#Compassionate Counselor

[amethystconsultingtreatment]

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, but it’s a powerful decision to prioritize your mental well-being. Finding the right therapy counselor can greatly enhance your mental health journey. Here are some tips to help you navigate this important decision.

[kiran-wears-science-blues]

i’m taking a bunch of assessments for my new career counselor, and i love how these assessments are all like “you have a wonderful personality suited well for absolutely nothing that pays well 😎” 

[stoobfoobnoob]

Interlinked.

Dean Winchester X Reader

angst, one-sided (ish), no use of Y/N, unedited

1.1k words

Dean Winchester wants a lot of things.

He wants an extra greasy bacon cheeseburger after a rough night, a warm homemade cherry pie, a credit card that wouldn’t freeze or decline right after he swiped it from some guy on the street, and maybe even a spa day where the knots could be massaged out of his overworked muscles.

Dean wants a day, or hell, even a year, where he and his brother could just catch a break—a moment to themselves in the sun with a nice cold beer without a care in the world. He wants to live in a world where all the evils in his life, all the creatures that go bump in the night, were just fairy tales and myths.

Dean knows that what he wants isn’t realistic. 

He wishes he had grown up in a house with two parents who loved him. He wishes he had become a firefighter and saved people that way, unlike a soldier who constantly has to leave any normality behind. He desperately dreams of a life where he has a wife and a few kids and maybe a dog named Marley, but he wakes up from that dream every morning. 

Out of everything Dean wants in this world, the one thing he knows he can’t have is you. 

He wants to drink up your laugh like the elixir of life whenever you find him funny. He wants to hold your hand whenever the two of you are sitting too close at a bar. He wants to be near you all the time. In ways he never even thought of, that transcends physical touch. He wants to know the inner workings of your mind, the hum of your soul when you eat a good meal after weeks of mediocre diner food, which he knows you get sick of. To understand the smile the creeps up on your face when you get to drive the Impala or the curve of your eyebrows when you concentrate on research.

Dean needs you. He needs your empathetic words when he fucks up. He needs the sweet sound of your voice when you sing in the shower or in the car. He needs the satisfaction of seeing yet another guy get rejected by you.

He needs to wake up.

Why would anyone like you want to be with someone like him? How could an intelligent, confident, and compassionate person like you want to be with a broken shell of a man?

---

One day, after a particularly grueling and gory hunt, Dean found himself watching you as you slam yet another shot glass onto the sticky wooden bar. The light hits your features just enough, and he holds himself back from reaching out and running a finger down the slope of your nose.

Your gaze finally reached his, and the two of you sat there amidst the chaos of yelling and muffled conversations from the other patrons. Your eyes squinted in admiration as you stared at each other.

"What?" Dean's heart was beating faster than he would like to admit. Laughing to ease the growing tensions.

"Your eyes are the perfect shade of spring. You know, like when all the mountains get their color back." You hiccup.

From the years Dean has known you, he doesn't recall a nice thing coming out of your mouth that wasn't prompted by sarcasm or false niceties when you go undercover for a case.

The only memory that comes to mind is when the two of you pretended to be a married couple going to a marriage counselor who turned out to be a man-hating witch adding yet another reason why Dean hates witches.

"What made you fall in love with each other?" The witch asked.

"Oh, you know," You said coyly, avoiding eye contact with the witch.

"I love the way he holds me after a long day from work, makes me laugh, and protects me." You said.

Something like that. Dean buried that memory deep inside his mind in hopes of not hurting himself.

---

"You're drunk." Dean chuckles.

You shake your head,

"I'm serious. You have very pretty eyes, Dean."

He feels like you're being possessed by a demon that has had its eyes on Dean's back since he came back from Hell. To torment him from beyond the pits. To rip him a new one that hurts far more than any wound inflicted on him down there.

"Come on, let's get you to bed." He gets out of his seat to lead you to the car, your index finger locking with his, and Dean swears that his stomach drops to his feet.

It's a small gesture. The smallest, most microscopic gesture in the world. Your fingers interlinked. Pushing past the sea of belligerent drunks in the dimly lit bar, and god knows what on the floor, making his boots crunch and stick to the linoleum.

You giggle. You're giggling as he pulls you closer to the exit. You probably won't remember this in the morning. Dean on the other hand will try to forget, shove it down so far down his memory bank to the point he'll probably imagine it over and over again against his will.

God! What is this? I'm not a 16-year-old boy. Why am I acting like this? He thinks to himself.

The fresh breeze hits your rosy, intoxicated cheeks and Dean's flushing giddiness. You lean on the hood of the car as Dean fiddles with his keys.

"Dean?" Your head dropping and eyes drooping with fatigue.

"Yeah?" He looks up to see you hugging yourself from the wind.

He's standing in front of you, now. Contemplating whether he should manhandle you into the car or indulge in whatever drunken nonsense that might hurt him.

Your perfectly scarred and calloused hands reach out for his, and he eagerly lets you pull him closer to you. Now standing between your legs, he stares at you yet again. Only this time he's confused. He's seen this move in the movies and he's done this countless of times. Dean knows what's about to happen here and he's fully aware that he shouldn't let it happen.

"I- I just wanna tell you-"

What came out of your mouth wasn't what Dean expected.

"I'm proud of you. So so proud of you," you were slurring your words.

