#Academic Blog Post

[timetravell]

[wastedmishhty]

[abhinavuhblog]

Digital Media: Sources & Significance

Academic Blog

Academic Blog Post #01 

I would like to use the theory we’ve learned about emotion and affect to examine how movies can be affective and how it evoke emotions in audience. So I chose one of my favorite movie, “Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale” as an example to explain the theory of Affect. 

Plot 

The movie is based on true story of a most loyal dog in Japan. The film exhibits the tale of Hachi’s lifelong devotion to his master. The story begins when college professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) finds an abandoned dog at a train station and out of the goodness of his heart, takes the dogs home. Unable to find the dog’s owner, Parker and her family eventually adopted the dog. Overtime, the two formed an inseparable bond and went on adventures together. Hachi has made a habit of walking the professor to the station every morning and waiting for the professor’s train to arrive in the afternoon. Ten years after his master’s unexpected death, Hachi still waited devotedly for Parker at the train station every afternoon. The story conveys the deep relationship and commitment between a human and a pet. It clearly shows the value of respect between humans and between humans and their pets.  

References 

Hachiko: A movie review (no date). https://thepinoywanderer.blogspot.com/2012/04/hachiko-dogs-story-movie-review.html.

Academic Blog Post #02 

For this blog, I would like to discuss about transmedia. For an example I chose my favorite game league of legends. 

League of Legends is an incredibly popular video game worldwide, developed by Riot Games. It has garnered a massive following due to its captivating gameplay and strategic elements. The game revolves around a team-based competitive format, where players must employ tactics and take on their opponents with skill and precision. With its complex mechanics and fast-paced nature, League of Legends offers a challenging and exhilarating gaming experience.

 

In a typical match, two teams of five players each work together to destroy the enemy Nexus before the opposing team does the same to their Nexus. To enhance the gameplay, players can select from a vast pool of around 140 unique characters, known as champions. These champions possess their own distinct strengths, abilities, and personalities, allowing players to find a champion that suits their preferred playstyle. 

Intriguingly, League of Legends extended its influence beyond the realm of gaming with the debut of its animated series called "Arcane" in 2021. Created by Alex Yee and Christian Linke, the show offers a captivating narrative that delves into the lives of two orphaned sisters who grow up together. However, their paths diverge as they mature, leading them to become bitter rivals. The series explores the consequences of their choices and the transformative power of circumstance. 

To partake in the game, teams select different locations on Summoner's Rift, which is the main map utilized in League of Legends. This map serves as the battleground where teams compete against each other, vying for control and dominance. As the game progresses, players engage in various operations, such as battling computer-controlled minions, demolishing enemy turrets, and eliminating enemy champions. These actions yield gold rewards, which players can invest in empowering their champions, thus increasing their chances of controlling the game. Ultimately, the team that effectively exploits these advantages can push forward, overcome their opponents, and emerge victorious. 

References

Arcane (TV Series 2021– ) ⭐ 9.0 | Animation, Action, Adventure (2021). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11126994/

Walser, A. (2021) How is Arcane related to League of Legends — and what changed? https://collider.com/how-is-arcane-related-to-league-of-legends/.

Academic Blog Post #3 

Realism in film focuses on the mundane aspects of everyday life and brings a “real” aspect of life to the screen. The images are generally static with little movement, and the camera tends to visualize the images. There is no art in the lighting and composition. The scenes are shot on location and not on custom sets. The films are edited for continuity rather than artistic effects to capture the attention of the audience. The music and soundtrack are particularly digestive (like when the characters visit the world in real time). Virtual reality advocates believe these guns are highly targeted.  

An example for realism is the movie of Michael Radford’s The Merchant of Venice(2004), starred by Al Pacino. Especially in the opening sequence of the film, realistic techniques are used to transport viewers to “Venice, 1596” which is announced on screen. 

There are no graphic devices ( like the television reporter in “Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet). Several intertitles using a camera using film as a documentary lens in the installation shot describe historical cases of anti-semitism and long shots show monks preaching from a ‘Venetian Gondola’ with a christian cross blocking the Rialto able to see it in the right direction. 

References

Realism – Screening Shakespeare (no date). https://screenshakespeare.org/theory/realism/#:~:text=Some%20realist%20filmmakers%20include%20Vittorio,2004)%2C%20starring%20Al%20Pacino.

