#anyway I'm not criticising anyone I'm more saying you should always look out for your own well-being | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

carlatsukinamistolemyhamsandwich · 2 years

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This is something I've been asking myself, but can you tell me everything the brothers Carla and Shin did wrong throughout all the games in and out of their routes? I've been wondering about this recently, sorry if this is sudden to ask...

Hi anon, while I do know quite a lot of Carla and Shin's routes off the top of my head, I'm not quite as good with all of the other Dark Fate routes and there are still routes in CL I haven't played that I don't really want to spoil for myself if I can avoid it. In order to do what you're asking, I'd basically have to go through every single DF and CL route and double check their LE routes (which admittedly I know a little too well but I do generally like to double check things). To my memory Lunatic Parade doesn't contain them doing anything particularly bad aside from Shin picking on some of the guys but if you were to do a really thorough job it wouldn't hurt to check those too.

I'm afraid that is a monumental amount of work that I'm really not willing to commit to for the sake of a single ask, especially as what I qualify as bad enough to make the list might not necessarily be the same as you or someone else. If you genuinely want to know all of the things Carla and Shin have done, then honestly I would suggest you read their routes for yourself as all of the DF routes have been very kindly translated by @dialovers-translations (who has put an incredible amount of work into her blog over the years) and their LE routes have also been translated and you can find links to them on @vampirerosemary's incredibly useful masterlists.

Now if you're asking this because you're not particularly comfortable with dark content and want to know whether to avoid DF or not, I'm afraid I would honestly suggest just not engaging with any of the main games and instead focusing on the bonus drama CDs and Lunatic Parade which is much more fluffy. I know some will say you shouldn't ignore the darker aspects of the series but at the end of the day, it's just fiction and looking out for your own well-being matters more than berating yourself for not engaging with all of the content.

On the other hand, if you're asking this just to measure how "bad" Carla and Shin are compared to the other guys, I'll cut to the chase. Literally all of the diaboys are problematic in one way or another (and even Yui can be in some of the bad endings) so I honestly don't think trying to find a "least bad" is really all that meaningful, especially as you may consider certain actions to be far worse than someone else (for example I actually found Shuu's HDB route to be way more off-putting than Laito's, which as far as I can tell, is a very uncommon opinion).

I have said before that I think out of all of the boys, Azusa is the least malicious but even then he's hardly a saint.

However, I don't think there's any use in feeling guilty about fangirling over the diaboys even though they've all done bad things. I think if you're mature enough to properly engage with some of the themes that feature in DL, then you should be able to distinguish reality and fiction. As long as you understand that irl you should run for the hills from anyone who acts like the boys, there's nothing wrong with having fantasies with dark elements if that's what you enjoy.

Another thing I want to just say while I have the chance that I saw mentioned many years ago but seems to have been forgotten about is this idea of choice. So, in game, particularly the early games, Yui does not have a chance to consent to what the boys do to her, and if you look at it from that perspective, DL is pretty much entirely a horror story (it's one of the reasons why I don't particularly enjoy writing Yui x diaboy scenarios versus reader x diaboy material).

However, the thing you have to take into account is that you, either through listening to the CDs, or playing the games, or reading the translations are effectively giving your consent to keep the scenario going and see what happens. At any point, you have the ability to take out your headphones, or turn off your console or stop reading, make up some ending in your head and never think about the series again. At the end of the day, the person in charge isn't the boys, or Yui, or even Karl, it's you.

Now I know some people prefer to view the player as being completely passive (i.e. Yui is her own character and we're just helplessly watching her story), but the fact of the matter is that in the games, that straight up isn't true, our decisions control the ending. And like I said, if anything comes up that makes you uncomfortable, you can just stop playing, and I would recommend you do at that point, especially if you're not too clear on what your own limits are when it comes to consumption of dark material.

Anyway what I am trying to get at here? Basically, the reason why you can enjoy DL as a dark fantasy is because at any point, you can disengage from it. If you find yourself reading DL and just getting upset about bad things happening to Yui, it's not that those feelings aren't valid, but honestly you are far better off taking a step back, maybe writing her a happy ending yourself if you enjoy writing, and then leaving it be. Please do not read things that only upset you, life is too short to inflict misery on yourself.

Anyway I'm sorry this isn't what you asked for anon, but hopefully it has at least been some use to you.

#ask #I don't really want to discuss this any further because these are pretty much my whole feelings on the matter #anyway I'm not criticising anyone I'm more saying you should always look out for your own well-being #and like don't berate yourself for enjoying dark stuff you're talking to someone who likes Sukuna from JJK for pity's sake #he makes all of the boys look like saints

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immortal-enemies · 3 years

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this would probably be an unpopular opinion but i don't understand how everyone seems to sympathise so much with grace

yes, tatiana was abusive and she didn't deserve to have the kind of childhood she did - but does that really make her "a great character that needs a redemption arc" though? She's done a lot of awful things (explaining in detail is tiring but i think we all get the gist lol) and not everything was because she was simply forced to. This one is based on personal preference but i really don't think she has that much of a personality either.

something common I see is "she would be a lot more loved if she was a man" and while i agree, i honestly think she would also be criticised a lot more by the fandom. So many of the m characters have the "they're terrible because they had a bad childhood/was abused and didn't actually want to be awful" trope and the fandom is critical of them (as they should). But why is it different with grace?

I'm not trying to invalidate other's opinions but i just find it hard to agree with her getting a redemption arc. I'm fine with people liking her character, I guess it's more of when they try to justify what she did and excuse her actions? also sorry this is so long 😅

Hey!! Absolutely no problem!! This was, for lack of a better word, interesting to read.

Alright, I'm sorry that this took so long to answer, but I was considering exactly HOW I was going to answer.

