#yes you should also support there being a public education system

[funlovingfuzzball]

As someone in the process of graduating? Let me tell you a story.

You are, as far as can be determined by looks, a cishetallo, neurotypical, abled, female. You may not be any or all of those things, but you are seen as such. On a day of graduation practice, you eat toaster waffles for breakfast and then walk to school.

You complete graduation practice, and as you stand in line to get your cap and gown to bring home, you start to realize that the toaster waffles had gone bad and you now have a mild case of food poisoning. Because of this, you need to go to the bathroom once you pick up your things.

In the bathroom, you are being quiet in a stall and using the bathroom for its intended purpose. Because you are ill, you’re taking a while. Eventually, a male administrator leans into the girls’ restroom and yells “is there someone in there?”

“Yes,” you respond, assuming someone’s hiding out in a bathroom again. This happens, they need to be found, it’s fine. No. He’s looking for you.

“Hurry up in there!”

“I’m trying my best!” you yell back, panicking a little. The building is staying open for hours, you can be there a little late, you don’t have a bus to catch, and you don’t have a class after this. There’s nothing you would be hurrying up to get to.

As you do your best to hurry up, you start to hear an aggressive jingling. He is jingling his keys at you like a cat to try and make you hurry. Since you’re already going as fast as you can, this doesn’t speed anything up at all. Eventually, you finally finish up shortly after he gives up on the key thing. You leave and go home.

Everyone, tell me. When did you decide this was satire? Where did you think the school in this story was set? Which detail did you first decide was a lie?

I’ll give you the answers. It’s not satire, the school is one of the highest testing high schools in one of the highest testing districts in Virginia in the US, and any lies are purely due to me avoiding details on the actual bathroom usage. Everyone who hears this thinks I’m making it up, but I promise that this was a real experience I really had literally yesterday. Why do we do this to our kids? Why do we refuse to acknowledge that they have needs? Why do we shame them for literally just needing the bathroom? Why are we this fucking cruel that this is one of the least tense interactions with school officials I’ve had when trying to use the restroom? We need to fucking do better.

adults are always talking about how “kids will do anything to get out of school” and okay, first of all that’s not true, but I think we really need to ask why that idea holds so much sway.

children’s brains are hard-wired to take in new information and acquire new skills. consider, for a moment, just how thoroughly our society had to fuck up the concept of education for it to be a normal thing to assume kids are universally desperate to avoid learning.

[sysmedsaresexist]

Question about the fear of demedicalization of plurality and your opinions on if it's a real concern or just used in fear mongering within syscourse.

I feel like like a good therapist isn't going to care if your system is real or not. They are only going to care if it's causing distress or if it is helping you.

So i'm a little confused and perhaps a little nieve on how endogenic systems are pushing towards demedicalization when the focus shouldn't be on if something is real or not, and is instead looking at how it affects you? If there is even a small number of people negatively affected, then it should still be a medical concern.

But, my opinions aside, I overall just want to know if there is legitimate concern over demedicalization, and if so, what are they, and how can people help to avert that risk without invalidating the lived experiences of endogenic systems?

As someone active in clinical circles, and with access to proper libraries,

This isn't something you need to worry about.

It was my biggest fear. I had so much anxiety around doctors being "duped" by this endogenic nonsense, and it pushed me back into my old circles to investigate.

This doesn't need a big long debunk of a response.

I promise you, doctors aren't being fooled, they're just as certain as I am that these are generally different concepts.

Obviously, there'll be people in the middle. I fucking HATE Schwartz, I don't like the way he compares CDDs and IFS. Thankfully, many other doctors feel the same way I do. It's not the same. And this is true for endogenic plurality, as well.

One of my big fears was that this would send us back into sociocognitive (fantasy) territory, but... nope. It's not happening. Instead, research has expanded to include more factors in the development of DID (biopsychosocial), without being able to account for all cases. It's recognized that the concepts only overlap in a small number of cases.

Another fear I had was that it would be brought back to transgender issues. In the general public, yes, but clinically, no! The discussion of plurality, sexuality, and gender identity are incredibly complex, it's ALWAYS been an issue for CDD systems, and the growth of endogenic systems has actually given the field a push in a very positive direction. Those who are scared to be denied transitioning, this is our ticket. We should want to support this.

In general, DID research continues on as normal. The trauma theory is only being further supported by the day, and endogenic plurality is blossoming into its own category.

I expect we'll also see a spike in specialists over the next few decades, thanks to all the limelight the topics are getting lately.

In therapy, the only change I'm seeing is a more... personal approach being used by therapists. They're a lot more willing to ask about how you identify and how you want to be referred to, what language you prefer. There's some who lean too far one way or the other, but that's always been true, back in the days of MPD-- think of the debate over final fusion vs healthy multiplicity in clinical settings.

The transition period is going to continue to be bumpy, with ideas clashing and overlapping, but I genuinely feel no fear anymore about it, and I believe it'll settle relatively quickly.

Many of the concerns are syscourse talking points that never get elaborated on. Endogenic systems are stealing language and resources, but they can't tell you what words were stolen (most of them weren't stolen) and the resource thing isn't something measurable. Endogenic systems typically don't want dissociative specialists.

Obviously, again, there are still going to be cases of truth-- one of my mods had a therapist that was a bit too plural friendly for their needs, and they had to do some educating to their therapist. I consider these cases to be part of the bumpy transition period. I acknowledge that they happen, but I recognize that it won't be long before everyone is much more educated. Their therapist will now be a much better resource for other CDD systems.

I hope this helps ❤️

[intoxicatingimmediacy]

Where Have You Seen Loki Season 2's X-5 Actor Before?

This post contains spoilers for the season premiere of "Loki."

"Loki" is back this week, and along with the return of Norse trickster god Loki (Tom Hiddleston), agent Mobius (Owen Wilson), and the rest of the Time Variance Authority, the show's premiere also sees the introduction of a few new key characters. Among them? Ke Huy Quan's helpful, tech-savvy Ouroboros (or O.B.) and X-5, a mysterious new TVA agent played by Rafael Casal. And it's the latter who is particularly intriguing.

So far, we haven't seen X-5 do much besides question whether jet skis are part of the sacred timeline, but the character already seems to be an agitating force within the organization. He's also quite possibly poised to become a recognizable Marvel villain. After all, a featurette for the second season had a couple bits of footage from behind the scenes that showed him in a TVA jumpsuit, as if he was being held prisoner. So that should be interesting to watch play out. But there's more.

As /Film's Sandy Schaefer pointed out back in July, the trailer for "Loki" includes a poster for a movie called "Zaniac!" which fans have tied to Casal's character via leaks and speculation. Zaniac is a noteworthy character in Marvel Comics, though he bears little resemblance to X-5. The character was an evil entity that possessed the man who would become Jack the Ripper, and later took over slasher actor Brad Wolfe.

Ahead of the show's premiere, Casal has been credited by several outlets as Brad Wolfe, not X-5, so it seems likely that he could play out some form of the Zaniac plot this season. Regardless of Casal's true role in the show, though, he's an excellent multi-hyphenate artist whose past works deserve attention.

If X-5 looks familiar, it's likely you recognize Casal from "Blindspotting," a fantastic 2018 musical comedy-drama that he co-wrote with longtime creative partner Daveed Diggs (yes, of "Hamilton" fame). "Blindspotting" was a labor of love for Casal and Diggs, who also produced the film about two best friends living in Oakland, California whose lives are disrupted by the broken policing system. As serious as that sounds, "Blindspotting" is also laugh-out-loud funny, and Casal is a totally charming standout as hot-headed Miles.