Academic Blog Post #4 

In the case of Narrative story telling, I would like to choose the game, Tomb Raider developed by Crystal Dynamics, Core Design & Eidos Montreal. The game has adapted from, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft : Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003). 

Narrative is a choice of events to associate with and in sequence – so the narrative is the manifestation of a particular position or object, rather than the narrative itself being a simple way of remembering the difference between a novel and a novel between novels by changing the sequence of events . Another sequence of events means you have another version of the same story. Narrative transforms narrative into information, or better yet, knowledge for the recipient (viewer or reader). Each event is a knowledge search by the audience. The story is a paradox, because it seeks to conceal and reveal the truth. The storyteller arranges the sources of knowledge so that they are revealed in chronological order, suggesting that the truth behind the initial claims is elusive Such deliberate authorial intent creates a sense of mystery or oppression , the audience's desire to know what happens in the story and why It's reporting conflicts. 

In case of the game Tomb Raider (2013), narrative is a masterclass in the use of the video games medium to create emotionally charged and character-driven experiences The game achieves a delicate balance between demanding gameplay and complex storytelling by Lara Croft's early narrative analysis upon. Breaking down the key elements that contribute to Tomb Raider's successful narrative, examines how the game deftly blends character development, environmental history, and player agency to provide a cohesive insight and it’s exciting about the effort that goes into such a game. We’ll discover storytelling techniques that elevate this game above just an action-adventure theme, add cheating landscapes alongside Lara and set it as a model for the art of interactive content. 

References

Dherman, C. (2023) 'Tomb Raider — A case study in the design of game narrative,' Medium, 3 December. https://medium.com/@christopher_dherman/tomb-raider-a-case-study-in-the-design-of-game-narrative-06dc4669b404.

Academic Blog Post #5 

The word Virtual Reality gives the feeling of near and reality what we experience as human beings. The term virtual reality is used to describe a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment that can be explored and interacted with. That person becomes part of this virtual world or participates in this environment and while there is capable of manipulating objects or performing a series of actions.

 

The virtual environment must provide relevant information – in real time- as the person explores their environment. Problems arise when there is a lag or delay between an individual’s actions and a system’s response that then disrupts their experience. The individual is aware that he or she is in an artificial environment and adapts his or her actions accordingly to result in sophisticated, mechanical interactions.  

An example for virtual reality is the game known as “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR” which is the full-length open world game is from "Bethesda Game Studios". "Skyrim VR" reimagines the epic fantasy masterpiece in its entirety with unparalleled sensitivity to volume and depth of immersion.

References

PredCaliber (2022) Skyrim VR in 2022 is not just a game anymore... it is everything you always wanted it to be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLuZ7C58wSg.

Academic Blog Post #6 

From what we’ve learned about Culture, I would like to analyze the Race and Cultural representation in “Walt Disney’s Moana”. 

Plot 

An adventurous teenager named Moana sets sail on a daring mission to save her people from a perilous threat that looms over their island. Filled with determination and courage, she embarks on a treacherous journey across the vast ocean, encountering perilous challenges and breathtaking scenery along the way. It is during this extraordinary quest that Moana encounters the once-mighty demigod Maui, a charismatic and mischievous figure. With his help and guidance, Moana learns the art of way-finding, a skill passed down through generations, transforming her into a master navigator capable of charting a course through the unknown. Together, they navigate through treacherous waters, facing gigantic sea creatures and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Yet amid their thrilling adventure, Moana begins to uncover the ancient secrets and wisdom of her ancestors, discovering the powerful connection she shares with her roots. As she delves deeper into her heritage, Moana also embarks on a journey of self-discovery, searching for her own identity and purpose in life. Through her determination, bravery, and unwavering spirit, Moana not only fulfills the ancient quest set forth by her ancestors but also finds a newfound sense of purpose, realizing that her greatest strength lies within herself. 

Although Moana originates from the fictional island of Motunui some 3000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is rooted in the real heritage and history of the Polynesian islands of Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti In fact, once you start to make a connection with the Polynesian culture in Moana, it’s hard to stop! Everything from the island homes (with traditional Samoan palm trees) to the Maui backgrounds (a nod to Polynesian calligraphy) are a tribute to Polynesian heritage Culturally as Disney tried to make Moana, the company and the film don’t speak to Polynesians and people in general. The film did get some parts of the heritage wrong, and as much as it tried to incorporate Polynesian tradition and history, there is still so much to discover! Find out below a few ways the story of Moana is rooted in Polynesian history and folklore. 

