of academic sources tend to use advanced language and sentence structures that are difficult for me to understand. Unfortunately, the only tip I have for this part is to read as slowly as you need. Do not be ashamed for taking your time. Typically, I only like to read one paragraph before I move onto the next step.

Annotation. This is where I re-read the paragraph I just read. Typically, I like to re-word the paragraph in a simpler way for me to understand. Sometimes I notice little patterns that may connect back to something I've read prior, whether in another book or earlier in the same book. When that happens, that is something I add too! Remember, you do not have to annotate. If it makes it easier, then perfect! If it does not, discard it.

Consult study tools. This is where I cross-reference with other resources. This is how the entire process repeats again. Though, you do not just have to use books for this part! YouTube videos, podcasts, online resources, etc etc...these always help too!

Application. After vetting the information, consider how it would apply to your life, if at all.

Of course, that's just my routine. You are always welcome to use it, but I also greatly encourage you to create your own routine so that you can cater it to your learning style!

I also recommend setting a time limit for yourself. If you have not completed a chapter within the time limit, that is okay! The most important thing about researching is making sure you are not guilting yourself into biting off more than you can chew. Take your time, you have a lot of it.

Research is vital to religions like ours, and research should be something everyone can do! Just because you may need some accommodations does not make you any less intelligent. We all learn differently. That is okay.

I hope this post can serve as something helpful for those who struggle in this area, and as a reminder that you are not alone in your struggles. If you have any questions or would like further clarification on some points, feel free to reach out!

Xaire ♡

[sysmedsaresexist]

what are your thoughts on the community theory that autism may cause more fictives?

I come to you, anon, a broken man. I am in shambles. My life has been ripped apart.

I just spent a straight hour writing a response. It was a beautiful response, with sources, and pretty colors, and oh, about 2k words.

And it's all gone.

BUT!!! I, Quill, am not one to be discouraged. I'm going to redo this. FROM THE TOP!!!! (and now saving draft every 5 seconds istg-)

TL;DR: I really genuinely love the theory and think it has a lot of merit. However, I also really disagree with how some parts of the community handle this theory, and the stereotypes of autistic systems that come from it.

Alright. Mod Quill here, yes, I am an autistic system, currently a bit itchy inside because I should've been almost done this post and nearly into my latest fixation (don't starve together), and instead I'm rewriting this all and delaying my gratification. I am being so strong and brave right now.

[EDIT, before I actually get started, now that I'm done my ramble: in the following essay, I discuss introjection as a whole, rather than just fictives. I personally only have fictional introjects, but we all absolutely despise the term fictive being used on our system, so we avoided the term.]

Let's start with the fact that introjection is incredibly normal. My GOAT, Piaget, discusses at length how schema develops, and that's based a lot in introjection. Introjection, as a concept, is the idea that we, as people, unconsciously take on the beliefs, personality traits, sometimes even emotions of those around us. This can be for a lot of reasons.

Introjection (Defense Mechanism) was an interesting article I found discussing this idea, especially as it discusses introjection VS internalization, identification, and incorporation. Basically, when y'all try to find good articles online about introjection, those other words are usually fair game as well. This article is largely setting out to define various types of introjection. It describes normal introjection (bringing up Piaget, love that guy, he's my main man as a teacher) and brings up how introjects (i.e. the emotions/traits/beliefs/etc) can be distorted via fantasy. When that happens, it's considered secondary identification, and (she cites Freud here but I am not going digging more for MORE research atm), "Such secondary identification aims to reduce feelings of separation and hostility, and increase feelings of closeness, between the self and the external object, and thus it is regarded as a defense mechanism." So, in basic terms, introjection as a coping mechanism is often meant to reduce separation and increase closeness between an individual and the object of their introjection.

This can be seen very readily in CDDs. For instance, a hypothetical child is seeking more secure attachment with an abusive parental figure; they then form a dissociative part that is literally that abusive parental figure, making that person a part of them. This is a highly pathological defense mechanism.

So where does autism come in? Well... It's a disorder featuring:

A constant feeling of loneliness or ostracization for many individuals (discussed here)

A feeling of requirement for masking or mimicry of others in order to fit in (discussed here)

Diagnostic criteria that clearly show an inability to connect with others, rigid thinking patterns (akin to a fixed-mindset, just musing here), and an inability to maintain healthy relationships.

So... autistic CDD systems would then be individuals with a dissociative disorder, who (due to their autism) often report feeling more disconnected with themselves than their peers, who already rely on imitation as a conscious form of survival in an attempt to achieve closeness...

So you mean to say, Autistic CDD Systems Introject More???? HUH.

It's spelled out right there. It's fairly blatantly obvious. And genuinely, I don't think anyone was really doubting this. I don't think anyone is really out here saying that autistic people don't experience significant dissociation/introjection.

However, there's a lot of people recently shouting to the hilltops that there's no proof that autistic systems experience higher amounts of introject alters. And...

Duh? Obviously? There's already a significant lack of research into introjects in CDD systems. Why on earth would they then skip forward to research into introjects in autistic CDD systems? The medical world isn't going to skip around like that -- particularly, well... because why would they even research this to begin with?

Genuinely, I think that's my frustration with the recent discourse about this topic. There really is no reason, in my eyes, why the medical world should focus on this topic. What benefit would it have for patients? Introjects are simply another form of alter, same as any other. I suppose, potentially, it could lead to more ideas on how to help autistic CDD systems with their introjects in particular, but... is it that much different than just treating autistic CDD systems as a whole?

There's really no reason to be so up in arms about this idea. You're not going to be getting proof that this theorized correlation is actually scientifically valid; that's just not going to be happening anytime soon, unless someone has a really invested interest in autistic CDD introjects.

However...

HOWEVER!!!!!

That also does not mean I necessarily agree that every autistic system is like this. Because, for instance, I am not like this.

If you don't know, hi, I'm Quill, a mixed-origin CDD system featuring 15 parts. The origins aren't really important to this conversation, but we like to use accurate labels. We have 4 introjects, all of whom are fictional in nature. One is very close to source, one is so separated we forget she's an introject, and the other two are somewhere in the middle. And, despite what most people would assume, as I am a level 2 autistic individual as well as a system...

Only one of those introjects is from a hyperfixation of ours -- one that was brief, lasting only about 2 days, and that has never caught me up again -- and she's the one who immediately source separated.

Now, I am someone who struggles with hyperfixations. I scream internally while I autistically click the next 5 hour FNAF marathon when I'm supposed to be grading. I know so much lore. But yet, despite the sheer number -- undertale, MLP, FNAF, Petscop, most recently DST -- I haven't split introjects from any of those fixations.

And, well, that makes sense. Because introjection isn't just about attachment to an object. It's about taking something you need from that object. And it's unconscious in most cases.

(Semantically, I suppose that means that introject isn't really the best term for created parts who are fictional in nature, but I do not care about semantics all that much when it comes to people's self-identified labels in a minority group).

So, in the cases of my introjects:

At a time when we felt incapable, angry, and confused, we split a confident, strong, and (healthily) angry part.

At a time when we felt we were at risk of losing everyone and everything because we couldn't keep them happy, we split a character who found her lost loved ones and kept everyone happy.

At a time when we felt we needed distance from our conflicting emotions, we split someone who canonically has never been conflicted.

At a time when we were in desperate need of love, we split someone we knew would seek that love out without fail.

It wasn't based on our hyperfixations; it was based on our needs.

I think that large swaths of the system community online forgets that CDDs are borne of childhood trauma. Splits in CDD systems are caused by trauma-responses* -- you're stressed out, so your brain puts what you need to handle that stress (such as the memory of the event, the feelings you need to handle it, the personality traits that would be helpful) into a new part. In the case of introjection, a CDD brain is still doing that -- it just relies on a blueprint provided by the world around them. In the cause of autistic systems, I think they find it especially easy to rely on those blueprints.

I mean, autism comes with its own difficulties with personhood, dissociation, and lack of feeling like oneself. There's evidence to indicate that, rather than an autobiographical sense of self based on seamless memories, autistic individuals lean toward a patchwork sense of self. Extend that to CDD systemhood, an inherently dissociative, traumatic experience that comes with memory problems that further prevent autobiographical self memory, and you've got a compelling reason why introjecting whole characters (with themes and narratives that fit the experiences trying to be integrated) might be more common in autistic systems.

And... all of that -- all of the nuance, all of the discussion of trauma and the inherent struggles of being autistic -- somehow has been boiled down repeatedly, on both sides of the argument, to "Autistic systems split more introjects because they hyperfixate."

This idea led to me feeling completely isolated in system communities. I found myself in groups with the following (incredibly limited) views on autism and systemhood:

Introjects are not more common with autism at all, and anyone saying so is spreading misinformation.

Introjects only split due to traumatic experiences, and autistic people experience more trauma than others, so they split more introjects.

Introjects split more frequently in autistic systems due to hyperfixations, so if you're really autistic, you have more introjects.

And... none of these are right. All of them lack nuance, and all of them patently ignore the facts about trauma and how it impacts the brain in CDDs.

Based on the community experiences I've seen, there is a blatant correlation between autism and introjects. To ignore that correlation is to be blind to the community entirely. However, to say the correlation is only due to hyperfixation is to ignore many, many other possible reasons why autistic systems split more introjects -- of which my post only addressed some potential reasons -- and, in doing so, isolates many systems. It also stereotypes autism to hyperfixation, which is only one of the thousands of potential sprinkles on someones autism sundae, and leaves some individuals (such as myself) feeling even further isolated.