The performer reprised the role for Starz's "Blindspotting" TV show, which ran for two seasons and was recently canceled. A criminally underseen hidden gem of a series, "Blindspotting" takes place after the film and puts the focus on Miles' girlfriend, Ashley Rose (Jasmine Cephas Jones), as she parents the pair's young mixed-race son in a racist world, all while Miles is behind bars. Despite his character's incarceration, Casal still appears in the show frequently and his hilarious, soulful character is a fan favorite. If you're looking for a thoughtful, entertaining, dynamic watch – or just want to see what Casal's made of – you can't do much better than either iteration of "Blindspotting."

The performer has also made a name for himself in other projects, including several collaborations with Diggs. A poet and rapper in addition to his acting creds, Casal appeared on three seasons of "Def Poetry Jam" on HBO, released a mixtape with Diggs in 2010, and contributed to the soundtracks for "Blindspotting," including in the catchy (and foulmouthed, fair warning) song "Easy Come, Easy Go." He reunited with Diggs in the acclaimed 2020 miniseries "The Good Lord Bird," a wild historical fiction series led by a fiery Ethan Hawke. Casal and Diggs even started a public theater project called Bars Medley, which remixed classic literature into musical performances.

Other on-screen works of Casal's include a supporting role in the 2019 Hugh Jackman flick "Bad Education" (he played the love interest of Jackman's closeted character) and a multi-episode turn in the "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" revival. Casal played a ringmaster named Mr. Tophat in the reboot of the classic, kid-friendly horror series. Next up, Casal is appearing in "Wildcat," a biography of Southern Gothic author Flannery O'Connor that's directed and co-written by Hawke. The X-5 actor plays a character in one of O'Connor's short stories in the movie, which premiered at Telluride but hasn't been released to the public yet.

Whether X-5 is a frustrated TVA employee, a secret evil entity, a movie actor, or something else entirely, it's exciting to see an artist as talented and versatile as Casal take the stage in a major Marvel series. You can catch his next moves on Disney+, where new episodes of "Loki" stream Thursdays at 9pm ET.

[arcticdementor]

There are lots of ways of defining the liberal elite — assistant deans, network anchors, public health officials and, yes, legacy newspaper journalists — but there can be no question that Tuesday night saw a wholesale rejection of their dominant value system. America didn’t just elect a craven candidate whom the highly educated had deemed unacceptably dictatorial, fascistic even, but the nation did so in such a way that President-elect Donald J. Trump’s agenda now will largely be unfettered, thanks to Republican majorities in the Senate and, quite possibly as we write, the House. And, adding insult to injury for Democrats, it’s likely that the result of the election also will deliver Trump from his myriad legal challenges. The party that had been saying democracy was on the ballot found that democracy had risen like an orange tiger to bite it in the neck.

…

As a bleary America awoke Wednesday to a new political reality, armchair quarterbacking as to why Harris and Tim Walz lost was already underway. We have our theories too. Harris, as we noted here many times, failed to answer, in a clear and direct way, questions about what she would do as president, an essential thing to do if you want voters to be able see you in the job. The problem to our minds was not just that her handlers kept her removed from tough questions, but also that her answers were inadequately coherent when she finally emerged from the shadows. Trump, palpable flaws and all, was known; Harris remained unknown. The gauzy biographical movies from the Democratic National Convention were not enough.

…

Then there’s the matter of whether Democrats should have treated Trump as if he were a Nazi dictator. Harris explicitly told CNN host Anderson Cooper she was running against a fascist, thus inevitably implying that his supporters either were sheep-like fools or fascists themselves. That meant left-leaning commentators had to turn themselves into pretzels Wednesday trying to explain the logic of how Harris should now quietly concede to a man she had called, and presumably believed, was a fascist. Whenever Democrats used terms such as “normalizing” and “sane-washing,” evidence suggests they mostly served to embolden the opposition because Trump supporters saw the terms as being applied to themselves. And they hardly were wrong. Half of America sees the other half as fools.

…

The Republican Party has become a party not of business and nonprofit leaders, now mostly Democratic Party members, but of the working class and the lower middle class. Elites throughout history have found to their cost that there are very many of those folks, even if we don’t hear from them all that much. By effectively abandoning the working class, especially men, by deeming so much of what they felt unacceptable, Democrats got themselves on the wrong side of the numbers game. A plethora of Americans saw Trump, who survived two assassination attempts during the campaign, as their protector and not as the disruptor the elites saw. And regular folks tend to vote what they perceive to be in their economic or cultural interest, regardless of race. This is a tough lesson for Democrats to learn because they tend to have been taught otherwise, but it explains, especially, the pivotal defection of some Black men to Trump just as it makes the point that many U.S. citizens of Latino origin or descent don’t necessarily approve of a border that is easy to cross without authorization. And they voted accordingly. Take, for example, the decision by many voters of Puerto Rican descent to ignore the insults hurled their way by the appalling comedian at Trump’s New York rally. Democrats had pushed the narrative that those aggrieved voters would move the needle, especially in crucial Allentown, Pennsylvania, because they thought racial identity would trump all. But they failed to see the condescension inherent in the belief that those voters would care more about a comic than their own economic worries when it came to paying their bills and helping their children find jobs. Now, thanks to the toughest of nights, Democrats better understand.

[schraubd]

Build Back Better Colleges

In the wake of last week's anti-affirmative action decision, Larry Summers wrote an editorial urging that elite colleges respond by becoming less exclusive. Grow. Admit more students. Add more programs. Invest in education.

I could not agree more. And it's something we need to do on all fronts. Yes, the Ivy Leagues should get bigger. But the great public universities in our country should also be expanded on. The University of California system is one of the great engines of economic mobility and advancement in large part because it is huge. But there has not been a new UC campus created in almost twenty years, and UC-Merced is by far the smallest undergraduate campus in the entire system. You have to go back another forty years for the most recently established UC campuses which are of a size comparable to the system average (both UC-Santa Cruz and UC-Irvine were established in 1965). Why not create a new UC in Sacramento, or in the Bakersfield or Modesto? Or hell, put one up in Redding? 

Higher education is in a weird moment where there is simultaneously an approaching demographic cliff that will obliterate demand at the bottom end of the scale even as student demand for the top schools surges to unprecedented heights. I don't have answer to the former problem. But the only way to respond to the latter is to increase capacity in "elite" institutions, and that in turn will take a massive investment in education to absorb the tidal wave of demand. 

It's not enough for colleges to exist -- we probably have enough dorm room beds already in the United States. They have to be great colleges -- colleges that are well-supported and well-endowed and well-resourced so that the students who attend can afford to go and know that they're getting an excellent education from top-level professors. Certainly, the far longer-standing crisis in graduate education means we don't lack for supply in the last category. But we also know there's a huge difference between setting up a new fly-by-night program that exists just to exist, versus actually investing in new educational opportunities. UC-Irvine Law School immediately stormed to a top-50 ranking from nothing when it was founded in 2006 because, unlike most other newly-established law schools, it boasted a level of public and private investment that showed it was serious about being a serious institution.

The problem we're experiencing is not actually one of bad minority students taking away the rightful spoils of White and/or Asian students. The problem is one of meritocracy and equalization paired with scarcity: an explosion in students applying for (and being qualified for) "elite" positions with no increase in the number of elite positions available.

Equality means that more and more people have at least nominal potential access to elite institutions, which means that it's harder for any one individual person to access these institutions, which results in a terrifying and never-ending arms race to become (and stay as) one of the elect few, which generates new inequalities in terms of who has access to the resources that allow them to win the arms race and who doesn't.

In a very basic way, it is true that "equality" is the problem here. In the old days, if you were an elite, you could be pretty confident your kids would stay elite so long as they were basically competent: with relatively few people who could or were allowed to compete for prestigious social positions, being "okay" generally was good enough. 