"Okay, sweetheart! It's time to go." He backs away.

Pulling him back into your grasp you wrap your arms around his waist and just sit there for a minute. Dean stares into the stars wondering if he should cut this short or relish in your out of character affection.

"I love you." He whispers under his breath.

"I know." You whisper back.

Dean smiles and lets the moment linger for a few more seconds before peeling himself away from your warm embrace and wakes up from his silly little fantasy.

No matter what Dean wants. He can't. He just can't be selfish enough to have you like this. The low hum of the impala and the open road bring him back to reality. There are no happy endings for him.

[campredwood-if]

genres: Cosmic horror, thriller, semi-romance

CALLING ALL LEADERS!

We are very excited to invite you to CAMP RED WOOD! A summer home-away-from home where you'll find plenty of opportunity to learn outdoor skills and form friendships with an amazing cast of people!

Please find attached the application form to join our Camp Counselor team!

Camp Red Wood is a Lovecraftian horror based Interactive Fiction, based upon the Delta Green TTRPG system. You will take the role of a Camp Counselor for the next two weeks, helping not only to entertain a flock of bored children, but also keeping them all sane and alive for the summer! All while keeping your own sanity too, and maybe- just maybe- you'll figure out what is really happening at Red Wood Point Park.

FEATURES

Create your own Camp Counselor; customisation varies from appearance, gender, pronouns and personality; to skills, camp background and counselor role!

Interact with a cast of character, form friendships over your short summer, and maybe even fall in love!

Face the horrors!

YOU WILL NOT SURVIVE

Discover the mysteries of the bay and participate in camp activities!

Die.

ROMANTIC OPTIONS

Drew Winters

HEAD CAMP COUNSELOR

19 . Sagittarius . 5'3

Drew is a young, compassionate and determined lady. With rusty brunette hair, plaited down the side and often draped over her shoulder, she give of the air of someone meant to take the lead. She works well with the campers, creating a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere that we value for a Head Counselor.

Though we've observed that she often has issue with a few of her fellow leaders to the point of conflict, this has yet to be proven detrimental to her ability as Head Counselor.

Tobias "Tobey" Oak

ARTS AND CRAFT-TICIAN

18 . Cancer . 5'9

Tobey is a young, enthusiastic and amenable man. With dirty blonde hair, dyed green with chlorine from his time often in the water. Frizzy and untamed. He is returning for his second year as a leader. Though this time, taking the role of our Craft-tician rather than the Water Sports counselor position he had last year. Tobey is known to be liked by the campers, creating a personal and warm environment that we expect from a Leader.

Though, the boy is known to be quite distracted, and we suspect he is often under influence of cannabis, which we do not endorse, nor encourage.

Joem Masri

HIKING AND SURVIVAL SPECIALIST

17 . Virgo . 5'6

Joem is a new addition to our cast. A carefree, though quiet young man. With dark, silky hair he often has half tied back in a small pony-tail or bun. He has applied for the Hiking and Survival Specialist counselor position, with experience with rock-climbing, abseiling and quite the enthusiasm for our native flora.

For now, we'll just have to wait and see how he is with the campers.

Unfortunately this is, however, his first experience in a leadership position, and it is unclear how he will handle the role with the younger campers.

AND SIX MORE TO COME!

Join us for these two weeks, or one night, and experience enriching opportunities you wouldn't find anywhere else!

* The email is real, send through your application!

[sarnai4]

Idealism

In the spirit of the holidays, I started imagining what it would be like if the main immortal Greek family was...actually loving. You know, one without abuse of any sort or adultery. Since some relatives obviously wouldn't exist without the latter, let's just pretend that Zeus and Hera allowed an open relationship. Okay, with that out of the way, let's begin.

Zeus - He would be the best aspects of a father. The king would protect his family with everything he had and offer guidance. Maybe it wouldn't always be the best advice (wisdom certainly isn't his domain), but he tries and they respect that. He loves his wife, siblings, and children dearly and only wants the best for them.

Hera - Similarly, she would be the best sides of a mother. The queen cares for her children and comforts them. Even the kids who actually aren't hers, she still is there for. With her domain, she is a bit of a matchmaker for other immortals and butts in a lot, but nobody can really complain because she's normally right about stuff in this area.

Poseidon - He would be the fun uncle. He'll pick on his siblings (mainly his brothers), but it's good-natured and if it's not directed towards himself, Zeus joins in. He's still is responsible when it comes to caring for the sea and everyone in it. Mainly, he only loses his temper when someone pollutes the ocean or hurts marine life.

Demeter - She would be the aunt who the kids go to when they have a problem that needs immediate action. It doesn't matter if it's over grief or something dangerous. She's very compassionate (and will kill someone who hurt her family). Normally, she isn't too fond of Poseidon's jokes, but she tolerates them. She is terrible at jokes and this amuses her nieces and nephews.

Hades - He would be the uncle who's gone to when the kids just need to talk (counselor uncle). He will attentively listen and offer any help that he can. The Underworld is always available as a place to go when one of his relatives just needs a break from the rest of the world. Also, out of all the elder siblings, the most pranks are pulled on him, but he's a good sport about it.

Hestia - She would be the aunt that all the kids protect. Her siblings probably do this too. She is just the sweetest and so innocent that no one wants her to ever see anything violent or be sad. Athena and Ares refuse to even talk to her about their work because it's too violent for her ears. She's also the baker aunt, which only makes her family love her even more because her food is amazing.

