#we love our strategic girlie

[mo-mode]

Watching episode two again for the fic, and I’m just realizing? When Annabeth put on the cap in front of Percy and then proceeded to leave visible footprints and rustle that plant while she walked off, she was probably doing it on purpose to make Percy think she was gone so she could watch him undisturbed. She knew he was smart enough to know she’s still there and track her movements so she put on a little show and made it look like she was gone. Always six steps ahead.

[loveislandthegame]

thoughts on todays volume!

i had the tiniest sliver of hope when the girls asked who MC wanted to see. i picked jesse, but MC’s villa meet up ended up being with hayden. great for OG LI girlies but a snoozefest for me 😭 with the gem scene we learn that jesse is getting along with a casa girl, but they haven’t done anything yet. also that dean is full of shit, but i don’t think we need to pay 29 gems to figure that one out

next up is a compatibility quiz with hayden and caleb ! once again, a snoozefest for me. i wish lisbeth and jesse could’ve been options here. the answers are super obvious so i just alternated between them, and ended up getting hayden. for the astrology lovers, caleb’s a virgo. it suits him !

let me preface this by saying this dress isn’t too bad, & it’s not even the worst outfit this season, but you should’ve seen the face i made when MC was hyping up her show stopping look, and decided to pull out this 2012 pinterest abomination . it’s horrible and i kinda love that

stick or twist time ! i chose caleb, lisbeth chose yash (they are cute together, & also she’s made it very clear she’s strategically twisting, but UGHHHH💔)

isadora and nyah stuck with ethan and milo. when i tell you i almost jumped for joy that neither of them chose dean. FB seriously needs to retire that trope of one casa guy being a sleazeball. it’s fine if we can’t romance all of them, but why not make them a friend ?! make them interested in somebody else without being an absolute knob, literally anything else (i think it’d be cool if there was an casa guy that entered a friendship couple to graft on a villa guy, but FB can’t write for beans and they’re allergic to openly bi/pan men)

we go back to the villa, and why can’t we just walk in with our partner normally ?😭 i picked “pretend to be delivering a parcel” because it was the only one that i felt wouldn’t be disrespectful to either hayden or caleb. it’s so unserious but it wasn’t as ridiculous as i thought it would be

eisha is so gorgeous ! and she flirted with MC 🎉🎉🎉 i won’t get my hopes up for a love triangle tho, because i already know that the game is gonna force us to chose between her or lisbeth in the next couple volumes. i’d love to be wrong, but that’s how wlw routes have been for like 5 seasons now. anyways, it’s so funny/interesting that between my MC, lisbeth, and eisha, all of jesse’s LIs (except sofia) are wlw (plus he has two dads) he’s rolling with the LGBT 🏳️‍🌈

ethan and milo end up apologising. that is the most bare minimum thing ever, but my expectations were in hell after we couldn’t call out nyah for acting like we were BFFs again. i forgave them because i’m too much of a softie to actually commit to a villain route. they better sleep with one eye open though

i think ava is pretty, but i will say she’s giving bootleg s1 Cherry, with a dash of lucy (personality wise, plus being the ex…something of our casa LI) i wish we could be friends with her but she’s doomed to be our bland one dimensional rival. snoozefest 💤

the only reason i’m happy to be in the villa again ❤️❤️❤️

also there’s gonna be a dumping ?😭 we just got back. i would say FB should actually let the villa be full for once, but this season has been so glitchy that it’s probably for the best. anyways, it will probably be nyah/milo or isadora/ethan unless they decided to do another twist. maybe tristan and sofia will hop out the bushes 😍

overall, a bit boring for me. i wish that there was content for people who aren’t mainly romancing their OG LI or casa guy. especially when it comes to compatibility challenges or rivals. i’m just mindlessly tapping through it all (but at the same time, this season has had way too much going on so it’s nice to get a break i guess ?…😭)

[hermajestytak]

Her Majesty, Our Almighty Tallest Lady Miyuki

She was a lost character that never made it to the show proper because The Trial was never finished and never adapted post cancelation. She was voiced elegantly on the spot by Melissa Fawn in The Trial's Invadercon script reading, but was never officially voice acted, animated, or even colored.

Yet...despite never making it to the show, more than many other cancelled characters, something about Miyuki resonates with the Invader Zim fandom. Take a look throughout the fandom and you'll see her time and time again. In fanart, she's romanticized and illustrated as elegantly as possible. In fanfiction, she's a crucial character to the backstories many Irken fan characters.

There's many reasons why this is. For one, her name is gorgeous. One of the few facts we have about her is she was named and created after storyboard artist Miyuki Hoshikawa.

The name Miyuki itself holds different meanings depending on which kanji its spelled in: 美幸 means "beautiful fortune/happiness," 深雪 means "deep snow," 美雪 means "beautiful snow, and 美由紀 means "beautiful reason for history"

The association of Miyuki with snow has lead to some depicting her lead color as snow white. However, the most common color to depict her in within the fandom is blue, usually a cereulean blue. Other colors she's been drawn with include yellow and green, but the popular blue depiction arguibly makes her even more loved by the fandom because it makes her stand out from the usual green/red/violet color palette of the Irken Empire and, quite frankly, it makes her look gorgous.

Speaking of standing out, another reason for Miyuki's popularity is her gender. Female Irkens are much rarer characters in the series than Male Irkens (most likely because they take 1-2 more steps to design than their masc counterparts). Of the 50 named, individual Irkens on the series, only 7 are female (a whopping 14%), so Irken girlies are a rare treat for the fandom and of them, Miyuki is by far the most powerful.

In fact, Miyuki was most likely the most powerful Irken in history (that we know of). Red and Purple have to split their power between each other and Spork was only Tallest for a very short time. However, Miyuki was both a solo Tallest and one implied to be Tallest for a while.

Speaking of the tallest, Miyuki is one of only four that we know. Of them, her reign is the oldest. We don't know how long she was tallest, but she perished when Zim was over 10 years old. In the fandom, she's often depicted as being the tallest since before Zim was even born, so she likely reigned while our most important Irkens (Zim, Skoodge, Red, and Purple) were smeets that would have been taught to look up to whoever was tallest.

One interesting, debatable note about Miyuki's character is how much better of a tallest she supposedly was. She openly worked with the Vortians that Red and Purple went on to betray during their reign, so we know she was a more strategic and responsible tallest at least. However, some fan depictions take this a step further and headcanon Miyuki as "the rightful tallest" so to speak: a more merciful, kind, and virtuous planetary leader to contrast Red and Purple's cruelty. In other words, the fandom has a bad habit of really romanticizing her.

What these depictions tend to forget is that Miyuki was proud of her Empire. The very nature of an Empire, especially the Irken Empire, is to expand their rule. The Massive was designed during her reign to expand this rule by conquering nearby planets. She may have been a more competent Tallest, but a Tallest nonetheless and in the Irken Empire, intergalactic colonization and war is extremely glorified no matter who the leader is.

So I personally headcanon Miyuki as not a merciful, benevolent Tallest that the entire universe loved, but rather a Queen of England type figure whose adoration, regalness, and acts of kindness within her empire serve as a distraction from her and the control brains' cruel, empirical nature; she's beloved by her kind, but despised by everyone who sees the Irken Empire for what it really is: an intergalactic colony of genocidal ants.

[ohdudedhesflirting]

Zerobaseone mythology concept

Well, this our second part. I already did our first part on zb1 members (Hyung line) as Greek gods and goddess in case of a Greek mythology concept which I hope is gonna happen.

Disclaimer ! I am basing this from my memories of my class on greek iconography and not of work adapted from it. And i am not going to talk about everything that is SA, abuse and violence the gods are surronded with and created. I am not going to do a whole class on greek mythology so good luck. Its also my opinion. And I am not pretending to know everything, I may even be wrong.