Once the doors are flung open, though, you're competing against everyone, and now it's off to the races. Today, we don't want to say that "only the children of elite university attendees should attend elite universities"; we want to say that every child should have an equal chance to join the Talented Tenth. But saying that means that, if you're in the top 10% right now, you're committing to the notion that your kid should only have a 10% chance of staying in your social strata, and that's a very unpleasant thought that only grows worse as the gap between the top 10% and everyone else increases. But unless your solution is "we should go back to reserving elite roles for the current incumbents", this is necessary feature of an egalitarian social sphere combined with extremely limited "elite" social roles. So if we're not going to accept going back to overt exclusion, we need to tackle the omnipresence and power of scarce "elite" roles. The only actual way to ease the sting of redistributing the pie is growing the pie. The actual, actual villain here is terrifying inequality -- the massive and growing gap between the power, influence, autonomy, and life chances of the elites versus everyone else, which makes so that not getting into Harvard feels like a death knell.

The only way to ease the sting of redistributing the pie is growing the pie. If you're panicking at the seemingly impossible task of seeing yourself or your child admitted to an elite institution, ending affirmative action will not help you. Nor, if we're being honest, will ending legacy admissions. The only thing that will make a difference is a true commitment to investing in education to such a degree that there is space for each of our outstanding youth to receive an outstanding university experience. There's no shortcut, no scapegoat that can substitute for that.

We are blessed as a nation right now to have surfeit of incredibly talented, hard-working, diligent young people who are eminently qualified to attend a great university and deserve to have that chance. The only thing standing in the way is our own willingness to pay for it.

via The Debate Link https://ift.tt/TOEo6B0

[metaphoricallylotus]

airing my grievances

| aug 2nd, 2024

in trying to stay true to myself, i find myself (for a second day in a row!!) writing out my feelings onto this blog. i am tired of running and want to stick to obligations that i have made, for once in my life. what this looks like is precisely this: writing despite not feeling like it, which i am absolutely not on this fine friday evening. i am exhausted and so emotionally drained that 1. have a harder time expressing them due to fatigue and 2. kind of emotionally numb since i use numbness to protect myself when i feel overwhelmed. however, this technique is not healthy whatsoever. so what has happened today and what have i been stressed about? well i've had to go into the city (without giving out details, i live in a suburb and had to drive further inwards towards the city core to buy some furniture for my new apt as university season is coming closer and closer) to run some errands and the spending aspect of furnishing a place for university is stressing-me-the-fuck-out! more on that later. i've also felt many feelings of nostalgia today, which will also be discussed.

so, why does pursuing an education have to be so stressful? money money money MONEY! the monetary aspect of life, especially in regards to renting out a place + sorting out things related to this have been stressing me out to the point where i have had really bad diarrhea and wake up at 7am in the morning and cannot sleep any longer due to my anxiety, despite still feeling rather physically tired. i am not in a terrible financial place, by any means of course. i am rather privileged in terms of capital. however, i have a rational/irrational (i have not been able to figure out if it is rational or not as i am still confused on how i truly understand the value of money) fear of going broke while pursuing my studies. i am worried that i will become homeless (not that i carry any stigma towards homeless individuals. the system is simply broken and we as a society really do not invest in these individuals as a whole. and don't even get me started on the factors that contribute to this). a question for me regarding this would be: so if you are so worried about being broke, why don't you just live at home with your parents while pursuing your education? well, i just don't think i could do it. commuting has various negative impacts on health and as someone who suffers from anxiety and really bad depression, i simply do not have any more energy to deal with the consequences associated with this (increased likelihood of development certain physical health conditions and the overall negative impact commuting would have on my energy levels + mood). i need a lot of time to recuperate and practice self care. this really cannot be done on any sort of public transportation, especially during a trip that would easily take 2+ hours. yes, this sounds like a "privileged" person problem but i do believe that if i were to commute, it would eventually result in me dropping out of university. on top of that, i really cannot live with my parents anymore. i need to break free as them as they are having a (negative) profound impact on me. i fear that if i live with them any longer, i will never be able to truly recover from the damage taken. the damage? two emotionally unavailable adults that judge me on everything that i do and i simply cannot take it anymore. in being emotionally unavailable, they cannot express their feelings properly. i am expected to comfort them, despite them never reciprocating this and even if they did, a daughter should not have to play this role. uncontrollable emotional outbursts ranging from expressions of annoyance to anything to white hot anger. they are codependent on me, from tech issues to directions to providing them with emotional support. i am tired of taking care of everyone but no one taking care of me. the worst thing is that they are completely unaware of the fact that 1. they are acting this extreme and 2. that it is deeply affecting me. and yes, i have tried to have conversations re: this but i don't get through to them. either this case of denial is intentional or unintentional. either way, it's rather frustrating. i also do not want to be in a relationship (platonic or not) where my major role of mine is to try to fix the other person! this is a useless and exhausting effort! save your energy by saving yourself! some may think that this comes off as selfish as "if you truly cared, you would try to change them no matter how many tries it takes." maybe so, but most of the time, trying to change someone simply does not work, especially if they do not want to or simply have an inability to change. at this point, you can only focus on yourself and do what is best for you. for me, this means putting a lot more distance between me and my parents and in the process, learning + undoing unhealthy behaviours and creating healthy ones instead. i believe at this point that this can only be done if i am on my own. through living long enough on this earth, i find that i am easily swayed by others emotions. i unconsciously mimic the mood of the room, even if it does not align with my actual morals on how should i react

continued in comments^ -------------->

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| aug 1st

| aug 7th

[caradoulasupport]

The Benefits of a Postnatal Doula 

How can a doula support you after the birth of your baby?

What is a postnatal doula?

A postnatal or postpartum doula can be defined as a non-medical professional who provides support to new parents and their families. Their focus includes post-birth recovery, changing family dynamics and newborn care. They provide informational, practical, emotional and physical support. It can be difficult to define the role as it is ever-changing and constantly evolving according to the needs of the family at a particular time. Oftentimes it requires a careful observation and response to what is happening in real time, possibly throwing well laid plans out the window after a sleepless night or in response to something unexpected coming up. This is the magic of a postnatal doula - whatever you need support with in a particular moment is exactly the reason for them being there. 

The other magic of a postnatal doula is that - yes, they are there to support you to the best of their ability AND they are completely impartial, providing a calm, well-informed undercurrent of evidence-based information to let you assess any tricky situations that arise and come to a decision that suits your family. A postnatal doula who can quickly give you the correct information from reputable sources can prevent new parents from disappearing down the rabbit hole of questionable internet searches! 

So when is the ideal time to start thinking about a postnatal doula? Ideally, during pregnancy equal consideration should be given to planning for the postpartum period, or 4th trimester, as in planning for the birth. There is a considerable amount of time and money invested in planning for the ideal birth, however, very often postpartum can be seen as a bit of an afterthought, although it lasts considerably longer than the birth! Some independent antenatal education classes will now focus more on how to prepare for the postpartum period as well as preparing for the birth. The end goal of pregnancy has been portrayed as a healthy mum and baby - however this is just the beginning of the journey for this new family! The postnatal period deserves to be given the same, if not more, consideration as planning for birth. 

What measures are currently in place to support the mother once she has given birth?

Once a mother in Ireland has had her baby, she receives a visit from the Public Health Nurse within 72 hours which involves a neonatal examination and a maternal health assessment. This is followed by one postnatal check-up by the GP at 6 weeks post birth. If there is anything that requires further examination or treatment within this 6 week period the mother will be referred for further support, however outside of this period the onus is on the mother to follow up on any issues she may be experiencing. While the postpartum period is defined as the first 42 days after birth (or 6 weeks), it can also be referred to as the 4th trimester, if you consider the first 12 weeks postpartum. The postnatal period can actually last much longer than this, up to 12 months after the birth of the baby. The care that is provided by a postnatal doula can be crucial in filling the gap that currently exists for women in their postpartum care and may be essential in identifying underlying physical or mental health issues that would otherwise be missed in a perinatal health system that is overworked and under-resourced.

