#western centrism

[stormesandshowersparttwo]

a very annoying aspects of even well meaning Americans is that they too think the United States is the center of the world. "Israel is bombing rafah while we are distracted by the Superbowl" "Israel is invading rafah while everyone focuses on the Met Gala".

the rest of the world is not planning military operations around our cultural events. I even forgot about the Superbowl until a week before it happened, and I didn't know the Met Gala was going on until the day of. And I live in this country. if I forget about this stuff, foreign governments planning an invasion weeks in advance, responding to localized political developments such as ceasefire talks, aren't thinking about non-political events going on in our country.

and I say this as someone who wishes things were different: but what would the difference be? do you think if the Met Gala wasn't going on that people would be out into the streets demanding a ceasefire? if the Superbowl had not been occuring, do you think our government would finally listen to our calls & emails if a slightly stronger campaign was going on that day?

this is more to call out of Americans who are still making everything about them. other country's militaries are not thinking about American civilian opinion when deciding military actions. they may consider US government opinion, but in this case it's well established our government doesn't care about public opinion. individuals maybe different, but as a whole we are already complacent.

please quit thinking the world revolves around the United States as it is negatively & inaccurately affecting your analysis & worldview, distorting where the focus should be: on the civilians facing violence & our government's culpability.

[historicxllexi]

i swear western lgbtq people are the worst. "my existence is illegal in 60+ countries🤪🤪🤪". yeah and every single gay person in those countries hates you

[birches-and-hawks]

just a reminder

i still hate americans and westerners

[a-captions-blog]

[Image descriptions: 1. Screencaps of Alok Vaid-Menon saying, ‘One of the things that people don’t realize is that 19th century European and US American scientists were explicit in believing that only white people could have the gender binary. They would argue that the reason that Black people, Indigenous people, and other racialized people across the world were “less human” was because they were, quote unquote, their words, not mine, “sexually ambiguous.” And so they would say, as you evolve as a civilization, you move into these binary categories of male and female. So homophobia and transphobia, it’s part of this larger racial project of white supremacy.’ As they speak, images appear onscreen showing a sketch of a white man, some comparative drawings of the top halves of human skulls, and some drawings of four different types of skulls as seen from above. The visible labels on these are ‘Caucasian’ and ‘Mongole.’ The camera also cuts to Jonathan and some other guests on the show as Alok talks. \End description]

[Caption plain text: Alok Vaid-Menon / Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness 1x03 (2022) \End PT]

[Image descriptions: A series of squares titled, ‘the racist history of the sex binary.’ The accompanying art shows a person whose face is divided vertically into a blue half and a pink half. The blue half has flowers growing out of a pool coming from the person’s eyebrow, and the pink half has flowers growing up the person’s cheek and around their eye. Long descriptions follow.

1. Text reads, ‘The sex binary [start underline] (the idea that there are only two, distinct, opposite sexes) [end undeline] is a 19th century colonial invention. While some cultures across the world had previously divided society into men and women, scientific developments particular to this time period enabled Western scientests to argue that sex difference (once considered energetic) was anatomical (different brains, skeletal systems, nervous systems). [start underline] Sex dualism (two sides of the same coin) became seen as a dichotomy (two distinct and opposite things).’ Art in the upper right shows a drawing of a sun shape and a moon shape floating in the sky above clouds. Art in the lower left shows drawings of two people, one with long hair and one with short. They are drawn with their blood vessels showing and their abdomens and heads opened to show their organs. 2. Text reads, ‘Scientists argued that white people were superior because of their unique ability [start underline] to display a visual difference between males and females [end underline]. Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color (BIPOC) were regarded as sex indistinguishable. When using the word “women” scientists spoke exclusively about white women. Terms like “lower races” were used without reference to sex because scientists believed there were not significant sexual differences in BIPOC communities. In 1886 German sexologist Krafft-Ebbing wrote: [start underline] “The higher the development of the race, the stronger the contrasts between man and woman.” [end underline] In 1897, William Thomas echoed: “the lesss civilized the race the less is the physical difference of the sexes.” [end underline]. Art in the upper right shows a drawing of two people in traditionally gendered Victorian clothing. A photo in the lower left shows Krafft-Ebbing in a suit. 3. Text reads, ‘Scientists did not believe that men and women of different races shared the same nature. Instead, they maintained that sex was race-specific. The belief was that [start underline] as societies progressed from “savagery” toward “civilization” over time, the physical distinction between males and females increased. [end underline]. White people were seen as constantly evolving toward becoming the ultimate civilization on Earth, but Black people (in particular) were seen as stuck in primitivity/animality, unable to achieve sexual differentiation.’ Art in the upper left shows two people in traditionally-gendered Victorian clothing. A diagramme in the lower right shows a progression from ape to human as the latter learned to walk upright. The human depicted has light skin.