Here is our second and final part : Maknae line : (Below the cut)

Gunwook as Athena

Athena is one of the 12 olympians. She was not born from Kronos and eaten by him but is actually a daughter of Zeus. She is the godess of widsom and of strategic war. Even if she is the godess of widsom she still as little moments of anger we will say (Arachnée as well as Medusa). She is one of the godess that is a virgin and never take a husband.

What you have to remember with Athena is her widsom, she is someone with a vision. In a case of a war there is two people that will be needed : Ares (which more of the brutal force) and Athena which will focus more on the strategic parts of a battle. If Athena takes part in a battle actively you know that normally it will be done fair and square. She respects the rules.

In her iconography Athena is represented as a warrior godess. She has an armor, an helmet as well as a shield. And what allows one to identify her no matter what is the presence of the aegis (égide in french) as well as the decapitated head of Medusa.

But mostly one is able to identify her with her warrior like appaerance with her helmet, armor and shield.

Now concerning Gunwook I feel like the link is quite obvious.

Gunwook is brilliant. He is the top student, class president, and we saw with the Kill this love stage that he has a strategic mind as well as a vision. He is able to understand the strenght of everyone around him and then put it together to build a strategy.

We could expect something that is truly giving a warrior vibe, with the helmet, shield and those two symbols of Athena with the aegis and the decapitated head. Even if they will go with a softer version.

Ricky as Dyonisius

This one is kinda confirmed as well lol.

Dyonisius is in most version the son of Zeus, some say that he died and then his father made him become a god because of the affection he had for him. Or in other versions he is an human that was transformed into a god because he was the one that invented the wine and gods liked wine.

Dyonisus is the god of wine, fertility of the soils, theater and party. In his iconographic representations he is always represented with the thyrse (it’s a kind of stick with a pine cone on it), some grape vine and he also has a company of many exotic animals as well as satyr and nymphs.

Why putting them together ? I feel like ricky is actually a very extroverted person and the life of the party. Like I totally imagine going up to someone first and just try to be funny ? If he wasn’t an idol I just know the guy would be partying like crazy in clubs worldwide wise lol

I feel like we definitely can expect some good references such as party crowded scene, having a cup in a hand. I doubt they will represent him with lots of girlies around tho.

Gyuvin as Hestia

Hestia might be one of the most underrated goddess out here while she is so important.

Hestia is the oldest Olympian. The first one that Kronos ate. She is one of the virgin goddess as well as a member of the twelve Olympians.

She is the goddess of home, the hearth (fire pit of the sacred fire), domesticity and family. She was the guardian of the sacred fire (hearth) and was essential to the Greek mythology rites.

She is a very quiet goddess and is rarely talked about and represented even though she was central character and extremely important.

In every city there was the hearth, for her, and for every sacrifice she was the first goddess that was received them.

Hestia is very important because throughout the time the notion family was essential and central, the clan you came from truly mattered in society as well as where you belonged.

In her rare representations she is standing up, with a vieil over head, with a strict expression close to a fire.

Why Gyuvin as Hestia ? Because for me Gyuvin represents home. He is able to make everyone feels at ease. He is central and everyone seem to fly close to him. He is a part of what ties all the members together. I feel like the hugs he gives make you feel at home.

I’m seeing something definitely with warm tones, little fire like summer camp type of fire, as there is not that much representation on her I really want them to make him feel like home. Lots of warm colors, smiles, lemonade and cute little snacks. Just home.

Yujin as Ares

Okay so I can already feel the complains from here but hear me out.

Ares is the god of war. Like the violent one, the bloody ones. And often people only remember him as that. The violent god.

But he was way more than that. He an olympian that never raped anyone. He killed without hesitation his daughter rapist. He was as well the protector of cities, the god of courage as well as the god of masculinity.

He was a protector of women. One of the very few people that Aphrodite ever truly loved. He was globally a big softie and that can be seen in the way he is portrayed in his representations. He was also a very good defender of gay love and gay representations.

In his iconography he is or despised as the god of war, with shield and weapons on as well as his armor . Or he is represented as the man that is enamoured of Aphrodite. He was a very handsome man and muscular.

Why am I putting Yujin as him then ? Because I feel like yes Yujin lives to be a menace because he is silly like that but he is also someone that seems to be very deep and well thought for his age. I totally imagine him taking the side of his girl schoolmates to watch over them. He is deeply loved and I totally can see him growing up to be an ally and truly supports and protect lgbtq people.

Representation wise I feel like if they put him in an armor with a sword he would be really happy so I want that only for him to be happy. In a more realistic tone I feel like it would be more discreet with like weapons on the floor and very pensive poses.

Tag list @seok02 (i love you)

I hope you all enjoyed <3

[totisviribus]

Born to be Consumable

Girlhood* is all about this exhausting, pointless wandering to collect berries in our baskets because the world makes us too timid to grow our own fruit. Pave our own way, be different from how the world understands what a girl should be? Of course not. Our very existence is a nuisance, therefore we must not cause any trouble. We must be simple to understand. What kind of girl are you? They give us plenty of labels to choose from, how can we not just pick one? Hot, weird, ugly, smart, too girly, not girly enough, a tom boy, a slut, wanted, unwanted, troubled, ADHD, fucked in the head, strange, too fat, awkward, basic, a prude, annoying, magnetic, special, talented, autistic, boring, in need of a makeover, too skinny, fun, the main character, a mean girl, a party girl, a guy's girl, the it girl, "that" girl, the dark academia girl, the artsy girl, not like other girls?

The world thinks women, young and old and in between, are billboards and we must loom large and bright over our cities whether we like it or not. Our text must be clear and big and easy to see from the highway. We can't be presumptuous enough to think that people will make the effort to squint at confusing text and illegible fonts they've never seen before. People need a clear advertising message. Otherwise they'll look the other way, buy from a different brand. What are we? They want to know at first glance. In seconds, moments. We're a brand, a type, a trope. There cannot be nuance, contradictions, abnormalities, change, growth, variety. The customer is always right, they say.

It took me twenty-six years to realize that I'm not in the business of selling myself on that billboard. I can no longer strategize, I can no longer mask, I can no longer pay the price of repainting that billboard over and over again, each time more painful than the last. I will be no one and nothing and I will rest. I've scraped off all the layers, down to the original hue. I don't want the attention, the examination, the interest. There will be no going out of business sale. The previous version of me that lives on a dusty Facebook profile and cries night after night because I'm not Rory Gilmore or Miley Cyrus or Megan Fox will be fished out of a bargain bin at TJ Maxx, eventually.

I was born to be consumable; I will never be able to take the billboard of my girlhood down. It will sit blank and decay over time.

But I can finally live, now that I am no longer killing myself to be understood.

*The gendered language in this letter is not used with the intention of excluding people who are trans or those that are non-binary. It was written with my experience as a cis woman in mind, but it is in no way an assertion that only cis women are hurt by the effects of being socialized as female, or to the same degree. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel excluded by my letters, especially given the recent hatred against the trans community by a certain famous author. My blog will always be a kind, loving, welcoming, safe space for everyone. ♡Maeve

[lila-rae]

I need Russ to chill. Whoever led him to the booktok girlies and is strategizing with him deserves a round of applause.