Reference

Where is Moana from? The Home and Heritage of Moana (2023). https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/where-is-moana-from.

Sloss, M. (2020) '‘Moana’: Here’s what Pacific Islanders really think,' BuzzFeed, 1 May. https://www.buzzfeed.com/morgansloss1/heres-what-pacific-islanders-really-think-of-moana.

Academic Blog Post #7 

I like to use the idea of Semiotics by analyzing the animated film “Shrek”. Shrek is a ‘DreamWorks animation film released in 2001. Shrek is a series of movies dedicated to the adventures of a green monster named Shrek. Loosely based on the 1990s novel by William Stagg, the film follows Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) as he is forced on a journey to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). The sin of Lord Farquad, at the hands of a dragon Along the way, he encounters an endlessly talking donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) who reluctantly acknowledges him as a friend for the trip. Shrek eventually marries Fiona and in the subsequent films travels to her distant hometown to meet her family where there is a lot of adventure on her! The movie is full of laugh out loud gags, some for adults only, adventurers and fugitives which proves that Shrek is loved by all ages 

The Ogre denotes a hero in this movie. A hero is typically depicted as peaceful, noble,  diplomatic, compassionate and prince charming. The Ogre in the film is demonstrated by a green, ugly, violent and selfish animal. Fiona implies a princess (Lee & Kwon 103). By and  large, a princess is classically as beautiful, a sophisticated girl in distress waiting to be saved by her prince charming. Fiona is portrayed in the Shrek movie as a fierce, brave, talkative, and a great martial art expert. The donkey is another character in the film and signifies the side chick. A conventional donkey is usually friendly, dependent and a beast of burden. 

Reference

Everything you need to know about the Shrek films! (2021). https://www.shreksadventure.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-shrek-films/.

StudyPool Homework Help - Semiotics Study of Shrek Movie (no date). https://www.studypool.com/documents/903956/semiotics-study-of-shrek-movie.

Y2pinku (no date) Semiotics study of movie shrek. https://www.scribd.com/doc/19050402/Semiotics-study-of-movie-shrek.

Academic Blog Post #8 

By choosing Realism as a topic there are a lot of movies we can talk about. Another example is “The Lion King”.  

When Disney’s remake of The Lion King begins, there is a strange sense of déjà vu. Lebo M. That jarring first "naaa" with its Zulu rhythm plays and the sun rises over the Pride Lands. The first animal to appear on screen is a monkey that rears its head, just as it did in the animated film. What follows over the next few minutes is an almost perfect remake of the original animated Lion King opening sequence, but this time done in photo-realistic form surprisingly In some places, the viewer can also forget that what they're watching isn't 't the original movie, just IRL Eve. But then Rafiki climbs Pride Rock with a red twig and a root in his hand instead of getting nuts from his staff to splash red on baby Simba’s forehead��creating the first major change from the original animated film— immediately reminding viewers that they have been a unique experience. 

References

Desta, Y. (2019) 'The Lion King, Hand-Drawn Animation, and the Problem with Photo-Realism,' Vanity Fair, 18 July. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/lion-king-remake-disney-photorealism-animation.

Academic Blog Post #9 

Here I would like to talk about the emotion affects in Marvel’s “End Game”. The end scene in the movie shows the sacrifice of common man among the powerfull gods & heroes & I's affects the viewers emotionally. 

As the cosmic jewels melted into his armored fingers, Tony Stark ripped off his fingers, turning Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his army into pieces of ash, effectively vanquishing the imminent threat to the universe. But, as is often the case, victory came at a steep cost. The tremendous blast of energy not only decimated Thanos and his henchmen but also caused severe burns and inflicted grave injuries upon Stark himself. Despite the excruciating pain and the toll it took on his body, Stark was surrounded by loved ones who gathered around him, offering solace and support in this time of need. 

