factionmixer

[factionmixer]

So I have literally never felt the need to use the "my problematic fave" tag on tumblr....until The Mime Order. And now "my problematic fave" is 100% Jax and I'm so torn. Without any spoilery things, can you bolster my hope for better things from him? Or possibly let me down easy so I have time to get used to the idea of having a "problematic fave" forever....? Either way or neither way, kudos on some freaking fantastic characters.

Thank you for asking this. I’m going to use it as a springboard so I can talk about problematic people and characters in general. (Sorry. Sometimes I spring.) 

I hadn’t heard of that tag in the context of fictional characters, but I am aware of it being applied to real people. Being problematic is a concept that has become much more visible in the last few years, and rightfully so. First off, I want to stress that I agree with this vital change in the way we view and communicate with one another. The importance of holding both public figures and the media to account when they say, do, or promote something that could hurt people, reinforce harmful stereotypes and power structures, or otherwise set a bad example to others, cannot be overstated. Too often we allow such things to go unnoticed because someone has a famous name. Too often we don’t interrogate what we consume on a daily basis. Too often we pass cruel words off as jokes, and use language too carelessly. I have great respect for people who take the time to call others out for all of those things, and I should do it more often myself. But while it’s right to critique people in the public eye, many of whom have impressionable fanbases, humans are not infallible. And if there’s one thing that matters about books, it’s the fact that they remind us of that.

Over the last three years, I have been told by several people that they consider me a role model. Each time, it has terrified me. I am far from perfect. I’ve been unkind. I’ve said and done things I bitterly regret. If I had a dreamscape, it would be full of spectres. I’ve only experienced this on a small scale, but nowadays, so many public figures (often young ones) are lifted onto pedestals by the people (often young ones) who enjoy their work – and because they’re human, they can never be worthy of the height. So when their public façade cracks, and they do something wrong – when they show their fallibility – they have a long way to fall. The rest of us are quick to judge. We find it difficult to admire someone’s work while accepting that they, as a person, are intrinsically flawed, and may slip up from time to time. As Neil Gaiman said, “It’s too easy to be outraged these days, so much harder to change things, to reach out, to understand.”

Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m talking about this when you asked me a question about Jaxon, a fictional character. I am of the belief that a good book, even a fantasy, holds a mirror to the real world and makes you examine it in ways you might not have expected. If you read a book full of black-and-white characters, sharply divided into “villains” and “role models” (or worse, just “role models”), that book does not reflect reality. It erases the essential truth of human nature. Imagine reading a book where no-one is even a little bit bad – where does that leave you? Reading about a character’s mistakes, you can think, “This character has done that thing I did and felt bad about. It’s not just me. I’m not alone.” Books are a space in which we can play out dangerous and exhilirating scenarios from the safety of our bedrooms, but they are also where we find ourselves, and reassure ourselves that there is no perfect, no normal, no natural. That we are just like everyone, and everyone is just like us.

I truly believe that fictional characters shouldn’t be there to set examples, because there has to be room for all sorts of people in the pages of our stories. Instead, they should be touchstones against which we can measure our own morals and opinions. I want you to read about Paige and not just think “I want to be like her”, but “I agree with some of her actions, but not others, and this is why”. My characters, even the “good guys”, are not role models. Nadine is ambitious to the extent that she will shove others out of the way. Jaxon is cruel and manipulative. Paige, as Jaxon’s mollisher, bullied and intimidated others for personal gain. Warden concealed the truth about Paige’s memory-dreams. None of this lot are perfect. All of them are problematic. They are each a mixed bag of good and bad and everything between.

I’m so glad you’re aware that Jaxon is problematic, despite the fact that you like him. I’m also glad that you haven’t messaged me to tell me he’s your role model. (That would be worrying.) And I can’t promise you better things for him, but I hope that you will continue to be aware of the problematic aspects of his character and measure them against the things you do like about him as the series goes on.