The romance book references in this verse…

We said we only friends, so how come we keep forgettin'

You my sweetest oblivion, we just fakin' with benefits

See my icebreaker was tellin' you that I might break ya

Our friends dissaproved, but we not good advice takers

They just jealous or they twisted our love

The ritual is kissing you, giving you dick til' you-

Come, come, uh

Met you when I knew I only wanted one lover

Then it happened one summer, I was cold before

But I don't care if I get hurt, every rose has thorns

[mixtapedoh]

BTS FOR THE KPOP GROUP

FUCK I ANSWERED THIS COMPLETELY AND REALLY FUNNY AND HEARTFELT AND THEN IT DELETED ON ME 😩🔫 i'm going to see if i can get it back,,,,,,,,,,,, maybe god knew i was getting too into the mushy feelings and reminded me i am first and foremost an antiromantic

[ if i stan ]

favorite member / bias line

namjoon and hobi are my biases and as for bias wreckers my official choice is jin (!!!!!! no one bias wrecks like jin bias wrecks) but also i'm happy to say i share yoongi with the girlies like one would share a braincell <3 custody wise, i get to call him my bias on the first wednesday of every month and the last saturday and sunday <3

which member I’d fight (& why)

my main pick would have to be jimin. out of all the challengers i have chosen thus far jimin is the most scrappy, the most petty, the most likely to hold no bars, and the idol with the most Unhinged Ferality™ to give me true, seasoned battle experience. he would be the least likely to forgive me for whatever transpired between us in the fight, but that simply makes him a more worthy challenger. my only upper hand in such a battle would be that, upon upsetting jimin, he would tap into all the anger he could possible feel — currently, retroactively, and preemptively — and such fuel is so overwhelming that i would be able to set someone marginally annoying in his path and hope that he thoroughly exhausts all that energy on them, before ever reaching me. while this might seem like too convoluted a choice to be advisable, consider that i would be able to indirectly take out my own anger with whatever soul i bring into our crossfire, and that fighting jimin would offer a strategic challenge that i haven't seen the likes of, thus far. furthermore, i think jimin deserves to sucker punch someone and i want to be there to witness it.

however, if we are to stick to verbal battles and jimin is otherwise occupied, i would have to choose jin as a close second. he would absolutely annihilate me, but i just might get pity friendship from perhaps one (1) of the other members who saw this go down (given that i am careful with how i choose to instigate this fight), and also i would be effectively humbled for the rest of this life and the next 12, which is perhaps something i deserve, after choosing fights based on the chaos of it all.

favorite song(s)

bestie, beloved, bastard, we are going to be here all day,,,, i'll do my best to make this at least moderately non-exhaustive (i'm also including solo music): blue & grey; spring day; FAKE LOVE; rain; ON; run; jump; danger; life goes on; dimple; blood, sweat, & tears; pied piper; i'm fine; save me; airplane pt.2; boy in luv; euphoria; film out; trivia: seesaw; filter; tokyo; uhgood; lonely; change pt.2; people; AMYGDALA; the last; arson; MORE don't wake me up and super tuna, too, asdfghj

favorite thing about the group

another moment for me to tell you "we are going to be here all day," i can (and did) wax poetic about BTS because there is just so much of them — to love, to be in awe of, to respect — too much to wrap your arms around and just sit with the knowledge of. not to give in too much to the delulu, but BTS is just so comforting. there is always something to connect to and be swept up by. their music is so expansive, with so many genres and so many themes, and there's a song for everything. no matter where i am at, there's a BTS song for that! and beyond that, the members are all so genuine in their love of music and so ridiculously talented and dedicated to their craft, and they are so humble in their fame and influence and just seek to spread such respect and light, and i'm overwhelmed by them. i've said this to you before, lindsay, but i'll say it again, BTS is so awe-inspiring and all-encompassing that they are more than just an ult group — they are an end in and of themselves.

something i’d like to see from them

RELEASE DDAENG ON SPOTIFY, COWARDS. i need to stream that. also, mr. kim taehyung, sir,,,,,,,, travel with me??? as part of layover??????? make it a secret song for if you buy the album or however those things work. consider what it would do to the girlies if they had their hands on travel with me.

send me a kpop group and i'll answer!!!

[ariannes-gibberish]

The Cost Of Being A Woman

Everyone purchases products to meet their needs and desires regardless of gender. We save money from our allowance, jobs, side hustles, etc. to buy items for necessities or luxuries - although it’s been observed that products catered to women are more expensive than men’s. The disparity in pricing, known as the “Pink Tax”, refers not to an actual tax but to the tendency for products and services for women to be priced higher than for men. As Investopedia (2023) explains, the Pink Tax is not an actual tax, yet it makes women pay extra for their necessities and leisure even when they serve the same purpose as the ones for men. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs conducted a study in 2015 and found that women’s products are more than twice as likely to be priced higher than comparable men’s products to the degree that comparable products targeted to opposing genders are only equal in price approximately 40% of the time.

Women who are aware of it simply accept this tax since it is 'the way things are' and have no interest in looking further into why (Lafferty, 2020). Borj Lianko, 42, is one of those women, saying,“Kahit na may Pink Tax at mas napapamahal ako sa mga nabibili ko, I don’t mind na kasi yun naman mga kailangan ko as a woman.” Kardetoft (2022) then suggests that the “simple” solution to gender-based pricing is for women to start buying male-corresponding products since they fulfill their purpose the same as women’s products without the color and fragrance. It may sound logical yet it ignores the fact that some feminine products are designed specifically for biological needs. Borja stated that she doesn’t really have much of a choice. “When buying feminine products, of course, it’s for necessity din katulad ng pagbibili ng napkins and deodorant. Mahirap na hindi bilhin kasi we really need those.” Additionally, some women still prefer buying female-corresponding hygiene products solely for the sake of having proper hygiene. Mara Romilla, 19 years old, said that she still buys them despite the pink tax because she doesn’t want to smell like a man, which is unpleasant on her case.

Manzano et. al. (2018) found that women are willing to pay more for their products since they tend to consume to strengthen their gender identity and self-fulfillment. Women like Gwen Lopez, 19 years old, prefer to buy girly products because she just prefers them, she likes the pretty visuals and the feminine colors associated with it. “I just really (really) love the color pink and anything feminine. I don't care what the price difference is at this point”.

While Trisha Jaca, 18 years old, continues to buy since it helps her with her stress and it’s appealing to her eyes. “Nakakawala kasi siya ng stress, and ang attractive na magkaroon ng girly stuff sa kwarto mo. “ She also adds that buying them is a way to reward herself for her hard work or when she wants to make herself feel better.

Adding to Kardetoft’s suggestion, it also ignores the factors that play into why women feel like they have to buy these products in the first place. Necessity, gender identity, or femininity aren’t the only driving factors that make women keep buying female-oriented products. Advertisements play a big role in pushing them to keep doing so.

In Mara Romilla’s case, she tends to buy girly products that are advertised by K-Pop idols she’s a fan of. “Ang pinakabudol-worthy moment ko is nung naging advertiser si Jang Won-Young of IVE, formerly IZone because she's my ultimate bias. So, parang like, I feel that if I buy her products, magiging singganda ko yung balat niya.“ Indicating that in advertising women's products, businesses strategize to use celebrities -specifically those who are popularly good-looking- to effectively market their products.

Advertisements have also been observed to push certain beauty standards. It can be observed in advertisements for deodorants. A clear distinction is seen between how they are marketed to women versus men. Women's deodorants are often promoted with additional benefits like lightening, smoothing, and softening underarm skin. In contrast, men’s deodorants focus primarily on controlling sweat and smelling good, without any emphasis on making their armpits "beautiful." This difference highlights that while deodorants for both genders serve the same basic function—controlling body odor—women are pressured to meet additional beauty standards even in this context. Over time, these societal expectations have allowed businesses to capitalize on such beauty norms by offering products that cater to them.

A prominent key factor in advertising, especially in social media platforms, is the “Not Pretty Enough” narrative. Gwen has shared that on Tiktok during the quarantine, “Everyone started making obscure insecurities.” She added that she bought products that would make her calves and even her fingers slimmer because she watched videos and advertisements on how women would look better if they had those features. Similarly, Alaena and Trisha felt pressured to buy skin-whitening products just because it’s a standard to meet to be pretty. “As a young girl, I grew up thinking na mali yung skin color na meron ako, na hindi siya maganda. Like, I don't know why, why that's Kasi pati ako, na parang pati yung lotion whitening, pati yung sabon (na binibili).” Alaena stated.