Athena - Now, we can get to the real advice-giver. She would be the wise, big sister who takes that role very seriously. She is happy to be the acting parent (or commanding officer as she would call herself) when Zeus and Hera are busy. She can be strict with her siblings and wants them to have a well-rounded education, but she also will let them cry in her arms if they are sad and will torture anyone who caused that sadness.

Ares - He would be the protective brother. Ideally, Athena never has to torture anyone because he would probably kill whoever hurt their siblings before news reached her and nobody better hurt her either. He likes to help the others with their hand-to-hand combat and tries to remember to not be too hard on them. He also gets way more excited about every new milestone than anybody else, so he's celebrating stuff like "little immortal's first fight."

Apollo - He would be the doctor brother. Anytime someone gets injured, he is chastising them as he patches them back up. He both hates that because it means that one of his siblings got hurt and loves it because he knows how to help. He's also an undercover bookworm who loves to nerd out whenever he gets the chance until Artemis falls asleep on him.

Artemis - She would be the sporty sister. She's very competitive and challenges her brothers to wrestling all the time (specifically not Athena because she knows she'll lose immediately). She and Apollo are basically inseparable.

Hermes - He would be the devious brother. Athena and Ares receive the brunt of this since he thinks they're the most challenging to prank and wants to test his skills. In the most dire situations, he'll stop messing around and really does have his family's backs.

Dionysus - He would be the party brother. He's putting on plays for his family all the time. The only time he isn't, he's trying to make them drinks and get them to loosen up. He hasn't managed to get Ares drunk yet and is proud of the one time he got Athena to drunkenly start singing with Apollo. He and Hermes cause chaos together, but he can't run as fast, so he always gets caught.

Hephaestus - He would be the inventive brother. He loves making stuff for his family. Whenever one of his siblings needs a new weapon or anything else, he's making it before they even have to ask. Sometimes, he just surprises them with stuff to see them smile.

[wingedshadowfan]

⚠️arcane s2 act ii spoilers⚠️

caitlyn was actually the perfect and best person to become commander, hear me out

caitlyn is the most tactically intelligent character in arcane, perhaps only second to ambessa herself (and we saw her train with her and immediately take a piece of her advice by fighting dirty [foreshadowing] before double crossing her in the same episode, and just before that tackling vi, a much stronger fighter in short range, by using the same exact moves she learnt from ambessa!) and we've been seeing her strategic, problem solving and information gathering skills since s1, she's a mastermind who's only remained overlooked bcuz she's not evil, argue with the wall

who else could've been eligible to become commander? ambessa had to basically appoint someone who wasn't incapable and made sense in the eyes of the community (like a counselor's daughter and a decorated officer) so it looked legitimate, but still somebody she could control if need be (like someone who'd just lost her mother, had her statue ceremony ruined, and lost her contact to a zaunite she was close w/ who taught her all she knew about zaun, and was now seeking revenge)

but ambessa miscalculated. caitlyn is also the best person to be in this position (for zaunites) because she's lawful, merciful and compassionate - things ambessa doesn't seem to be able to be to non family members - so caitlyn can counteract her and keep her from going rogue to the best of her abilities considering the circumstances. and bcuz caitlyn was so close w/ vi despite their fallout and cait's preexisting and not fully tackled bigotry, she's seen zaunites eye to eye and knows enough abt life in the undercity to hold the unpopular opinion that "there are good people down there"

in fact, caitlyn came into this with three very clear objectives: kill jinx, catch any silco loyalists and dismantle shimmer - all aimed at causing the least possible harm and the most benefit to the average zaunite, esp if they're cooperating or at least minding their business (and i agree there shouldn't be "conditions" you have to meet as a zaunite in order not to suffer police violence, esp when the oppressor piltover writes the laws and can change those conditions at will, but let's remember caitlyn isn't the system itself: she has to work within the legal framework she was born and raised into that she's not exactly able to change for a multitude of reasons, and she even uses that system to her advantage because it might not be good but it's better than nothing, when she confronts ambessa abt there being no legal reason or procedure for her right hand man to attack/detain a random jinxer who hadn't given him reason to).

caitlyn didn't aim to scare zaunites into submission by perpetuating violence, "give them a lesson", "teach them who's boss", she wasn't even aiming to divide zaun's factions further (until they started uniting against piltover and she wasn't left with much of a choice with ambessa breathing down her extremely high vampire cape collar), neither did she aim to eradicate the undercity or its corresponding identity (which i believe are all things ambessa is aiming for), but things spiraled out of control unexpectedly due to momentarily getting this close to catching jinx and then having a fall out w/ vi, followed by the undercity's growing resistance

had it been anyone but caitlyn, i argue it would've been so much worse for zaun from the start

[electric-ocean-explorer]

Marco x Reader

"Pelican Counselor"

Chapter 2

Warnings: Dunno, plushie kidnapping?

Word count: ~700

Synopsis: Time to work on the counselor stuff and get close to these loud pirates.

Notes: Sorry about the shorties, I'm a little bit busy with cosplay stuff. Ace have lotta accessories, but I love him, so is worth the trouble. Do you guys want to see cosplay related content?