So, I'm turning this ask into a ask/rant. Under the cut is my current, unedited, written at 12:00 am, honest opinions on Grace and ig Tatiana, keep in mind that I am, I guess, “anti grace blackthorn” so this isn’t full of defenses for her, quite the opposite, in fact. Read at your own risk (fair warning, it’s long), but since no one will probably read it anyway, idk.

Yes, after CoI that is an unpopular opinion. No, I don't understand it much either. To a certain degree.

One of the things I think that people seem to forget/overlook/ignore is that, despite everything, Grace still had a choice. She decided to give in and spend years abusing a young boy. Tatiana is abusive, but that will never change the fact that, at the end of the day, Grace still had a choice. And yes, I understand why she did it. She was in a horrible place, mentally and physically, but she still decided. No amount of arguing will change that fact. It's her life, it's her choice.

Yes, she did do horrible things without needing to. Her power in to compel/control men. She didn't have to kiss Matthew and use it as some sort of blackmail, but she did. She actually had no reason to other then some personal reason. She could have made Mathew forget. In CoI Grace claims that Matthew would have forgotten the kiss anyway, so why do it in the first place?

That's one of the problems I have with how CC wrote Grace. She had to make the one girl abusing a boy be because she didn't want to show her young female audience that they can be abusive too. Women can be just as abusive as men, and TSC is an awful example of that. Looking at all of the abusive characters who were like that simply for their own possible benefit, the ratio of men to women in that is completely off balance. Not saying it has to be equal, but I'm fairly certain Grace would be the only female character abusing a male character for her own personal gain, while adding a character to her (yes, I also agree that she has none.) not necessarily a character to look up to, but she's not that in canon either.

Now, a point on Tatiana: Tatiana is a character who was driven to be crazy by severe trauma, grief and mental illness, and is portrayed as one of the main villains of the series because of what those factors led her to become. It's also used as a plot point that "she could have reached out to anyone in her family; they were willing to help." So you're telling me that she's the villain because she didn't reach out to the people who, in her point of view, murdered her father, husband and son? ESPECIALLY in the 1800-1900's? That ain't it. We all know that the Shadowhunter families, and Shadowhunters in general, are not responsible for this, but when you look for someone to blame, especially in a horrific mental state, that could very easily be the only thing you hold on to. To be clear: I'm not defending her. Going back to my Grace point, she DID still have a choice in who she became, but I hate how people go "UwU Grace" and then "Tatiana is the bad one 😡" when they're very similar.

Now, onto your last point: gender.

Yikes, touchy subject in fandom.

Yes, if Grace was a man, she would be much more liked from the beginning. But also, if she was a man, then the Grace stans probably wouldn't BE Grace stans, and would hate him relentlessly and criticize and hate. One of the main reasons that people excuse her so much are because she's a girl who's abusive to a boy!! And like, boy's can't BE abused. ESPECIALLY by women, right? I mean, THEY'RE always the abusers!! (/s)

Something else: Christopher.

Alright. This isn't very big, but people praise Grace for not controlling Christopher in CoI. That's horrible. You don't praise people and say "UwU so cute couple goals!" at the fact that she didn't do something absolutely awful to him.

A general criticism of YA is how, in general, m/f relationships are portrayed in a kind of stereotypical/abusive way? Like, you have the guy who, in absolutely NO way can call out/say ANYTHING negative about their female love interest, and are often portrayed as afraid of them. That's... Ew. And then you have the girl who is a badass mf who gets some sick pleasure out of scaring the "love of their life"? Ew. But it's also always said that that's what a relationship should be, and I'm not saying that that's what young girls are going to look up to/expect a relationship to be like, but fiction does affect reality. And honestly for a while I was genuinely terrified at being in a relationship because I didn't want to treat a guy how these girls in YA do. That was mostly unrelated, but I thought of it while thinking of a response to this ask so it's gonna be included.

Anyway, it does beg the argument: what would I have done in Grace's position? What was she supposed to do in such a difficult situation? Well. A mere year ago I would have said "I wouldn't have done it" but know that I would if I was broken down enough, especially at the age Grace was when she got her power. But now, I can easily and honestly say, that I would not agree to anything Grace did. If I was put in her position, I would venomously refuse.

There was more I wanted to say, but like, no one is reading this anyway do like-

#ANYWAY-#thank you for the ask!!! 💖💖#sorry for derailing it 😭#tw all caps #tw caps in tags #tw abuse #anti grace blackthorn #anti gracetopher #anti cc #anti cassandra clare #asks #anon #jenny rants

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barsformars · 3 years

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Dean's Office

g - fluff

p - wooyoung x reader

w.c - 1.2k

t.w - none

c - reader who is not very well liked among the teachers meets wooyoung, their table partner and the complete opposite of them in the teachers' eyes, in the dean's office.

a.n - this has been sitting in my drafts forever i almost forgot to post it because ive been working on requests jdjsjsj

t.l - @closer-stars @jeongyunhoed @fairyofdusk

If there was anyone you would never expect to see sitting in the dean's office, it would be your table partner. Sure, he's can be a little rowdy and annoying at times but apart from that, he's the closest thing to a model student.

"Wooyoung? The hell are you doing here? I thought you were just late for class, like for the first time in your life." Oh, perhaps you should have minded your language a little more. Since, you know, you're in the dean's office.

Wooyoung whipped his head around, as surprised, or maybe even more, to ever see you here. Sure, your grades have always been excellent but apart from that, you're the closest thing to a substitute teacher's worst nightmare. Speaking of substitute teachers, that's exactly why you were called in here. But wait, Wooyoung is speaking.

"Oh, they wanted to thank me for representing the school in that dance competition I went last month-"

Eurgh, they call people in just for that too?"

-along with many other things......" Wooyoung's voice trailed off awkwardly, not wanting to come across as arrogant, though you already knew very well that he was far from that. There was a reason he was one of your favourite people in school.