Despite most women being aware of the pink tax or how costly it is to buy products, they still continue to do so. Gwen pointed out that she is okay with paying more since she just loves girly products. Mara added that it’s because it’s visually appealing, calling it “Instagrammable” and looks good for Pinterest - showing that some girls just like to buy products for the aesthetic they offer. On the other hand, some women have said that they keep buying these products because it’s what they have been buying for years, like it has become a routine for them to do so. “Nagsistick na lang ako dun sa hiyang ako. So, subconsciously, nagagrab ko na siya.“ Alaena expressed. Borja also added, “It’s what I am used to, and I’ve always liked using them din naman.”

While this shows that for many women, buying women’s products is not just about their function, but also the experience they offer—the aesthetic appeal, the sense of identity, and the lifestyle they represent. It’s also often because these are the products they have become familiar with and have used throughout their lives as women since it’s what they always see in advertisements and fellow women.

The pink tax can be interpreted as the extra tax that women are burdened to pay every day that stems from their desire to be viewed by society as “pretty” and “feminine.” This tax goes beyond the surface of price tags; it reflects the pressure women face to invest. The expectation to be seen as "pretty" and "feminine" often drives women to purchase gendered products that promise to enhance their beauty or align with these ideals. While there are women who still buy just because they feel like it and solely for preference, it can't be denied that social expectations on women still heavily influence these choices.

References: - Kardetoft, M. (2022). An investigation of gender-based price discrimination in the Swedish market for personal hygiene products - Bhatia, N., Moshary, S., & Tuchman, A. (2021). Investigating the Pink Tax: Evidence against a Systematic Price Premium for Women in CPG - Lafferty, M. (n.d.). The pink tax: The persistence of gender price disparity. http://research.monm.edu/mjur/files/2020/02/MJUR-i12-2019-Conference-4-Lafferty.pdf - Maloney, C. B. (2016, December). The pink tax how gender-based pricing hurts women’s buying power. https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/8a42df04-8b6d-4949-b20b-6f40a326db9e/the-pink-tax---how-gender-based-pricing-hurts-women-s-buying-power.pdf - Willett-Wei, M. (2015, April 25). Here’s proof women pay more for the same products men buy. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/womens-products-more-expensive-than-mens-2015-4

[dreamylove444]

🌸✨ Study tips to not only excel but maintain a healthy mindset and get straight As with ease 🌸✨

Hello, beautiful minds,

Success in scientific subjects doesn’t just come from hard work; it comes from strategic, intentional effort. Let’s combine our love for science, our need to get the highest grade and these research-based techniques to help you achieve your dreams while maintaining that soft, pink and oh so girly energy that we all love . 📚💕

✨ Tip 1: Create an Inviting Study Environment

The Power of Space

Research shows that an organized and aesthetically pleasing study space improves concentration and mental clarity. Surrounding yourself with pastel pink stationery, soft lighting, and cozy seating can positively impact your focus and productivity. 🖤🎀

Why it works: A study from the University of Essex found that a pleasant environment reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and enhances productivity.

What to do: Designate a space that feels like your personal retreat—add your favorite pink decor, a soft chair, and calming plants to keep you at ease while you work. 🌷💕

✨ Tip 2: Color-Coding for Visual Learning

The Science of Color and Memory

Color-coding is more than just cute—it’s a proven method to boost memory retention. Studies from the University of British Columbia have shown that using color in your notes can improve recall and help distinguish between different concepts. 🌸💖

Why it works: Research in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that using color when studying improves visual memory and helps the brain organize complex information.

What to do: Use pastel-colored pens, highlighters, and sticky notes to differentiate topics. For example, use pink for key formulas, lavender for definitions, and peach for important theories. This visual differentiation will help your brain process and retain information faster. 🎀

✨ Tip 3: Active Recall with Flashcards

The Power of Active Learning

Active recall is one of the most effective methods for mastering science subjects. Flashcards help you engage actively with the material, making your brain work harder to retrieve information, which strengthens memory retention. Research has shown that active recall, when used consistently, can improve exam performance by as much as 40%. 🌸💕

Why it works: Studies, including one by the National Institutes of Health, have shown that retrieval practice (like using flashcards) enhances long-term memory retention.

What to do: Create flashcards with pastel-colored borders, and write questions on one side and answers on the other. Use them to quiz yourself regularly, and try not to peek at the answers until you've made your best guess. ✨💖

✨ Tip 4: Break Study Sessions into Focused Intervals

The Science of the Pomodoro Technique

Research consistently shows that focused study intervals lead to better retention and productivity. The Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break, aligns with your brain’s natural rhythms, preventing burnout and maximizing focus. 🌷💕

Why it works: A study published in Cognitive Psychology found that short bursts of intense focus followed by brief breaks can improve focus, prevent mental fatigue, and enhance overall learning efficiency.

What to do: Set a timer for 25-minute intervals of studying followed by a 5-minute break. During your break, drink water, stretch, or take a quick walk. Return refreshed and ready to focus again. 🎀✨

✨ Tip 5: Collaborate with Study Buddies

The Social Learning Effect

Working with others has been shown to improve understanding, especially in scientific subjects that require deep analysis. Research from Harvard University suggests that discussing concepts with peers helps consolidate knowledge and can clarify areas of confusion. When you explain something to someone else, you’re also reinforcing the material in your own mind. 🌸✨

Why it works: Studies show that collaborative learning leads to better problem-solving and deeper comprehension. Working with others allows you to see different perspectives and reinforces your own knowledge.

What to do: Form small study groups with friends who motivate you. Discuss key scientific concepts and help each other with difficult topics. You’ll learn just as much by teaching as you do by listening. 💕🎀

✨ Tip 6: Use Past Papers to Predict Success

Simulating the Exam Environment

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice under real test conditions. Research indicates that simulating exam conditions with past papers boosts exam performance by helping you become familiar with question formats and time management. This method reduces test anxiety and improves confidence. 📚💖

Why it works: A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology showed that students who regularly practiced past exams performed better than those who only reviewed notes.

What to do: Find past exam papers online or in your textbook. Set aside time to complete them in a quiet, timed environment. Review your answers afterward, and focus on areas where you can improve. 🌷✨

✨ Tip 7: Prioritize Sleep for Brain Health

The Connection Between Sleep and Memory

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Scientific research shows that sleep is essential for memory consolidation, especially when studying for complex subjects like science. During deep sleep, your brain processes and strengthens memories, helping you retain information better. 💖💕

Why it works: Studies from Harvard Medical School show that sleep is critical for learning and memory retention. Without proper rest, your brain struggles to absorb and retain new information.

What to do: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Create a calming bedtime routine with soft music or a warm bath to help you relax. You’ll wake up refreshed, with your mind ready to absorb more knowledge. 🌙🎀

✨ Tip 8: Positive Reinforcement and Self-Affirmations

The Psychology of Success

Believing in yourself can be as powerful as studying hard. Positive self-affirmations have been shown to reduce stress and increase motivation. Studies suggest that when you affirm your abilities, your brain releases dopamine, which improves focus and performance. 🌸💕

Why it works: Research from Psychological Science indicates that self-affirmations can reduce anxiety and enhance cognitive performance, helping you perform better in academic settings.

What to do: Begin each study session by telling yourself, “I am capable, I am smart, I will succeed.” Embrace your strength, and remind yourself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. ✨🎀

🎀You received a message from your older internet sister🎀

‎ ‎♡₊˚ 🦢・ ₊✧ ♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧

You have the potential to not only excel in science but to do so in a way that feels authentic to you. With these science-backed tips and my little girly inspiration, you’ll harness your natural beauty, brilliance, and grace. You’ve got this sweetie! 🌸✨

[latifafasla]

The Pink Problem: Gender and Pink

For a time the color pink has been closely associated with femininity. It has been widely used in baby clothes and Barbie dolls becoming a color, in the world of girls and women.. What does this association between femininity mean for our understanding of gender identity?. How does the media contribute to either reinforcing or challenging this stereotype? In this blog post we will dive into the " problem". Explore its impact on gender identity.