(And to suggest that it is because autistic people experience "more trauma" than others is to begin the 2025 Trauma Olypmics, and I refuse to entertain a torch bearer for those particular games.)

I understand where many individuals are coming from when they express frustration over the theory; I've been in that exact position myself, demanding proof of the correlation due to my own isolation from the community. And, with a disorder that already, inherently, feels so isolating already, on top of another disorder with its own share of isolating feelings...

I just desperately hope that people can be open to others experiences. I think it's entirely possible that someone attaches so firmly to a hyperfixation that they split a new part from it. I also think the theory I presented here -- that autistic individuals introject more readily due to a propensity for introjection in part borne of trauma -- is also entirely possible. I think there's thousands of possible explanations, and I think there's thousands of "right answers."

And I also think that none of this matters beyond a simple intellectual curiosity, and coming to understand myself more. I wrote all of this up due to my passion for the subject. I am autistic, and I want to be seen, and heard, and I want people to understand it more. I want people to broaden their perspectives and maybe see someone else's shoes, even if they aren't comfortable wearing them yet.

If another system is like mine, yay! If another system is unlike mine, yay! Regardless, every system is unique -- just like how every representation of autism is unique. And I think we should find beauty in the theories that present themselves, and enjoy the ideas more than the outcomes.

Fun additional reading that came up in the process of my buzzing about this for multiple hours:

Experiencing Self and Others: Contributions From Studies of Autism to The Psychoanalytic Theory of Social Development -> According to a friend (paraphrasing a tiny bit), "the abstract, in my reading, is basically saying that comparing autistic and non-autistic kids can help us understand more about how theory of mind and mental modeling of others can develop, particularly in relevancy to concepts of internalization/introjection." They did read through the whole article (while also warning me to never use scihub) and indicated for me that this really doesn't discuss autism in correlation to introjection, and even seems to suggest that autistic people can't introject (in the non-pathological sense) due to their inability to connect to others. (I genuinely think this is in direct opposition to the first study I mentioned, about how introjection is a defense mechanism, especially as autistic people experience significant amounts of trauma due to their disorder anyways.)

Making the thought thinkable: On introjection and projection -> Can only access the first page, which discusses a bit about echlalia and inner worlds. However, the title makes me curious about what this could offer in terms of the Autistic System Introjects Debate(tm). I want to go digging a bit more to see if I can get around the paywalls on this. This is a complete wild card to me.

Whose memories are they and where do they go? Problems surrounding internalization in children on the autistic spectrum -> A very interesting article that came up while my friend was reading the Experiencing Self article. Again, I cannot access anything but the abstract myself (fucking pAYWALLS) but it's promising. Here's a quote: "The author suggests that, instead of internalizing shared experiences leading to growth, children with autism can feel that they add to themselves by taking over the qualities of others through the ‘annexation’ of physical properties that leads to a damaged object and can trigger a particular sort of negative therapeutic reaction." (Emphasis mine) Friend suggests full article is a goldmine. I'll leave that for you all to go digging for, if you'd like to know more.

(*Footnote: I mean splitting in the most basic, CDD medical understanding of the disorder way possible. Obviously, as a mixed-origin system, I understand there's more than one way to split a part than simply through traumatic/stressful experiences.)

[ohwaitimthewriter]

You know what?

I've been thinking about how falling in love would be so different for our apes men and women and for us human.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about being a good heart or a complete jerk, because of course it is in both cases (apes and human) a very important part to fall in love. It's more about the differences between the practical and inner aspect of things.

Like, to fall in love, as human, we need to share who we are through conversations and activities. I do believe we fall in love thanks to our mindset and if the other person is able to intellectually increase our own mind. To fall in love, we care about the way people think and how they use their brain and if it matches the way our own brain works. Which leads to a lot of talks and brings all physical and practical aspects to a secondary focus. Your intellect comes first and your physical/practical aspect comes second.

Meanwhile I believe for our apes men and women it'd be more about practical stuff first and second if you have a good way of thinking it's a bonus. Apes will tend to show what they are capable of which leads to falling in love with them: are you able to bring food? Build a safe nest? Follow a small pray? Craft useful tools? Are you strong enough to keep your family safe? Apes will not talk but will show their skills. They will get impressed by your capacity to hunt, build, repair, heal and take care of others. Your intellect will come secondary.

I don't know if I'm clear in what I'm trying to explain? 😂

But this would lead to funny things I think when you and Caesar or Noa would try to court/flirt with each other.

Caesar would more or less understand this "inner" aspect in falling in love for a human so he'll cleverly let you on purpose have long conversation with him while he's showing off his strength or skills to craft a weapon or build a comfortable nest. It's like... you talk, he shows 😂 and he will subtly trying to make you do stuff so you show him your skills while he'll use conversation to explain you how to craft a weapon so he can show you his intellect as well.

Caesar wants you to fall in love with him through your own way AND through his way and vice versa: he wants to fall in love with you through your way and through his own way.

Caesar is deviously smart 😂

Noa... well, he would NOT get that inner aspect, he just thinks you're a talkative human. It's just another very human thing. But wait wait wait don't get me wrong Noa LOVES when you talk to him because he's a very curious ape and he wants to KNOW stuff and LEARN but he also see courting as a very serious thing and if you talk while he is trying to court you through showing you his skills.... can you please focus a little bit? I'm trying to make an impression on you there!

Little did he know you fall in love with him when you share these conversations about culture and traditions stuff...

And when you're trying to craft something from wood or weaving a blanket? Little did you know this is when he falls in love with you.

Should I make it a full oneshot? SHOULD I??

[evangelina830]

Meet the Bandit!

(RP Blog for them!)

Name: Evan

Age: 23

Weight: 112 lbs

Height: 5’0”

Role: support

Ethnicity: Mexican/American

Origin: California, USA

Primary: Machine pistol

Secondary: RPG

Melee: Bowie Knife

Speed: 95%

HP: 150

Personality:

Despite sneaking around, being apart of their stealing technique, they have a usual very silly personality similar to Scout, except without such a big ego and a try-hard habit for women. They joke around a lot, and sometimes get loud depending on their mood.

Abilities:

Stealing

Trading

Sneaking

Likes:

Piano

Art

Comics

Animals

Making deals/Money

Dislikes:

Tomatoes

Big bodies of water

Backstory: as a baby, they were picked up off the side of the road, but they looked a little strange. Growing up in California, they were raised by a family of one mother, six sisters and one brother, being the third oldest of the group. They wear a human disguise because they are a secret alien shapeshifter exploring earth! (They are actually born from Venus…)

Appearance:

Evan’s brown eye color matches their hair, although Eva’s eyes are a lighter brown.

Both of their hair is the same brown, but a blue and red/pink ombré.

BLU bandit, aka Evan, has somewhat crooked teeth (and find the excuse to wear their scarf more often to hide it. Mostly, to hide their smile). But Eva’s teeth are straighter, being the cloning process. Evan also has rather sharp canines.

Both bandits have beauty marks (moles) in the same spots.

Eva’s skin is slightly darker than Evan’s due to being in the sun more

Red bandit’s hair is a bit straighter, and shorter In the back. Blu bandit’s hair is more wavy

Facts:

both Bandit’s use they/them pronouns.

The BLU Bandit is actually the original, the RED being the true clone. Both bandits often, casually, switch teams because they get along with them better. They only kill their friends on the battlefield. (My headcanon is that the blue team is all clones of the red team, being born into the mindset of war, which is why some mercenaries may be more serious than the RED team.)

A strange fact about Eva, is that during Evan’s cloning, they were recognized as a human, therefor, they are not an alien like the BLU Bandit.

Eva is rather monotone and speaks a lot less than Evan. Although, they are kinder if you get to know them, despite looking angry as a resting face.

Evan has a tortoiseshell cat named Molly, back at home

They shake violently when having caffeine, and since they have anxiety they either get a burst of energy, or get anxious (choosing to ease their nerves by running or dancing), so they ‘aren’t allowed’ to have it, but would do anything to get their hands on coffee cause they love the taste.

Oddly enough, BLU Bandit melts (literally) when they feel a strong emotion (like nervousness, excitement, or extreme pain - so they often melt when they die during battle), but it’s somehow a normal thing to the others. (Melts into a puddle, but always returns in one piece)

Relationships:

Scout: He’s just too much similar to Bandit. They often bicker (usually in a playful way). Though sometimes, they like to talk about comics together.. they have a relationship similar of siblings.

[Bandit calls Scout; Chucklehead (to mock him), Jerms, Jay. Scout calls Bandit; Bandy, four eyes, amigo (to mock them), Copy-cat, Ban-Ban]

Their duo name would be called Comic Twins

Pyro: Bandit and Pyro love to craft together! Even if it’s with the blood and guts of their enemies. Evan is also a good translator to his mumbling.

[Bandit calls Pyro; mumbles, py, señor loco]

Their duo name would be called Gender who? (Lol)

Soldier: These two often play fight like animals, but Bandit teases him more than actually doing something. They bond over their love for raccoons and rockets! Bandit sees him like an uncle or a ‘stupid older brother’.

