Things We Care About

Well, Tumblr, 2022 was another big year for speaking up and supporting each other. In the past year, you took action, turned art into activism, and made your voices heard, often in support of others. We’ve analyzed your top tags and posts to determine what mattered to you in the last year.

When Ukraine was invaded, you showed your support. You continue to #stand with Ukraine, create for Ukraine, and honor Ukrainian artists caught in the crossfires.

Throughout the year, you shared many messages of body positivity and encouragement, held 5,879,971 private exchanges with @kokobot (yes, you and kokobot rlly r bestiez), and sent an inconceivable amount of anonymous, personalized messages of reassurance to each other.

You celebrated Pride with plenty of wholesome artistic offerings and showed solidarity with your peers all over the world. You stood up against the Don’t Say Gay bill in Florida and informed each other on how to vote against trans-exclusionary policies across America. When Rebel Wilson and Kit Conner were both pressured into coming out, you supported them, commiserated with them, and came to the defense of anyone who's ever been pressured to do so.

When Mahsa Amini was killed, you spoke out and posted in support of protests in Iran, learning about and spreading awareness of what women, girls, and protestors endure in the name of tradition in Iran. 

When Roe v. Wade was overturned, you shared countless resources for those affected by reproductive rights infringement in the US, again turning to art as a means to share stories and ignite action. You commemorated the victims of the Uvalde shooting, saying enough is enough when it comes to gun-related violence in America. You turned your rage into art that inspires and nudged others to make their voices heard at the US polls. 

You reminded users that the “civil rights movement isn’t as “ancient” as we’re taught in class,” that Black lives still matter, and always will matter. You celebrated Black Joy and Black Excellence, illuminating stories of resilience in the face of racial injustice. 

You celebrated your Indigenous culture and took a stand for the preservation of Indigenous lands.

You continued to be planet-conscious by sharing ideas, resources, and knowledge of mending and making, and celebrated conservation efforts along the way. 

And finally, under the continued stresses of COVID, you looked to the future with resilience, turning pain and uncertainty into hope and connection.

And that’s definitely something to be proud of. What will you stand for in 2023?

Language fun fact 1

People can have more than one first language. A few examples:

Children of immigrants very often learn both their parents language and the official one of their host country at an early age and develop fluency and a strong attachment to both. Oftentimes they speak in two languages before even the time of their first conscious memory.

Sometimes they don't just learn their parents language and the official language but also the local dialect or the minority language of the region. Example would be a child being born or brought early to Barcelona and learning both Spanish and Catalan in addition to their parents language. Which leads to my next example.

Sometimes the country someone is born in has two or more official languages or two or more languages are very widely spoken and used. People from countries like Tunis, Morocco and Algeria usually speak both Arabic and French.

There's also the example of couples from two different languages living in the territory of another language and their children learning all three.

However, we must not assume that the examples I listed always happen. Also we must not assume that someone from a certain ethnic group speaks the language traditionally used by that group.

Oftentimes immigrant parents DON'T teach their language to their children and those kids end up knowing only the local language. Sometimes people of an ethnic group don't learn their ancestral language despite living on that group's traditional territory due to being part of a larger country. Example would be Basque people in Spain or Kurdish people in Turkey not knowing Basque or Turkish. Conversely, sometimes a group isolates itself so much children from it speak the official language like a foreign tongue. Example would be Hungarians in Romania.

Hope the info was entertaining xD

Things We Care About...

Here on @action and across our other blogs (@blackexcellence @prideplus @postitforward @getloudr), we strive to create a safe space to discuss the causes near and dear to Tumblr and users like you. Tumblr's areas of interest are:

Racial Justice ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼

Mental Health 💚🧠🌱

LGBTQIA+ Equity and Causes 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

To continue to provide relevant resources, we will need your help (YES, YOU!!) We want to hear about the causes that inspire you. Use this ➡️ survey ⬅️ to tell Tumblr what kind of impactful content you want to see more of, what organizations or companies we should partner with, and what we can do to better serve your community on Tumblr.

Also, don't forget to check out the Things We Care About Staff Picks to learn more about what is near and dear to Tumblr

Click HERE to take the survey now!

What to expect from us:

Happy timezone, fellow Wayfarers!

We previously introduced our values, but we also wanted to introduce what you can expect from us in both our original and reposted content.