The Connection Between Pink and Femininity:

The link between the color pink and femininity has roots. It is believed that this connection emerged in the century when manufacturers started marketing pink as a color for girls. Before that, boys and girls were dressed in pink and blue interchangeably. This shift wasn't based on biology but rather a strategic marketing tactic. Over time this association grew stronger solidifying pink as the representation of femininity. This connection has had consequences for how society perceives and constructs gender identities.

Impacts on Gender Identity:

  Reinforcement of Gender Stereotypes; The strong correlation between femininity has further reinforced gender stereotypes. It communicates that femininity is synonymous with qualities, like softness, passivity, and vulnerability while masculinity is associated with strength and assertiveness.

This can put limitations on expression. Hinder our understanding of the diverse range of human identities.

Social Influence: There is often pressure to conform to gender norms, especially regarding color preferences. Boys are frequently discouraged from liking or wearing pink while girls may feel pressured to embrace it. Such social influence can impact how individuals perceive and perform their gender roles.

The Role of Media:

Media plays a role, in both reinforcing and challenging the " problem." Here are a few ways in which media shapes our perceptions of gender and color;

Advertising: Many advertisements continue to promote gender norms by using pink as a marketing tool targeted towards women and girls. They depict women and girls in pink while portraying men and boys in colors perpetuating the notion that pink is inherently feminine.

Challenging Stereotypes: In years some media platforms including fashion brands and magazines have been actively challenging these stereotypes. They have featured gender-nonconforming fashion choices along, with imagery that questions the idea that pink is exclusively associated with one particular gender. Pop Culture and Icons; The influence of media, on culture is undeniable. When known figures defy gender norms by embracing challenging color expectations it can have a positive impact on how we perceive color and gender identity.

The issue of the " problem" raises questions, about how color shapes our understanding of gender identity. Although the media has historically contributed to reinforcing stereotypes there is a growing awareness of the need to challenge them. Choosing a color should be based on preference from traditional gender expectations. By discussing and addressing the " problem " we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and accepting society where colors are just colors and expressing ones gender identity is seen as an individual choice.

Sources:

[letters-between-friends]

soft september

Hi Ana,

Today I want to write you something different. I know we're both in places of longing at the moment, which I would love to blame on whatever retrograde astrology girlies are focusing on this month, but I think every emotion and craving we're currently feeling right now are purely reminders of our being human.

Let this be an exercise of vocalising things we want. This is a safe space. The world is a safe space. I don't know what happened that convinced us otherwise but I remember being so young and open to feeling. Open to just accepting love and care with open arms. Embracing everyone and anything that shows any interest and shares insights into our lives. This has never been limited to lovers. It was from every single person who wanted to be our friend, who wanted to get to know us, who wanted to spend time with us to connect and understand.

So today I choose to be honest about the things I want. I am in tears as I write this because this is one of those rare moments when my heart frees me from the emotional constipation.

#1 - I want clarity.

I don't want to be afraid anymore. I want to be able to go up to Ben and just tell him, what do you want from me? You're a decade older than me and I'm scared. We have been seeing each other for a little over three months now, talking for four (because I took my sweet time before meeting up with him) and I'm scared. I don't think he knows me well enough for labels but I have a feeling it would truly break me if months down the line, we figure out we're not even on the same page. I want to be able to see or not see B, N or even S with complete transparency, and knowing where I stand.

#2 - I want peace and security.

This one I try my hardest to keep. I want to be able to live freely without worries. Being an adult is hard. Being an adult completely independent is even harder. I am so grateful that I get to live in Australia separate from the burdens of being with my family, but it continues to give me such anxiety. Every single day I have to work hard and bet on myself, all chips in. I just need to keep going at it to have all the resources I need to survive and I will be able to reap the benefits of my hardships. I just need to be patient, while continuing to be strategic with my choices and actions.

#3 - I want to be rid of shame.

I need to be kinder to myself, especially because I know how much I do to advocate for my dreams and my needs - but some days, how difficult it is to be okay with where I am currently. I know I shouldn't but sometimes I truly feel so much shame as a 28-year-old who cannot drive, does not own property, has no partner, and a very uncertain future in Australia (with visa rules and guidelines always changing). I constantly need to remind myself of how far I've come instead of focusing on how much more I have to go, but it's not always easy. I associate so much shame in not achieving what I want in the timeframe I have set for myself, but if we're being honest - who even really cares about that? Why am I giving into societal pressures my high-achieving asian ass was conditioned to succumb to? My journey is mine and mine alone, and it can be however long or short it has to be. I try every single day - some days harder than others, but I try nonetheless. And there's no shame in that.

#4 - I want love.

Lastly, before my openness expires, I'll let you hear it here first. I want love. I am trying my best not to picture R when I talk about the l-word but the acceptance we had for each other was so deep, I can't help but look back at it. I have completely let go of that era, but I am also so thankful that it happened. Every single thing I went through with everyone I've ever loved in the past decade (and probably throughout my life) has created my concept and understanding of love, that today I can describe with full certainty the kind of love I want. I want a love that is certain of me, a love willing to grow with me and hold my hand throughout my journey, a love that keeps me accountable but also understands that some days I will be imperfect and not feel my best, or not make the best choices. I want a love filled with passion, but also with respect for the things that make me me, and the things that I advocate for. I want a love who believes in me and my goals and dreams... A love that hopes with me and works with me because we know tomorrow can be better. A love that can appreciate the present with me and look at the past with gratitude instead of longing and regret. A love willing to explore new things with me but also know when it's time to be still and rest. I want a love I am happy to choose, and that chooses me in return. And most of all, my deepest desire -- coming from a girl whose parents were completely wrong for each other -- I want a love that lasts.

What a time to be soft. Happy 1st of September.

Tabitha

[the-mess-of-a-dreamerrr]

March

Reasons why I am not a manic pixie dream girl:

I'm critical. Do you fold towels differently? Wrong. There is only one way to fold towels. I don't understand how people don't learn or catch on as quickly as I do to tasks. My brain is critical and judgmental and it's awful.

I'm sloppy. Do you want the bathroom sink not to be covered in makeup and hairbrushes? Too stinking bad. Clothes? They aren't on the floor but they are draped strategically on the dresser.

I will not be cooking the "marry me chicken." Vegetables. Thats it. If you don't like veggies sorry I don't know you.

I will talk about work 24/7. I'm sorry if you don't know sally from back office but you will be hearing about our complicated interactions trying to fix an annoying problem.

Speaking of work...its my personality. My reason for waking in the morning. I care so stinking much and it does affect everything in my life.

I obsesses over new hobbies. I am a gym girlie for 6 months and the next 3 a piano amateur. I will also be taking up a new language for 2 weeks and then try crafting that will go terribly wrong in the first 10 minutes. But I've already bought a years worth of supplies that will be sitting in our garage.

I hide my emotions. Am I mad? sad? You may never know! About what you may ask I don't even think I know. I feel dumb sharing hard emotions so instead you will be terribly disturbed why I am ugly sobbing to a comedy movie for no obvious reason. This may lead you to read my journal which I stopped writing in because writing what I feel is too much. So we are both left wondering.

Want some one to grow old with? Think again! I have sinking life altering depression. Wondering whats got me in a slump? Oh its just me wanting to die 24/7 don't mind me.

My body literally rejects me. I'm allergic to this world and I don't think I'm meant to live in it. My kidneys they don't work! My bladder is constantly screaming and don't even get me started on the head aches. I think I'm sick 24/7.