[Bandit calls Soldier; Solly, Sol, Jay-Dee, soldado, sky man. Solly calls Bandit; Rookie, Rocket pal, cadet, sneaky little thief]

Their duo name would be called Raccoon Rockets

Demoman: they are Very close with him - If Demoman isn’t with Solly, he’s with Bandit or both of them! And Bandit seems to have a little crush.. they exchange platonic kisses sometimes and play piano together, but perhaps it’s a bit more than friendly.

[Bandit calls Demoman; Demo, Guapo, Tav, Dee, Tavish-ing (like ravishing). Demo calls Bandit; Bandy, lad, Bonnie, Bee (to mimic the way they give nicknames), Ev]

Their duo name would be called Piano 4 Hands!

Heavy: Bandit and Heavy have a family like relationship. Like they do to others, bandit likes to mess with him, but he doesn’t react as much as the rest do. So taking that into consideration, Bandit is calmer around him and nicer.

[Bandit calls Heavy; Señor viejo, H, pesado, Hev. Heavy calls Bandit; маленький вор, подлый енот, small Bandit]

Their duo name would be called Sticks and stones

Engineer: The last thing this Engineer needs is for a sneaky thief to steal parts of his machines! He gets frustrated with them sometimes, but they’ve got a silly thing going on. Bandit sees Engi like an uncle, and he sees them like an annoying little nephew.

[Bandit calls Engi; ingeniero, Engi, Dell pepper, robot man. Engi calls Bandit; Bandy, little thief, Ban, sneaky trash panda]

Their duo name would be called Astronomical Smarts

Sniper: While sniper studies aliens, it doesn’t help that he works with one, though he doesn’t know for sure (even though he’s correct). Bandit knows of this, since Sniper sometimes tries to call them out, but they ignore it, protecting their secret, by playing it off as a joke. Besides that all, they’re quite good friends.

[Bandit calls Sniper; Monday, francotirador, Snipes, Em, Vanny, hombre sucio. Sniper calls Bandit; Bandy, crook, Space-man, sneaky critter]

Their duo name would be called Alien Exploration

Medic: The Medic may be the only one Bandit is afraid of, just a little. Half of their interactions are passive-aggressive. Though, on some occasions they get along relatively well, and like to talk about silly things.

[Bandit calls Medic; Doctor, El, Doctor L, lewd-wig (to immaturely mock his wild behavior, and name). Medic calls Bandit; hinterhältiger Dieb, kleine Ratte]

Their duo name would be called Anxiety diagnosis

Spy: Their favorite thing to do is talk about romance and banter about how more sneaky one is. And sometimes, they secretly gossip to one another…

[Bandit calls Spy; Spy-der, French fry, espiar, Señor, hombre cangrejo. Spy calls Bandit; petit voleur, Monsieur?, Thief, raton laveur sournois]

Their duo name would be called sneaky Romanticists

Pauling: Bandit has always admired Miss Pauling, and even hates when Scout flirts with her. Not because of jealously or anything of the like, but because they’re aware there’s a much better method to charming a woman like her and it’s almost offensive how he always fails (LOL). The two are friends that don’t interact so often, but bandit respects her

[Bandit calls Pauling; Señora, Pauli, señorita violeta, Señora P.]

Their duo name would be called Cat-Eye lenses!

[communistkenobi]

hi, i'd like to read marx's capital, but I've heard it's quite challenging. do you think there is a best way to go about reading it, maybe skipping or reading chapters in a particular order or taking notes in a particular way?..

I read some parts of it a very long time ago so I can’t give specific advice on what to skip. I’m preparing to read it in August for an exam, and I’ll be using David Harvey’s companion to Marx’s Capital as a study + learning guide. David Harvey also has video lectures about it that you can watch, which are probably the most accessible.

however, and I mean this in a completely non-judgemental way, I think an important question to ask is why you want to read Capital - is it for Marxist theory cred? Are people telling you that you have to read it? Do you feel you ‘need’ to read it to understand Marxist theory or call yourself a socialist/communist? Is it casual intellectual curiosity? Is it part of a larger reading set that you’re doing? I’m not going to discourage you from reading it, but i wouldn’t recommend starting with it if you want to read Marx, particularly if you haven’t read a lot of economic/political theory.

and i want to be clear I’m not trying to talk down to you, I ask these question to myself constantly because it helps inform my learning priorities - what is it that I want to get out of this text, what are my goals and expectations, what personal/intellectual/moral worth am I tying to the completion of this text, and so on. Capital is a difficult and boring read! something I’ve seen both on and offline is people try to read it, it’s dense/confusing/boring, they give up and feel discouraged or think they’re ‘too stupid’ for Marxist theory, when like in reality it’s a specific text intervening on a particular set of political debates in Marx’s time, and is also an origin point for a wide range of political and economic belief systems that have undergone fundamental and global developments in the nearly two centuries since its publication. Which is all to say that I think picking up Capital for the sake of simply reading Capital sets yourself up for failure, disappointment, and potentially feeling stupid/incapable of meeting the demands of your own political convictions. Which is not a good mindset for communists to be in! CLR James says that every cook can govern; Marxist theory should not be a site of personal misery and intellectual punishment. A challenging text is not the same thing as a confusing or boring one, and I think there is a lot of moralistic expectations floating around in “leftist spaces” (big quotation marks) about the development of “critical thinking skills” as this miserable slog of whipping yourself into being radical.

I call myself a communist and have not read Capital; not only are there many other works by Marx to read, not to mention the nearly infinite amounts of secondary sources that engage with Marx, it’s also not something I feel is going to answer the questions I need when I want to read theory. I am specifically reading this text because I have to be qualified to teach it and regurgitate it on an exam, which is how I’m approaching this text. I think asking yourself what your approach is (are you doing it to advance your own learning, to answer specific questions you have about Marxist theory [and what are those specific questions?], to inform your historical understanding of the development of continental economic theory, etc) will help answer some of these “philosophy of learning” questions. Maybe Capital is the place to start based on your own motivations and prior reading, but maybe it’s not. And if it’s not that’s totally fine! Marx is perhaps one of the most responded-to European political thinkers of modernity - we are engulfed in theory engaging with his ideas. You have your pick of the lot

[juchioris]

No Yan Sim: Undine Eisner

My entry for the No Yandere Simulator au by @quartztwst. I'm sending Undine out to play with the neighbours' kids!

This Masterpost contains all my reblogs under the templates, - you are welcome to comment and ask questions in the post's comment section :)

(excuse the traditional art, I don't have the digital drawing skill, lol) (Undine is her own Warning: Racism, Queerphobia)

Under the Cut: Role in the Plot, Introduction, Official Questions answered Part 1 & 2

Role in the Plot: NPC / Secondary Rival

- will investigate murders and murder attempts (turns up after murder and failed attempt) - will try to protect everyone (after failed murder attempt: guards the intended victim, no matter who it is) - {NEW} will not guard Azul, because she knows that he has enough strong guards and they don't like each other (but would still guard him, if he had no one else to help him, very hypothetically)- will intervene in fights if she comes across them (tries to stop the fight, so no one gets injured/killed) - will try to stop a murder attempt, if she walks in on it (fights the attacker and tries to capture them) - will sneak/run away, if someone has a gun (Undine knows what she's made of and that she can't win against that)

Introduction

In this AU, she moved with her family from Germany to whereever this school is, while her friends stayed back in Germany, so she is on her own at this school (still in contact with them though). Her family is actually political very right and hates foreigners, so they also hate to be foreigners, but one parent got such a great job opportunity here, you know: money. At any rate, Undine tries to be a "good" foreigner and "integrate" (assimilate). So, she prefers to get into fights (only with "bad guys" who "deserve it", of course) after school, to not be bad at school by breaking the rule against fighting there.

Other "values" taught at home are racism and queerphobia. With the bad influence of her parents instead of the good influence of her friends, Undine believes in these "values" much more. By mouthing off about her outdated and cruel points of view, Undine has ruined her own reputation at this school.

Her desire to be heroic and popular (even stronger in this AU) is constantly thwarted by herself. It's not just that she ends up discriminating students in her mindset to look down on differences to put herself higher, she also comes across as annoying, ignorant and patronizing when she tries to help people with little daily struggles (because there are so little big stuggles at this lame, mundane school).

While it is unclear, if Jade really has a romantic interest in Undine (as rumour has it, but that rumour could easily be false), he is certainly interested in the contradiction between her heroic kindness and her villainous rude side and the resulting "entertaining behaviour". Undine is curious, if the rumour is true, but won't ask Jade outright. She wouldn't risk to get rejected by someone she doesn't even have a crush on. Goes against her pride.

In an AU, where she is not at a disadvantage with others having magic, but she herself not, Undine is pretty strong. She won't admit it, but her motivation to get stronger in the Martial arts club isn't just her wish to be heroic and save people, but also her less heroic lust for power (which physical strength is).

Her close friends call her "Dini" - but she doesn't have any close friends at this school.

I hope Undine isn't too problematic with her discriminatory ways, but I thought if murder is okay, then her misdeeds should not be too hardcore for the AU. Undine can change and learn to be a better person - with some good-influence-friends, patience and learning from mistakes it's possible, even in this AU.