The mothers place in society

In today's society the idea of individuation and striving for independence has won out over community and building relationships outside of our immediate nuclear families. We are not supposed to parent in isolation, yet in many parts of the Western world, including Ireland, this is how it is evolving to be - parenting in our own little pockets of isolation. This is a major change from only a few decades ago, where Irish demography was often multigenerational in form, large in size and supported financially by a single male breadwinner. 

Where does the mother fit into this society? While it is largely acknowledged that fathers are taking a much more active role in their children’s care than ever before, the main, day-to-day care of the children still remains with the mother. If the mother is not well supported, particularly in the 4th trimester, there is a much greater chance that her mental health will suffer in the long term, and the current 6 week window of care is not sufficient to support mothers and their mental health. Postnatal doulas are very well placed within the community to observe and provide a link between the mother and appropriate healthcare service providers in a timely manner if needed. The postnatal doula can also provide a link to community groups and help the new parents to feel integrated within this community enabling them to feel connected and confident in their new role as parents. 

Embracing the 4th trimester as a rite of passage

In Western countries the notion of a “resting period” or a dedicated postpartum period of recovery, which uses traditional remedies and practices to help the mother to recover, is seen as a luxury and possibly a bit self-indulgent. In this social media age there is monumental pressure to “bounce back”, to be out and about with the baby instead of resting and recovering from a huge life event. 

Matrescence is defined as the process of becoming a mother, and includes the physical, hormonal, emotional, psychological and relational changes that occur during this process. It was first described in the 1970’s by anthropologist Dana Raphael but as yet is very under-researched although more light is now being shone on this process thanks to emerging research in the area. Matrescence essentially highlights the importance of recognising the rite of passage of motherhood, and the right of every woman to honour their birth story and pass through this liminal space of the 4th trimester with acceptance and a sense of being held and supported by a network around you. One of the greatest benefits of a postpartum doula is this gift of being held as the mother. A doula will listen to, honour and support you through processing your birth experience; validate your feelings and eliminate any sense of isolation, shame or guilt around your personal experience of birth and motherhood or indeed celebrate a joyful birth experience. She will allow you to fully appreciate your birth so that you can then move on without holding on to parts of it that may impact your mental health later in your motherhood journey. 

In areas of the world where traditional postpartum recovery practices are the norm the reported cases of postpartum depression are significantly low - Malaysia has a well established tradition of postnatal recovery, where the rate of postpartum depression is only 3.9%. The recent MAMMI study carried out in Ireland looked at maternal mental health in the first year postpartum and found that within this large Irish cohort that one in ten women reported moderate/severe anxiety symptoms (9.5%), more than one in ten reported moderate/severe depression symptoms (14.2%) and one in five reported moderate/severe stress (19.2%). This is in line with a rate of postnatal depression of between 10-15% internationally. This would suggest that the current model of 6 week postpartum care is insufficient to detect and provide adequate support for women’s mental health needs, with long-term implications for women and children.

Mothering the mother - the role of the postnatal doula

Much of the current research on the benefits a doula can provide has been conducted in the US and is primarily focused on the benefits of birth doulas on the type of labour a woman has. However there is also some research emerging on the benefits of postnatal doulas, particularly among those mothers with a low socioeconomic status, and the effects that a doula can have during the postpartum period.

It has been found that the presence of a postnatal doula with a first-time mother greatly enhanced the mothers self-confidence and that postnatal doula care can benefit mothers regardless of their socioeconomic status, particularly if they are supported well during the first month postpartum and have built a good relationship between the mother and her doula from late in pregnancy. Some of the main areas or domains of care that have been observed to benefit from postnatal doula care include:

Emotional support

Physical comfort

Self-care

Infant care

Information

Advocacy

Referral

Partner/Father support

Support mother/father with infant

Support mother/father with sibling care

Household organisation

I believe that one of the most important roles I have as a postnatal doula is within the domain of emotional support. Talking about matrescence and all of the parts of motherhood- including the parts that may carry shame for us - is the only way to help mothers feel less stigmatised and more normal in all aspects of becoming a mother. Of course experiencing matrescence without a support network, and without understanding the complexity of what is happening in your brain as a new mother only adds to feelings of not being enough, not being a “good” mother and a sense of failure that can lead to a diagnosis of postnatal depression. But the question is how much of maternal mental illness is biological and how much is an understandable response to the design of modern parenthood? One way to claim back the rite-of-passage of motherhood is to surrender to it, embrace every part of it and honour the transition that you have gone through as a mother and as parents. Planning for this postpartum period and putting the framework in place that allows you to be nurtured as the mother is fundamental to the process of matrescence. It is time to honour this monumental transition and enter into motherhood empowered, nurtured and with the confidence that the changes that are happening are normal and expected. Mothers should also be supported in such a way that if they do experience mental health issues that require medical support, that they are referred as quickly and efficiently as possible to the right health care professional - postnatal doulas are well placed in supporting families during the 4th trimester and beyond, to link mothers in with appropriate support when needed. 

[fandomfluffandfuck]

Hi S,

I was scrolling through Tiktok and I saw a video of Chris Evans and president Joe Biden. And Chris was smiling and laughing. When I tell you I was shooketh! I know Chris was into politics, but damn! How did this even happen?

Also now my hate for USA politics will show, cuz why are the presidents almost always grandpas? I know it’s the system, but why? We’ll at least he isn’t shaking hands with Trump.

Do you know what happened. I think you are from the USA (I’m not sure), so maybe you got some information.

Thank you!! <3

(I also loved the post with Seb on the Syrian)

ah, yes, this video for ASP

Lmao, it's all good, you're welcome to hate on US politics here 💀💀 I may unfortunately be from the USA, but I, too, hate them.

(Putting this under the cut because I get rambly, and I understand that most people aren't here for politics)

I absolutely feel you, though. I was shocked to see Chris and Biden shaking hands. Of course, Chris was at the White House, so it's not impossible, that is where the POTUS is most of the time, and I believe Chris has been to the White House before. I could be wrong there, but, if nothing else, he's certainly been in and around Washington D.C. before with A Starting Point.

(A Starting Point being, according to Wikipedia, "A Starting Point is a website, launched in 2020, devoted to presenting videos by elected officials (current or former), presenting various points of view on issues that are of interest to the United States electorate. It was started by Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and Joe Kiani.")

So, ASP is how, even if I didn't realize that many people used ASP, lol. I am very involved in politics outside of the fandom space--generally reading and watching and educating myself, as well as attending political events on my campus and speaking to my friends about it--but my involvement doesn't come from ASP.

But, still, the president and Chris meeting, shaking hands, smiling, and laughing feels different. It's a cross-over in a way I would, honestly, rather have not happened.

Don't get me wrong, the purpose Chris was there for, with ASP, trying to get more young people engaged in voting is immensely important. Young people in the US are more likely than any other demographic to vote blue (democratic), and that is something that, with another Trump presidency (GOP/republican) on the possible horizon, is especially important. However, I wish he could've done it without shaking hands with the president. Yes, Biden is a figure head, he doesn't do much (generally and specifically at his age, sitting in the presidency). But, also, with the genocide of Palestinians going on and Biden's active, ongoing support to Israel... I don't enjoy seeing them together.