"Oh." Your eyebrows arched up at his words as you nodded slowly, taking a seat in the chair that he had already pulled out for you. "So where did Mrs Noh go?" You asked, legs crossed and fingers impatiently tapping on the mahogany desk.

"She had to pick up a call," Wooyoung replied, letting out a soft scoff and grin when he saw the way you were sitting. Most people would be too nervous to even breathe in the dean's office but here you were acting like the place was yours. Have you been in here before without him knowing? "I haven't asked but, what are you doing here? I suppose it's not for something praise-worthy?" When you shot him a look that was half out of disbelief and half of ridicule, Wooyoung knew that he shouldn't even have asked. Not that he thought you were a bad person - you weren't - you were just not very well liked by the teachers for, well, many reasons.

"I told the substitute literature teacher that his teaching was worse than eating an unsalted rotten kimchi." You shrugged, you didn't think you had done anything worth being called to the dean's office for. You were just speaking the truth. "What?" Wooyoung stared at you, waiting for you to carry on with your story, knowing that was definitely not everything that went down while he was away from you (he would have made you apologised right away if he was there). "Okay, okay, so then I just stood up and left the class because I couldn't sit in there listening to his rubbish any longer."

"I leave you alone in class for like 15 minutes and shit happens," Wooyoung sighed, shaking his head as he rubbed his temples. "And it was literally only 15 minutes, just what did he say for you to conclude so quickly that he was bad at teaching?"

Before you could start ranting to Wooyoung, the dean opened the door with an apologetic smile directed towards Wooyoung, her wrinkled face shrivelling up even further with displeasure when she noticed that you were there as well.

What would be the better facial expression in response to that? Rolling your eyes, like your natural instincts tell you to, or faking an innocent smile, because that was what Wooyoung would tell you to do? You had no choice but to settle for the latter when Wooyoung nudged your leg, simultaneously telling you to sit properly as well.

You don't even know why you listen to Wooyoung so well. You usually hate it when others tell you to do, but if Wooyoung were to ask you to walk into Louis Vuitton and attempt to steal a $10,000 bag for him, you would. Not that he would ever, but yes, you would, and not even mention his name during interrogation.

"You should spend more time with people like Wooyoung, then maybe you will learn to have some manners!" Mrs Noh criticised, causing you and Wooyoung you exchange knowing looks as the both of you tried your very best to not burst out laughing.

"Good grades mean nothing if your attitude is bad!"

"Yes, ma'am."

After making Wooyoung sit through your scolding and you his mini award ceremony, the dean sent the both of you back to class together. "She said we should spend more time together," Wooyoung giggled, poking at your side as he wiggled his eyebrow.

"Gross, I'm sick from having to see your face everytime I turn to my left when I'm just trying appreciate Yeosang's visuals," you pretended to gag and Wooyoung proceeded to reach for your head to ruffle your hair, purposely annoying you as a punishment for saying that. Maybe you shouldn't have made it seem that you hated Wooyoung doing that, because it was the total opposite. Your heart was already starting to race

."How awkward will it be if you walked back into class right now?" Wooyoung laughed, thinking about how you would still have to sit through another hour of the substitute teacher's class. When you don't send a kick to his butt like you usually would, Wooyoung turned to look at you, slightly concerned.

"Are you that angry just thinking about it? Your face is so red."

Silence.

"Y-"

"Jeong Wooyoung, I like you." You blurted out, completely taking Wooyoung, and yourself, by surprise. Well technically, it wasn't the fact that you had feelings for him that came as a shock to him. It would take an idiot to not see that you were whipped for him, and vice versa. Wooyoung just didn't think that you would ever admit it, because he would never, and you must say, you didn't either.

"That was very abrupt," Wooyoung commented as he stared blankly at the empty corridor behind you. It was, it was. Those five words had completely knocked all the thoughts out of his brain, and suddenly he became very aware of how heavy his arms were from merely hanging from his shoulders. Where should he even place them? Stick them right next to his legs, reach out to hold you (where anyways), or to just leave them be?

Silence.

"Are you not going to say anything else?" Wooyoung asked, unsure of how to continue, or end, this conversation.

"Are you not going to give me a reply?" Oh, right, he hasn't. "I guess we should do what the dean said you should do then. Hang out with me more," Wooyoung said. "And I mean not as friends, by the way."

There comes the kick to his butt. "So do you like me too or what?" Wooyoung let out a sigh of relief, you were back to normal.

"Yes, did you not hear my last sentence?"

"Then say it!"

"Ask for it cutely." Wooyoung stuck his tongue out at you, his arms crossed over his chest. He was already starting to tease you now that he was sure that you had a very soft spot for him.

"Nevermind, I take back my words. I don't like you anymore," you huffed as you walked away, leaving him behind.

"Hey, fine! I like you too! Why are you running away? I'm saying that I like you too!"

#kwritersworldnet #kdiarynet #ateez scenarios #ateez reaction #ateez imagines #ateez writings #ateez #ateez drabbles #ateez blurbs #ateez fics #ateez fluff #wooyoung #wooyoung fluff

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thedancingcrab · 3 years

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This week marks mental health awareness week. I don't know how much a social media post really does.. Maybe nothing at all. But I'd like to start this off in saying that I've become a lot more confident in my body since I let myself gain weight instead of holding onto the idea that I should always be slim to be considered attractive. And let me tell you why.

This past year and probably years and years before that I've had to put so much time and energy into healing. It's been one of the most exhausting processes but also so rewarding at the same time. Because I can tell you this whole heartedly. I now like myself. No. I love myself. I love everything that I am and what I've become. But this wasn't an overnight process. It's been painful, I've had to confront a lot of my wrong doings, mistakes and negative thoughts about myself to get to where I am now. I had to find hobbies. I had to pour my energy into other things than myself. Because honestly. When you die, no one's gonna think about how beautiful you were. They might say it, but they will focus on how you were beautiful in other ways. Maybe how you lit up the room with your smile. How you were so positive and how much they miss your energy.