Undine Eisner No Yan Sim AU Q&A Part 1

1. Does your OC have parents or family in the AU? If not, what is their current living situation?

Yes. Undine lives with her parents and has a good relationship with them. Her parents, followers of right-wing populism, are a bad influence, raising their daughter (only child) to be racist, queerphobic etc. The teachers at the school step up and try to teach her to be more tolerant.

2. What are their thoughts on Quartz?

Quartz has an unusual skincolour, so... While Undine doesn't outright bully people with a different skin colour, her racism manifests in a casual form, by her avoiding them, being wary of them and being less kind to them. For example, Undine would help Quartz, if she sees another student bullying/attacking her (unless she knows of a context that justifies it, like... you know... Quartz trying to kill someone), but she wouldn't help her if she fell down or dropped some things, when she would help white students in such little scenarios. Since she is so distant, Undine isn't close to Quartz at all. She barely knows her. Undine has no idea, what she's up to. While Undine isn't crass enough to admit it out loud, she is more suspicious of not-white people, so she will easily suspect Quartz to be a criminal.

3. What is their thoughts and relationship with Azul? How did they meet Azul?

Undine has no respect for guys who have a harem (which Azul has in this AU apparently, lol). Someone who can't choose and commit isn't worth her (romantic) interest. Normally, Undine stays away from Azul and his admirers. She has actually never met him alone until now and has never had a proper conversation with him. She only knows him from seeing him around and hearing other people's stories about him. She will protect him from harm and danger, but out of principle - Undine will try to save every student, whose life is in danger.

4. What are their relationships with other characters/OCs?

Crowley: If Miss Eisner gets sent to my office one more time for political incorrect commentary, I shall have her put together and hold a presentation about why discrimination is unacceptable and the benefits of tolerance at school. A recording of that will look good on the school's website - I mean it is good to share the resource with the public, so that everyone can learn from it...

Azul: Undine is easily one of the most foolish students here, very naive and narrow-minded. I don't like people like her.

Vil: Undine is a perfect example of someone who has neither skill nor talent in acting. Unfortunately, she tries to put up her nice-girl-act every day, despite that. It's so bad, that no one could fall for it...

Ace: Yeah, Undine is really way too nice. She just agrees to help me with everything I ask of her, as long as I don't want her food or ask her to go throw my trash away. I found out that her limit of taking requests from the same guy is two per day, then she catches on that she gets used as maid and gets snappy, hehe.

5. What grade/year is your OC?

First year

6. What is your OCs goal for the school year or in life?

Get good grades, do good, be heroic.

7. Your OC is being framed for murder of another student by Quartz, how does your OC react to that? Does your OC know it's Quartz?

Outrageous! Undine will prove her innocence and look for the real killer! If she knows who framed her, she can guess the killer is also Quartz.

8. Your OC notices Quartz carrying a weapon in her skirt pocket. That's strange since the female school uniforms don't have skirt pockets. Does your OC report this?

Yes.

9. Where is your OC usually with or at during school? Classes? With Azul? Skipping class? Where do they eat lunch?

Undine doesn't skip class. She eats lunch in the cafeteria. She is usually alone.

10. How are your OC's grades?

Overall good, but nothing special. She's failing English, because she is too far beneath the first language level, that is taught here.

NEW!

(No Yan Sim AU) Questions for OCs part 2!

1. What is their magic level? What type of magic are they’re best at?

She does her best with the potential she has, Undine wishes to be more powerful of course. She has no Ultimate Magic (yet?) and sticks to the basics, using the four elemental types. While she is decent with all four elements (nothing unusual), Water is her strongest.

(Fun fact: The OG version of Undine does not have magic.)

2. If your OC is magicless, how do they defend themselves from someone attacking them with magic? Are they good at fighting?

Undine is not on the strong side of the power scale for her magic alone. She is good at physical fighting and has an attack style that includes both magic and physical attacks, with a practised sequence that will throw guys, who try to make out a simple attack pattern in her fighting style off. Undine tends to evade spells as much as she can, because that way she can use less of her limited magic for defense.

3. Your OC stumbles upon a dead body a few feet outside of the school. Do they report it?

This is narrated as an own post. LINK HERE

4. Which elimination tactic is preferred to use on them?

Misleading of her investigation - after Undine catches a wrong "killer" (ideally a rival), she will also stop guarding any rival target.

If Undine accuses Quartz - just say she's being racist again. Everyone will buy that that's all there is to her suspicions, unless she has solid proof.

If you want to eliminate her as rasicst/queerphobe, the best tactic is to befriend her and change her ways through a good influence.

5. How are your OCs outside of school? Do they have jobs?

Undine has no job, so she just enjoys her free time outside of school. She consumes media about heroes at home as her hobby. She will blaspheme about schoolmates much more at home with her parents (who encourage such "criticism") than at school.

6. How social is your OC? Do they stray away from crowds?

Outgoing, but judgemental - it's complicated. Crowds don't bother Undine, she may join the crowd if it revolves around something she likes, like some delicious food in the cafeteria or school drama. But she avoids the crowd of Azul and his fans, she finds this crowd stupid and annoying.

7. Which TWST character does your OC believe should have more admirers than Azul?

Undine thinks no one should have as much "simps" as Azul has now, no one needs that many romantic options, that's just ridiculous. Since Azul doesn't commit to one, Undine thinks he isn't worthy of any admirers, so in her opinion, he should have 0.

A bit of a romantic at heart, Undine grants everyone else a love interest, so they may/should have 1.

Everyone except Leona (Undine clashed with him the past, her taking the L of course), he can stay alone for all she cares.

If the Game-Yuu is at the school, Undine will also except this person, because Game-Yuu can't be classified as boy or girl. When it comes to Undine's queerphobia, she tolerates/ignores the sexualities LGB and A, but she is more avoidant of T and I. To her, someone with such a "flaw" is not that admirable. But because there are so many stundents who are gender-queer at the school, Undine gets slowly used to the concept.

If there are the Manga-Yuus at the school, Yuuken, Yuuka and Yuuta, Undine will also think they are more admirable than Azul, because unlike the Game-Yuu she can classify them as boy, girl and boy respectively in her little drawer-brain.

8. What are your OC's weaknesses? Are they easily manipulated? Easily overpowered by?

Undine is too wary to get tricked/manipulated easily. If you try that, she may turn the tables on you.

Undine's favourite persuasion tactic is: "You want (to be) X, and if you do action Y, you will be/get X."

Undine is easily owerpowered by strong magic spells (when you manage to hit her) and a powerful pyscical force (but you have to be very quick too, or else she'll run away when she notices that you are much stronger than her).

9. Why does your OC like their crush?

Well, Undine doesn't have a crush. But here is what she's generally into:

male

heroic

handsome

10. If your OC has no crush, which TWST character might have a liking for your OC?

Jade might have a liking for her!

While it is unclear, if Jade really has a romantic interest in Undine (as rumour has it), he is certainly interested in the contradiction between her heroic kindness and her villainous rude side and the resulting "entertaining behaviour".

He usually talks with her a little bit, when they cross paths in school. Undine can't tell if Jade is trying to flirt. Isn't it his normal behaviour, that he is talking a bit smooth?

Undine is curious, if the rumour is true, but won't ask Jade outright. She wouldn't risk to get rejected by someone she doesn't even have a crush on. Goes against her pride.

On Undine's side, she likes Jade, but can't see him as friend or suitor, because she doesn't trust him (yet?). After all, she has heard more rumours about Jade than the one about his supposed crush on her and some of those are concerning...

At any rate he likes her enough, to not let someone get away with killing her, so if you eliminate Undine, Jade will will have it in for you.

11. Since reputation and popularity are kind of different, is your OC popular in and outside of school?

In school: Bad reputation, not popular.

Outside: Average citizen, just a stranger to all the other strangers in the city. Barely interacts with people not from school, but makes the same blunders as in school when she does.

Online: Under a pseudonym that is not recognizable as Undine. Has no own content, just exists as follower.

12. Any drama, traumatic story for your OC in the AU?

Nothing yet! Feel free to include her in any drama! :-)

Feel free to include Undine in your posts for the AU, I give eyeryone officially the permission!

Undine outside of this AU

Link to Undine's Debut on my Blog

Link to my TWST Fanfic starring Undine and her friends

[abcwordsurge]

aromantic character prompts

Because I'm so desperate to see these that I guess I'll just make them myself.

The aromatic character will be called "X," the plot convenience secondary character will be called "Y."

X feeling left behind when their best friend Y gets a romantic partner

X going on a blind date with Y, really enjoying themself, but panicking when Y asks to kiss them (or tries to kiss them without asking, for a little extra angst)

X nervously asking Y to be their queer platonic partner

X responding to "one day you'll find someone"

X listening to Y's romance troubles and trying to figure out how to say "I have literally no idea what you think you will gain by telling me this"

two (or more) romantic characters comparing their experience (i.e. an aro character in a relationship and a loveless aro talking about their difference, or aros bonding over their mutual annoyance over allos' tendency to invalidate them)

X realizing that they're aromantic and breaking up with their partner (or communicating and transforming their relationship into a QPR??)

and dialogue prompts:

"no, please... please don't say you love me"

"oh my god, same!"

"why is none of your art about love? don't you feel love?"

"I didn't know you felt that way about me"

"you don't even know what that means, do you"

"oh, I get it now, I don't like them, I just think they're pretty"

"I'm sorry I can't feel the same about you"

"I don't want to explain myself to you!"