As far as age... yeah. It's the system. 🙃 If you ask me, the minimum age for being able to run for public office should be lowered (it's 35 at least for president, though, the youngest president was 42, the average age is around mid 50s at inauguration), and there should be a cap on how old you can be and still run as modern medicine continues to prolong life and technology and education provide young people with more resources.

I will admit, growing up in the US, I have absolutely been indoctrinated to see the president and feel something. When I first saw that video my reaction was just, what the fuck!? in a lighthearted, laughing manner. A cross-over, like I said previously, they don't feel like they exist in the same world, y'know? But once I thought about it for half a second longer... it felt different.

Chris can do what he likes. Obviously. I do wonder how it happened, though. Maybe it was something he was approached with by the team for ASP, like, hey, wanna meet the president? Maybe it was something that activated the same indoctrinated kid in him--they teach you young to idolize presidents, past and present--so he said yes, thoughtless. Maybe it was something he thought about and weighed the options of, thinking it would help the cause of getting young people to vote even if it would also, inevitably make people on the Internet mad (maybe rightfully so, too, shaking hands with someone with blood on their hands. As presidents do. Biden's blood is fresh enough it's dripping, though). You can't deny that it made news--Captain America and President Biden shake hands!!! That might give a spark to some younger Marvel fan, tuning in to see what's going on with politics when they otherwise wouldn't. Maybe it was something White House staff and the team for ASP worked on together and surprised Chris.

I don't know.

It's odd. You are correct, though--at least it wasn't Trump (1:26).

If anything, though, it reminds me of the 2016 USO tour Chris and Scarlett went on for Marvel. Like, I appreciate what they did for the individual active service members as people. I think we need to do more to support veterans alongside people who are directly impacted by war--their lives destroyed or altered. However, I am very anti-military, anti-war. So, I don't like that he agreed to do that (granted, it may have been required from Marvel, not something that he could get out of, that's unclear). And I sure as hell hate some of the things he did on that USO tour. Still. My differing opinions on Chris can coexist. I can like what I know of Chris, what he shares of himself, and dislike other parts of him or actions he does. Humans are flawed. I may run a fan blog, and may seem like a stan, but I can also disagree with things people that I am a fan of agree with.

Lmao, thanks! The out-out-place reference to Sebastian on a sybian is related to this, lightening the mood

[anyroads]

I've seen a few of these comments on this post and am reblogging this one because it's most reasonable and respectful one.

Because yes, you're right. But this is a necessary first step even if it isn't successful this time around. And while the process was different, people were also skeptical about whether abortion would ever be legalized. People were skeptical about gay marriage ever being legalized. What matters for these kinds of big changes to be implemented is to first establish social change and shift public support to enable it to happen.

What the Biden administration - and by proxy, Harris as a candidate - are establishing here is that this is a cause they want to fight for. And by putting it out there like this they're creating a groundswell and showing how much of the public response is on their side. The politics of a proposal like this isn't that they try once and hope it works. It's that they know they'll probably fail the first time, but the public anger at those who cause it to fail is what helps to turn the tide. They're forcing this subject into the fore, and will eventually force Congress and the Court to show their true colors. That's the real goal.

The first step is that now people are talking about Supreme Court term limits and the corruption of Supreme Court judges. It's a political move. Had the Biden administration pointed a finger at specific judges and said, "look at the bribes Thomas is clearly taking, look at the bias inherent in Kavanaugh's every ruling" etc. it would have become a personal battle that would have been made trivial by the press. Instead, Biden's administration put out an official plan that proposes historic changes, and it's effective: look at the number of people nodding their heads and saying, "yes these are good ideas, we should have these." Look at the number of people who didn't realize until they saw this proposal that the code of conduct for Supreme Court judges isn't actually binding. They're acknowledging that this isn't just about the current Republican appointees flaunting their corruption and immunity, but that there is a flaw in the system that needs to be fixed long-term.

That is the point of this plan. Because now people are paying attention to the how the Supreme Court operates who may not have been before. Now this administration has established sides - are you for justice, or against it? They're forcing Republican politicians to choose one side or the other publicly, and timed it right before an election. And if they keep pushing this as an issue, then over time, which public support, it'll become a bad political move to oppose it - and some politicians still will, but they'll become enough of a minority that it won't matter anymore (which is how gay marriage became legalized, despite it being a different process than a constitutional amendment).

If people support this proposal, then it's a matter of time before it becomes reality. It will be a long process, and it'll probably cost some people their political careers, and Biden may not be around by the time it does. And that's kind of the lesson here for a lot of younger voters - the ones who weren't around to see the shift around gay marriage and how much time and social change it took that was earned with hard work and suffering, and who didn't get a proper civics education due to the Republican educational slashes of the 2000's and 2010s so they may not understand that political change is an often tedious, drawn out process that's nevertheless worth fighting for even if it doesn't give you instant gratification.

This isn't expected to be a done deal. It's a first step, one of many, but it's necessary in order to eventually be able to impose these changes.

hot off the presses

He's proposing:

No Immunity for Crimes a Former President Committed in Office

Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices

Binding Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court (enforceable conduct and ethics rules that require Justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest.)

The question now is, whether it'll get passed (and if it doesn't, then you can bet if Harris wins and has a Democratic Congress, she'll try again and get it passed).

[sridevi09]

Why Study in Germany?

If you're thinking about studying abroad, Germany should definitely be on your radar. Known for its exceptional education system, vibrant cities, and affordable living costs, it’s no wonder students from all over the world flock to Germany for higher education. But why study in Germany specifically, and what makes it so attractive for students? Let’s dive into some compelling reasons that might just make Germany your top choice.

1. High-Quality Education

Germany has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education. Home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, Germany offers a rigorous academic experience that emphasizes both theory and practical skills. Whether you’re into engineering, medicine, business, or the arts, Germany has a well-regarded program for you. Most universities in Germany are public, and many of them offer tuition-free education, even for international students. Yes, you read that right—tuition-free!

2. Affordable Living Costs

When comparing Germany to other popular study destinations like the United States or the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Germany is significantly more affordable. With free tuition at most public universities, students only have to worry about living expenses, which are generally manageable. Monthly costs vary depending on the city, with Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt being on the pricier side, but still reasonable compared to cities like London or New York. Many students find that working part-time can easily cover their living expenses.

3. Diverse and Multicultural Environment

Germany is a melting pot of cultures and is very welcoming to international students. You’ll meet people from all over the world, which is an invaluable experience. Imagine making friends from different countries, learning about new cultures, and broadening your perspective—all of which are crucial skills in today’s globalized world. Studying in Germany also means being in the heart of Europe, with the opportunity to travel to nearby countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands, making it a perfect base for exploring Europe.

4. Strong Job Market and Career Opportunities

One big reason why students choose Germany is the country’s strong job market. Many international students can work part-time while studying, and there are plenty of opportunities for internships in various fields. The country is especially known for its engineering, automotive, and technology sectors, with leading companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Siemens calling Germany home. After graduation, students have an 18-month post-study work visa, allowing them to look for jobs and potentially secure a long-term career in Germany.

This 18-month period is particularly helpful for those who work with an overseas education consultant who can help students navigate job applications, understand the local job market, and connect with potential employers. If you’re looking to study and then work abroad, Germany offers a clear path to both quality education and job opportunities.

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

While public universities are mostly tuition-free, you still have to cover living costs. The good news is that there are numerous scholarships available for international students. Some scholarships are provided by the German government, such as the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and others are from various organizations. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and living expenses, which can be incredibly helpful for international students who might need extra financial support. Again, an overseas education consultant can be helpful in guiding you through the scholarship application process, ensuring you’re aware of all the opportunities available.