I also use the same words too many times. like 24/7. I used it twice already. I get stuck on words in loops. I literally have zero original thoughts.

I am so stinking selfish. literally everything is about me. I like being the center of attention. I crave getting praise and someone saying they like something about me. I'm as egotistical as they come.

I'm fake. I literally care so stinking much what people think of me that sometimes I even change what I like to match what I think the world would want me to like. And then it's 4 years later and I've made it a personality trait and I realize I've been lying for 4 years and actually hate it and I'm left questioning who even am I???

I go to bed every night looking like a splotched animal. I have zit cream all over my face.

I HATE washing my hair. So prepare for me to wine like a 2 year old every time its wash day.

I will not be doing yard work or taking out the trash. It's a boy job. It's sexist I know but it's a boy job. Thats how my mama raised me.

I'm not coordinated and I will not be saying the right thing at the right time. I will always find a way to trip, spill food or drink, knock something over, make a loud noise. If its awkward and embarrassing. I will do it naturally.

Last but not least I made a boy fall in love with me that I constantly hurt. I continue talking to him even though I know it's destroying his mental outlook.

-MV

[thornsnvultures]

make you whole ♡

Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader

summary: "What do you have?!" "A knife!" "No!!!"

warnings: knife injury, blood mention, all pretty tame but I'd rather be safe then sorry

words: 725

a/n: this is my submission for @real-jane 's #HealingHandsChallenge in celebration of her hitting 725 followers 🥰 I hope you like it, Kate, it was so hard for me to stop at 725 lol (maybe I'll write the smutty follow up to this down the line 🥴) Kate, I adore your writing. The way you have with words never fails to take my breath away, there's always new sides I see of you with every story you post and I hope we keep getting to see more and more. Thanks for including me in this, girlie, I had a lot of fun 💖 (like god I cranked that out in 2hrs. umm mom are you proud of me?? I made a moodboard who am i??)

18+ BLOG, MINORS DNI. IF YOU INTERACT AND YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR AGE VISIBLE ON YOUR BLOG YOU WILL BE BLOCKED. 18+ BLOG, MINORS DNI.

"Aren't you supposed to be some kinda elite knife murder…man? How did you accidentally cut yourself?" The stupid paper wrapper won't come off of the bandaid and it's driving you nuts. Stupid manicure, you huff to yourself and rip the paper open with your teeth. Thankfully one of the caterers had some bandaids in their bag but the character options were abysmal and apparently their packaging was military grade tough.

"So eloquent, doll." Bucky drolls sarcastically. "You're just a vision in white and I got distracted."

"Or, you were goofing around with Steve again. I told you not to play with knives around him anymore, he's a bad influence. And on our wedding day, too,' you shake your head, "unbelievable."

Bucky watched you struggle with a smirk on his face. He would ask if you wanted help but you growled, actually growled, last time. "You shouldn't be patching me up, I'll get blood on your dress."

"You're not gonna get blood on my dress."

"It'll be healed up in an hour anyway."

"That doesn't mean you don't deserve to be taken care of, Bucky!"

Your eyes meet over the Paw Patrol bandaid, now opened, paper partially peeled off in your hands.

"Sorry for snapping."

Bucky doesn't answer right away, letting you finish making sure his thumb has gotten the dire medical attention it needed. He smiles, admiring your handiwork.

"You do an amazing job taking care of me, doll."

"Of course I do. I love you, Buck. Or I wouldn't be here in this big silly dress." Your arms flail around you at the pile of tulle you're currently swamped in on the floor in front of him.

"I know, sweetheart."

You grab hold of his hand once again, press a quick, light kiss to the blue police dog taped to Bucky's thumb and and smile. "So cute."

"Y'know that's gonna show in our wedding pictures."

"Oh now you care about wedding pictures, Bucky?"

"No, but you care. You know if it was up to me we would've had our trio of idiots escort us to the courthouse and gotten this done in 20 minutes." He's right. Sam had even offered to drive.

"But don't I look pretty, Buck?" You bat your eyelashes, like anyone could ever describe you as coy, and Bucky snorts out a laugh. His calloused hands cradle your face like you're made of something delicate and precious and maybe you are, to him. It's why you're here in a large storage closet surrounded by white folding chairs and tables putting a silly little cartoon bandaid on his thumb instead of out there celebrating with your extended family. You're precious to him in ways he never thought he'd deserve. Delicate in how someone else's love could hold you up and in and wrap around you so nothing spills and you're whole. His thumbs, one metal one...plastic and sticky, caress your cheeks in soothing circles as he stares at you, lost in thought. You could go for a nap, waiting for him to come back to you, but he never took too long.

"We should get back." The low timbre of his voice sends shivers up your spine.

"We should."

"You do look beautiful by the way." Bucky plucks at the strap strategically placed over your shoulder and something in you wants him to keep pulling until there's nothing left.

"So I've heard. From you. About every five minutes."

"But it's true, doll." He runs his rough fingers down your arm and you feel like you're already shaking under him, about to fall apart. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"That you stabbed yourself so you could sneak me away and have your way with me in a broom closet?"

"Wha- no! Haha! What kinda lunatic do you think I am, sweetheart? I-," he coughs and clears his throat, "okay, maybe."

"Good," you smile with a tilt of your head, feeling his thick thighs tense under your fingertips. "'Cause I'm dying to get out of this dress. How long do you think Nat and Steve can hold off the angry mob when they realize we ditched the party?"

"Who cares, I wanna have my way with my fuckin' wife. Now let me help you get-"

You wince when you hear something tear in his hands.

"Careful, grandpa, we just got you patched up."

[vonlipvig]

Survivor Winners at War Ep 9 Recap

In this episode, oh my gODDDDD AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH SDHSKJHSJHSKFHSKL holy shit

...Anyway.

So the ep starts with the gang coming back to camp, and Nick and Michele are pissed cause they were not in on the last vote, and ok why is it so hilarious that it’s TONY the one that’s being super level headed and telling Nick “dude, calm down, nobody’s going after you just cause you voted for Wendell”? (No but for real, Tony’s being super smart and not that over the top sooooo...)

Then Michele and Adam have a conversation (where Michele is like “oh yeah I’m pissed”...to Adam? The person she was voting for? Lmao), and Adam tells her...his...brilliant idea.

It’s the beginning of something wonderful, oh baby.

But yeah, he thinks the little fleur de lis thingie on Jeff’s table looks like the idol Denise found, and thus, it’s probably a hidden idol...in Tribal. On the podium. And here’s where my friend and I look at each other and go hoooooly shit don’t tell me this is gonna happen cause WE CAN FEEL IT’S GONNA HAPPEN and dkjffdflk.

But we’ll go back to that.

On the Edge, the gang goes on another scavenger hunt for something to sell, and Danni and Parv end up finding a 50/50 immunity coin thing (And apparently they find it in the same place that Aubry found whatever the hell she found on s38, y’all think I remember? I’m a fan I just have shit memory, guys!). Parv decides to sell it to Michele for four tokens, which DKFHDKJ PARV YOU’RE SO RIPPING HER OFF I LOVE IT, and in the end she and Danni decide to share the news and food reward with everyone else BUT Yul and Wendell which lmao (I mean, makes sense since they were the last ones to arrive).

Back in the game proper, it’s Challenge Time! It’s the one with the fish puzzle pieces, blah blah blah, they divide into two teams, whatever. Sarah’s team wins, but then she decides to give her spot on the reward to Nick, because it was his birthday the day before (and well, he didn’t have a great time, if that TC was any indication lmao).

And ok, Sarah did it simply because she is Nice. I mean, it must be tough to keep the “strategic brain” turned on every time, cause sometimes the humanity of it all gets to you, but ONCE AGAIN TONY IS BEING A BIG VOICE OF REASON going “girlie, c’mon, that’s gonna be seen as a strategic move, they’re gonna want you out”. And he’s kind of right, cause everyone else is like uuuuuuhhh okay.