Next cookies: Second chance

    It didn’t take long before they set up a room for your new role. It was small, probably some old storage space, but big enough to turn into a cozy office for receiving your “patients.” Anyone who stepped inside could tell it was so you: soft cushions, little potted plants, and a cookie jar (courtesy of Thatch, for emotional support he said). The final touch? A little sign on the door that read: “Yoru’s Counseling Room. The door is always open.”

    The fame of the Pelican Counselor spread like wildfire, and every day your tiny office welcomed all kinds of visitors: pirates seeking advice, others homesick, and some who just needed someone to talk to. It was strange, for the first time you saw things from a softer and more compassionate angle. So many strong, intimidating pirates... with such fragile hearts. Little by little, you felt like a sister to each of them. At last, you truly understood what it meant to be part of this crew.

    That big, loud family.

    Haruta was one of your first patients. You remember the day vividly. The curious crowd had finally given you some breathing room after the grand opening of your office when you heard hesitant footsteps outside the door. Someone was clearly too nervous to knock. After a few seconds, there it was, a soft knock and you immediately invited them in.

“Hey, Yoru.” He didn’t seem particularly cheerful, but he tried to act casual. “Everything alright around here?”

“Haruta! Good to see you. Things have been a little slow.” You offered a gentle smile. “But what about you? How are you doing?”

He flinched at that.

“Uh... I think I messed up.” He scratched the back of his head, embarrassed, and sat on the couch, staring at the floor for a moment. You waited. “I made Marco really mad.”

    You raised an eyebrow. Marco being mad wasn’t exactly rare, it was practically part of life on the Moby Dick. But something in Haruta’s tone made it sound a little more serious than usual.

“What happened?”

    Haruta sighed, shoulders slumped. “On the last island we stopped at, he bought something weird... a stuffed animal. Marco’s not really the plushie type, you know? So Izo and I figured it out right away — it had to be a gift for some girl. But when we asked, he wouldn’t say who it was for.” He covered his face with both hands. “Sooo... I had the brilliant idea to kidnap the plushie until he told us. And, yeah, that obviously just pissed him off.”

    You sat quietly, processing it. You never thought you’d see Marco actually angry like that, it was new. Not that you could lie, now you were curious about the story behind the plushie too.

“Now I don’t know how to give it back without getting my head chopped off,” Haruta sighed heavily. He really did seem to care about making things right, they must be close friends.

    You slowly crossed your legs, rested your elbows on the chair’s arms, and gave him a half-smile.

“Well, first of all, kidnapping sentimental mascots isn’t exactly a technique endorsed in therapy books.”

Haruta groaned, sinking deeper into the sofa.

“Buuut... lucky for you, I know how to fix it. I’ve made mistakes like this myself, and to be honest? The best way to fix it is by being direct and sincere. Return the plushie, apologize, and be honest. Marco isn’t the type to hold grudges. But from now on, be more mindful when you’re stepping into someone’s personal space. You could lose more than you think.”

Haruta looked much calmer when you finished.

“Guess I was pretty hard-headed... I’ll think twice before plushie-napping again.”

“Then my job here is done!” you said with a grin, hands on your hips. Then, leaning toward him like you were revealing a state secret, you whispered “But just between us, if you find out who the plushie’s for, you have to tell me.”

Haruta burst out laughing.

“If I survive bird-brain’s fury, I swear I’ll tell you.”

And with that, he left the office.

You chuckled to yourself, staring at the door.

“Hope I didn’t just sign his death sentence…”

[bumblepony]

Birthday Fic Recs!

So it's my birthday, y'all, and on this momentous day, I want to share my favorite fics from all my favorite authors and friends in this amazing fandom! Because you all are such wonderful people, and you've all inspired me to become a better writer, and I can't thank you all enough. So here is my list in no particular order. Some of these may be duplicates of fics I've recommended in the past, if so roll with it because I'm always happy to share amazing stuff again.

i know you by heart by @sixhours - Joel and Ellie settle into their new lives in Jackson but it's not the easiest transition. Thankfully Jackson has a counselor to help with that. AKA the gay TLOU/Prospect crossover you didn't know you needed.

A woman is a changeling by @treadlightlymydarlinggirl - (Tess lives) and what happens after!

back and forth, up and down by @lauronk - (more times ellie & joel barely missed each other in the qz)

our hearts are heavy burdens (we shouldn't have to bear alone) by @ameerawrites - Maria and Tommy's engagement story, a prequel to "Not Alone"

Fortunate Son by @hypnotisedfireflies - Maria Sinclair agrees to help Tommy Miller, a probationary resident at Jackson, with a life-changing opportunity.

Next of Kin by @probssomethingorother - The day Joel becomes a dad and how he deals with the sudden weight of fatherhood. Slight canon divergence where his wife dies instead of leaving. Big whumps ahead.

Mary Poppins ain't got nothing on me by @barlowstreet - Tommy POV again! This time, he's watching Ellie while Joel has surgery. Ellie is not fond of this plan.

collaborators by @becomethesun - Sam and Henry live. Adventures and found family bonding ensue on the journey from Kansas City to Jackson and beyond.

What Would Your Superpower Be? by blue_calico on AO3 - With a storm taking its toll on Ellie as they pass through Indiana, Joel reluctantly lets them stay with a family who stirs up pain he's tried hard to bury. Still, he knows how to be a good dad. He just can't yet see it.