6. Flexible Study Programs

In Germany, students enjoy flexibility in their study programs. The German education system allows students to take control of their academic journey, providing the freedom to choose elective subjects and create a personalized study plan. Additionally, German universities often work closely with companies, which allows students to gain hands-on experience through internships or practical projects related to their studies. This combination of flexibility and industry experience ensures students are well-prepared for their careers post-graduation.

7. Learn a New Language

Although many courses are offered in English, learning German can be an incredible asset if you choose to study in Germany. Many universities provide free or discounted language courses for students, helping them integrate into the culture and gain language skills that can enhance their job prospects in Germany or elsewhere. Being bilingual can give you an edge in the job market, as it shows your adaptability and willingness to learn.

8. High Quality of Life

Germany consistently ranks as one of the best places to live, thanks to its healthcare, safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transport. Students in Germany often enjoy a high quality of life, with access to beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities that each offer something unique. Whether you love hiking, exploring castles, or simply enjoying a coffee in a quaint town square, Germany offers a lifestyle that’s both enriching and enjoyable.

9. Support for International Students

German universities are known for their excellent support services for international students. From visa assistance to helping students find housing and part-time jobs, universities make sure that international students feel welcomed and supported throughout their time in Germany. Overseas education consultants are also very popular among students who want expert guidance on navigating the German education system. They can assist with everything from university applications to obtaining the right visa, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Germany.

10. Safe and Stable Country

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a stable political climate. Safety is a crucial factor for many students and parents when considering studying abroad, and Germany scores high in this regard. As an international student, you’ll find that Germany is a secure and welcoming place to live and study.

Wrapping Up: Is Germany Right for You?

If you're still wondering why study in Germany, consider this: Germany offers a perfect blend of quality education, affordability, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. It's a country that welcomes international students with open arms and provides them with ample resources to succeed both academically and professionally.

So, if you’re serious about studying in Germany and want to explore your options, it might be wise to consult with an overseas education consultant. They can help you understand the different universities, programs, and scholarships available, guiding you through the application process and even helping you settle into your new life abroad. Studying in Germany is more than just attending a university; it's an opportunity to experience a new culture, gain valuable skills, and open doors to exciting career opportunities.

In the end, choosing to study in Germany is a decision that could shape your future in the best possible way. With all the benefits it has to offer, Germany is a fantastic choice for international students looking to make the most out of their education and career. So, are you ready to take the leap and experience everything Germany has to offer?

[goldenhour-studies]

As I've mentioned in my pinned intro post, I'm seriously considering becoming an ESL teacher (ideally for adult learners). With that in mind...

I started the free Coursera program Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Professional which is presented by the Commonwealth Education Trust—an Australian organization, I believe. This is the first of nine programs in the “Foundations of Teaching for Learning” series. This series seems to be geared towards grade school teachers (what would be K-12 education levels in the USA) for professional development. I’m taking these programs as a prospective ESL teacher, because I want to find out whether or not teaching is a good fit for me before I drop 800 USD on a TESOL certification program.

I have a hunch that I’ll enjoy being an ESL teacher, though; being a DM for D&D + an assistant dog trainer has shown me that I really enjoy helping people succeed in their lives, meet their goals, and learn new things. Thanks to my personal experience having friends & partners who are neurodivergent, I tend to be good at keeping calm during emotional crises and helping folks come out of anxiety attacks—so those are also points in my favor, I think. But I’ve never taught human beings as my job before, and I must admit that I’m kind of nervous about it. I don’t want to burn out!

Anyway, the first discussion post for Week 1 of the first “Foundations” program has this prompt:

One of the issues for teaching is that many responsibilities that were once taken on by parents and communities are now being passed on to the school and to teachers. Is this reasonable? Do families and communities have the right to be involved in the education of their children? What are the advantages and barriers to this?

I'll share my thoughts below the cut, but for organizational purposes this is:

Foundations of Teaching for Learning 1/9: Being a Professional

Week 1/6, discussion post 1/3

Schools and teachers are part of their surrounding communities, not separate entities. When I was very young, my elementary school’s librarian was my neighbor! (And I had the fright of my life when she came to my parents’ house one day to ask why I hadn’t returned my overdue books, haha).

If you believe that “it takes a village to raise a child” (which I do) then you should also believe that the work of raising a child cannot fall solely on the shoulders of their immediate blood relatives. I, personally, do not believe that the nuclear family is a good child-rearing unit all on its own. Children are intense and have a ton of needs—physically and emotionally—that 1-2 parental units cannot adequately provide for without a lot of support from figures like the childrens’ grandparents, uncles and aunts, youth group leaders (scoutmasters, coaches, tutors, religious authority figures, etc) and, yes, teachers as well.

I would also argue that families and communities are already involved in the education of their children, even if we follow the worldview that schools and teachers are indeed separate entities from the rest of the child-rearing ecosystem. At least in the US (where I am from & currently live), residents of a county within a state elect the members of the school board by way of the popular vote.

This is admittedly somewhat limited, since the school board’s decisions only affect public K-12 education (private and charter schools are beyond its purview), but the parents and the larger community have the power to elect the representatives who oversee the allocation of the county’s education budget and who create its policies. Should the school libraries have their print collections expanded? Should certain books be banned from those libraries? Should the schools’ arts programs receive more funding, or should the sports programs receive more? These decisions all affect the education and opportunities that the children within the US public school system receive.

Moreover, are not teachers, principals, and professors members of their communities? Do they not go to the same grocery stores and food markets, attend our sporting events, watch the same movies in our theaters, and walk on our streets? Of course they do, because they are us. They are just as much a part of our community as anyone else, and they most likely carry the same biases and cultural attitudes as other members of the community.

For example, many decades ago, what we would now call domestic abuse used to be referred to as “home discipline” in the US. Parents could and did intentionally physically harm their children, and that abuse could and was likewise carried out by teachers upon their pupils (read more on this topic here, but MAJOR CONTENT WARNING for child abuse). Now, however, American culture is losing its blasé attitude towards corporal punishment of children. A teacher hitting a student in 21st century America would most likely be seen as (at best) disgustingly unprofessional, and would result in swift and severe disciplinary action—upon the teacher! With all of that said, I believe it is clear that communities are already influencing the way their children are being educated.

Lastly, I will argue that there are advantages to the extant community members influencing the way its children are educated, as well as disadvantages and barriers. For a start, a community of people is never a monolith; there are Black, Asian, Latinx, and Native people living cheek-and-jowl with white people in the US, just as there are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Zoroastrian, and pagan folks rubbing elbows with Christians of various denominations. However, at least in the part of America where I grew up, the dominant cultural group was very WASP-y.

The result of that kind of dominance within education is that things are fine and dandy if you and your children either are part of or assimilate to that dominant cultural group—nothing is amiss, everything agrees with your sensibilities, and all is well. If you are not a member of that dominant group and refuse and/or are unable to assimilate into it, however, suddenly you are a square peg in a round hole. Until recently, my local public school district didn’t give any vacation days for the Jewish High Holy Days… but it has always provided vacation time for Christmas and the Gregorian calendar's new year. Muslim holidays have yet to be acknowledged in any way, shape or form.

This discussion post has grown very long, and I want to stop here before I end up writing a book. However, since I spent the better part of two hours typing out my thoughts like this, I would sincerely love to hear yours in return. Please tell me your thoughts on the original question above, and/or my response to it.