"wow, that makes me feel so much better"

and, tip, just... listen to AJR's "Turning Out" trilogy. they just inspire me so much. sometimes when I'm writing something about an aspect character I put on those three songs in a loop to get into the mindset of an aspec person confused about romance.

feel free to use these with or without tagging me- because I am firmly of the opinion that if someone writes a fic (or draws something) based on the, like, ten words I wrote, they owe me nothing, because that art is theirs. but also I'd love to know I inspired someone haha

happy writing!

[1nfernoh]

[ MUKBANG VIDEO: BUT IT'S JUST KIYONG SMOKING AN ENTIRE PACK OF CIGARETTES ] hey friends, you can call me belle. my personality consists of oscillating wildly from regular punctuation to lapslock with the abbreviational wherewithal of a 13 year old CoD player and the 9 dollar coffee I drank today. i'll put my discord under the cut, you can just add me there if you want to talk/plot - this is a new account so i assume it will be cast into the shadow realm with seto kaiba if i dm one (1) person. also under the cut: exposing kiyong for the subpar member of society that he is. IMPORTANT LINKS: about / profile / plots

add me on disc @ dreemscape

oh kiyong, 29yo, cast as the fire-eater, an extra in the movie. if you want the full scope of his character i'd mosey on over to the about page and/or profile page because all i do is yap and this will be 14 pages long if i include it all.

grew up outside of seoul, small town vibes, ended up moving out right after high school for the whole military service to university to struggling actor pipeline (in somewhat that order).

the role of the fire-eater called to him because kiyong likes fire Way too much. in fact, he compulsively sets them. he does not share this fact with the world for fear of legal repercussions. (acab)

did he burn down his childhood home? who's to say.

what could lead a boy down this path? idk probably almost drowning to death at age 12. he has a huge fear of water and will Not go swimming anymore. he tried to do a homebrew immersion therapy thing when he got cast in an indie movie that involved water once and that was like. clown behavior. went on a 2 year acting hiatus afterward.

his parents adore him, he sister Does Not, but nobody really cares about these things because kiyong is not a big name in the industry.

tbh he regularly fucks up opportunities for himself, if u know him u'd prob be like bro u MUST be doing this on purpose. on a subconscious level he is. call it paranoia or atonement, either way you're ending up w the same outcome: kiyong is an underemployed menace to society. (even though he's actually a good actor???) save his talent agent.

he drinks and parties and smokes. tbh he just started smoking because that gave him an excuse to carry around a lighter, the addiction was a secondary part to that process.

he's pretty social and extroverted and is able to make fast friends, but kiyong mostly does this on the surface level. he is Amazing at just talking forever without people realize it's nothing of substance.

he's also a giant fucking liar. not for fun, it just kind of...happens. (if he doesn't do this, then people might get to actually know him which is like inviting in The Horrors. ofc).

kiyong doesn't go out of his way to be aggro or start shit but if someone starts it first he absolutely is willing to throw down about nearly anything. he's Absolutely There for an argument he just has to be invited into it, like a socially driven vampire. sometimes his reasons for arguments are ✨ up for interpretation ✨ on if they were actually trying to get into it with him (you gotta have that flexible mindset!!!)

he has regular nightmares and doesn't sleep well because of them. this started when he was younger, where he would have dreams of drowning. has morphed over the years and lowkey got worse after the whole Movie Thing.

actually bagged a pretty decent named role recently which he proceeded to back out of!!! is it because he was invited to this reality show? no. is he going to tell everyone that it's the reason? yes.

ok that's all for now my 9 dollar coffee has it's limits. pls check pages & reach out if interested in plotting. or you can like this and i'll try to super sleuth out your discord and msg first.

[salt-baby]

As someone who is currently working in the healthcare field and looking at attended medical school, can you please elaborate on the ableism and doctors post you made? I’d very much like to avoid inadvertently falling into that category.

Somehow this missed my radar, my bad!

It's a difficult question to answer, although it is the right question to be asking.

You can find my other elaborations here and here, which will likely be helpful.

But to address your specific question, when I think about the ableism of practitioners, in some cases it is just bias, but in many it's just your run of the mill ignorance.

It takes experience to work well with disabled people - both because of the heterogeneity of them, and because the disabled experience is so far removed from the able bodied one.

Some people like myself call themselves disabled as an identity they're proud of, some people call themselves disabled but are uncomfortable with their condition to various degrees, and a lot of people would find it offensive for you to call them disabled because they would call themselves chronically ill or not impaired at all.

In your medical practice, "disabled" is going to be a legal term with a set definition, used to distribute benefits. You'll be taught an impairment model of disability, and your first instinct will likely be to try and fix the problem your patient is experiencing.

In a case like mine, that's not a mindset the patient is going to appreciate, as backwards as it sounds. Yes, I'm in a doctor's office to get treated, but the reality is that expert doctors have already evaluated my conditions and done all they can to help me. There's no quick fix - the fantasy of curing a difficult case is impossible with me, but it doesn't stop some young doctors from trying. My disability isn't one illness, but ten, and often what disables me is the environment around me rather than my actual illness (this is called the social model of disability, and that's where you should start studying).

I'm in a doctor's office to find relief from specific symptoms, or for a new problem (secondary to my existing conditions) that has popped up. Some residents have reviewed my entire medical file, and asked about things that weren't followed up on, and there's only so many times I can say "there's nothing we can do about it". Many premeds, when I mention the medications I'm taking, think that there must be some kind of better medication setup for me. Except there isn't, all of my meds are essential, and at this stage of illness, all medications have nasty side effects. I will never get better and will likely live the rest of my life on immunosuppressants and I'm okay with that, but that's very difficult for able bodied people, esp medical practitioners, to accept.

And in many cases, medical practitioners have put their foot in their mouth by just being ignorant. One person working at a rehab hospital asked if I slept in my orthotics - the answer is no, obviously, orthotics are painful to wear (it's also bad form to ask a disabled person about their disability just because you're curious). Someone told me it'll be okay, they used to wear wrist braces too and they're fine now - in reality, their supervisor just told me to consult surgeons, I was recommended casts, and my wrists remain permanently displaced to this day. I lost most of my ability to write. Our issues were not the same.

On another occasion, a premed picked up my orthotics and moved them away from me without asking - those are expensive (2000$ USD) and irreplaceable, and I need them to walk, I'm vulnerable without them. But to others, they wouldn't be aware that those braces are that valuable. Many disabled people, myself included, view mobility aids as an extension of their own body. For all intents and purposes, my orthotics are my "knees". I often compare it to a phone - it'd be really weird to take someone's phone and move it away from them, or even to touch it unannounced in the first place.

The reality of what a disabled life actually looks like is obscure to the vast majority of able bodied people. Let me be clear, I live a happy and satisfying life, where I enjoy my work and my friends and my family. My existence is not a tragedy, and when it's treated like one, it devalues my hard-won happiness in life and what I have to contribute to the world. But at the same time, every hour of every day is impacted by my disability. I have to change how I cook because I struggle with lifting a pot or standing on my feet for too long, my closet has to be adapted for my orthotics and nerve pain, a number of medications have to be kept basically within ten feet of me at all times, and I have to be very careful anytime I eat something I didn't prepare myself.

You may prescribe a medication which you know can cause nausea, and not realize to your patient, that side effect looks like being sick everyday, skipping meals, wearing a mask so a smell doesn't set you off, and not enjoying eating anymore. You may write a script for the test which is medically the correct option, but your patient may be sensitive to the specifics of the procedure (ie, for religious reasons, it may be difficult to strip down to a gown for some of the more involved imaging procedures). Cystometry and other urological procedures especially. I find this is where doctors sometimes inadvertently do harm. The best option for your patient isn't always the best option medically - it's what fits their priorities and improves their quality of life.

Understand that the current culture in medicine, for doctors, is often very callous and frustrated towards their patients. Recently I heard someone express that their patient needed to just accept their disability already and start being compliant with treatment - they had been disabled for three months. It took me a year to feel even remotely settled with becoming disabled, and my disability isn't nearly as severe as that patient's. Do not follow in your colleagues' footsteps.

If you spend the time trying to understand your patients (which may look like reading disability theory papers, memoirs, watching documentaries, possibly even volunteering, talking to some of your seniors with more experience, etc) then you're already miles better than most of your coworkers. Take the time to consider it from your patients point of view, and even though it's not what's in your textbook, appreciate the value of the information your patient brings to the table (their experience, their concerns, their gut feelings), and you've already done what most disabled people are desperately searching for in a practitioner.

The reality of a minority identity, is that for adults who have become accustomed to something like being disabled, it matters a lot more where your heart is than what you actually say. I don't care if someone is politically correct - I care if they're trying. Even if they're not quite there, that effort will pretty much always be seen and appreciated. I'd far rather someone call me "handicapped" but never view me as lesser, rather than someone who falls over themselves to "accommodate my limitations" and never actually intends to accommodate anything. Be sincere, and you can make mistakes, we'll know what the intention was.

Best of luck, my friend.

[sun-rae-lynn]

Omega!Ghost X Omega!Soap Part: One

Hear me out rq.

warnings: implied/referenced abuse, implied/referenced heats, slight angst maybe…idk what to put I’ve not written shit like this since idek when.