We explore various themes relevant to our contemporary society and the society we wish to build. Here is some of what to expect:

A highlight on current events.

Discussions of urban design and transportation systems.

Diverse community building and maintenance for online and in person.

Conversations about sustainability.

On topic book, podcast, and video reviews and suggestions.

And so much other content that aligns with our values.

Please engage, share your thoughts, and follow to be a part of the conversation!

-Wayfarer ❤️

The Unseen Layers: Navigating Emotional Landscapes in Relationships

In this emotionally charged episode of Berry Unearthed: Rooted in Resilience, Phil and Crystal delve into the hidden intricacies of their relationship. They kick things off by discussing the art of eliciting reactions from each other—sometimes for humor and sometimes as a barometer for emotional states. Phil shares his amusement in pushing Crystal's buttons just to see her react, highlighting the childlike joy that can be found in long-term relationships.

As the conversation deepens, Phil and Crystal explore the idea of "emotional mechanics," the unseen forces that keep a relationship ticking. Phil admits to sometimes being the instigator but also appreciates the balance and boundary-setting that Crystal brings to the table. Crystal, in turn, values Phil's provocations as opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

The duo shifts gears to discuss the concept of resilience within relationships. They both agree that resilience isn't just about bouncing back from hardships but also about navigating the day-to-day nuances that come with being in a committed partnership. Phil stresses the importance of not taking things too seriously, while Crystal emphasizes the need for conscious decision-making rather than reacting out of emotional impulse.

In a surprising turn, the episode segues into a broader discussion about societal expectations and how they can strain relationships. Phil criticizes the media's role in polarizing opinions and fostering a culture of outrage, advocating for more independent thinking. Crystal counters by pointing out that genuine change requires a collective effort, something that can be daunting in a society resistant to change.

Throughout the episode, both Phil and Crystal exhibit a level of vulnerability that adds depth to their discussions. They acknowledge the challenges they've faced in their own relationship, from communication breakdowns to differing perspectives on various issues. Yet, they both agree that it's the journey, with its struggles and triumphs, that makes a relationship truly resilient and fulfilling.

In wrapping up, they stress the importance of continuous growth, open communication, and the value of both embracing and challenging each other's viewpoints. This episode serves as a masterclass in maintaining a resilient relationship, making it a must-listen for anyone invested in personal growth and relational dynamics.

Check out this episode!

Unlock the door to a greener future with the Circular Impact Accelerator! Join the program and make your ideas a reality.

Supported by Green Industries SA and in partnership with CollabforGood, the Circular Impact Accelerator is your chance to design a social enterprise that pioneers circular economy solutions in South Australia.

Over 6 weeks, you'll be able to:

Get expert coaching and workshops with industry leaders.

Network with mentors, collaborators, and potential customers.

Gain the chance to secure seed funding to launch your social enterprise.

Download the program information pack for details and some useful tips to enhance your application.

**Participation in the program is free, thanks to the generous support of Green Industries SA.**

Deadline for applications: April 16, 2024.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.collab4good.com.au/circular-impact-accelerator

Your path to impactful innovation is here. Will you step forward?

Hello Tumblr! This is Minds and Pens.

Are you a curious person? Do you often wonder what is going on around you? If yes, then behold Minds and Pens!

But what is Minds and Pens? Well, to put it simply, it's an initiative with the sole aim of sharing knowledge. We do this by making explainer videos covering a diverse range of topics, making documentaries, writing blogposts, and podcasting. All our posts are created after meticulous research so that they are knowledgeable, satisfy your curiosity, and help you make a better sense of the world around you. All in all, Minds and Pens is an initiative for the curious minds.

The initiative includes a YouTube channel, namely Venture Beyond and a Podcast, namely The Knowledge Nexus and a blog for now. The explainer videos and the documentaries are uploaded on the YouTube channel. For example, two miniseries on Artificial Intelligence and the USA-Iran conflict are currently live on the YouTube Channel. To watch Click here!

The tagine of the initiative is "Science. Words Wisdom". Which effectively conveys the values around which Minds and Pens is built.

Interested much!! Join us on this journey of learning by following our blog on Tumblr. Additionally, you can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and 𝕏 by clicking on the links below:

Facebook

Instagram

𝕏 (formerly known as Twitter)

New STUK on Self Love Podcast Ep.