4. Text reads, ‘Physical sexual differences were regarded as evolutionary products of the social roles of each sex. According to Social Darwinist Herbert Spencer, [start underline] the reason that white women looked so different from white men, is because unlike their “primitive” counterparts, they were homemakers. [end underline]. The understanding was that if “civilization” (binary gender norms) were brought to “primitive” peoples then they would eventually develop sex differences over time. This “scientific knowledge” was widespread and informed public policy. [start underline] Even 19th century white feminists saw womanhood as “an advanced state of mental, physiological, emotional, and anatomical specialization only achieved by the civilized.” [end underline]. Art in the centre right shows a white child piling apples into their mother’s apron as she sits on the ground. Art in the lower left shows a human head with smaller drawings inside. These show a hat, letters, a couple, a gold wedding band, a dress, a cigarrette holder, a couple, a dog, and a baby. 5. Text reads, ‘Surgeon Dr. Mary walker defined womanhood by genitalia and reproductive capacity because [start underline] “the vagina served as the linkage between the body and the race” [end underline]. The vagina was discussed as one of the last remnants of animality in the white race that had to be managed by women for the future of the race. Because other orifices (like the mouth and the anus) were not linked to racial reproduction, [start underline] oral and anal sex were dismissed as uncivilized. [end underline] Scientists referenced newly substantiated sex differences (like brain and pelvis size) as evidence that women were inherently hyper-emotional and men inherently rationaly. [start underline] They justified denying rights to white women, [end underline], arguing that their only role was to be racial conduits and birth children.’ A photo in the upper right shows Dr. Mary Walker in a dress. Art in the lower right shows two people facing each other. One has a line from A to B in their head. The other has a similar line but with a large loopy squiggle cloud drawn over the line. 6. Text reads, ‘Suffragists organizing for the right to vote were met with formidable backlash because [start underline] their campaign challenged the sexual separation of spheres [end underline] (the idea that women should remain in the private realm and men in the public realm), a feature regarded as a unqiue civilizational accomplishment of the white race. White men feared that granting white women the right to vote would cause the “effeminization of men and the masculinization of women,” and that [start underline] this blurring of the sex binary would lead “the civilized race to slide back down the evolutionaly timeline back to primitivism.” [end underline] Photos in the upper left show various suffragettes in white dresses and hats marching with signs. Art in the lower right shows a person leaning over a washing bin while a cat and a child sit on the floor. 7. Text reads, ‘We are still informed y this legacy today. Rather than fight alongside trans/nonbinary/intersex people, mainstream feminism continues to deny this history and rely on a binary framework of male or female. There is nothing feminist about the sex binary, a tool that was created to naturalize sexism and racism.” A photo in the upper left shows a Time Magazine covor with a pink knitted hat and text that says, ‘The Resistance Rises: How a March Became a Movement.’ Art in the lower right shows a Black person with rainbows painted down their face. 8. A photo of a book with a person leaning on their elbow in a chair. The book is titled, ‘The Biopolitics of Feeling: Race, Sex, and Science in the Nineteenth Century’ and is by Kyla Schuller. The caption says, ‘Duke University Press (2018).’ \End descriptions]

ALOK VAID-MENON Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness 1x03 (2022)

[aroacegundamalex]

I mostly think this poll is hilarious (and some people are taking it way, way too seriously) but it’s starting to get really weird how often people on the opposite side are dismissing Gundam — a giant of science fiction that remade a genre in its image — and quite literally lying about Suletta and Miorine. I’ve seen people claim they were canonically married to men, people claim the show’s ending was rewritten by interns, claim they never hugged, and other claims regarding them not being canon.

While Bandai and Kadokawa did censor one interview, and Bandai released an “open to interpretation” statement, these no longer hold true. Official material has henceforth referred to them as married. One instance of censorship and a statement they’ve clearly walked back on does not erase the fact that the show itself heavily emphasizes their wedding rings, refers to Miorine as Eri’s sister-in-law, and makes it abundantly clear that they are married.

“I knew I was going to make an epilogue, but it was a while before I decided upon the exact number of years that should pass in-between. The ending itself follows “The Tempest,” and depicts Suletta and Miorine getting married and becoming partners.”

- Hiroshi Kobayashi

They are completely and unambiguously canon, and arguably were never decanonized to begin with given the literal text of the show.

An addendum to this: I’ve also seen a strange dismissal of the history that G-Witch pulls from.