A hobby I've found in this past year is cycling and going hiking and it's done wonders for my mental health. Because I started worrying less about what my body looks like and more what it can actually do for me. I have legs that allow me to walk up mountains. Not everyone is that lucky. I live somewhere where I get to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world (Wales isn't a shithole trust me there really is incredible places). We hardly ever criticise how nature looks so why do we do it to ourselves? Another thing I've noticed as well is that the only person who really says bad things about my appearance..is me. Nobody really cares. People are so focused on themselves and what they're doing. I used to get told I was ugly in school all the time. Even by girls who were supposed to be my friends. But I refuse to carry the weight of those opinions with me around anymore. Maybe I didn't look the best in school, but it wasn't my focus. I was quirky and I owned that. But I didnt have the self awareness back then that I do now. And the weight of those opinions got on top of me so much, until they became a problem and I found myself with an eating disorder and I stopped eating and increasing the amount of makeup I wore cause I thought that was what happiness felt like. Skinny, glamorous. It didn't get any better.

I convinced myself I was happy whilst I ate sugar free jelly and low calorie ice cream. But it was hell and I'm so glad I know what real ice cream tastes like now. As for my face, it's nice to let it breathe every now and then as well. I'm beautiful with no makeup on and I'm beautiful if I want to wear it. But I don't always feel that way. I still have bad days and there's still that voice somewhere that tells me I'm out of shape and should maybe increase my exercise and eat a bit better. It will probably always be there. When you've struggled with your body perception for years I'm not sure it ever quite goes away. But I also recognise when those thoughts come up now and it's easier to flick them away. Cause I know there is so much more to me than how I look and I get so sad when others don't have that awareness too cause I've been there and I know what it's like to have your appearance consume your mind day in and day out. I think all the women I've compared myself to over the years are dealing with the same thing. Maybe when I was comparing myself to the girl that had the body type I wanted and the face I'd love to have she was also dealing with the same battles of her own. The only person we should be comparing ourselves to is the previous version of ourselves and how much we've grown or will continue to grow. We don't know what others are dealing with at the end of the day. And just because someone looks like you want to look doesn't mean they're better than you in any way shape or form. You don't need to be pretty like somebody else you need to be pretty like you. Cause nothing compares to that. If there's anyone else that I know who is still battling with what feels like a never ending hell of not loving yourself.. Here's some tips I've learned along the way that really help me.

- Try to stop mirror checking. I say try, because I still do now and it's a work in progress. When you find yourself doing it, create some distractions. Think about other things you have to do. I guarantee your washing basket needs sorting out right now. I can guarantee something in your room or anywhere else needs tidying and fixing. Go and sort it. We can't change our bodies in an instant, but we can sort out those mundane tasks we keep putting off and it's way more fulfilling when you do one of those tasks. Trust me I have plenty...

- The next time you go outside, look around at people. Is anyone really focusing on you? Probably not. They're probably focused on themselves. Or their dog if they're out walking them (I'm also trying to focus less on myself and the cute dogs I get to see when I'm out). Another thing.. Acknowledge what you're doing in that moment. We get to use our legs, our legs are allowing us to walk and see daylight. Not everyone is that lucky as I mentioned before. Okay maybe my legs weren't as skinny as they used to be but seriously who cares. There are so many other things I can be focusing on right now and you can too.

- Again another work in progress but seriously I'm working on it and it's getting better. When people compliment you, stop trying to find reasons on why they're wrong. Because if they turned around one day and told you everything you say to yourself on a daily basis it would break your heart. Trust me it would. But the people who love you don't think those things and they never will. Because if you asked them what they like about you the most your appearance won't be one of them. Maybe your partner will say something jokey and sweet about it. But trust me, it's not what they love about you the most. Other things are far more important. And they probably love you because you make their life so much more bearable in some form. We all have our own problems. Think about how much you add to that person's life when they're facing struggles of their own. I guarantee, you will be able to find at least one thing.

- No food is a bad food. We can all have too much of something but that goes for every kind of food. And exercise is amazing for our mental health but it doesn't mean we have to over indulge in it just because we ate 'bad' for a few days and now we feel guilty. Be kind to yourself in those moments. Once again it's another work in progress for me too. I pretty much eat whatever I want when I want now. But there's still that voice in my head. They're a bit annoying at this point I don't know whether I should give her a name.. Maybe Ursula cause she was my least favourite Disney villian. Ursula just needs to piss off sometimes. I went through years of restricting myself and I don't wanna do it anymore.

- Let people take pictures of you. I know. Its terrifying. I still hate it now. But one day all people will have of you is a memory and that picture you hate of yourself so much might be their favourite. In this day and age all we ever get exposed to is picture perfect filtered people who probably shaved off half of their thigh with some editing programme like face tune or whatever it's called. Then someone takes a normal picture of us and we zoom in on it and start criticising ourselves from our face all the way down to our toes. We start asking people to put a filter on us before they take the picture because anything is better than being confronted with our real selves. I just don't wanna live in a world like that anymore. I'm still guilty of doing it myself from time to time, but the less people do it the better. I'd love to start being more of an advocate for that.

When you put your phone down and get into the real world and it's something I've started making more of a cautious effort to do lately, everyone just looks normal!! Everyone has textured skin, everyone's got pores, people have oil, people have spots, people have dry skin. Maybe some are better at hiding it than others. But it's just skin. Thats literally it. Social media has warped our brains into thinking we're not good enough cause we don't look like the person who's completely cellulite, pore and acne free in their gym gear living their best life. But in all honesty, they probably don't look like that either. I'm not saying people can't, but the tiniest bit of editing can go into a photo and we think it's realistic. And they're probably insecure about something as well. Don't compare yourself to images that aren't real life. I know it's hard. Once again I still do it myself. But we can make a cautious effort to realise when we're doing these things and implement little changes on how to stop.