••••••••••••••••••••••

Omega ghost who grew up with alpha parents. Would explain abusive father because well he wanted alpha son instead got an omega son yada yada. anyways his father sent him away to a camp, where he basically learned to control himself and his “urges”. Sooner or later he would go through traumatic events that made Simon Riley into the Ghost.

Now, people know of The Ghost, a brutal killing machine, that no one knows the secondary gender of. They don’t know if he’s an alpha or a beta. They are sure he isn’t an omega. (Little do they know) People who have come into contact with Ghost and have lived to tell the tale, describe his scent to be broken, dull and bitter. Not similar to an alphas, not anything like an omegas. But not anything like a betas either. It baffles them.

Then Ghost meets Price. But not as Ghost, as Simon.

Hear me out Rq with this one too^^

Ghost allows one month every year where he goes “underground”, no contact with anyone whatsoever. This is the time when he stops taking strong ass suppressants and stops blocking most of his scent. He experiences what it is like to be an omega because despite those instincts being pushed super far into the back of Simon’s brain. They are still there and sometimes they surface.

Ghost “becomes” Simon a little earlier than expected, on a solo mission. Luckily, Price was there to take him in and care for him. Price understood the situation Simon was in and allowed him a spot in the 141. I like to believe in an omegaverse au that price had TF141 already set up. He was just waiting for the right people, omega, beta, or alpha to join. Soon they had three people in the 141. Ghost, Price and Gaz. (We will get to soap in a min.) they all worked in perfect sync.

Soon enough Soap came into the 141. An omega who immediately became close with Ghost. Get to that In a moment

Onto soap and who he is as an omega. Johnny grew up with a traditional family. Omega mother, alpha father. All that jazz. He grew up learning all about how omegas were supposed to act and how they should put themselves out there whenever they find a suitable mate/partner.

However, Johnny hated the idea of settling down with someone. He wanted to explore, go to Australia despite his fear of spiders, go to America and see sights he’s never seen.

Johnny also hated his heats, ever since he had an unexpected heat that was caused by being in a room full of newly presenting alphas and got locked in a closet to prevent him from being attacked by the scent hungry alphas, he never had a heat since then. He has flare up’s of heats every now and then since well suppressants can only do so much but they aren’t terrible.

Another things soap hates about himself is his scent. It is too alluring. Too sweet. I imagine soaps omega scent to be something sweet like chocolate, but have a bitter smell as well like the way dark chocolate has that bittersweet aftertaste to it…idk could be a me thing but there is also a hint of soap smell(hence the nickname). He hates that his scent allures alphas in. He truly wants to drive them away, so he acts as beta like and as alpha like as possible while failing miserably because he is sensitive.

Not sensitive mentally but sensitive in the way that if he catches one whiff of a strong dominant alphas scent. He is very much swooning and in love. He can get out of that mindset quickly but it could take awhile.

Now, back to 141. Soap catches one whiff of Ghost’s barely there scent and is in fucking love. He is swooning more than he ever has. He started talking to ghost more, trying to get to know him, trying to find out his secondary gender. When trying to figure it out and getting frustrated by not being able to figure it out on his own he went to price.

He basically annoyed price until price had enough of Soap’s nagging and frustratedly told Soap that Ghost was an omega.

His heart broke. All this time Johnny was feeling like he found the one, an omega that was going to treat him well and love him. Only to find out he was a fake and not really an alpha. Johnny never knew Ghost’s secondary gender anyways but he was really hoping for it to be an alpha, he believed Ghost was an alpha since he had a pretty strong scent, despite barely being there, he left for one month every other month. Same thing price would do for his ruts. He would scent soap, which was something usually only alphas did. However one has to remember Ghost ain’t no normal omega.

He has alpha traits. A strong scent, despite barely being there. A large and muscular body. Rough and large hands. Scenting. Courting. All things alphas usually would do and how they looked. Something Simon always blamed on having two alpha parents.

PART TWO WILL BE OUT SOON!! I need sleep currently. But this will be developed further. It might get smutty, it might get hurt/comfort-ish, we will see.

@8-rae-rae-8 you will be tagged in part two as well!! comment if you’d like to be tagged! This might become a series.

Also, prepare to see more headcanons and stuff for the 141 and COD characters in general as I have PLENTY of different headcanons when it comes to the characters…anyways love yall. Hope to see ya soon

[thana-topsy]

Hi thana! I'm trying to start a fanfic and I'm a firm believer in "Teldryn is the Nerevarine", but I'm struggling with figuring out tips and tricks to write him as such, not to mention literally ANYTHING substantial about Chimer (important for my main character, yay time-wound fuckery) and I was wondering if I could get some help? Things you think about when writing Teldryn, fun facts about Nerevar/the Nerevarine, anything you might know about the Chimer/battle for red mountain, etc. It would help immensely, thank you!!!

We love to see more Nerevarine!Teldryn rep out there! Very excited for your writing journey.

For me, when I first wrote my Nerevarine Tel, I had never actually played Morrowind (lol). I was just a huge fan of the lore and the story behind it. I considered myself "an academic fan" of the game. But once I got the chance to actually play Morrowind, it really helped me better inform the kinds of things Teldryn might have lived through or experienced. So I'll always give the advice of "replay Morrowind" if you have the ability. Or even just watching playthroughs if you don't. In terms of histories and historical events, there's nothing much I could add outside of what UESP could tell you (since that's my secondary source outside of the game itself).

I also try to keep in mind that Nerevar was, in his time, a diplomat as well a war general. Teldryn as a reincarnation is obviously neither of those things in the current era, but he still has a lot of these qualities (whether he likes them or not). He's level-headed and strategy-minded, he opts for communication first, violence second. (This is not supported by his actions in the game LMAO; this is purely my headcanon - but all companions are 'swing first, ask questions later', so I don't fault him for his programming). So if you're looking for good inspiration to embody that mindset, I unironically suggest reading "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.

As for the Chimer, I think there are a lot of fun directions you could go, but I've never personally put much time or effort into my headcanons for them. My suggestion would be to research some of our own (Earth) ancient civilizations. The Dwemer and Chimer seem to reflect the Sumerians and Babylonians in a lot of ways, so you could draw inspiration from their social structures and innovations. Of course, these are ancient, long-dead cultures, but if you draw from living cultures, I'll always champion doing so respectfully and avoiding emulating harmful stereotypes.

Hope this helps, and happy writing!

[catacropolis]

Twisted wonderland fear and hunger AU

Story Update

Azul is up next just getting feedback and deliberating

in the mean time !!!

Contestant cast B !!

Following the structure of Fear and Hunger Termina, there are 14 contestants that were chosen for the Termina festival.

the overblotting cast ( aka the playable cast )

Riddle, Leona, Azul , Jamil, Vil , Idia and Malleus

and the non playable cast B !

( Note: cast B is subject to change and these are initial possibilities to fill out the secondary cast. if there are any secondary cast recommendations I am fully welcome to them!

the only characters that explicitly will not and Can not be part of the secondary cast [ because they fill other roles pre-determined in the story] are Ortho, Kalim, Neige, and Lillia )

Deuce = (Abella) mechanic working on THE project ( iykyk)

Jack = ( marcoh ) a muscle man for leona's family, grew up with vil escaped the cult and ended up being adopted by a side part of Leona's family .

Jade = ( Henrick ?) part of azuls scheme, followed him , ends up getting separated at some point 

Sebek =( Pav ) strict mindset, doesn't know malleus ( ik it doesn't make a ton of sense but work with me here)  

Ace = (Karin ) reporter, has beef with riddle

Silver =( levi ) a young soilder , from prehivil, trying to find his place in the world .

for the secondary cast, i have vaguely laid out who they would be loosely based on/ take the story roles of and what their possible backstory may be.

some quick mini sketches of possible appearance ideas

once again all roles are subject to change but if the seconarry cast becomes more solidified i WILL parce out more details for each of them .

the secondary cast is just as important as the playable ones

speaking of playable !

if you counted the playable and non playable cast you would get 13 characters .

that is because YUU is the final character on the roster.

yuu like in Twst will be taking the place as the " cannon" POV and their actions will determine the story that you witness.

they will also be taking a bit of an O'saa role in the game by providing information that the player wouldn't be able to access in any other character run .

also having Grimm be Na'sharaa would be so funny. lol

[labselkie]

something. not good happened to me this morning. i wrote this all in the span of an hour and it’s canon to maritha because i said so

cw for violence, some blood, and mutilation. nothing is explained too explicitly, i hope

i know this is different from what i usually do, and i don’t want to pressure anyone into reading it if they aren’t in the best mindset. i’m going to reblog it again wednesday night, just a little welcome back to r*o i guess

i’ll be in a better mindset in like. an hour, just got off to a bad start

How could a Green witch be this intimidating? Marie had heard stories, little mutters here and there from Agatha, frustrated grumbles about a woman she used to spend time with. But now, with her witch laid in the small, trashed kitchen, a wound on her collar and blood trickling down her chest, Marie was petrified.

She wasn’t a fighter, she couldn’t stand up for anything. It would’ve benefited her, but the idea that she could was beaten out of her since she was a fledgling. So, for a moment, she froze. She had went to Agatha’s house at the mere mention of her regaining her mind, she didn’t bat an eye at the young boy in the closet, but this is what scared her most. She screamed, she called out when Vidal entered, but she was knocked back with nothing more than a sideways glance.