[ultravariety]

i decided to pay for linkedin premium since i thought it would help my chances of getting a job but it's really not helping. i keep seeing different posts from people, not just on linkedin but pretty much every social platform talking about how hard it is to find a job. and the amount of times i've gone out for food and the person before me is asking if they are hiring.

i'm still watching the bear season 3 but napkins... i cried. tina's struggle was so real and i was sobbing. and the coldness you encounter during the entire experience. it's so rare to feel like you are getting anywhere.

i've generally just been depressed about the world.

america and it's government for one. it's hard to watch. i think it's even harder to watch the vote blue no matter who crowd. i used to be a staunch believer in being an active participant in voting but ever since i saw that comment that was like "they encourage you to go through their systems for change so that you are stopped in the system" (not exactly but you get the gist) made me rethink it. why bother voting for the change we need when no one is bringing it to the table? it's hard to watch someone BEG for "vote blue!! vote BLUE!!" when active genocide and disenfranchisement has been happening under blue. like.. on god... are you dumb? blue or red you are FUCKED.

i love taking the opportunity to criticize the american government so it's hard to listen to people reinforce the system. voting isn't even equal!!!!! should've been your first clue that it's all fucked up!!!

maybe controversial, but we should start killing people. i wish death upon my premier. may his dumbass choke and fall down several flights of stairs.

i'm so serious tho. it's liberal brain rot to think we can hold hands and peacefully reach a "proper solution" to any issue. we need to start throwing bricks

OMG and the supreme court!!! kill them fuckers too!! everyone is so old and lame, i'm convinced if a firework blew up next to them they would go into cardiac arrest. honestly that goes for all of them, presidential candidates, government employees. all old asses need to GO. yes i am being ageist on this one. no i do not care, get them to do a cognitive function test before they get to work.

i hate it in canada too. and it's so fucked bc the problems just keep compounding and no politician is for the people. pretty much every politician is either a landlord or related to a developer so the housing crisis will never get fixed. and every monopoly insists of making life unbearable here. why was my phone bill $63? because they can. groceries? so expensive. and public transit is dogshit. and they are taking away culture centres too.

i expressed wanting to move away. my shortlist is spain, portugal, the netherlands or brazil

brazil seems to be controversial anytime i talk about it but it feels like people don't think south americans are people sometimes. "so much crime, corruption, it's dangerous, you can't trust".... i have to wait 3 years for 750m of road to be repaired. cops are always just lounging at construction sites. there are way too many charities and foundations set up by billionaires for tax write offs. assaults on transit are so much more frequent. healthcare is getting less and less funding people need to pay for services. kids are stupid as hell because education is also underfunded. mass immigration is burdening social services because we don't have enough resources to accommodate these people AND immigrants who are mostly international students are being targeted by universities and colleges so they can charge ridiculous tuition and leave them with no support. so as if it's really any better here.

and yet, when i talk about wanting to leave, everyone has an opinion. "oh it's not really that great there, it's over hyped" "it's still expensive to live there" "you won't have anyone" pls. i barely have anyone HERE.

i don't feel supported on decisions i want to make for myself. they are selfish wants so yeah i get it, but i don't care. i want it for me!!!! i am miserable!!! my mental health is in the gutter and the more time i'm subjected to living at home, the worse it gets. i'm drowning and people keep high fiving me instead of throwing a life support.

and more than anything, the lack of support makes me doubt my ability to do anything. maybe i'm not capable of finding a better job? maybe i'm not even deserving of better? is this just my burden to bare? will i never escape?

it makes me wish i was dead instead. rather be dead than live through all this. not even a glimmer of hope. there is not light at the end of the tunnel. i rather be dead than have to live all these years just for the pay off to come when i'm 50 or something. that's 20 more years of pain? no thanks.

all this to say, i know im not alone on this. many people are in my scenario. they are probably handling it better than i am. i'm not good at this - i'm not patient, and clearly not optimistic. i feel like i'm reaching the end of my rope.

[admiralpaco]

Not to besmirch the idea that the US spends too much on the military (it does) but there are some asterisks on that "most expensive thing we do". The military is the most expensive part of the federal discretionary spending. This does not include any of the state, city, or other local budgets. Nor does it include mandatory federal spending programs. If we include those mandatory federal spending programs, then social security is the most expensive part of the federal budget, with medicare at a comparable level to military spending.

But this anecdote was in the 1990's, and social security and medicare costs have increased as a percentage of the budget since then (military spending has gone up in total dollars but by percentage it is currently comparable to the mid 90's). From the context above, this anecdote was after the gulf war, and "well before 9/11" so I looked into the US federal budget of 1995. The most expensive part of the federal budget that year was: Social Security. (Though to be generous, it was the early 90's when social security eclipsed the military as the most expensive federal budget item).

But wait, their's more! Because of the spending items listed in the story are a lot of things that the government does spend a lot of money on, schools in particular, however they are largely done at a state and local level. So looking at all government spending (not just federal) when it comes to public school K-12, since 1995 the norm has been education receives more total funding than the military (though education budgets have been flat-lining or even declining in many states which has given the military budget the chance to catch up. Also the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan gave a boost to military spending that brought it above public schools during the mid 2000's). If we include higher education, then it is no contest between education vs military spending but admittedly, a lot of higher education is private sector dollars (which is also the case for some other items listed above, like electricity and cable)

As for roads, it's harder to get a specific number because in readily available public budgets it's often lumped together as "transportation infrastructure". But it doesn't really matter because on this one even including all state and local budgets annual transportation infrastructure is well shy of the military.

When it comes to our overall budgets; local, state and federal; the government does spend a lot more money on the well being of its citizens than on the military. Beyond social security and public education, if we take all government healthcare programs together they are roughly double the amount the US spends on military. All other welfare programs taken together are also more than what the US spends on military.

So what's my point in this? My point is that when we oversimplify government spending to "the military is the most expensive thing we do" it obfuscates the true scale of what the government is actually spending money on. Is what the government doing enough? No! The need is great, more needs to be done to uplift the poor (and what was once the middle class for that matter). What money is already being spent should be spent better (looking at you public school system, rant for another time). Should we spend less on the military? Yes! And what money is being spent should also be spent better (do we really need that 12th aircraft carrier...)

In short: yes, be radical in support of people. But in your radicalization, know the details of what it is your fighting against.

[tumblescribbles]

Which institute is best for gate exam?

Are you ready to take your engineering career to the next level? Are you eager to open doors to exciting opportunities and lucrative job prospects? Look no further than the GATE exam – a gateway that can lead you towards success in the field of engineering. But cracking this challenging exam requires guidance, dedication, and strategic preparation. That's where GATE coaching institutes come into play. And if you're based in Indore, we've got great news for you! In this blog post, we'll explore why GATE coaching in Indore is considered the best choice for aspiring engineers like yourself. So buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey towards excellence! Can I crack GATE with coaching in Indore? If you're wondering whether coaching in Indore can help you crack the GATE exam, the answer is a resounding yes! While self-study is undoubtedly important, enrolling in a reputable coaching institute can provide you with the necessary guidance and resources to enhance your preparation.

GATE coaching institutes in Indore are known for their experienced faculty members who have a deep understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and scoring criteria. They can provide comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and personalized attention to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, these institutes often conduct regular mock tests that simulate the actual exam environment. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the time constraints and develop effective time management strategies – a crucial aspect of cracking GATE.

Moreover, being part of a coaching institute gives you access to a community of like-minded individuals who share similar goals. Interacting with peers who are also preparing for GATE can create an atmosphere of healthy competition where everyone strives to excel. It's an opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss difficult concepts, and motivate each other throughout this challenging journey.

So if you're serious about cracking GATE and securing admission into prestigious postgraduate programs or landing lucrative job opportunities in public sector companies, joining a top-notch coaching institute in Indore should definitely be on your radar. With their expert guidance and support systems tailored specifically for GATE aspirants like yourself – success will be within your reach! Why is GATE Coaching in Indore Best? Indore, known as the educational hub of Madhya Pradesh, offers some of the best GATE coaching institutes in the country. But what makes GATE coaching in Indore stand out from the rest?