The original Gundam inspired Revolutionary Girl Utena, with Lalah Sune in particular (the creator of an iconic Gundam archetype) serving as the inspiration for Anthy Himemiya. Gundam has had a queer fanbase for decades, and has had gay characters (with Yoshiyuki Tomino himself confirming this) since the 1990s.

G-Witch draws from Gundam’s extensive, genre-shaking history, classics like Utena and Rose of Versailles, and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It brings Gundam and Utena’s connection full circle, and is in conversation with every Gundam series that came before it.

It’s unfair to dismiss it as just some random show, or — as I’ve seen some do — credit its open queerness to the influence of completely unrelated American media, as if Japan is utterly devoid of gay people.

[a-captions-blog]

[Image descriptions and plain text: 1. A graphic showing smoke rising above the city of Gaza. Text reads: i loved Barbie, and wish it had been nominated for more oscars. but on the topic of gender issues: women in gaza are currently using tent scraps as perid products. i hope we can hold a similar level of outrage for them. 2. The text continues on a background with the Palestinian flag in the corner: In Gaza, women are using tent scraps and spare pieces of clothing as period products. 50,000 women are pregnant. miscarriages have skyrocketed 300%. pregnant women are undergoing C-sections without anasthesia. israeli forces have killed over 25,000 palestinians, 70% of them women and children. Ssource: AP News, “Women and children are the main victims of Israeli-Hamas war with 16,000 killed, UN says.” January 19, 2024. 3. Plain text: It may be a new year, however, Gaza is continuously experiencing genocide. Right now women and children are the main victims. As you can see it is very do-able to spread the word whilst being on theme of your blog so there is no excuse. The smallest of contributions we can make are: To use our platforms to spread awareness about what is being inflicted on Palestinians. Not posting about it does not mean that it is no longer happening. To avoid posting about rich mediocre celebrities that have either, shown support for Zionism, spread misinformation or have not uttered a word about what’s happening, simply because they showed up for fashion week or any major event.

- Boycotting businesses has proven to be effective. Many corporations have lost billions because of their blatant support for the genocide in Gaza. We live in a capitalist society, but we also have collective power. Both of which has made boycotting that much easier. 4. The words ‘Ceasefire Now’ in the Barbie font. \End descriptions]

It may be a new year, however, Gaza is continuously experiencing genocide. Right now women and children are the main victims. As you can see it is very do-able to spread the word whilst being on theme of your blog so there is no excuse. The smallest of contributions we can make are:

- To use our platforms to spread awareness about what is being inflicted on Palestinians. Not posting about it does not mean that it is no longer happening.

- To avoid posting about rich mediocre celebrities that have either, shown support for Zionism, spread misinformation or have not uttered a word about what’s happening, simply because they showed up for fashion week or any major event.

- Boycotting businesses has proven to be effective. Many corporations have lost billions because of their blatant support for the genocide in Gaza. We live in a capitalist society, but we also have collective power. Both of which has made boycotting that much easier.

[zvaigzdelasas]

I mean. I literally do???

[snovyda]

Just watched a documentary mini-series on how Ukraine was regaining its independence in 1991.

The way the US tried so hard to preserve the USSR. That goddamned "Chicken Kiev" speech from George Bush.

And then that ultimatum that the US would only recognise Ukraine's independence if Ukraine gave up its nukes and a significant portion of other weapons, because for some reason they thought only russia had the right to have them.

Ukraine did agree to this ultimatum. It signed that goddamned Budapest memorandum. The US and UK said they, along with russia, would guarantee Ukraine's safety. And then in 2014 Ukraine, having gotten rid of most of its military potential, got invaded by russia. And the UK and US did NOTHING. Then in 2022 russia escalated its war to all out genocide. Entire cities are completely razed to the ground, tens of thousands of people are killed, millions lost their homes, thousands are subject to torture and forced deportations. Only then the US reluctantly started providing help, which is MUCH appreciated, I must stress on that, but Ukraine still has to keep begging. For its very existence. That was "guaranteed".

And in the midst of this, a lot of USAmericans are like, "why would we care about these millions of people (that we gave security guarantees to) that are being subject to genocide when the roads in my town are bad and the streets are filled with garbage? They must all die because there is garbage on my street!"