If you got this far and read all of this, then thank you. It means the world. I hope I was able to maybe get you to think about life in a different way and maybe.. Just maybe more positively. If not then thank you for reading anyway! I hope we can all stop being so unkind to ourselves one day. 💚

#Me #Ginger #Redhead #Mental health awareness week #Mental health #Body dysmorphia #Eating disorders #Anxiety #Insecurity #Weight loss #Gaining weight #Happiness

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fireemblems24 · 3 years

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Hey! It's the anon who sent the ask about the imperialism thing.

I guess it's kinda ironic because uh, the country that did the whole imperialism shtick to my country is the US. The saddest part is that it's barely acknowledged and I'm pretty sure it's not even studied in your history either. If you're curious, look up Benevolent Assimilation. Yup. That's what they called it.

Anyway I had a realization when you mentioend about why not Edelgard try to enact the changes on her Empire first? And I realised... Yeah, why not???

A possible thing she could've done that's less bloody than a war is to change her Empire first. And then befriend the future leaders of the Kingdom and Alliance while they were in school. That would've made things fairly peaceful between them and also if the changes in the Empire are working out well, she could've promoted the same methods to Dimitri and Claude for them to establish in their own countries. She doesn't need to conquer them. I mean, yeah this is a very easier said than done situation (especially since there's still TWSITD) but again, less bloody alternatives.

To be fair, Edelgard handling this entire affair in a flawed manner such as a war is also fine by me. Seeing imperialism in media is fine especially if it highlights the flaws of it because yes, it and its long term effects need to be acknowledged. But the game just feels like it's condoning her... And there's also the ton of people who agree with her who just make me uncomfortable really because it feels so close to real life. Not only that seeing as this is a Japanese game and the Japanese have a... history with imperialism (in which they also occupied my country... we don't really get a break) it's just uncomfortable.

Again, I like Edelgard and the morally grey potential of her decisions. My problem really is in the execution. I would definitely tolerate CF much more if the BE had more prominent roles as critics? I think that's the only way they'd really fit in CF tbh. Criticise Edelgard, question her actions, make her question her own actions, make her realise the damage she caused. Stuff like that would've made CF into such a good route. Like, if AM is Dimitri's character study, why couldn't we have had Edelgard's character study in CF?

I guess in the end, the main reason why I'm really talkative about the whole Edelgard issue is because I really want to love her? I see the potential in her character — I love her design, her general personality, her voice actress, the fact that she's actually different from the usual female character in these games. But I just end up liking her and not really loving her because sometimes the games feels like it's forcing me to love her so much that I just eh. I still don't like her Byleth attachment.

But yeah I think I'm going to stop bothering you all about this since I think I'm just repeating restated points again.

I briefly looked up “Benevolent Imperialism.” Sounds exactly like the kind of phrase an Imperialist would label their conquest as. I’ll have to learn more about it because surprise, surprise, our history lessons do leave that out.

As for your comments on Edelgard, I agree with everything you said. I cannot believe her actions are wholly benevolent and in the name of bettering society only because she never once attempts to work with other leaders. She’s either so far up her own ass she legitimately thinks killing every other major power in Fodlan except herself is really the best option for everyone or there’s more to her actions than her ideals - like killing all the dragons/forcing them into hiding forever or getting back what she thinks is rightly hers because the Empire ruled those territories hundreds of years ago.

My issue, like yours, is that this game acts like she’s some kind of saint. She’s sacrificing her own soul by bloodying her own hands for the benefit of all. Whenever she talks about all the damage the war causes, it’s not about the victims, it’s about how sorry we should feel for her because she’s dirtying herself so everyone can live in her future utopia.

It takes a grey, interesting perspective and makes it not only very uninteresting (and at times irritating as a player who doesn’t agree with her but it forced to act like she’s the biggest victim in all this), but problematic. To say nothing of how this glorifies war and skips over any and all negative side effects, it’s far more concerning in it’s presentation of Imperialism as a good thing, as a “liberation” of the countries who are getting violently taken over against their will.

Like you, I don’t mind Imperialism in fiction. I don’t even mind seriously entertaining the question - but what if the conqueror really does improve things? What I do mind is this really black/white presentation where Imperialism is framed as liberation, like the Imperialist actually knows better than the countries she’s taking over. What’s super uncomfortable when analyzing things deeper is how unapologetic CF is at spinning the same propaganda used to devastate other countries, many still reeling from the effects.

You could just write it off as fiction. It’s just a Fire Emblem video game no one should take too seriously. And I’m always torn about this argument because I don’t want to police fiction - at all - but I’m also aware of how fiction can change your worldview. You’d think people would be smart enough to separate fiction and reality but they often either don’t or use fiction to reinforce their own world views.

I’m not surprised at all people agree with Edelgard. She’s presented as a liberator, her route presents war like its only victim is the perpetrator because she’s just oh so sad everyone else is forcing her to kill them. But I’m very alarmed if anyone wholly agrees with her and thinks she’s right to invade the Kingdom and the Alliance. You can love a character and not agree with their actions. I love a character who’s quite similar to Edelgard on the surface, Reinhard von Lohengramm, but I do not agree with his actions at all, even if I root for his victory at every turn in his own story anyways, because sometimes it’s fun to watch a magnificent bastard crush everyone under their heels.

And yeah my main frustration with her is that I really want to like her. But her presentation is so bad that I’m struggling to enjoy her in her own route.