Then Michele finds the 50/50 coin that Parv is trying to sell to her, and lo and behold, she buys it!

Like, don’t get me wrong, she 100% got scammed cause that thing was NOT worth four fire tokens, but she’s in a pretty shitty position if they’re gonna keep going after low profile people (and considering she doesn’t have that many allies anymore, I’d say Jeremy but Jeremy’s the one that wants these kind of people out sooo). But yeah, making Parv rich, I’m not complaining!

For the Immunity Challenge, we have the “stand on that triangular platform on the water and stay there” challenge, which always seems like such fun and one that...I think I could do pretty well? I mean, I don’t have the worst balance?

Anyway, Kim wins (Yay, Kim!), but god was it fun to see Ben do some weird Surfing Karate to try to stay on it!

Yeehaw!

Then of course it’s time for Chaos. The lions want the vote to be between Nick and Adam. Nick wants Sophie out. Adam prefers to go for Sarah. The lions clearly don’t want it to be Sarah, so they’re ok with Adam. 

Gratuitous Sarah pic being a badass, because we all need Sarah being a badass in our lives.

Then Ben goes to confront Adam cause he had said that him and Sarah were super close and Adam is kind of trying to stumble his way out of that and it’s really awkward and also really funny? I just think they’re so over each other dfkjdfkh (AND IT AIN’T OVER YET!).

And now we go to Tribal. Hooooo boy.

So Jeff gets ignored almost right away, and LET THE CHAOS BEGIN!

You got everything, baby. You’ve got Adam and Ben going at each other about PRE-MERGE DRAMA!? WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT DKJFDFKJ. While that distraction is going on, everyone is whispering, everyone is up and talking, and I’m smiling from ear to ear, gotta love this show.

AND THEN. DKJFHDKJFHD. AND THEN EVERYONE SHUTS UP AND ADAM ASKS IF THEY’RE VOTING FOR HIM.

AND THEN IT’S COMPLETE SILENCE. THEY’RE HARDCORE IGNORING HIM I’M-..DFJKDHFKDH

So at this point I’m at near death from the second hand embarrassment, and I think it’s pretty clear to everyone--Adam included--that it’s probably him being voted out...

OH BABY TIME FOR PLAN B.

So it’s time to read the votes, I’m grabbing my friend’s hand really hard, we’re at the edge of our seats, is he gonna do it? is he really gonna do it?

AND THEN. AND THEN HE DOES. HE STANDS UP. HE WALKS TO JEFF’S TABLE...

IT’S STUCK. IT’S STUCK TO THE FUCKING TABLE. BECAUSE IT’S A PIECE OF THE FUCKING SET. AND HE’S TRYING AND IT KEEPS RATTLING AND I’M DYING HOLY SHIT OH MY GODDDD DKJFHEKJFHEKF.

But holy shit it doesn’t even end there because Jeff motherfucking Probst--who thrives on chaos, tears, and embarrassment--is all “...are you sure?”, AND THEN ADAM GOES “wait, can I play that? I wanna play that.” AND JEFF IS LIKE “you wanna play...this thing...the thing you can’t get from this table.” AND ADAM’S LIKE “yes.” AND I’M IN ANOTHER DIMENSION BY THIS POINT I’M LAUGHING AND CRYING THIS IS A LOT.

And no, it wasn’t and he was voted out.

BUT LET ME SAY THIS. Fucking kudos to him for going through with all of that. Like, at one point if you know you’re screwed anyway what does it even matter right? Just fucking try, the worst thing that can happen is that you look silly, but that’s COMEDY AND WE LOVE IT. So yeah, props to him cause GOD THAT WAS HILARIOUS.

(Also, apparently there was an idol hidden in TC in an international Survivor season, maybe South Africa, I don’t remember? I didn’t watch any but if he did then he probably convinced himself it wasn’t that crazy an idea. Plus, I guess if you’re desperate you can totally convince yourself that if the idol was a fleur de lis that could be an idol as well, but yeah...it was WAY too crazy, but goddamn if it wasn’t entertaining).

Thank you Adam, love you dude.

[itsclydebitches]

How is Ozpin queer coded? I do hc him as bisexual and ace but I don’t see how he’s being intentionally queer coded. Not being rude just saying. Thank you.

Queer coding can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For me personally, Ozpin is queer coded primarily though how his design and personality rejects classical masculinity. He’s more effeminate than men are “supposed” to be and though we’re entering an age where, with a growing acceptance of various identities, many reject the idea that any look/wardrobe/action/etc. can equal [insert sexuality here], we nevertheless have a very long history of effeminacy equally a shorthand for ‘This man is queer.’ Or at the very least, ‘This man is different from other men somehow and that should make you wary.’ Which is why we get so many queer coded villains (with masculine-coded women functioning as the opposite).  

In my own reading of RWBY, details of Ozpin’s character that stand out include, but are not limited to: 

A very lithe physique. AKA not buff like a “real” man

A clear attention to style with a tailored suit, including accessories (scarf, brooch) that most men wouldn’t touch 

The way he moves and speaks. It’s all very refined and cultured. The sort of “prissy” mannerisms associated with queer men  

An emphasis on intellectual over physical strength. Ozpin wants to strategize. Ironwood, the far more classically masculine character, wants to charge in and fight 

Connected to this is his desire to be a simple headmaster instead of a war general. Ozpin is much more interested in giving advice to Ruby, or imploring Glynda to let them be children. He, in short, adopts a very nurturing persona. The motherly authority figure who gives out cookies and smiles

The way that he speaks fondly of other men, particularly Qrow. There’s no “no homo” nonsense here or an inability to articulate his love---be it platonic, sexual, or romantic---unless someone’s life is on the line. “Real” men are gruff and stoic. Queer men are much more open with their emotions because they’re “like women” 

Obviously a lot of stereotypes, but those stereotypes nevertheless hold weight. A lot of it simply comes down to pattern recognition. The concept of a (supposedly) straight man is meant to look one way and any deviation from that implies a difference in sexuality. That’s why bullies call men “gay” for liking clothes too much, or having slightly too high a voice, or hanging out with women, or liking “girly” hobbies (ballet, knitting, baking), or just moving their bodies in certain ways. These are all effeminate markers that media reinforces. As a contrast, compare someone like Geralt with Ozpin. They’re both tall, white, gray-haired men who are incredibly capable fighters. And yet...

Geralt with his massive build, armor, messy hair/beard, scars, dirty clothes, and power stance are all meant to scream, “This guy is straight! So straight!! You can have sex with so many women in this game!” 

Then Ozpin with his thin frame, stylish suit, very neat appearance, downward (submissive) expression, and primly folded hands conveys, “Yeah no. This guy definitely feels queer.” 

Ultimately it doesn’t matter whether the queer coding is intentional or subtext picked up only by the viewer. Whether RT meant to or not, they crafted a character who fits into a very long history of effeminate men equaling otherness, with sexuality being the most prominent difference between them and other men (which we can then compound through Ozpin’s literal status as an outsider to humanity and our RWBYJNR group). Audiences who grow up on Western media are going to immediately look at these markers and, whether fully consciously or not, interpret Ozpin in particular ways---including queerness. 

[kcostanz]

disclaimer: I’m going to be existential & sad before I turn it around

As 2020 wraps, I find myself increasingly absorbed by understanding the practices that I’m newly drawn to. The things I’ve chosen to connect with to get through what has certainly been the most unexpected year of my life, and perhaps that of billions of others. Even making such a grand statement still boggles my mind. Taking a moment to step outside of my life to acknowledge this global reality always gives much needed perspective. Life has been altered in wholly unforeseeable ways for billions of people this year. 