The arc reactor in Stark's chest, the source of his power and a symbol of his resilience, began to slow down, hinting at the toll that his heroic acts had taken. In many ways, it appeared to be a natural consequence of his unwavering dedication to protecting innocent lives. Time and again, Stark had placed himself in harm's way, risking everything to save others from the clutches of arms dealers and other nefarious forces. However, even with a lifetime of selfless acts behind him, the decision to sacrifice himself for the greater good was not an easy one. The weight of the world rested on his shoulders, and the hope and inspiration that Iron Man had provided to fans over the years further complicated his deliberations. 

Tony Stark has always grappled with his self-worth, questioning whether his actions justified the sacrifices he made. Both on and off the silver screen, Robert Downey Jr. embodied the redemptive journey of his character, demonstrating the power of transformation and growth through the fantastical lens of fiction. The story of Iron Man resonates as a testament to the human capacity for change and a reminder that each individual has the potential to make a difference, no matter the personal cost. 

Reference

Justin (2021) How Avengers: Endgame fulfills the emotional arcs of Marvel’s characters - Justin Kownacki. https://www.justinkownacki.com/avengers-endgame-character-plot-marvel/.

Burt, K. (2019) Avengers: Endgame Prioritizes emotional strength over physical power | Den of Geek. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/avengers-endgame-prioritizes-emotional-strength-over-physical-power/.

Academic Blog Post #10

The transmedia has various examples to provide. A blog article titled "Transmedia Storytelling 101" was written by Henry Jenkins in 2007. In this enlightening piece, Jenkins provides a comprehensive definition of transmedia as "a process where essential components of a fiction get systematically distributed across multiple delivery channels in order to create a cohesive and well-coordinated entertainment experience." This elucidation by Jenkins (2007) serves as a fundamental understanding of the concept. Essentially, transmedia storytelling involves the art of narrating a story or narrative across various media platforms, compelling the audience to engage in a mental jigsaw puzzle to uncover the complete narrative. Each medium involved in the transmedia experience contributes a unique and distinct portion of the tale, captivating the audience through different perspectives and elements. Only when these individual fragments are skillfully combined does the full picture emerge, leaving audiences immersed in a truly multidimensional story.

What sets transmedia storytelling apart is the wonderful synergy it creates between the various media forms employed. By skillfully intertwining mediums such as film, television, literature, and even video games, transmedia narratives seamless complement and enhance one another, elevating the overall storytelling experience to new heights. It is within this rich and diverse landscape that we find examples of transmedia storytelling at its finest, with beloved franchises like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and the narratives from the Marvel Cinematic Universe standing as shining exemplars of this innovative and captivating storytelling technique.

Reference

Transmedia and Convergence: World-Building in the wizarding world of Harry Potter (2023). https://www.diggitmagazine.com/papers/transmedia-and-convergence-world-building-wizarding-world-harry-potter.

[learnelle]

I went to my favourite Portuguese cafe to plan out the next uni semester. Every academic year I yearn for the summer, and every summer I sit in excitement to start studying again lol ☕️

[academicfever]

55/100 days of productivity!

so, my chronic pain is back after a short break... which means I literally can't do the things I need to do... anyway let's get a good day in...

I accept myself exactly as I am in this moment. My worth is not determined by my productivity or my pain. I am enough, just as I am. Every small step I take today is a victory. Progress is progress, no matter how small. I am doing my best, and that is always enough.

to-do: 1.2.25

Morning yoga

mental health check _journal

Go to the mall

Writing session 1

Reading 2P _opt

Pain makes it hard to work effectively Falling behind creates anxiety Anxiety increases muscle tension Increased tension worsens pain Worse pain makes work even harder More falling behind... and the cycle continues And each loop of this cycle can make you feel more stuck and hopeless, which adds another layer of stress. It's not just in your head - this is a very real physiological and psychological pattern.

[anirregularperson]

Every cup of coffee tells, ask and talk with you. Please don't forget to enjoy and dont feel ungrateful for the cup of coffee because it keeps you warm inside out..

[sofiisx]

Real

[sweethysteria]

please, Lord

[panthresss]

a miserable university student’s valentine’s day

[arewebeholdingaman]

The greek letter pi (π)

✅️ ...... featherless

✅️ ................ biped

You win this round, maths!

[rainyyy-dayysss]

I like canceled plans. And empty book stores. I like rainy days and thunderstorms. And quite coffee shops. I like messy beds and overworn pajamas. Most of all, I like small joys that a simple life brings.