Tall black boots made the old wooden floor creak with each step. Marie’s hand shook as she attempted to brace herself on the cracked wall. She beat her wings once, twice, using their weight to try and balance as she rose. No one looked, no one ever did. The teenager might have noticed, but Marie couldn’t pay him any mind. She was too busy leaping forward and tackling the witch clad in black to the ground.

“Get out of our house!” The mutant barked as she clawed at Rio. She kicked at the woman’s legs, wings flapping furiously in an attempt to confuse, to knock her over, to do anything other than look pretty. Some of it worked, but not enough. Rio faltered, her hand reaching to brace herself on the kitchen’s island.

As Marie tried to tear at Rio’s cloak and wrench the dagger out of her hand, a sickening chuckle left the witch. Marie glanced to the ground where Agatha was slowly recovering. She was distracted, a horrible mistake. Rio whipped around in a flash of black fabric, almost instantly pinning the shorter mutant to the counter. Feathers flew this way and that when Marie yelped in surprise, and the only thing she could see now was the sickening smile on Rio’s face.

“You got a pet while I was gone?” The witch crooned, dark eyes flitting between Marie’s worried gaze to the now rising Agatha. “She’s a little thing, but she sure won’t replace him.” Rio tore to the side, gripping Marie by the shoulders and flipping her around. Her cheek was thrown into the granite counter, the force causing her to gasp for air. Rio was no longer deterred by those wings, all they were was a distraction anyways. Marie couldn’t even grab the woman behind her, only reaching layers of black.

“She wasn’t…” Agatha mumbles, her own hand reaching behind her for any sort of weapon, “I tried to get rid of her-“

“Well now you’re stuck with another corpse, hm?” Rio slammed her elbow on the back of Marie’s neck, and in the flurry of Marie’s right wing she was able to grab hold of its elbow. She was strong, too strong to be any normal witch. Marie couldn’t see the other hand brandishing a grand silver dagger. “What can I say? Pets are always fun company.”

She thrust the dagger down, right where Marie’s secondary feathers began. It cuts into them with a sickening crack, tearing through the shafts like any blade through grass.

Neither of them could tell if Agatha shouted at that moment, a sharp “No!” may have left her, but it was drowned out by Marie’s devastating screaming. Rio cut high, even through some of the covert feathers.

The floor was dusted with slate blue and soaked with blood. Agatha finally moved, slicing a kitchen knife right across Rio’s bicep. The Green witch recoils, barely flinching, but still releasing her grip on Marie.

The mutant fell limp, a weak, scratchy whimper escaping her now sore throat. The clipped wing fell over her face when she collapsed to the floor, in a pile of her own feathers.

The other witches continued their battle, but Marie could barely manage a lifeless breath before passing out

[scholarinbookland]

Clarifying My Blog Usage

So I’ve gotten some followers related to my Jimin rambles, and I’m happy to have you, because I’ll be rambling about Jimin probably for the rest of my life (notice how I got into Freddie Mercury 6-7 years ago and still am a huge fan).

So I’m using this post as a secondary mission statement, with the disclaimer that the main reason for posting this is to see whether I’ve correctly figured out the Read More and link-adding functions before posting my immensely long Like Crazy MV post series (I’ve split it up into three sections, pray for me because I am struggling with figuring out the changes to the Tumblr UI).

Currently I have all the free time in the world, and so I’m replying to comments constantly and love to see them. But I do have some clarifications and standards I’ll set in advance, since I’ve gotten some asks and hope to have more come in.

Shippers/Shipping/Sexuality: I’m about as anti-shipping as you can get without hating on people online or making declarative statements about celebrities I don’t have any personal connection to, but it doesn’t come from a place of denying that Jimin may have some form of not-straight identity. Until he says something outright (which I do realize is very unlikely), my assumption is not that he is straight, but that his sexuality is none of my business. Regarding asks like the one I already answered where we touched on the idea of FACE being a breakup-based storyline, I did my best to eliminate gender from the conversation about the theoretical ex-partner, and my conversational partner was also courteous in that regard. If I’m using feminine pronouns for love interests in any of my think-pieces, I’m probably referring to the characters Jimin is playing in his MVs, not the private life of Jimin himself.

I identify as on the asexual spectrum, which some people count as LGBT/QUILTBAG and others do not, so it’s personal when I say that I don’t approve of assuming ANY sexuality. I firmly believe sexuality and relationships are something even celebrities should have the room to figure out on their own, outing people is wrong, and that sexuality can be more fluid to some than a label you find and stick with from early on in your life. I do differentiate my opposition to shipping, however, from think-pieces about artistic output through a queer lens, which I don’t consider necessarily assuming an artist’s sexuality, and so I do appreciate posts like those.

About me: My perspective, as I indicated in my pinned post, is not perhaps that of your average Jimin fan writing long posts. I’m definitely not caught up on Jimin’s massive digital footprint, I haven’t watched any paywalled content except a bootleg of Are You Sure, and I first heard FACE and MUSE when they were both already released. So I’m doing a lot of detective work from the mindset of me not knowing much at all, and trying to amalgamate perspectives. The other perspective difference from other fans comes from my own life experiences.

The most relevant identity to my writing is that I’m an autistic woman. If you’re not familiar with that neurodivergence for whatever reason, I’ll lay out what it means to me.

I’m not great at social nuance and cues, I’m very hyperverbal/hyperlexical, I have sensory differences and associated health problems, and I have the comorbid condition called prosopagnosia commonly seen in autistic individuals. So when I say something about difficulty differentiating the faces of BTS members, this is not a microagression.

I literally can only pick out Jimin because of the unmistakable way he moves and holds himself, and his amazingly unique vocal tone. (Feel free to ask me about how I feel comfortable analyzing acting if you’re curious, but in short, I did a lot of occupational therapy.) The rest of BTS I can guesstimate based on height compared to Jimin or fashion tendencies, but prosopagnosia is a big reason why I’m not calling myself a BTS fan.

About my BTS opinions: I don’t have them. I enjoy most of the music but not the reality content unrelated to the music, performances, or cinematography. I don’t have a problem with any BTS members, but I don’t have much of an opinion on them. Jimin’s enough for me, and I’m not going to fake either loving or despising a group of 6 other guys I can only differentiate less than half the time. As long as Jimin’s happy in the group, I’m happy for him.

I’m also not rooting for the group to disband, as I know some solo fans of various BTS members are. I just hope he is able to find some downtime after he’s released from mandatory military service and doesn’t feel pressured into immediately creating content for fans, because that doesn’t seem fair to him or any BTS member.

Reblogs: As for reblogging things- I don’t necessarily check out the blogs of the people I’m reblogging from, and I only reblog when I feel I have something to add to the conversation. Otherwise, I just like the post and leave it at that.

Ground Rules: So if you’ve read this far, you know where I’m coming from. I’d adore more asks and comments, but the only hate I’ll tolerate in my inbox is directed at the company/executives, because I strongly distrust them as much as I imagine most Jimin fans do. Anything specifically about an individual BTS member besides Jimin I reserve the right to not respond to, because I don’t feel I have anything to add to conversations about them, unless anyone wants to educate me about something. I’ll leave that to blogs who are aware of who they are as people and artists.

I also welcome constructive criticism about how to improve the readability of my posts. If I’m using ten words when one could serve, let me know. If the grammar is off, tell me. If it’s incoherent, I’ll revise my post. And if you disagree, I love debates where I can genuinely be educated on facts that I’m mistaken about, but please let’s start from a place of understanding and not insults. So let’s chat!

[swiiivet-screamathon]

im not color coordinating for all other posts i just know this one got kinda difficult to tell who is who so you get the benefit this time lol

"You did WHAT!?"

"Pure Vanilla, are you out of your mind!?"

"I don't mean to yell in your face but this is outrageous!"

"Please, let me explain, this was not done without thought behind it."

"I quite doubt that thought was developed entirely by yourself."

"I know you all had quite troubled experiences when it comes to your own respective beast cookies, and I would never ask any of you to try to see eye to eye to them, let alone befriend them, if you didn't see it fit, of course I wouldn't. But I do, at least for Shadow Milk. The time you all spent showed violent and spiteful beings, who the thought of redemption might never cross their mind; but for me I can't help but see someone who already would want to if given the right circumstances."

"What circumstances?"

"One where his worldview isn't shut down and ostracized by everyone, and one where fact and knowledge isn't hated on. For I believe those two aspects are what sent him down the path of becoming a beast in the first place."

"Are you saying that he hasn't abandoned his virtue?"

"Are we sure it isn't just twisting the definition to satiate his own villainous desires?"

"I don't believe that if he were to twist the definition then it would look like that. When in the tower he showed desire to twist the truth so far out of line it lost all its meaning, but not once did he himself ever try to change any facts. I don't think he wants a world devoid of all knowledge or truth, not at all. If he kept going on his own without our involvement I think his natural endpoint would've led him to everyone speaking lies by their own volition yet all cookies still have fact and truth deep down; I don't think he'd want to take that away."

"I think I'm losing you a bit here, that every sentence could be a lie and still have truth exist?"