[factionmixer]

i’m back on tumblr bc i just finished the mask falling and i’m in full samantha shannon stan mode

*squints in Priory*

[factionmixer]

Ead: I can’t believe we’re stuck in this room together.

Sabran, throwing the key out the window: Truly unfortunate.

[factionmixer]

It’s not like it’s one big bad thing. It’s a lot of little invisible things. When Magnus and I were traveling, and I’d call from the road, Dad never asked how he was. When I get up to talk in Clave meetings, no one listens, and I don’t know if that’s because I’m young or if it’s because of something else. I saw Mom talking to a friend about her grandchildren and the second I walked into the room they shut up. Irina Cartwright told me it was a pity no one would ever inherit my blue eyes now. It’s not like a stab wound you can protect me from. It’s a million little paper cuts every day.

[factionmixer]

[factionmixer]

us tv: reviewed 

[factionmixer]

Maybe it’s for the best these didn’t send.

[factionmixer]

Your Homework This Thanksgiving

A lot of people I know going home for Thanksgiving spend a good portion of time debugging and unfucking their parents’ and other older relatives’ computers for them.

So while you’re uninstalling malware and the 32 accidentally installed toolbars, may I suggest taking the time to install one of these Alt-Right Denormalizer extensions? 

One changes all mentions of “alt-right” to “white supremacy.”

Or

This one changes all mentions of “alt-right” to “rebranded white nationalism.”

I mean, you’re there to help.

[factionmixer]

Being straight is like being in gryffindor: all the main characters are always gryffindor, there’s tons of merch for gryffindor, and no one’s gonna give you shit for being in gryffindor. 

Being gay is like being in slytherin: everyone has heard of it, but the merch is few and far between so you have to really want it. The only slytherin characters are secondary and morally gray. Some people think you are evil.

Being bisexual is like being in ravenclaw: there is no merch. there are no major ravenclaw characters. people definitely try to lump it in with either gryffindor or slytherin, and there are a few weird stereotypes.

being asexual is like being in hufflepuff:

[factionmixer]

pls pls pls electoral college do your goddamn purpose

republicans who are chosen: if you go for clinton, you will be revered for all of human history. if you go through with voting for trump, you guys will be known as those assholes who had a chance to stop the track of destruction and failed

[factionmixer]

If you voted for Trump tonight, make sure to explain to your gay, trans, female, black, Latina/o, and Muslim friends why they don’t matter to you.

[factionmixer]

let me be quite clear about something

if you support trump, unfollow me

if you voted for trump, unfollow me

if you’re in any way endorsing trump, a violent, misogynistic, white supremacist, rapist, racist, homophobic and transphobic piece of shit, unfollow me 

[factionmixer]

What causes/relieves stress: NT types

What stresses out an ENTJ:

Being in an environment that lacks vision or ideas for the future.

Being in an environment where others don’t appreciate their vision.

Being interrupted.

Being surrounded by (or guilty of) incompetence.

Poorly managed change.

Laziness.

Having to be a follower instead of a leader.

Not being able to make their goals come to fruition.

Having to deal with intense emotions from others.

Feeling guilt over being critical towards others.

Not having their strongly held values validated or respected.

Small talk or frivolous conversations.

When experiencing stress, ENTJs may at first become argumentative and combative with anyone who is causing it. They may feel that they are losing control, and feel an urgent need to complete a task. If the stress continues, they become distracted by the urgency and need to get something done. They may engage in compulsive, misdirected activities like cleaning, counting, or inspecting. They will feel a growing sense of failure, and a rising sense of anger and frustration. If they are in a state of chronic stress, they may fall into the grip of their inferior function, introverted feeling. When this happens they may become uncharacteristically emotional and furious and withdraw from others to prevent anyone seeing their lack of emotional stability. They may become hypersensitive about their relationships, misinterpreting tiny, insignificant details and believing that others hate or dislike them.

How to help an ENTJ experiencing stress:

Give them some space and time alone to sort out their feelings.