This episode is all about community vs. capitalism and how large scale this relates to the ongoing atrocities being committed in Gaza. Tap in! (Available on all platforms)

~ B

How Can We Talk About Free Speech: Protecting Minorities and Preserving Freedom

Discover why free speech is crucial for the empowerment of minority voices, promoting equality, and preventing oppression. Learn how protecting this fundamental right benefits society as a whole.

How Can We Talk About Free Speech: Protecting Minorities and Preserving Freedom Introduction: Free speech is a fundamental right that lies at the heart of any democratic society. It allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without fear of censorship or retaliation. While free speech benefits everyone, it is particularly vital for protecting minorities. In this blog…

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1. “Abortion is an economic good, without which women would be much worse off.” How should we respond to this line of thinking? For starters, we might respond from the child’s point of view that life is better than not living. Given the choice, I believe most of us prefer difficult circumstances to death…

2. We might also ask the question whether any argument that can be used to justify killing children in the womb—for the sake of economic benefit—can be used just as logically to justify killing children outside the womb. I can tell you from experience children are least expensive when they first arrive. The real economic burdens come later. Can children be snuffed out at 6 or 16, or only at 6 weeks in the womb when the economic burden is least?...

3. The presence of widespread, legal, easily accessible abortion reinforces the narrative that men do not have control over their sexual appetites and that men should not be expected to fulfill their responsibilities as fathers. Far from empowering women, abortion empowers men to expect (if not outright demand) that sexual activity should be free from any consequences. This in turn disincentivizes men from considering marriage in the first place, which is the surest way to impoverish women…

4. Abortion does for the poor what gambling does for the poor. Legalized gambling looks like an opportunity to escape poverty, but the social costs of gambling—lost productivity, lost employment, illness, divorce, abuse, neglect—are massive...

5. Overwhelmingly, abortions in America are procured by single women—85% of the women who had abortions in 2019 were unmarried. This may seem like a reason women need abortion access, but that argument fails to address the larger ways in which abortion cheapens sex, undermines marriage, and puts pressure on women to acquiesce to a male-centered perspective that views sexual intimacy as centered on physical gratification rather than ordered to family formation and child-rearing...

Kevin DeYoung

Climate change is in!

Here are some of my wandering thoughts:

Many today want to work in "climate change". What does that mean? Does it mean:

(A) people want to find jobs they can do and/or want to do while making some level of impact? What is "some level of impact" anyway?

OR

(B) people will do whatever is needed to stop climate change? Whatever is needed regardless of what?

There is possibly endless possibilities between (A) and (B) and beyond.

Where do I fit in between (A) and (B) and beyond? 10 years in the workforce, and I still don't know. Sometimes I thought I knew and had already figured it out, and then I got surprised with some new intels, knowledge, and insight that threw me back to the beginning of my inquiry, again. It's annoying not being able to identify the/a finish line.

Moving on...

92% of the world population lives with less than $50/day income My hourly salary is more than $50/hour. I make more than $400/day. I am among the world top 1% earner.

The minimum wage in my area set by the government is $15.74 per hour as of 2023. That's a minimum of $125.92/day. That should also place the minimum wage income earner among the world top 1% earner.

The US categorizes individual making less than about $62.05/day as individual living in poverty. And, 92% of the world population lives with less than $50/day income What do I do with this information?

For 4 years of college, 2 BA degrees, 1 BAS certificate, 10 years of work experiences, I was never tasked with anything remotely related to the question above. Is it not important? Where do I even start anyway? Isn't it a rich thought experiment exercise?

And to curve carbon emission, majority of the world population must do the best we can. So, what does that look like for different people with very different income levels around the world?

The Implications of Algorithmic Bias and How To Mitigate It

AI has the potential to transform our world in ways we can't even imagine. From self-driving cars to personalized medicine, it's making our lives easier and more efficient. However, with this power comes the responsibility to consider the ethical implications and challenges that come with the use of AI. One of the most significant ethical concerns with AI is algorithmic bias.

Algorithmic bias occurs when a machine learning model is trained on data that is disproportionate from one demographic group, it may make inaccurate predictions for other groups, leading to discrimination. This can be a major problem when AI systems are used in decision-making contexts, such as in healthcare or criminal justice, where fairness is crucial.