Lost in the Woods by @cardigains - How digging up what's buried in the past brings about consequences in the present. (The Private Investigator!AU nobody asked for.) (I did! I asked for it! I'm here for it!)

Right Where We Belong by cauldron_zeta on AO3 - Frank has upheaved his life to move to almost the middle of nowhere. His closest neighbor isn't really a people person, but Frank has always liked a challenge.

just babes being dudes and flat on my face then back in the race and my cow, your cow, our cow by @ciaconnaa - Sorry this are all amazing and I just could not pick which one was my favorite!

Mute Joel by @captainredspade - An Ellie and Joel drabble that may or may not turn to something more in the future. It's based off the au idea of Joel being mute, and if he and Ellie met a different way than they did in canon.

Compassionate Friends by @mildredellie - Ellie & Joel meet at a grief support group they were both forced to attend.

cosmic oddities by @deervsheadlights - Turning a clan of two into a clan of four and asking the very important, albeit unhinged question: What if space dad and apocalypse dad were Weird About Each Other?

Taste your beating heart by @finnelfin - Tess's traveling companions are keeping secrets. The Werewolf AU I never thought I needed.

in search of some hope by @dancingonmoonbeams - Tommy’s story, from leaving Boston to finding Jackson to him and Joel finding each other again.

show me how to lie, you're getting better all the time by @eedsknees - Cry to the Chest (featuring Ellie with endometriosis trying to ignore her pain until she can't anymore!)

Mother by @liveandletcry23 - The Millers have a demon problem.

expect(ing)(ations) by @penandinkprincess - (set about ten years after the original storyline) (ellie, now grown and married, decides she wants to have a baby so she can pass her immunity on to her kid)

Dinosaur by @femmefacetious - Joel and Ellie deal with some stupid cold temperatures and assorted shenanigans (the not-fun kind) in and around the town of...Dinosaur, CO.

we could walk forever, walkin' on the moon and what matters most by @boopernatural - I had to pick both because they are some of my favorites!

For Your Entertainment by @manicparadox - A strip club AU. Bill and Frank meet at The Bou-Peek where Frank is a stripper.

Future Proof by Capricordinary on AO3 - Joel is somehow transported into the past. He makes it his mission to find four-year-old Ellie, reunite his family, and find a safe place for them in the Wyoming wilderness

Most Likely Occupation by Joschmo on AO3 - Joel is a single dad working long hours in a difficult, painful occupation. He does what he needs to do to keep going, or at least that's what he tells himself. After the outbreak, things...escalate.

ily, imu, im sry (i love you, i miss you, im sorry) by @mariatesstruther - in which Joel and Tess haven't spoken for ten years, but are reintroduced for their daughters’ english project. Sarah and Ellie misinterpret the situation quite a bit.

To Have Loved Someone by Joels_revolver on AO3 - Ellie is stuck in a modern Jackson now and neither she nor Joel have any idea how to get her back. Ellie has no choice but to confront her demons, and Joel— Well, he has a few demons of his own to deal with.

dodors (and other birds) by @ketchupchipsaregross - How Tess and Joel accidentally restarted parenting in their 40s.

let all your damage damage me by @electricbluebutterflies - Assorted prompt fills and shorter ficlets, generally unconnected and variable ratings. Tess/Joel.

Of Artists and Architects by @emilylawsons - A Cordyceps-Free Tessjoel AU

creature fear by @marceltheshellwithflipflopson - The first time Joel protects Sarah from an infected, it changes his life forever. The first time Joel protects Ellie from an infected, it feels just like it did twenty years ago. Even if he swears up and down that the kid is just cargo.

I have to break this up. It's too big. So look for the next one in a little bit.

[amethystconsultingtreatment]

Trauma can profoundly alter one’s perspective, challenging trust in oneself and others. Fortunately, options like psychotherapy in Greensboro, North Carolina, provide a supportive path toward reclaiming that trust. This journey often begins by recognizing the impact of past events. By working with professionals skilled in the nuances of trauma, individuals can learn to identify and express their feelings in a safe environment, setting the foundational stones of trust anew.

[mistermistyyy]

I kinda wish Troi actually stayed disabled after that one episode where she lost her empathic abilities. That woulda actually been a really interesting thing to do with her, showing her deal with a disability (basically losing one of the five senses) and having to grapple with it, but managing to find she can still be a strong counselor regardless just because she is that compassionate and skilled at working with people.

[celestinedream]

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Representation Analysis

Introduction: Breaking Down Representation in The Winter Soldier

Alright, so we’ve already talked about why this movie is amazing, but now let’s get into the deeper stuff. Representation in media matters, and The Winter Soldier gives us some really interesting portrayals of different groups. For this analysis, I’m focusing on Black representation in the movie, specifically through Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Nick Fury. These characters aren’t just there for diversity points, they play key roles in the film, but do they break stereotypes or reinforce them?

How Are Black Characters Defined in the Film?

Behaviors & Roles in Society

Sam Wilson (Falcon) is introduced as a veteran who now works as a counselor for other vets dealing with PTSD. That’s already different from the typical “tough guy” action hero stereotype, it shows him as compassionate, community-driven, and emotionally intelligent. Not to mention he’s fun when he wants to be. However, he quickly becomes Captain America’s sidekick, which raises the question: does he have an independent identity, or is he just there to support the white hero?