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hotchley · 3 years

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dkfjsk SUMAYYAH I DEADASS TEARED UP AT YOUR LATEST WEB WEACING POST IM SOBBING NOW BECAUSE IM SAD SKDJSKDJ

everytime i see posts about how the team so readily criticised Hotch in that episode my heart breaks just a little more

not that i think it's wrong or they shouldn't have done that, but the fact that only Morgan was the one to add nuance to his criticism ("sometimes")? for Emily it was kind of understandable since she was still so new to the team, and obviously given the way she started at the BAU, Hotch wouldn't have shown her too much trust & be kind to her, which to be fair, definitely could've made her come to the conclusion that he doesn't trust women. but the one that really gets to me nowadays is how JJ just says he's a bully like, 😭😭😭😭 he's one of the kindest characters with the biggest hearts on the show and I always thought Hotch had this older brother vibes with JJ because he was so protective of & patient with her & all that it actually kind of broke my heart to see that line again 😭

the first time i watched the episode i didn't think much about it because at that time i was younger (around 2 years ago? i mean mentally, intellectually, i feel like I've matured since then) & so i didn't pay such close attention to that scene + the whole Spencer was still in danger part kinda had my attention anyways. i only thought that scene was kinda sad but also showcased Hotch's really amazing intellect + sensitivity/perception i guess, i found it kind of funny/amusing and enjoyed it when they figured out Spencer's hint and that's it but now, as I've grown and matured and especially after I've read more fics about Hotch (fanfiction writers are really amazing at spotting details, you'd know that yourself) i just find the entire scene to be SO HEARTBREAKING 😭 idk i always saw Hotch as this strong, tough alpha male leader figure and to think that in that moment he's getting ripped apart by his teammates, the very people he is constantly putting his life and job and family on the line for, and getting all his insecurities and biggest fears laid out and voiced out and exposed by those he very well considers his second family.....

idk I'm just sad now 😭😭😭😭😭

- 🌙

My answer got LONG so it's all below the cut :)

I am going to sound terrible, but I AM VERY HAPPY!! I was hoping someone would be sad because I had the idea in the shower and was like: AHA

I know, I watched that episode and was like: ohh... well... I mean... and then I watched more and was like: OHHH NOO. And then people will be like: HAHA IT'S SO FUNNY!! Or: well I mean, are they wrong??

And I'm like: first, that wasn't funny, because when I asked my friends what my worst flaw was I got: how honest do you want me to be, you don't have enough faith in yourself, you don't have one and silence. And they were also wrong because PEOPLE SAY THINGS IN ANGER!!

Honestly, look at their comments and it shows so much about the way they view Hotch and the dynamic between the characters, and also how they express their emotions. Morgan already knows that Hotch is up to something, so not only does he add nuance, he goes for something that isn't even that big of a deal like "drill sergeant, SOMETIMES" he's the Unit Chief, of course he is.

Yeah, Emily's makes sense, but the issue I have with that is the fandom interpretation of that comment. It's not that he doesn't trust women- if he really didn't trust women, he would not trust JJ to handle press, or recruited Garcia from prison. Also, look at the dynamic with Blake and with Kate. He never distrusted them. He didn't trust Emily because of the way she was put on his team. Everyone watching knows there's something going on, and most of the fandom have seen the later seasons so it's like: GUYS!! REMEMBER THE CONTEXT!!

I know!! When JJ called him a bully, I was like: I know you're angry, but you know you're wrong and he's going to internalise that, and he's not a bully, because look at their little interactions like when he told her it's okay to lose it, or when he fought to let her stay, or how he thought she was an amazing profiler and AAH

Yeah I watched that for the first time and kinda thought it was funny, if a little sad and problematic because why would anyone look at their boss and think: yeah, I'm going to be honest about this. And I know Reid was trying to give a hint, but it was still sad to hear Hotch so violently deny being a narcissist, because even when people don't mean things, it hurts. That's why I included it in the post, just for the complete set.

I first mentioned that scene in heavy is the head that wears the crown as one of the six times Hotch keeps it together, and people were like: OH MY GOD!! That was when I realised... most people did not take it the same way I did... and then it became A Thing.

So then it got mentioned in... that fic where Hotch got kidnapped and mayhem and maybe that's okay? I'm not sure, but I started working it into as many things as possible because I'm like that.

(But seriously, I will work in Emily's: I need to know I can be human and the Revelations scene wherever possible, it's ridiculous)

It is very upsetting though. Because you have Hotch saying he doesn't have a sense of humour, which is a) not that big of a deal, and b) not true. JJ lashes out, Morgan tries to do damage control, Emily goes too far (there's actually a conversation planned where Gideon tries to explain the truth...)

That was exactly it. Throughout the show, Hotch puts his career on the line- he does also get suspended without pay- and tries to do everything he can for them, only for that scene to never have any follow-up. People on TikTok will always be like: Hotch never apologised for this, JJ never apologised for this, but nobody ever said to Hotch: BY THE WAY!!

Also, it was definitely strange. So much of the non-case moments show the team are also a family, because they talk to each other and they love each other and this and that, but that one scene seems to do the opposite...

Like an UNSUB was able to get Hotch's biggest fear- and therefore his biggest flaw- better than the team were able to. Mildly concerning. But yes. I stand by: these were comments made in a moment of anger, and Hotch is not any of those things so everyone should move on :)

If it's any consolation, I got sad making it....

Does any of this make sense? Idk... ANYWAYS

#🌙anon #people talk to me

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queerchoicesblog · 4 years

Text

A Few Words On Pride Month 2020

youtube

So, pride month has come at last. No matter how crazy it sounds right now as we're experiencing first-hand one of those events that will end up in history handbooks one day.

I'll be honest, it's quite difficult for me to talk about it now when everything that is not Mrs Rhona releted seems so well less relevant than it was before. But I want to share a few words that most likely nobody will read but I'll let them flow anyway.