Listen and let them talk it out when they’re ready.

Discuss information or ideas that could lead to solutions.

Don’t be overly sympathetic or emotional.

Give them a change of scenery by getting outdoors with them.

Encourage them to vent their frustration without fear of judgment.

Remind them that they are OK, and it is perfectly fine to feel the way they do and that you won’t judge them.

What stresses out an INTJ:

Being in an environment that doesn’t appreciate their skills, visions, or ideas.

Not enough alone time. Too much extraverting.

Too much noise or sensory input.

Working with those they see as lazy, incompetent, or ignorant.

Having to pay attention to too many details at once.

Being in unfamiliar environments.

Having their well-settled plans disrupted.

Too much focus on the here-and-now.

Not being able to use their intuition to envision the future.

When in a state of stress, the INTJ can feel an immense amount of pressure – as if everything is on the line. To an INTJ, this often means the ability to produce something significant is somehow stifled. They may find themselves overwhelmed, and thinking about ideas and options that don’t have a productive end. As stress increases, the INTJ can become argumentative and disagreeable. Social interaction becomes increasingly difficult; and they may become preoccupied with obsessive ideas and plans. They may start to spend a massive amount of time fighting horrible thoughts, and feelings of worthlessness. They will ruminate about their mistakes, inadequacies and weaknesses, and stop progress on a project for fear of failure. In a case of chronic stress, the INTJ may fall into the grip of their inferior function; extraverted sensing. When this happens, they may give into self-destructive indulgences, like over-eating, over-exercising, alcoholism, or buying lots of useless items. They may obsessively clean or re-organize files.

How to help an INTJ experiencing stress:

Give them space, and time alone to process their thoughts and feelings.

Reduce sensory stimulation like noise, TV, radio, or bright lights.

Let them express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Understand that they may be irrational.

Don’t give them advice. This will only make them feel worse.

Give them a break from responsibilities.

Encourage them to get enough sleep at night.

Help them lighten their schedule, or cancel unnecessary activities.

After some time of solitude, encourage them to get a change of scenery by going outdoors.

What stresses out an ENTP:

An environment where rules are rigidly enforced

A lack of change or progression

A lack of outside stimulation

Being micromanaged

Having their creativity stifled

Being forced to make decisions or complete projects before they’re ready

Working with individuals they view as incompetent

Not having their visions appreciated

Having their principles violated

Having to focus too long on mundane details

Overextending themselves

When an ENTP is experiencing stress, they become distracted and overwhelmed, losing their signature “can do” attitude. They may feel incompetent, inept, and inadequate. They can become overwhelmed with fear, panic, and anxiety and will feel a need to escape whatever situation is plaguing them. Their creativity will be stifled, and if the stress isn’t handled they will fall into the grip of their inferior function, introverted sensing. When they fall into the grip of their inferior function, they will become uncharacteristically quiet and reserved. They will feel depressed and stew on ways they have failed. They may notice minor bodily changes and become convinced that they are suffering from some life-threatening disease. They often become hypochondriacs, imagining all kinds of ailments that are befalling them physically.

How to help an ENTP experiencing stress:

Give them time alone to deal with their feelings.

Avoid patronizing them, even if they are being irrational.

Don’t try to “solve the problem”.

Listen without making judgments, or trying to talk them out of their negative state.

Encourage them to have some time alone to exercise.

Encourage them to get enough rest.

Give them a massage.

After they’ve calmed down a little, ask if they want help.

What stresses out an INTP:

Being in an environment where they feel controlled by others.

Not being allowed to go with the flow of the moment.

Being required to do simple and repetitive tasks.

Being surrounded by individuals they see as incompetent.

A lack of autonomy.

Being in charge of the quality of another person’s work.

Not enough alone time. Too much extraverting.

Being immersed in emotionally charged environments.

Being in a place where their expertise is not appreciated.

People “barging in” on their space.

Not having their strongly held values validated.