Nick Fury, as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., has power, political, strategic, and professional. He makes the big moves and literally fakes his death to outsmart HYDRA (ahem Pierce). His role as the “mysterious, all knowing leader” leans into familiar tropes of the “Black mentor” guiding the (white) protagonist.

Appearance

Sam is always in military or casual athletic wear, reinforcing his role as a soldier and action ready character.

Fury’s look? Classic all black trench coat, eye patch, and serious expression. It makes him look powerful, but also plays into the “cool, intimidating leader” archetype.

Values

Both Sam and Fury value loyalty, leadership, and justice, which fits their roles as “the good guys.”

Sam, in particular, values brotherhood and emotional support, which is refreshing compared to hyper-masculine action heroes.

Neither character is portrayed as greedy or power-hungry, which is a positive shift from past media portrayals of Black characters as either corrupt or violent.

How Does This Representation Compare to Other Media?

Similarities to Other Films

Sam as the Sidekick: This is a common pattern in action films, Black characters often serve as the “best friend” or “mentor” to a white hero (Tony Stark had Rhodey, Batman has Lucius Fox, etc.). While Sam is awesome, he’s still in a supporting role rather than the lead (he’s come so far now since he was the lead in the new Captain America movie).

Nick Fury as the Cool, Powerful Leader: This fits the trend of Black authority figures in movies (Morpheus from The Matrix), where they guide the hero but don’t get as much personal depth.

Differences from Other Films

Sam is actually emotionally open, which is rare for Black male characters in action movies. He talks about PTSD, gives advice, and supports Steve emotionally, most Black action characters aren’t given that kind of vulnerability.

Fury is not just a mentor, he’s a full on mastermind. He’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers, which gives him more agency than many similar characters in older films.

Frequency of Representation

Let’s be real, Black superheroes and leaders are still underrepresented in major blockbusters. The fact that Sam and Fury have solid roles is great, but before Black Panther, Black characters in the MCU were mostly sidekicks or authority figures rather than leading heroes.

Power, Relationships & Action

Who Holds Power?

Nick Fury has political power (as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.), but his power is temporary, he has to fake his own death and go underground, meaning he’s not actually in control by the end.

Sam Wilson has physical and relational power, he’s a great fighter and Steve trusts him completely, but he’s not making big decisions. He’s following Cap’s lead.

Who Is Active vs. Passive?

Sam is active, he fights, makes choices, and supports Steve in battle.

Fury is active, he orchestrates plans, manipulates situations, and stays one step ahead of HYDRA.

However, both characters ultimately exist in relation to Steve. They support the hero rather than being the hero.

Does The Winter Soldier Provide a Positive or Negative Portrayal?

Positive: Both characters are strong, intelligent, and respected. They aren’t comic relief, criminals, or disposable side characters.

Negative: Neither is the main hero (for this movie). They reinforce the pattern of Black characters being powerful but ultimately serving a white protagonist’s story.

Theoretical Lens – Critical Race Theory & Hegemony

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

CRT examines how race plays into power structures in media. In The Winter Soldier, Sam and Fury have some power, but not as much as the white protagonist.

Their roles reflect real-world racial dynamics, Black men can have power, but often in ways that support existing (white-led) institutions.

Hegemony & Ideology

Hegemony is about who controls the narrative. Steve, a white man, is at the center, while Sam and Fury exist within his world. The film doesn’t fully challenge racial power structures, but it does show strong Black characters in leadership roles, which is a step forward.

Final Thoughts: What This Says About Society Today

Intertextuality & MCU Impact: Because Sam and Fury are part of a larger universe, their representation matters long term. Sam eventually becomes Captain America, which shifts the power dynamic in future films (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explores this more deeply).

Relevance Today: The film highlights who gets to be a hero and why. While Black characters are gaining more agency in media, they’re still often sidekicks or secondary figures. The Winter Soldier takes a step forward but doesn’t completely break the pattern.

Final Verdict?

Does it challenge stereotypes? A little.

Does it fully break them? Not really.

Do I still love it? Absolutely.

It’s an amazing film with great representation compared to older action movies, but it also shows how far Hollywood still has to go. Here’s hoping for more stories where Black characters aren’t just supporting players but the main event.

[sunflowergraves]

Look, I don't care if you dislike Will Solace. There are plenty of fan favorite characters in PJO that I can't stand. But I'm tired of people mis-characterizing him and using it as a base in their argument to hate him.

If you think a character who has been through untold horrors and severe mental trauma is awful because he breaks down and snaps at people when he is triggered, I have no words for you. I don't know what books you've been reading, but Will has been through two wars, witnessed horrific deaths, and was forced into a leadership role at the ripe age of 13 because his older siblings were murdered in front of his eyes. What angers me more is that the reason everyone is so upset by his anxious and abrasive attitude is that they expected him to remain kind and compassionate and happy no matter what he is experiencing.

Having a character who is defined by kindness and compassion crack under the pressure of being there for everyone is amazing representation to have in a popular series and yet people are angry. Sorry that Will isn't Mr. Sunshine. Sorry that he isn't acting like the sad wet puppy people wrote him out to be.