[etta-penn]

[babooshkaa]

btw everything is an aesthetic if you make it one and that's the secret to romantisizing your life. you know those posts that describe an aesthetic in details? notice that those details are absolutely mundane. throw a bunch of details from your daily life together, call it an aesthetic and you got it. just try right now and see how easy it is

[bloomzone]

💭. ˎˊ˗Jα𐓣𝗀 wo𐓣𝗒oυ𐓣𝗀 o𐓣𝖼𝖾 𝗌α𝗂ᑯ

Okay, sometimes wonyoung says things that just hit. It’s stuff that actually gives you a little push when you need it . I’m not here to just repost her quotes (wish I worked hard to extract them and translate them ) I’m here to talk about them, break them down, and explain why they matter. Like how they can help you with your mindset and life in general.

if y'all like it i will make more of them !

enjoy part 1 !

"Which is worse: the struggle of preparing, or the disappointment of a bad result?For me, I think I’d hate the disappointing grade more.So even though it’s tough, try to use this time wisely study efficiently, and work hard so you can feel proud.Once the exam is over, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy yourself. Even just a little bit.That’s why I think the most important thing is to give it your best, so you have no regrets."

- jang wonyoung vlive

﹙ ✿ ﹚

🗒️: the question of “Which is worse the struggle of preparing, or the disappointment of a bad result?” is a reality cuz the truth is, both are uncomfortable. But one of them builds you up, and the other just breaks you down.The struggle of preparing it’s tiring ofc no doubt. You have to push yourself when you’re sleepy, bored, or overwhelmed. It’s showing up for yourself again and again, even when motivation isn’t there. But there’s pride in it. A kind of strength that grows with every small effort and when it’s done, even if the result isn’t perfect, you still walk away with no regrets. You know deep down: I tried. I fought for this.But when the result is bad and you know you didn’t try... that’s a different kind of weight. It sits in your chest. It makes you wish you could go back, change things, redo the moments you chose to scroll or sleep instead.So when you think about it, studying hard isn’t just about getting a good grade. It’s about giving yourself the chance to feel proud, not guilty. Even if you don’t feel “ready” or perfect effort is always better than avoidance

♡ ﾟ a little tip from me : like always keep some backup energy. Whether it’s ur fav food , a calming playlist, or a memory that reminds you why you’re doing this your why your dreams and ofc your future self have something in your pocket for those tired moments. It helps more than you think.

"I think the most important thing is to cherish yourself and make yourself the top priority.Of course, I have to love myself first for others to love me.So I hope you all can think of yourselves as the most beautiful, the coolest, and the most precious.I hope you see yourself that way first.I already love you all, don’t I?So there must be so many people who love you, including me.Got it?"

- jang wonyoung vlive

﹙ ✿ ﹚

“Cherish yourself and make yourself the top priority.” it’s hard for some people ikr especially when you’re used to pleasing others, hiding your feelings, or not even knowing what you want.

Loving yourself isn’t just looking in the mirror and saying “I’m pretty.” It’s more like choosing not to talk badly about yourself when you feel down. It’s not easy, because your brain is used to doubting you. That’s why this mindset takes practice.

So how do you even start doing that? Start by treating yourself the way you’d treat someone you really love. Would you tell your friend they’re not good enough? No. So stop doing that to yourself. If you mess up, forgive yourself. If you’re tired, let yourself rest without feeling guilty you are ur own home treat it and tidy up yourself and take care of urself .It’s small stuff, but it builds up. You say no when something doesn’t feel right. You take time to listen to your feelings instead of pushing them away. You stop chasing people who don’t see your worth AND THIS IS VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERY IMPORTANT and it’s all about being honest and gentle with yourself.And just like Wonyoung said even if you don’t see it yet, there are people who already love you. So try to see yourself through kinder eyes.

♡ ﾟ a little tip from me : life moves on. The people who try to bring you down now u won't see them forever. Start slipping away from them, little by little. Even if it feels like you have something good to hold onto some old memories, shared laughs, or habits that make you feel stuck you can let go. You can change your way of thinking. You don’t need to give your energy to people who drain it and stop giving a damn about their opinions. Block them from ur phone ur mind and ur heart You don’t need to make a big show out of it. Just slowly get busy with yourself. Your goals. Your peace. Your healing and look around for good energy ... They’re not worth the tears or overthinking.You’re allowed to choose yourself. To say, I want better and this is ENOUGH .The more you build your world, the more you’ll realize they were just noise .