When an INTP begins to experience stress, they often feel highly self-critical and powerless. If stress continues, the INTP feels as if their mind is blocked and they can’t access all the vital information they’ve stored there. Their creativity comes to a halt and they may suffer from stage fright, writer’s block, and a general inhibition of their usual ingenious thinking. The INTP may become self-conscious and distracted in anticipation of failure. If they become too overwhelmed with stress, they may stop taking any risks and fail to gain the expertise and mastery they need. In the case of chronic stress, the INTP may fall into the grip of their inferior function, extroverted feeling. This may cause them to have uncharacteristic emotional outbursts, and become edgy, illogical, inefficient and obsessed with details.

How to help an INTP experiencing stress:

Give them alone time and space.

Excuse them from some of their responsibilities.

Let them get away from everything.

Don’t ask them how they feel or if they’re okay.

Encourage them to have some alone time exercising.

Let them know it’s okay to feel unreasonable sometimes.

Stay out of the way and forgive out-of-characteristic behavior.

x

[factionmixer]

@isvbellx INTJ

@wordscansavetheworld

🌚 why you should not be friends with any of the types 🌚

DISCLAIMER: i feed on stereotypes so pls do not be hurt of the feelings ALSO DISCLAIMER: salt

isfj: every cookie they bake is laced with unspeakable sorrow. you are obese. dudley dursley looks waifish next to you. you cannot move except to raise cookies to your mouth. they emerge from the kitchen with more. they smile. 

esfj: they have too many other friends who adore them too much. you are reduced to fighting in the hunger games with all the esfj’s other friends.

istj: they are fluffy friends who care about you. you plan a dinner to thank them. you ask them, “saturday sound okay?” crossing a slot off their planner, they reply, “for 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 17 seconds, i will be at your leisure.”

estj: like an amoeba they absorb you. at first you protest, but soon you find yourself getting brainwashed and drawn, fibre by slow fibre, into their army of mindless minions.

infp: they are super nice lil worms, but have you ever thought to ask them why they always wear that one oversized extra-baggy jacket? the pockets are full of knives. and old grudges

enfp: they become like a sister to you then they leave you and move to singapore with two weeks’ notice. 0/10 would not recommend

infj: they wear so much black eyeliner that you’re never really sure what they’re thinking. which is probably good, because you probably don’t want to know what they’re thinking. (psst they’re reading your mind)

enfj: do you really want to be suffocated with hugs? cause that’s how you get suffocated with hugs

istp: you see them leaning on a graffiti-ridden wall. you say “hey howve you been–” silence. behind their sunglasses you detect a flicker as of some long-sleeping dragon awakening to spit a first tentative lick of flame. you back away.

estp: you are reduced to a sidekick and a wingman, watching with tears in your eyes as the estp takes everything you love. you can never be cooler than them. you will be a footnote in the annals of coolness.

isfp: they wish to understand the meaning of life, and that is a quest upon which they must embark alone.

esfp: you’re not good enough for them. you are not worthy to share the space on the yoga mat which is their sole possession in the whole wide world. that’s it. that’s the only reason

intp: at 2 AM your phone buzzes. you pick it up groggily. the notification from the intp reads: “Remember the Alamo!” you text back “what the fuck”. there is no reply. only silence. only the void.

entp: they trick you into telling them your deepest, darkest secret. then they make puns about it. layers upon layers of puns. onion puns. save me im drowning

intj: like diogenes, they prefer you to not approach them lest you stand in the way of their sunlight complete solitude. unlike diogenes, they live in a fortified stronghold with a crocodile-filled moat.

entj: their laugh is just really creepy. like, on a scale of one to megalomaniac, RUN WHILE YOU STILL CAN

[factionmixer]

There are mysteries worth solving and stories worth telling. This blog is the story of two men and their frankly ridiculous adventures - of murder, mystery and mayhem. But from now on, there’s a new story.  A  b i g g e r  a d v e n t u r e .

[factionmixer]

I’m the guy meowing back