It's even stated in TOA that his entire calm personality is a façade:

"Will laughed under his breath. 'I'm terrified. But one thing you learn as head counselor: you have to keep it together for everyone else.' "

Will's character was never the "super chill under pressure bi" stereotype that people assumed. He represents the people who hide their emotional needs for the sake of others. The people who had no choice but to be the leader. The people who are shoved into the "happy, down-to-earth" box because that's what others need them to be.

He was never mischaracterized, he was recontextualized. Why is every other PJO character allowed to have their breakdowns and trauma, but the second Will does, it becomes a problem? The reality is that a person can change dramatically because of trauma and pressure. People don't just act sad and depressed, they become angry and abrasive.

Have you never been 15 and angry before? Has your past trauma never affected you so violently? Has the pressure never gotten to you, have you always maintained your cool?

I'm not asking anyone to love Will Solace. I'm not trying to change your mind. But I do want you to understand that there are so many people like this in the world and it's tiring to see people not understand that. Continue hating him or whatever, but at least do it with this in mind.

[karaspal]

could drop a list of some of your hc for Kara Zor-El? What makes you love the character so much? If you could reintroduce someone or something for a new story for Supergirl!Kara

i feel like i have a lot of kara hcs but for some reason i can't think of that many at the top of my head. here are some i can think of:

sexuality hcs first - arrowverse!kara is ace and bi, moive!kara is a lesbian (and her brainy is a woman) and so is maws!kara, pre-crisis!kara is bi, and current kara is also a lesbian (and her brainy should be a woman);

here i talked about the movies i'd think she'd have fun starring in + i think she'd love to do a play on broadway;

kara is the photographer of the family. she's always taking pictures of her loved ones;

kara and damian are actually really good friends and hang out together. they have an older sister / younger brother type of dynamic;

i know it was canon at one point, but to me, kara is still the same age as dick and babs;

the older kara gets, the more she looks like her mother;

as time passed by, and because of the yellow sun on earth, her eye color changed to a deeper shade of blue;

kara, lois and lana have regular girls' nights out;

kara and lucy were in love in the supergirl movie;

at one point in the show, kara liked nia romantically, but decided a friendship between them is also good when she relaised nia doesn't like her like that;

one summer, kara and nat were camp counselors (while dating) at a steelworks summer camp. kara was stressing out because she wanted to make sure the kids had fun. nat was stealing kisses whenever the kids weren't looking which pissed kara off, but also made her smile every time;

during the future house of el stuff, kara wasn't the only one leading the house of el. thao-la was too, and they were married;

as to what makes me love the character... everything, to be honest. i've been a fan of kara ever since i was 13 years old. my first introduction to her was the tv show, and it was the first time i saw someone so kindhearted and compassionate and just good. and a few years after, i started reading her comics too.

i’ve always been fascinated by aliens, journalists, and superheroes (i was a weird kid), so seeing someone who checked all three boxes really stuck with me lol. not that i want her to be a journalist in the comics -- i don’t -- but i love that she is one in the show.

besides her altruistic nature, she's just a great person all around. i love her sense of humor and her love for musicals. i love how artistic she is. i love her style (minus a few eras). i love how hard she fights for what she believes in. i love the gentleness in her voice when she's comforting a loved one, and the soft kisses she presses to their temple whenever words aren’t enough.

i love the way she loves her family and friends, and how ride-or-die she is for them. i love the leader she is, and how she always makes sure the people on her team are okay. i love how gentle she is with kids, especially kids she sees her younger self in. kara is the most older sister i've ever seen, which is funny because she doesn't actually have a younger sibling. that's just the vibe she brings to the table.

i love kara’s flaws too. i love how hot-headed and stubborn she can be sometimes. i love her self-righteousness and the arrogance that comes from wanting to protect everyone. everything she does, she does because she wants to help. and that’s what i love most about her.

as for characters i'd like them to bring, i'd say her pre-crisis supporting cast. bring back lena, dick and nasty. and bring back some of her old villains too. the gang is the first that comes to mind. xenon too. but i'm fine with whatever, as long as kara gets to expand her rouge gallery. and as for something, i'd like her to be an actress again. or something artistic. and i'd like for her to move back to new york. i don't know how i feel about her going back to midvale as opposed to a big city yet.

anyways, sorry for the long ramblings and thanks for the ask! :)

[thewillowofveles]

For the tagged post. I know the rule is to ask about one wip but who am I to follow rules I don't like? (I'm a 🐍) So may you show us snippets of:

You will forget me my love

You made me see music

Two steps ahead yet not in the right direction

The mind web I control

I can't see light anymore

Rules are meant to be broken <3

They are more of an ideas or key scenes that I have in mind as I don't write WIPs. My sole focus is on Guarded and maybe after phase 1 I will reveal scenes that did not make it in. But as to not leave you empty handed I can share bits of dialog if that is alright or some small descriptions.

You will forget me my love

They laid on the grass. Facing the night sky above them. The only sound was the water of Lake Roccaluce with each small wave reached the shore. The peace of the moment was mere illusion as the time arrived to bring their months of planing to fruition. Tomorrow is the day, they will take over Cloud Tower and make their predecessors proud. Their heads lay next to each other, while their bodies were at opposite ends. One could say it was a sweet metaphor. Their bodies would be distance aparat but their minds would always be mere inches from one another. He gazed at her with his perfect lilac eyes. She often believed that would be the color of her Aura if she possessed the ability to see it. He looked at her as if she was a work of art. Worth remembering each and every detail.