I watch that video every single year during pride month. It's from a series I liked quite a lot back then, it's called Sense8. The character speaking is a trans woman, an lgbtq+ hacktivist, reminiscing her disastrous relationship with her transphobic mother yet finding strength in her own sorrow. There is a passage I love:

Today I'm marching to remember that I'm not just a me

But I'm also a we

And we march with pride

These words resonate with me: they summarise perfectly the deep empathy and acceptance that I feel should make us stick together. Both inside the lgbtqa+ community and as human beings: "I am a human being, and thus nothing human is alien to me". I'm quoting by heart a Latin playwright named Terentius (Terence in English, I guess?) so forgive me if I got something wrong but what I mean is...we should all care about each other because no matter our differences, our sexuality or color of skin or class, we are human. We are brothers and sisters: I'm an only child but I believe that the definition of a healthy family is one where people overcome differences that don't truly matter in the end, they don't define us as worthy or unworthy of love and respect which should always be given to another human being.

Unless there are valid reasons not to.

As the latest happenings in the world have shown, a hard truth we all know has been reinforced: we live in a cruel, unfair world where, as Nomi said, "hating isn't a sin on that list and neither is shame". A world where people get hurt or killed for reasons which can be hardly called a motive for violence: not being white, not being rich enough, being different, holding a hand or kissing a person of the same sex in the street.

We may comfort ourselves saying these fears were past fears, last century or even Victorian age fears but no, they're still out there. And we can't turn a blind eye.

The current pandemic added new ones, making our lives even more miserable. Speaking of the lgbtqa+ community, I think I can say the social distancing is hitting even harder. Does anybody feel lonelier now? I rise my hand, I do. I'm not referring to the fact that pride parades are cancelled (because we all know there is a freaking valid reason atm), but getting in touch with other people is way harder now. In my personal experience, getting in touch with fellow lgbtqa+ folks was rare even before the pandemic, now it's hella tough. In the street we hide our faces behind masks and don't have the same careless attitude we used to display. Shaking hands and even the lightest touch or proximity are not allowed under the new restrictions: a few weeks ago, over here a couple was charged for hugging each other in the street. How sad and dystopic are these times we live in...

Virtual meetings can help but they're not like in person meetings: the warmth of personal interaction is simply not there. We try but it's not there. Couples are separeted by lockdown rules and so are some families. Lgbtqa+ hotlines are a saving grace and I cannot stress enough how important they are and how anyone struggling with their mental health or literally anything concerning themselves, their gender and sexuality should feel free to contact those volunteers who are a blessing restoring a little faith in humanity.

My thoughts are for those of us who got stuck quarantining with homophobic/biphobic/transphobic etc parents or roommates, and those stuck in abusive contexts. Yes, even relationships because - I know I'll be super unpopular saying this but we can't lie especially to the minor or vulnerable ones- lgbtqa+ relationships can be abusive and toxic too. As I said, we're human and I am sick and tired of the honeyed sunshine rhetoric of lgbtqa+ people and love as an ever right and righteous safe haven. It is a safe haven for us to some extent but we must acknowledge there are problematic issues in our community. We have to be honest with each other especially for the sake not only of each other but for the vulnerable ones and the young. Like criticising or reporting abusers, predators, rapists and so on don't make us all filthy creatures who will burn on a stake for our abominable sins. It just makes us responsible and looking out for each other.

We spend so long dreaming of finding someone of the same sex to be with that when someone shows us any sign of affection our feelings for them grow fast, even when red flags or abuse enter our lives. We stay because we're hungry for love and crave what straighties seem to get so easily: love, acceptance, reciprocity. To the young and everyone who needs to hear this I wanna say: it doesn't have to be like that. Don't ever settle for cheap love only because you feel you will lose your only chance to be loved. There are good people out there too and you deserve one of them at your side. You will find them, your paths will cross: just be patient and never ever forget the importance of respect and consent.

To all those experiencing anything like the relationships or toxicity I mentioned, who feel silenced by the sunshine rhetoric, I say: you are not alone, stay strong and you did nothing wrong, others did and I'm sorry you're going through this cause you don't deserve it.

I share a similar shutout to those struggling with mental and/or physical disorders. If you ever felt pretty much invisible, you're not. I see you, many others see you and we're all rooting for you. You're stronger than you think and you're beautiful.

The not-as-unfortunate-as-the abovementioned but still quite forlorn are the star crossed lovers meeting that special someone in a bad time. Quarantine will see the blossoming of some romances but also takes no prisoners, blowing off others. They don't vanish though, in most cases they turn into those impossible loves and what if we love so much in the movies and hate in real life. I wish I could lay a blanket or pull into a tight hug all those going through this. Your pain is not irrelevant even if there are worst things in the world right now, our souls hurt for things like that. I hold your shaking hand wherever you are as you stare blankly at your phone, waiting for a message or a call that will never come, or you reminisce, listening to a romantic playlist you still have saved on your device. Your suffering is my suffering.

On a brighter side, cause I don't wanna be a complete downer, the luckiest ones among us are blessed with love and I can't be any happier for you, whoever you are. I can picture the one day a few years from now when I will be talking to someone and they will share their story saying how they met the love of their life during the pandemic. How it wasn't easy at first because of all the uncertainty and fears but they kept trying and it all started with a social distancing date at a park or via Zoom. You lucky ones, cherish that and never take what you have for granted: the love you feel and that special someone is showing you is a balsam in hard times. Please cherish it dearly and never stop loving: one day you'll warm these old bones and lonely heart if we ever get the chance to cross path.

Actually I don't have any more wisdom to share, granted what I wrote can be called wisdom, nor giveaway. I considered doing a lgbtqa+ one in honor of the pride month but I feel nobody would be interested. Or at least not by me and I fully agree: writing is getting hard and I feel like I risk of ruining everything I dedicate myself to, as I usually do in my life. I'll follow the tips of a few anons (I think?) and devote this month to educate myself over aspects, nuances or realities I am not fully familiar with: so I'll watch Pose and Sex Education. Hopefully I'll learn something new that might make me a better human being.