But there are ways engineers can mitigate algorithmic bias in their models to help promote equality. One important step is to ensure that the data used to train the model is representative of the population it will be used on. Additionally, engineers should test their models on a diverse set of data to identify any potential biases and correct them.

Another key step is to be transparent about the decisions made by the model, and to provide an interpretable explanation of how it reaches its decisions. This can help to ensure that the model is held accountable for any discriminatory decisions it makes.

Finally, it's important to engage with stakeholders, including individuals and communities who may be affected by the model's decisions, to understand their concerns and incorporate them into the development process.

As engineers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our AI models are fair, transparent and accountable. By taking these steps, we can help to promote equality and ensure that the benefits of AI are enjoyed by everyone.

Social workers need digital access and skills to optimize impact

Members of our local partner NGO ‘Vizzughutal’ receive digital devices In the last years, one of our activities and programs in South India also supported the digital access for our local kindergarten teachers ( who work as informal health care workers in the tribal villages, too) and for our local NGO partners. Often it is difficult – especially for smaller NGOs – to finance their own team and…

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The Unpacking Of Don’t Worry Darling

Florence Pugh stars as Alice, a housewife in a planned community known as the Victory Project. Alice’s husband Jack (Harry Styles) is continuously working on a project throughout the movie that he describes as “the development of progressive materials.” While the women in Victory stay home to fulfill their housewife duties all of the men in Victory participate in this venture. Frank (Chris Pine), the head of the Victory Project, without specifying what they’re actually working on constantly emphasizes the importance of their work especially at their house parties. Frank’s wife, Shelley (Gemma Chan), is loyal to the project and her husband and sermonizes the virtues of order and control to the women. Every day, the wives see their spouses off to work. They head towards the Victory Project mountaintop, a place that is off-limits to everyone but the men who work there. But when a plan crashes in distance, Alice tries to investigate and her search leads her to the Victory Project headquarters (a place she’s forbidden to explore). When Alice tries to look inside she falls out and wakes up in her own bed. Alice also sees one of her best friends Margaret slice her throat, and the Victory authorities insist that she is alive and well getting treatment. What Alice doesn’t know is that Margaret wandered off and when she returned her son was no longer with her. Not long after Alice wakes up after wandering off, she starts to experience hallucinations. Alice’s realization that almost every couple’s stories align (hometowns, honeymoon locations, etc.) sets her to confront Frank at a dinner party. Frank all but admits to Alice that he is manipulating the people of Victory, but leaves before she can respond leaving her to argue with her husband Jack. At almost the end of the film we see a flashback of Alice in an operating room, but she isn’t the patient she’s the doctor. She goes home after a 30-hour shift, and Jack is sitting at a desk looking unseemly and captivated by a podcast whose host voice sounds just like Franks. Alice and the other wives aren’t just supporting the Victory Project but they’re also subjects. In the real world Alice has been drugged and stuck in a simulation where the roles of her and Jack are not only reversed but amplified: Jack is the breadwinner and Alice is the stay at home wife compared to Alice working and Jack being unemployed. The end of the film is  Alice waking up from the simulation.

Remembering Vivienne Westwood

Dame Vivienne Westwood, Designer and Activist

April 8th, 1941-December 29th, 2022.

I. Westwood Fashion

Vivienne Westwood put in over 60 years of hard work, innovation, and dedication into the ever changing fashion world. Vivienne always used her fashion shows and collections to make a positive activism campaign. Vivienne spent many years speaking about climate change and over-consumption and their effects.

Vivienne Westwood's creations were known for parodying English looks, and held an innovative take on traditional tailoring and utilizing tartan and Harris Tweed materials. Even during radical eras of fashion, Westwood always maintained/referenced historical styles, such as during the punk fashion era.

II. Vivienne's Social Impact

Vivienne Westwood considered herself a Taoist, where she believed that she was making full use of her character and full use of her life on Earth. Taoism gave Vivienne the feeling that she belonged to the cosmos and had a given purpose in life.

Westwood stood for justice and fairness, and spoke out against capitalism. The Vivienne Foundation is a non-profit company founded by Vivienne, her sons and granddaughters in late 2022, will launch sometime in 2023 to honor her legacy and activism.

The foundations goal is to raise awareness and create change working with NGOs. This foundation is built upon four pillars: climate change, defend human rights, protest capitalism, and stop war.