'You won't remember this' She would cry once she goes back to their hideout.

'You will forget me my love' She would lose her her soul that very day.

You made me see music

While singing she took her hand. She was ready to pull it back when she looked at her. 'Trust me' her eyes said. She let intertwined her fingers with hers and she closed her eyes.

She could feel it. Each note, each inhale, each melody. The vibrations going though her filling her with so many feelings and emotions. Behind her closed eyes she could almost imagine the floating notes, the sound waves having the most exquisite colors.

She tightened the hold on her hand.

Never wanting the spectacle to stop.

Two steps ahead yet not in the right direction

It made sense. You couldn't outplay the mind witch. After learning that five counselors in Light Rock resigned after meeting Darcy...they should have known. With witch you didn't win by being compassionate or empathetic or by being kind to her. She was always two steps ahead of their silly games. But...was she really wining when she was the one loosing her mind?

The mind web I control

'You are socializing this is healthy' Darcy attempted to convince herself as she watched Stormy downing another shot. Her glass of white wine remained untouched.

Someone whistled.

"Hey gorgeous! Ain't you looking like a fallen angel?"

"THE FUCK YOU JUST SAID TO MY SISTER!"

"Stormy it's alright and you grabbed the chair ok."

"Hey can you keep that rabid animal of yours on a leash?"

She stood up. Her gaze spoke of vengeance and upcoming torture. Only Riven would probably found her looking like this beyond fuckable.

"DUDE YOU ARE SO FUCKED!" Exclaimed happily Stormy. Ready to see her sis in action.

She glared at her victim and in between her palms a web could be seen.

If the first twist of her hands a piercing wail could be heard. Her hands became a spinning frame. Another twist. The victim cried pathetically on the ground.

I can't see light anymore

For a second she was confused. She tried to understand. Maybe she was too exhausted and she only imagined opening her eyes but they remained closed.

She touched her eyes noticing her eyelashes brushing against her fingers. She held her hand in front of her and brought it to her face once more. Again. Again. and again.

She inhaled sharply. Somehow shocked despite knowing that her eyes were failing her. Her vision loosing the battle against the Sun and Daylight.

Yet when the moment came a single tear fell.

'I can't see'

I can't see light anymore'

Well that was fun.

<3

[txtaetertots]

stupid cupid: profiles (part 1)

—; yn’s angels aka yn’s friends

yn the city’s beloved cupid. their job is matching people to their soulmate! they have always had this odd talent of matchmaking since they were very young–boasting a 99% success rate. they’re often described as wide-eyed bambi by ryujin because they’ve always moved through life with an optimistic and can-do attitude.

keeho the date advisor. his job is to give people dating advice and tips, ranging from how to flirt or text to how to plan a date. his naturally outgoing and charming personality makes him an expert on dating (so he says), yet he’s still single. he’s fine being single though, because according to him, his only priorities are cupid’s club and kai.

ryujin the couple’s counselor. her job is to provide counseling services to distressed or struggling couples. she’s compassionate but intense; taking no nonsense from anyone. she tough on her clients, but only because she cares about people being happy and treated well. the embodiment of tough love.

kai the receptionist. his job is to book appointments and greet clients when they walk in. despite his intimidating stature, he’s been dubbed the gentle giant by ryujin and yn. he’s everything sweet and cute, making him perfect at his job. but even the sweetest berries can turn sour in a second.

masterlist | next →

[pacemaker-mp3]

first thoughts after watching captain america brave new world this morning, so spoilers ahead!:

-sam and joaquin are everything to me and I will burn down the world for them

-seeing Isaiah again in the beginning gave me so much happiness and his story arc and seeing him brought down so low gave me an incredible feeling of heartache. im glad to see his story resolved with a bittersweet happy ending!

-honestly as much as I don't care about Ross I think his story was handled gracefully and I liked seeing Betty again

-I wish she wasn't the character that she is bc Ruth was a nice addition to the team (kind of a sausage fest). like i really wish they just made up another red room girlie bc the optics of this are horrendous

-agent Taylor was everything to me btw, I loved that she was just there tbh!!! p sure I can still count the number of named black women in the mcu on one hand soooooo

-the more we see of sam as captain america the more I think this is a wonderful decision? I really love that they're emphasizing his role as an inspiration for so many people both in universe and out? and I feel like people are missing the subtle characterizations with him bc he's just as stubborn, compassionate, and righteous as steve but with the added bonus being that his view of the world is a bit more...........open........for obvious reasons

-of fucking course I loved the scene with bucky, I love that they're so good together and it makes me so happy to see sam still taking comfort in him??? sambucky 4life

-this did make me kinda excited to see what a new avengers would look like with sam leading as captain tbh!

Last thoughts:

-I kept away from a lot of the discourse regarding this movie both on this site and others in order to keep my opinions relatively my own so I'll say that I'll rate this movie a solid 8 out of 10.

I think my favorite part about this movie and Sam as Cap in general is that they're really trying to emphasize how much Sam leads with compassion above all else? Sidewalker and Sterns make comments about him trying to talk people down" and even Isaiah gives him shit for being a counselor in the beginning but that's such an integral part of his character??? it's so good??? he fights Ross, yes, but at the end of the day he finds out even the smallest kernel of good in someone and tries his best to bring it out into the light and for that I will always love Sam Wilson as captain america