Feel free to share further advice: books, articles, movies, series, documentaries...you name it! Drop a message or an ask and I'll make what I'm starting now a lasting project!

That is my advice: if you're stuck inside with nothing much to do this month, find something that might enrich you, even a little thing, and go for it.

As well as reminding yourself the usual stuff: you are not wrong nor unlovable, you're not offensive or dirty for being attracted to your same sex or both or none. Not to quote Lady Gaga, but it's truly is that simple: you are born and beautiful this way.

Stay safe and stay strong, my darlings 🏳️‍🌈

Love,

#pride month #pride month 2020 #random thoughts

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vaccinationattitudesaustral-blog · 7 years

Conversation

Australia's 'No Jab, No Pay' policy requires scrutiny

Vaccine Hesitant: After viewing the above video, I have concerns over the policy and the unintended consequences it might have. For one, the policy only targets those who receive welfare and not wealthier families, who are actually far more likely to reject vaccinations according to Julia Senier, assistant professor in sociology and anthropology and health sciences at Northeastern University in the U.S. (I can link you if you'd like to see her article)

Pro-Vaccinator: It is a great initiative, and I am all for the policy. Vaccination is a public health issue and everyone should be vaccinated as a child unless there are legitimate medical reasons not to be. You anti-vaxxers need to stop being so selfish and take off your tin foil hats.

VH: Hi, PV. I don't actually have children yet, but I am pregnant with my first so I have been trying to do as much research as I can regarding vaccinations. I don't think the world is flat though, so I'm not sure if I deserve the 'foil hat' label. I understand your concerns, and I always thought I would vaccinate my children but the more I talk to people and the more de-traditionalised society becomes, I think anti-vaccination arguments are actually becoming more rational, in a sense.

PV: I'm not sure what you mean about it being more rational, could you explain that a little more? I have three kids and all of them have been vaccinated, and all of them are fine. I'd rather them alive and with autism than dead because of a vaccine-preventable disease.

VH: I, of course, would rather my child alive as well, but obviously at their happiest and healthiest is the goal and autism isn't always the only worry. In terms of rationality, I just think our society has been moving towards a different narrative in terms of public health. Health is now promoted by focusing on lifestyle and individual actions and we are taking more personal responsibilities. I cannot talk for everyone, but I definitely feel like visits to my GP now involve shared decision-making, when it didn't before. It is becoming more and more common to actively contribute in your own care, and I think that can be empowering.

PV: Will it also be empowering when your unvaccinated child gives a baby whooping cough? Vaccination is for the greater good, and is absolutely necessary to keep babies and the immunocompromised safe. There is a reason governments focus on vaccination programs, and it is to keep us all safe. Have you ever had small pox? No. You can thank science for that.

VH: Well to be honest that notion of 'social obligation' certainly does worry me, and I think it worries a lot of others as well. A huge number of Australian's are vaccine hesitant, they just don't question it and it's probably because they are afraid it will backfire. Obviously I haven't had small pox, but I have had the chicken pox and the flu and I survived. Can you tell me it is absolutely necessary to make children have these vaccines too?

PV: A huge number of Australian's vaccinate anyway because not doing so is neglectful and should be classed as child abuse. Science has proven vaccinations are safe and effective, and they have eradicated or drastically reduced a number of diseases, how do people conveniently forget that fact?

VH: I don't think labelling parents as neglectful is useful in this context. People who are vaccine hesitant love their children just as much as you do, and genuinely believe they are doing what is best for their child. Why do you get to say what I should and shouldn't do for MY child? Doctors might be able to say 'most vaccines are safe for most children' but are they safe for MY child? It cannot be guaranteed.

PV: So you're happy to be a free rider who gets the benefits of herd immunity without taking the risk?

VH: I think the fact that you are acknowledging a risk is important in itself... If there is a risk, there should definitely be a choice. I agree vaccines have been an important health initiative all around the world, but I also think we need to consider just how much other advances in our society might have had an impact. I would think our improving hygiene practices have made some kind of difference?

PV: That probably has made a difference, but I don't think that could have ever achieved the complete eradication of a disease. Why are there so many people that are so distrusting of science these days?

VH: Because science is not finite like everyone thinks it is, it is ever-evolving. I also think it goes deeper than just science or distrust in doctors. I think that distrust in our own government plays a huge part, which is why the 'No Jab, No Pay' and the 'No Jab, No Play' policies are so concerning. They further segregate the working class families who are on welfare, and people are not seeing the bigger picture here. Our government has made a habit out of discriminating against minority groups, hence the current plebiscite on gay marriage, the proposal to drug test before paying Centrelink benefits, the slashing of penalty rates or the never-ending issues with our indigenous population.

PV: Now you are just slinging your leftist views on things that have nothing to do with vaccination.

VH: Not at all, I'm sorry if you feel like I got side-tracked but I think criticising the vaccination policy is very important. If people receive less welfare, then isn't that going to be to the detriment of their children? And if they are not allowed in to schools, it's just going to cut off early learning and won't that have other long term societal consequences? Like I said, there is a bigger picture. If the government are looking to make budget cuts, maybe more commitment to nutrition and other lifestyle improvements should be looked at considering the amount of money that is spent on things like diabetes or cardiovascular disease every year.

PV: I suppose I agree there, we should be starting from the ground up when it comes to our health. I still think that vaccinating your child is the right thing to do, and quite frankly I do think it should be compulsory because children dying of preventable disease outweighs any societal impacts. The government should also be looking at making the correct information more readily available because I don't see anyone from either side backing down from what they believe in.

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