First and foremost, Indore is home to highly qualified and experienced faculty members who have a deep understanding of the GATE exam pattern and syllabus. These experts provide comprehensive guidance and support to students, helping them grasp complex concepts with ease.

Moreover, GATE coaching institutes in Indore are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that creates a conducive learning environment. From well-equipped classrooms to extensive libraries filled with relevant study material, these facilities ensure that students have access to all necessary resources.

Another advantage of opting for GATE coaching in Indore is the competitive atmosphere it provides. With fellow aspirants striving towards a common goal, students are motivated to push their limits and excel academically.

Furthermore, many coaching institutes offer regular mock tests and practice sessions that simulate the actual exam conditions. This helps students familiarize themselves with the exam format and build confidence.

Several renowned GATE toppers have emerged from Indore's coaching institutes over the years. Their success stories serve as an inspiration for aspiring candidates while instilling trust in these institutions' teaching methods.

GATE coaching in Indore has gained popularity due to its exceptional faculty members, excellent infrastructure, competitive atmosphere, and proven track record of producing successful candidates year after year. Tips for choosing The Top GATE Coaching in Indore When it comes to preparing for the GATE exam, choosing the right coaching institute can make all the difference. With so many options available in Indore, it's important to have some tips in mind to help you select the top GATE coaching institute that suits your needs. Here are a few factors to consider:

Reputation and track record: Look for an institute with a proven track record of success in helping students crack the GATE exam. Check their website for testimonials from previous students and look for any notable achievements or awards they have received.

Faculty expertise: The quality of faculty plays a crucial role in your preparation journey. Research about the qualifications and experience of the teachers at different institutes. Find out if they have subject matter experts who specialize in your chosen branch.

Study material: Evaluate the study material provided by various coaching institutes. Look for comprehensive and up-to-date material that covers all topics relevant to the GATE syllabus.

Teaching methodology: Different institutes may use different teaching methodologies, such as classroom lectures, online classes, or a combination of both. Consider your learning style and choose an institute that offers teaching methods that align with your preferences.

Mock tests and practice papers: Regular mock tests are essential for assessing your progress and identifying areas where you need improvement. Choose an institute that provides ample opportunities for practice through mock tests and sample papers.

6.Costs involved: While cost should not be the sole determining factor, it is still an important aspect to consider when choosing a coaching institute.

Make sure you compare fees structures across different institutes while keeping other factors mentioned above into consideration too

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[asaltysquid]

Some of y'all genuinely have no perspective outside of your own noses. I grew up in a evangelical cult and homeschooled for the majority of my life and had a flip phone from 14 up until I was 16. When I did have a smart phone it had parental controls on it that would not let me use the internet and looped any texts I sent or received back to my mothers phone. I would also lose it for months at a time for being curious and asking questions. It wasn't until I was almost 19 and ran away across the country with my now husband that I had full time access to the internet.

My experience is not an odd one for a conservative child even those that go to public school. You think kids pop out of the womb white supremacists, with no creativity or curiosity? Tumblr is constantly talking all the goddamn time about the rise in media illiteracy and the book burnings and book bans and how much that affects children's world view and understanding of the world. I can't emphasize enough how much curiosity or questioning was punished. How even basic differences from other conservatives, that your parents make literally your entire world, can leave you judged and ostracized.

Also also also, try navigating all of this while neurodivergent. Being a child who takes things literally? It took my husband sitting me down and explaining bad faith arguments to me at 20 because I couldn't comprehend why people would misrepresent themselves or lie on the Internet.

I'm not praising my own ignorance or bragging about it. It literally should be gawked at that it could take anyone that long to learn the bare minimum about other cultures. However this idea that everyone can just grab their phones at any age and be educated is absurd. I'm talking about this because there are so many children raised evangelical who graduate college and are no more prepared to face the real world than they were at 14. I was never taught how to confirm trustworthy articles or source check because the Internet was presented as always untrustworthy so we could only use library books for our research papers. Again I had to be taught what bad faith arguing is. I still have such a vague grasp on basic scientific concepts like evolution despite extensive research because creationism was so seeped into me that I am still unlearning it.

Yes my childhood was an extreme and yes I could have written the post that was so badly cropped better, but it's an extreme that I shared with hundreds of other kids in this homeschool group and is regularly becoming more accepted as more and more people are being radicalized into fascists. I say this is an American education system issue because America is one of the few places where schooling like this is allowed and not seen as a problem. Like we have to submit our curriculum. They know what we're being taught. We are only going to see this more and I am only as adjusted as I am because of the limited exposure I did get to the internet, realizing I was queer young and finding other closeted kids in the group, and the luck of stumbling into a fantastic support system so quickly after abandoning my old life.

Here's my homeschool groups statement of faith:

https://www.browardhomeschool.org/custom/90279

It used to be much worse and far more indepth and had to be signed by child and parent. I don't know why they changed it but I can only assume it was too outwardly obtuse. They're one of the biggest homeschooling groups in South Florida by the way. And the other one is also faith based but I know very little about it.

im american and i knew that like in kindergarten so i think some of you are just stupid sorry

[sidwel]

I am a teacher. This is my 28th year. I love my job, but it’s hard… and getting harder. I spent 15 years working with special education behavioral disorders and the last 13 as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. In my twenty-eight years I have seen and dealt with a lot. I have seen the abused and neglected. I have had to restrain out of control students. I once had to take a gun away from a student. I am a teacher but through the years I have also been placed in the role of mentor, nurse, counselor, consoler, and provider. I have spent thousands of my own money in meeting the needs of students.

I am a teacher and a firm believer of the public education system. There was a time when it was the gold standard. It is no longer, but that’s not the teacher’s fault. And even with its issues, it is still the best choice available. There was a time when parents were partners with the school system. They supported the school and understood that even If they do not agree with something, there are two sides to every situation and mediating to find the best solution is better than demanding what they feel is right.

As an itinerant vision teacher, I travel from school to school, from the primary to the high school level, and I am tired of seeing good teachers driven out by the unnecessary demands being placed on them. I understand that with current teacher shortages, there are new-hires with little to no experience, and there has to be some oversight, but this should not be an umbrella that covers all teachers. Veteran teachers are still around because they love and know what they are doing. Trust them. Don’t give them a script; let them teach. Don’t micromanage them out of the classroom. I also see good teachers, burnout when their classes are stacked with the more challenging students. Their skills can be better utilized by mentoring other teachers instead of moving students.

I am a teacher and over the past few years I have seen things change drastically. Covid has done a number on the world but no one is feeling it more than the schools. We are going on five grades of students whose lives were severely disrupted in a very crucial time of development, and they are dealing with some substantial issues like, inability to read social cues, poor communication skills, not knowing how to share, lack of empathy, and fear of just about everything. These are things all teachers and school personnel are having to deal with and people, (parents, administrators, higher-ups, the general public, government officials, basically everyone who is not on the front line), just don’t seem to get it. They seem to think that since the worst is behind us, it is time for everything to get back to normal. That’s not how it works… especially with young ones. We are drowning. At times, academics have to take a back seat when you have to deal with students who are afraid. And it’s not just Covid. I am an avid believer in the right to bear arms, but being afraid of getting shot at school is not something any of us should have to worry about. Something has to change.

So, what’s the answer? More student support in the way of counseling? It would definitely help. Counseling for teachers? Yes. Less oversight? Yes, for those who don’t need it. Higher teacher pay? It would absolutely help me. More stringent gun laws? I don’t know how or what, but yes. Other teacher compensation? Again, I don’t know how or what, but yes.

I don’t know the answers… but we are in crisis mode and just one tick away from crumbling.

I am a teacher… I love my job,

but I’m tired.