[heartrender6]

happy pride month to:

Asian queers who never get clocked as queer or get surprised reactions to people finding out you're queer

Asian queers who have no Asian queer spaces

Asian queers who feel like they have to choose between Asian culture and queer culture

Asian queers who are alienated from Asian spaces

Asian queers who are alienated from queer spaces

Asian queers who are swept under the rug

Asian queers in the closet

Asian queers out of the closet

Asian queers who white queers refuse to date or even acknowledge

Asian queers who are constantly fetishized

Asian queers who live in America

Asian queers who don't live in America

Asian queers who live in countries where you can’t be openly queer

Asian trans and aspec people

Asian queers who are neurodivergent

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH TO ASIAN AND AAPI QUEERS

[chaberkowepole]

A post where a Westerner whines about people holding Russian culture accountable for their imperialism saying this is "dehumanising poor babushkas" or some bullshit bad-faith interpretation: 44'000 notes

Posts where Eastern Europeans detail, explain, tediously lay out the impact of imperialism on their lands and their discrimination in the West: 300 notes, mostly from other Eastern Europeans

Maybe it's that imperialist countries understand each other and would rather boost each other's voices :)

[a-captions-blog]

[Tweet by Jihad al-Haqq جباد الحق @JihadAlHaqq that says: It’s wild that this tweet is 100k likes—and from someone who isn’t even from the Middle East. Arabs/SWANA are phenotypically diverse people, which includes blonde haired and blue eyed people. Can Americans stop mapping their race relations onto other countries. Attached is a screenshot of a Tweet by Kyla Jenée Lacey @Kyla_Lacey that says, ‘It’s wild watching Zionists with blue eyes and blonde hair talk about how a country in the Middle East is their rightful homeland. The original thread by Jihad al-Haqq continues: That people can just come on here and be racist and say they think Palestinians are a race of people just shows that many of the people talking about this have not developed understandings of race. Below is Ahed Tamini, one of the most well-known Palestinian activists. [Attached is a photo of a person with light skin and dark blonde hair.] While it’s certainly true that in the Americas colonialism and slavery were race-based, that is not entirely true in Palestine. Numerous people who are in the IDF come from such places like Ethiopia and India, and they’re colonizers just the same. And remember that many of the Israelis are Mizrahim. This isn’t to say there is no racial system of oppression in Israel, but that the claim that blonde hair and blue eyes is not native to Palestinians and a sign of Europeanness is totally wrong. \End description]

[dykesynthezoid]

Not over the person who said Saccharina was only a cleric bc Emily wanted to make her OP. As if one of her titles isn’t literally “high priestess of the sweetening path.” As if Saccharina’s connection to Candia’s magic isn’t clearly deeply reverent and spiritual. Their argument was that she shouldn’t be a cleric if she hates the Bulbian church and it’s like hey dumbass did you miss the part where there’s more than one religious movement on this continent. I don’t have time to explain animistic religions to you actually. But you should fucking know better. Good lord

[coffin-hopping]

biting drywall i need to complain or I am going to fucking explode

[a-captions-blog]

[Image description: Instagram post by @IjeomaOluo that shares a Facebook Post by the same user. This reads:

The idea that Palestinian liberation would require the mass [word censored] killing of Jewish people is so fucking racist and it boggles the mind how many so-called progressives believe it. Y’all sound like white supremacists warning of “white genocide” and it’s fucking embarrasing. If your safety requires the occupation, imprisonment, and oppression of a people: you don’t have safety and you never will. Because everything you have will be inherently violent and must be upheld through violence and you will continue to justify that violence with the racsit idea that those you oppress must be even more violent and oppressive than you, and you will use resistance to that oppression to feed the fear needed to maintain this cycle. If you feel that a people has to “earn” their liberation by meekly submitting to oppression: [caps] you are racist. [end caps] If you feel that a people have to prove that they will be “responsible” with their liberation like they’re fucking children: [caps] you are racist [end caps] And your inherent belief in your own superiority (that you refuse to investigate) will have you saying that your manufactured fear of what could be for you or for those you identify with on a global colonial scale matters more than the devastating reality of what you are doing now to those you deem as less than. You don’t get to say: we created this violent system of oppression but now we have to maintain it because we shouldn’t have to take any personal risk to dismantle it, so whelp: I guess folks stay oppressed forever. [caps] Do you get how fucking evil this is?? [end caps] If the idea of Palestinian liberation makes you feel unsafe – [caps] if the simple thought of freedom for a people makes you feel threatened [end caps] – you need to take a good hard look at yourself and your bigotry. This is how a genocide happens. Because of you. You are on the wrong side of history. \End description]

‘If your safety requires the occupation, imprisonment, and oppression of a people: you don’t have safety and you never will. Because everything you have will be inherently violent and must be upheld through violence and you will continue to justify that violence with the racist idea that those you oppress must be even more violent and oppressive to you, and you will use resistance to that oppression to feed the fear needed to maintain this cycle.’

[vahvah]

Tolkien: All Quendi had fair skin.

American artists: that means we can randomly make them black, right?