"Even if someone says something hurtful, if it doesn’t feel true to me, I don’t take it personally.Honestly, things would be a lot simpler if everyone thought that way.If it’s not true, then it has nothing to do with me.But if it is true something I actually need to work on then I just focus on improving it.It’s all about knowing what to let go of and what to take in.Being able to tell the difference is a skill in itself."

- jang wonyoung for salon drip

﹙ ✿ ﹚

This wonyoung helpful way of thinking can really help us protect our peace. When someone says something hurtful, we don’t have to take it to heart if it doesn’t feel true to us. It’s like, if it’s not part of our reality or doesn’t resonate with who we are, we can just let it slide. This takes a lot of emotional strength and self-awareness n it’s about trusting ourselves enough to know that other people's words don't define our worth. But If it’s something we do need to work on, though, then we take it as an opportunity to grow and improve, rather than let it bring us down.

The real key here is knowing what to absorb and what to release. It’s a skill like developing emotional intelligence, and it can make a huge difference in how we handle life’s ups and downs by experience ! . Learning to distinguish between helpful feedback and unnecessary negativity allows us to stay focused on what matters our own growth and well-being so it’s about being strong enough to choose what gets under our skin and what doesn’t.

♡ ﾟ a little tip from me : Always take time to reflect in a journal and organize the things u want to work on. It's normal to be critical of areas where we're not perfect, and sometimes others may notice things we don’t. Use that as a chance to grow and improve, without letting it affect your confidence. Journaling helps u process these moments and stay focused on your personal development.

"I hope you live with the joy that comes from chasing and achieving your own goals. Rather than worrying about how others see you or trying to meet their expectations, focus on what you truly want to do and accomplish. I hope you can move forward in life not for others, but with the excitement of reaching your own dreams."

- jang wonyoung for youngji show

﹙ ✿ ﹚

The first key takeaway is focus on what YOU want, not on what others think or expect. This means getting real with yourself about what truly excites you, not what’s expected of you by others family, friends, or society. When you spend all your time trying to meet external expectations, you lose sight of your own desires and dreams. This shift requires clarity, so the first step is to figure out what goals genuinely make you feel alive and excited. It’s not about impressing anyone it’s about getting yourself to the finish line of your own goals.

But It’s easy to say, "I’m going to stop worrying about what others think," but in practice, it’s hard. There will always be moments when you’re tempted to compare yourself or feel like you’re falling behind. But YOUR life is YOURS. No one else is living your journey. The most important thing is not to beat yourself up when you feel unsure or when you hear those voices telling you you’re not enough. It’s normal. When you feel like you’re not meeting others’ expectations, take a deep breath and remind yourself: Your goals, your pace, your happiness are what matter most . It’s okay to disappoint others if it means you're staying true to your path. Move forward not for anyone else but for YOU. The excitement and joy that comes from chasing YOUR dreams will be more fulfilling than anything else.

♡ ﾟ a little tip from me :when the noise gets loud and you start doubting yourself, take a moment to unplug grab your journal, go on a walk, do something u love or also u can watch something that bring u back to ur passion... Ask yourself “Is this what I truly want?” Coming back to your own voice helps you stay grounded and protects your energy. The more you listen to yourself the less space doubt and outside pressure take up.

@bloomzone ✧⌨️👛*⁠。

[academicfever]

45/100 days of productivity!

Morning loves <3 It’s the weekend … I’m taking a slow day…

🎧kai

to-do:

Morning yoga

Morning reading session

Laundry and meds

Run few errands

Class recap 2P

mental health check _journal

Call home

Read before bed

[shannonsketches]

Mmmthinkin about Yambul and Vegebul as opposite experiences

To be fair to Yamcha being unkind to Bulma in all the classically sexist ways he was, Bulma was insecure and unkind to him too for reasons that were his fault and reasons that had nothing to do with him.

They were kids when they met and decided immediately that they should move in together. It's easy to fall into bad habits and stay there, especially because Yamcha is insecure too. He was 16, he didn't have much experience with personal relationships outside of Pu'ar, he doesn't know what a relationship is supposed to look like outside of whatever romantic fiction he might've consumed. And neither does Bulma. Her parents are distracted and ditzy and non-traditional and constantly imply interest in other people, and all Bulma seems to know about real-life relationships is that she does NOT want one like theirs.