"Well, his mindset is a bit more complicated than that, but I don't want to assume more than I have to if I can help it; I'd rather just ask him directly eventually. Given all of cookiekind has progressed all this time whilst the beasts were trapped in the tree and especially since the rise of the Cookie Kingdom, I think with our intervention we can take him off that natural endpoint, I think more than ever before have cookies been more accepting of the truth and of facts, and would accept him for his behaviour too. I can't stop myself from thinking that we already have present day evidence of cookies some would call antagonists become friends eventually, I cannot bring myself to see him as any different if I can clearly see potential."

"I don't think that quite answered my question." /lh

"-And you're putting a lot of trust into someone who' very title is to be a liar."

"--What would we need to do to enact these ideal circumstances?"

"Dark Cacao... Right, yes. I think the primary goal is to let him diversfy. It feels weird to say it but since the day he escaped from the tree he has been thinking of me. Unless I've missed something while I wasn't looking he had been following me in my souljam to taunt with me. I don't think he's thought of anyone besides me and himself for all this time."

"Ough, that is clingy!"

"Exactly, and the secondary goal is to get him back to his virtue. I think he's already halfway there, as my time spent with him demonstrated the value he holds in knowledge and truth to this very day. All that needs to be done is for him to accept that it's still a part of him, and that he doesn't need to be ashamed of it."

"The goals seem sound to me. Are there any plans to put any gears into motion?"

"Not yet. He's only been here a couple weeks and he's been very distant and quiet. Seeing his souljam I think he isn't at full power either. My current plan is to just let him calm down a little, if I had to guess I think he is still steaming with anger but cannot do anything about it due to the restricted powerset. But after that I'm not sure, its partly why I reached out; beyond being transparent and honest with you all about my ambition."

"--You brought a beast to Crispia with not even an active plan to subdue him!?"

"...I choose to view him as a potential friend, and as such I don't consider it 'subduing' him. I want to let him make the choices for himself whether he wants to pursue it."

"I'm starting to see where you're coming from Pure Vanilla but this is still a lot of trust to be putting into someone you just admitted isn't even your friend."

"It's because of White Lily, isn't it? Her Souljam of Freedom, yes?"

"Haha, you really can read my like a book, can't you?"

"You cannot force redemption, you can only be determined enough to see the path they will take."

"I'm starting to get bored of all this though, its not like I haven't made allies with my enemies before, and although I wouldn't trust Shadow Milk as far as I can throw a mountain I do trust you, we've had this fight before and there's no use repeating it again. If we want to keep the trend up of doing this in the name of our souljams, you seem quite passionate in the endeavour and I just can't bring myself to fault you for that."

"I concur with Hollyberry, I am no stranger to having my own worldview cloud my judgment and was fortunate enough to have the cloud be whisked away. Last time we took a risk for the betterment of cookiekind we as a team ensured it paid off... One might say I give you my resolution in your journey, and we will be here if you ever need the help."

"..."

"If we befriend him then Dark Enchantress has one less ally and we have another souljam on our side?"

"Fine, fine, fine, your greed for friendship knows no bounds. I however demand that you promise to apologize to me a hundred-fold if you have to call us in to detain the beast."

"Of course, I promise. Thank you all for your understanding and support."

[iloveariasworld]

To apologise for my inactivity on this blog,

Please enjoy my school oral report on male validation, girls and the media.

Redefining teenage girlhood without male validation.

In today’s society, teenage girls are often taught to romanticize and fixate on the idea of finding “the perfect man.” This notion is perpetuated by the media, with countless songs and movies portraying women primarily as love interests or secondary characters. By the age of 14, a girl may have heard thousands of love songs, many of which glorify unhealthy relationship dynamics that have become disturbingly normalized. Actively challenging and decentering this mindset is crucial. By removing the undue emphasis on a man’s value in their lives, girls can reclaim their time and energy, channeling it into personal growth, meaningful friendships, and pursuing their passions.  

True self-confidence begins to flourish when you realize that your self-worth isn’t tied to who you’re dating or attracted to, but rather to your individuality. Understanding that you’ll be fine with or without that person empowers you, because you have yourself and your unique personality to rely on.

My example of a woman who prioritizes herself over the validation of others is Jang Wonyoung. She’s very beautiful and is someone who embodies self-love. She has accomplished so much from a young age and continues to.

It’s important to think about what you’re devoting most of your time to, productive things that make you happy or things that place others in more importance than your own feelings.  

A study that explores the presentation of women and romance in the media is the Bechdel test. The test has 3 rules:  the movie or book must have 2 women in it, they need to talk to each other, about something other than a man. Another rule in some variations is that the women need to have names. Popular movies like avatar, toy story and the avengers all fail the test. Which reflects the idea that a woman’s relationship to a man is more important than any other relationship in her life and that her life is only important enough to show when it relates to a man. The portrayal of a girl’s worth as dependent on her romantic pursuits or the attention she receives from boys is a recurring theme in books, shows, and movies. The pervasive "damsel in distress" trope, especially common in children’s stories, reinforces rigid gender roles: boys are the rescuers, and girls are the ones who need rescuing. These narratives shape how children perceive themselves and each other, instilling ideas that persist into adulthood. Breaking free from these stereotypes often requires unlearning deeply ingrained expectations. Girls are not helpless dolls meant to sit prettily beside a man, and boys are not obligated to be the fearless hero or the problem-solver in every situation. The emotional impacts of always thinking about what you can do to get validation are damaging, it leads to insecurity, dependence and lack of self-awareness. This kills individuality from the root because you’ll always be trying to seem perfect instead of finding what truly makes you happy. You’ll always be looking out for the next lover instead of looking out for yourself.  

If you are in a relationship, you need to make sure not to fall into the trap of caring about what your partner thinks so much to the point of you not being able to imagine life without their approval or companionship. You always need to remember that a lover is not what completes you, they should be a bonus and if they don’t make your life better, they shouldn’t be in it at all.  My main warning example is Bella Swan her character arc is mainly tied to her romance with Edward and Jacob. She makes decisions based off Edward’s absence or presence. When he leaves in new moon, she falls into depression and isolates herself, I'm not trying to shame her because of her mental health, but it shows how much significance he has in her life. Outside of her relationship she has no goals, and everything is secondary compared to how much she wants to stay with Edward. Her focus on Edward stops her from being able to pursue hobbies, goals and building strong female relationships. If she decentered Edward and centered her wellbeing by taking care of herself, exploring academic interests and developing independence, she would have been a much different character, and the story line wouldn’t revolve around a patriarchal view of a woman’s fulfilment. Even the Bechdel test does not always save a female character from being defined by men. A man can have a story outside of romance, whereas a female character’s presence is not complete until it is infiltrated by romance. To see this being normalized in the media makes women believe that romance is more important in their lives than it really is.

We need to choose sisterhood over stereotypes. Female platonic relationships are often the victims of romantic ones. In the media, girls are often portrayed as rivals who are pining for the attention of one boy which is seen in the common love triangle trope. These narratives can spill into real life, causing distrust among girls and damaging friendships. Instead of supporting one another, girls might see each other as rivals. Seeing each other as allies rather than enemies unlocks countless opportunities for connection, growth, and support. Female friendships are a source of strength, inspiration, and joy that we can only fully experience when we choose collaboration over competition. The National Library of medicine released a study that stated ‘Friendships among women can provide critical social resources and promote overall wellness, feelings of self-worth, and empowerment. It also said that supportive relationships are associated with heightened psychological and physical wellbeing. Cher Horowitz and Dionne Davenport from Clueless are a shining example of how strong female friendships thrive when they are not overshadowed by competition over boys. Despite living in a world obsessed with appearances and relationships, Cher and Dionne consistently prioritize their bond over romantic drama. They support each other’s individuality, from Dionne’s bold fashion choices to Cher’s unique take on activism, and they rarely allow male interests to come between them. For instance, when Cher struggles with her feelings for Josh, Dionne offers advice and emotional support rather than judgment or rivalry. Their friendship is built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and an unspoken understanding that they’re each other’s true partners in navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. By focusing on their shared growth and laughter rather than vying for male attention, Cher and Dionne demonstrate how sisterhood fosters confidence, happiness, and self-discovery. This dynamic showcases the empowering potential of decentering boys to prioritize meaningful friendships.

Social expectations can really tie into this and depending on your culture, for example if arranged marriage is common, the search for a perfect man might be an important part of your life but this can lead to insecurity and lack of self-confidence. This is why everyone needs self-love, no matter your gender, because if you don’t love yourself how can you expect someone else to? and the only person that will always be with you is yourself. Prioritizing self-love helps people enter relationships as equals rather than relying on someone to complete them.

Elle Woods’ transformation in Legally Blonde is the perfect example of why teenage girls should focus on self-love and personal growth rather than seeking validation from boys. At first, Elle’s life revolves around Warner, and she believes her worth is tied to his approval. But when she decides to pursue Harvard Law School—not just to win him back, but to prove her capabilities to herself—her entire narrative changes. She discovers her intelligence, resilience, and ability to succeed on her own terms.

Elle’s story teaches us that decentering boys isn’t about rejecting love—it’s about realizing that your happiness, confidence, and identity shouldn’t depend on someone else. When girls, like Elle, shift their focus inward and invest in their own dreams, they unlock a power that no external validation can replace. Just like Elle didn’t need Warner to become the best version of herself, every girl has the ability to be her own biggest advocate, defining her worth through her passions, friendships, and achievements.

Thank you for reading, my loves.