Exactly how our lives and worlds have been reshaped certainly looks different for each and every one of us. Our realities are constructed by so much: where we live, who we live with, what we do each day, our job, or the roles we play in society as a whole. Every life looks different, but the pandemic’s impact on these answers (and many more) is ever-changing and harshly felt. 

Reflecting on my own journey that has been navigating covid-19 and its impact on the world centers upon my age. Being 22 years old right now feels like constantly being stuck at a major life inflection point. In many ways I’m at the height of decision making- important ones at that, that will guide (the beginnings of) the rest of my life. Existential and perhaps a bit dramatic I know, but the pandemic exacerbates these emotions, so throw me a bone. 

I spent the first 21 years of my life on a set path, a regulated track that unknowingly provided an absurd amount of comfort. I went to public school K-12, graduated high school, and attended a 4-year institution, long awaiting the fantastical graduation year that for so long existed as a far-off fantasy: 2020. 

That momentous final semester was different than expected, but I can’t complain. I spent the last 3 months of college with a small handful of my closest friends, attended classes from the comfort of my bed, and graduated in my tiny apartment with two of my closest friends who hung around until the end. 

I procrastinated packing and cleaning my apartment until the last possible moment as my disapproving landlord approached to conduct the final walkthrough. Unsurprisingly, I left with a fraction of the security deposit, and the hard learned lesson that expo marker writing does not always come out of refrigerators (as the All Purpose spray, Oxi-Clean, bleach, hot water, soap, and eventually, shamefully, white paint can attest). 

With a egregiously packed car and zero rear view visibility, I was off. I blasted oldies with a twinge of liberation- I think I recall Born to Run (don’t worry, I am indeed embarrassed). I left all four windows down until I could no longer stand the sound of garbage bags flapping. Five short hours later I pulled into the driveway of my childhood home in Rochester, NY (with a broken mirror in the trunk no less- unsure if I’m superstitious but it felt like bad luck). 

The latter half of 2020- from June until now, has been full of unknowns, decision making in the dark, and hard fought self motivation. Vivid mixes of emotions old and new. 

First the dread of moving back in with parents as a young adult, and the stubborn resistance to fully unpack, so as to not get “too comfortable” at home. I now know such a thing is impossible for many reasons, one being that regardless of the lighting, art, and design, the girly pink walls of my childhood bedroom have proven immutable. 

Following this initial shock were extreme levels of self-induced pressure to find a job, do nothing but apply to jobs, and then bask in dejected feelings of never being able to get a job. While in the process, fully isolating myself from others, because I simultaneously felt I had too much to do, but yet was never really doing a thing. That concept has been fun to sit with. It comes with the realization that the carefree bliss of not having a single thing to do- say for a month long winter break- is officially gone. The list of things you could (and probably should) be doing is endless- welcome to the real world, Kate!

August was a blessed, beautiful month that, at the risk of (again) sounding dramatic, I am eternally grateful for. During this sweltering month I lived out of a car for nearly 3 weeks, camping with two pals throughout Utah and Wyoming. Even hitting a deer at 9pm, in a no-cell service zone, in the middle of a State Forest in Wyoming was a welcomed adventure at this point. A broken transmission, impromptu camping, two-hour tow truck ride, countless insurance calls, hostile car dealership conversations, two rental cars later, and we were back on track. This (incomplete) list of challenges provided beautiful life experience however, imparting lessons I could never fully know until I lived them. 

Returning home was as expected, a difficult transition back to monotony. Did I apply to vineyard jobs vaguely “out west?” Absolutely. Did I have it in me to go through with such a spontaneous life choice? Unfortunately not, though to my credit I did realize important goals that stood in the way of a dreamy vagabond existence. 

The fall has been a blur, and now there’s snow on the ground. I’ve found myself living for the future, and rarely ever for the moment, which is entirely antithetical to my personal philosophy. I have proclaimed my personal soundtrack to 2020 to be the loop of traditional Lebanese music that plays on repeat at my job as a server at Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine (now as a takeout extraordinaire. And yes, despite the lack of in-person customers we are indeed instructed to play the CDs as per usual). This work, or my role as a part-time nanny is far from fulfilling (though the kids are darn cute), but that’s not the point for now. “At least I’m saving!” has been my most reliable source of positive encouragement, nearing personal mantra. 

I write this from my childhood bedroom, sitting at my desk, which was once our kitchen table circa 2002. It is as wobbly as it is sentimental, and I love it. The desk faces a window, the sill littered with glassware and candles because I have a thing against artificial light. I have a total of five notebooks, half opened, each containing swirling levels of thoughts, drawings, organization, calendars and to do lists. An orange caricature of a topless french woman sunbathing sits in front of me, reminding me that “TOUT VA BIEN!” (that everything is fine). And in minutes I will be dancing to the Moana soundtrack or drawing christmas trees and unicorns with 3 and 4 year olds. A snapshot of my life, at 22 years old, in 2020. 

Despite my life not being what I expected, or what I wanted it to look like as I embark on what’s supposed to be the most adventurous, spontaneous, and simply well-lived decade of my life, it is what it is, and as the french lady says, everything is fine. I have two part-time jobs, unforeseen savings, quality family time (both for better and for worse), my mom’s cooking, and a roof over my head. In a world with inconceivably high death tolls, rising unemployment and homelessness rates, and the constant, precarious fear of general loss, I have infinite blessings to count.

Life does feel like a giant waiting game though. How can one strategically plan out what comes next in their individual life when the entire world remains a massive question mark? In a time when we feel trapped, impatiently waiting for opportunities, experiences, and adventures to reopen, waiting feels hopeless. Because it is. If you’re unhappy with the opportunities before you, create your own.

I’m not saying I’m doing a stellar job at this myself- and as you can see I certainly struggle with my fair share of existential pessimism (day in and day out). But doing things has a certain electrifying feel that ignites and empowers you to build a meaningful life. I’m producing a web series with a group of similarly listless 20 somethings who are also doing their best to be creative and productive from the confines of their family homes. I’m practicing yoga and meditation really to cope with my own stress and internal anxieties, but in doing so am creating new habits and mindsets that will certainly outlast the pandemic. I’ve connected with a group of strangers by dancing to shamantic and electronica music in various outdoor locations throughout Rochester. Whoa! Never would I have imagined finding such deeply liberating peace through ecstatic dance of all things, but hey 2020 is full of surprises. 

This position I’m in is both uniquely my own through my personal experiences, and also shared by more people than I could imagine. Maybe only bits and pieces resonate with you, or maybe you are living your best life in the city of your dreams with a fabulous career in a lovely home with the world’s best roommates. But even if that’s you- you’re missing out on something too. The whole world is. We feel disconnected, disjointed, digitally controlled and consumed, and despite who we surround ourselves with- isolated. We’re stuck living in a world of “once this is over I’ll….” and no matter who you are it feels damn weird to spend so much time in your head dreaming of a future rather than living it out in the now. 

So… solutions? As we all know, you only have so much control during a global pandemic (very little to be exact). But what you can control is how you live your life during it. I certainly won’t preach to what works and pretend like I’ve figured it out- that work is no one’s to do but your own. But I do feel that so much comes down to mindset, perspective, mental health and ultimately finding ways to seek inner peace. 

Potential solutions are abundant, and have been explored by more people now than ever before. Though there is no recipe to conquer the inevitable fears, concerns and anxieties that accompany the pandemic and this phase of life, I’m interested in further exploring some of the ones that work for me. How is something as simple as breathing so helpful? 

Finding inner peace is a sought after skill in 2020. I have endless gratitude to all of the incredible humans who have served as a source of learning, and have helped me to tap into positive internal energy. My intention is to look into some of the causes of (my personal) covid-realted inner turmoil and the solutions that have brought some serenity into my life. Though they may not always be long lasting, some answers are better than none. Here’s to writing for no one, and thank you for listening. <3