But Yamcha is like Goku, he's a nomad, he's a wanderer, and he wants a homemaker wife who's his champion and his cheerleader and will yearn for his return to her side, and he finds out very quickly that Bulma is not that girl.

Bulma is independent, and loud, and expresses her needs and expects them to be met or else she'll handle them herself and move past you. She is not a damsel, she is not a dough-eyed ingenue. She likes to be in the driver's seat.

She wants a man she can show off, because the only thing she can't do on her own is prove that she's loved, to herself or anyone else, and they are constantly fueling each others anxiety and self-doubt.

But Yamcha is constantly, through no fault of his own, gouging her Achilles tendon, because he physically cannot not react when he's attracted to a woman. Which means literally any time they are in public together, anywhere, Yamcha is Reacting to the women around him, when he's with Bulma.

Bulma, the one beautiful girl he no longer has that response to, because he's gotten used to her (although, who's to say if he could ever handle her naked or, uh, wanting without passing out. This poor man has the world's most inconvenient case of BDE). And in return, Bulma is consistently embarrassed about his arrogance in battle, which tends to end badly for him.

This hasn't changed! She is also embarrassed when Vegeta displays arrogance in battle.

The difference is, as Daima pointed out, Bulma can effectively use her value to him to dissuade his behavior. The never worked with Yamcha. They'd fight and he'd go to Kame House or somewhere she couldn't reach him.

(In the manga/Toriyama stories) Vegeta doesn't. Vegeta always comes home. Vegeta wants to be near Bulma. Even at the lowest point of their relationship, they're still in communication with each other. She doesn't always know where he is but she confidently reports that she knows he's been working hard. He's still asking her to build gear for him. She told him their son's name.

Vegeta can't be instigated the way that Yamcha could, because even if he's not starting fights, he's certainly not afraid to finish them. The things he's insecure about aren't generally things anyone else can use against him, because Vegeta is his own biggest fan and his own loudest critic.

Bulma can't rely on her lash-out habits with him like she could with Yamcha. There's no flowers and sorry babys and take-me-backs with Vegeta. If you say you're done, nothing in his history would make him assume that's code for 'chase me, beg me, change my mind'. Vegeta's culture is very Final. If it's over, it's Over.

Likewise, Vegeta can't rely on intimidation habits with her. The Back Offs and Bristling and I'll Kill Yous don't work on Bulma. So what? She's got friends to bring her back to life. She made candy that will give a grown man on-demand diarrhea. Death is not the most violent thing she can do to retaliate against an abuser. Get a new play, this one's boring.

They force each other to re-strategize how they handle conflict, and both grow as a result. The growth helps them trust and understand each other. The trust and understanding helps them figure out how to love each other, and how they need to be loved.

Yamcha and Bulma held hands and jumped into the abyss at 16 years old, and just assumed it would all make sense when they were older, the way kids do. Then, fell into the habit of just waiting for things to change. At the end of the day, they love each other, and that's enough, right? It'll work out because love is all you need.

Eventually they found out that love is, in fact, not all you need to maintain a healthy, committed adult relationship.

Vegeta and Bulma were the opposite. They were sharing space with each other for years before any romantic or sexual interest took hold. One was focused on his goals and was only ever home at night. The other was dealing with her relationship, and her job, and hunting for Dragon Balls, and rehoming tens of thousands of aliens while keeping the neighbors from knowing anything weird was going on.

By the time it was just the two of them, they'd already known each other for years and watched each other work and operate, and from that built a certain amount of mutual trust and respect. The next parts weren't smooth sailing by any measure, but neither of them trusted smooth sailing anyway.

What they did both trust is pragmatism, and decided that after the smoke cleared and the ground settled that they still liked each other's company and trusted each other's smarts enough to figure out how to fix the boat and navigate the water together.

It took years for them to decide that what they had was love, and that they were happy with that revelation. Vegeta likes having a partner who's outspoken and curious. Bulma likes having a partner who's grounded and structured. Both of them enjoy each other's confidence and intensity — even when it makes them Concerned(tm) — and those are things both of them grew up being told were the biggest flaw in their character.

And the best part is that Bulma and Yamcha still love each other SO MUCH, they're just happier and healthier as friends (at least, as always, in the manga).