#care of magical shippers

[careofmagicalshippers]

New Episode!

42 | Drarry Deep Dive: The Harry Edition ⚡️🐍

That's right, we are BACK with more Drarry! This ship is TOO BIG for one episode, so why hold back??? Last time we focused a lot on Draco's character where this week we take a look at Harry!

Want to find out some of our favorite Drarry tropes? This is just the beginning!

AND inquiring minds need to know...

What do YOU love about Drarry? What are YOUR favorite Drarry Tropes?

GO! Listen NOW! GO GO!

Connect with us!

website • spotify • apple podcasts • twitter • instagram • mastodon • leave us a voice message!

Find last week's episode 41 | Drarry Deep Dive: The Draco Edition HERE!

[sugareey-makes-stuff]

Today is not only September 1st and time to head back to Hogwarts, but it’s @greenmegsnoham​‘s birthday! Megs is a fellow snek who is a master of many trades, so here’s a custom nameplate and a mix of recs of all her fandomy things! I first started seeing Megs around in the Rare Pairs and Drarry servers, but I didn’t get to know her until fests! She participated in a few fests I signed up for too, and then I claimed her Flintwood prompt for Quidditch Fest 2021 (aka this is what had us gushing about this ship to begin with). She was also one of the first folks to join the Wizarding Creators Den server when I first started it almost a year ago (wow, time flies!). When I heard Megs’ had a HP podcast, I was naturally intrigued, and started listening to episodes since late last summer. I joined the @careofmagicalshippers server, and well, the rest is history! If you don’t know what Care of Magical Shippers is, it’s a Harry Potter ship culture podcast where Megs and co-host Nathan dive into the when, why, and how for various ships! From OTPs to the rarest of the rare, they’ve got you covered. They’re full of giggles, but they also go into some interesting and in-depth ideas and dynamics for all the ships they discuss. Each episode I’ve listened to so far has given me something new to think about. The server community Megs has cultivated for the podcast has been a great place to meet like-minded folk too. It’s inclusive and 1000% embraces fandom etiquette to allow readers and creators to like what they like, feel safe and be their authentic selves. There’s a monthly fic club, as well as a few bingos, Ministry Mayhem (aka crack and chaos) and other creative activities for people to take part in if they fancy it. I’ve never seen a community or a podcast like CoMs before, so it’s really refreshing that Megs has taken the reigns to carve out a space that gives love to pretty much any ship you can think of (yay for all of the rare pairs, tropes and spicy things! 🌶️). It’s obvious Megs is passionate about what she does, and she genuinely appreciates all the people who make up fandom (readers, mods, reccers and creators alike). It shows in the way she screams about a lot people’s creations, shares all of the creator events she knows about, and just the general hype she creates about so many different ships is something you want to join in on. Not to mention, she’s not afraid to be goofy or geeky. We absolutely need more of that humour, especially during such a weird time right now. If you’re looking for new ships to explore or want to see what the CoMs podcast is all about, here are some episodes to dive into: 🎙️ >>> Hey, Linny! You’re so fine! (Luna Lovegood/Ginny Weasley)

Summary: This week we are diving into some femslash! It’s Linny week!! Ginny and Luna make SUCH a beautiful couple and so much in canon supports this ship. Join us as we take a look at the ins and outs of this lovely pairing! (and there may be more singing and definitely excess giggles) This was my first episode I listened to! I really loved how deep Megs and Nathan get when it comes to how their families and general pasts would affect who Ginny and Luna become as people. Also after surviving a war, these two have such a potential to balance each other out because of the genuine trust and honesty they already have as friends, which is wonderful for something more. 🎤 >>> We Fancy Fleurmione 🌸📚 w/ Danni (Hermione Granger/Fleur Delacour)

Summary: This week is all about the Lady Things™ with our special guest, Danni (@danpuff-ao3!) What if Hermione went to the ball with Fleur instead of Krum? Or they do both become advocates post-war for magical creatures, including Veela rights? What better duo than two strong, underestimated women? Sorry, Bill. Sorry, Ron. These ladies were made for each other, and we’re here to tell you why and how!

What a hilarious episode! But also, Megs, Nathan and Danni shine an amazing light on how Hermione and Fleur can bring the best out of each other with their determination and their strengths. They are more than just women. They’re capable women who strive for what they want, who come from different backgrounds where they can learn and benefit from each other, and they’re more than what people stereotype them as (ie. beauty or brains, or whatever else). 🎙️ >>> Flintwood: 🪨 + 🪵 = 🔥 (Marcus Flint/Oliver Wood)

Summary: What happens when Flint meets Wood?? You get FIRE!!! This episode is all about Megs and Nathan’s BestieTP, Flintwood! The ultimate Rivals to Lovers!!

This episode is here, not just because Megs and I have screamed bonded over Flintwood so much, but because there is some good emotional and deep content discussed that we normally wouldn’t pick up right away when we see these two together...until folks dig into all the fic, characterisations and possible backstories that exist. Yes, Marcus and Oliver can get physical, rough and rowdy, and there is so much tension between them, but there are so many reasons why (aka denial of feelings). They may have different personalities, but they’re two sides of the same coin. One of my fav episodes so far. 🎤 >>> Versy Weasley, Lover of Wood 👓🪵 w/ Geoff (Percy Weasley/Oliver Wood)

Summary: Perciver is the ship of choice the week, and the perfect Nerd x Jock pairing! Megs and Nathan are joined again in this episode by Geoff (aka DreamQuaffle)! Fantastic Percy-centric discussion to be had, lots of giggles (obviously), and features ANOTHER fire of a fic by Geoff! Get ready for the SPICE!

I loved how silly this episode was! Yes, I am a Perciver shipper, but what I really appreciate about this episode is how Megs, Nathan and Geoff go more into Percy’s characterisation, how Oliver complements him (and vice versa), and the potential of both of them being on the neurodivergent spectrum. It really does make sense when it comes they’re fanatical and sometimes over-zealous tendencies about anything they’re super passionate about (like each other). If Megs wasn’t already busy enough with the podcast, she’s also a fest mod! She ran @hpshipuary, a daily ship challenge, this past February and she is currently modding @hpcestfest (claiming is still open until Sept. 9th) and @hpfacultyfest (which is still open for claiming, and works start posting today). She does all the graphic design work for everything listed above, she’s an artist (check out her art) AND she writes fic! I have no idea how she has time to do all of these things, but gods, I am so impressed. Honestly, I think Megs must have some ridiculous superpowers to juggle everything. Amazzzing.

If you want new fic reading, make sure to check out these Megs’ fics (especially if you like smut and/or ships that include Harry): 💞 >>> Scarred (Harry/Bill, E, 13.6k, mind the tags)

Summary: Harry can't escape the press, the fans. His dreams as an Auror shattered, relationships near impossible, Harry finds himself trapped in a life he cannot live. If only someone could set him free. 

I had no idea I needed this ship until I read this?! Gosh, soulmates and the amount of feelings this fic has is pretty mind-blowing. So I’m usually not one for infidelity fics, but this one just worked. It reminded me of my uni days where many people (myself included) were told to find someone ASAP to live happily ever after, and sometimes, that’s not how life works. Sometimes, you do need to go with your gut feeling, and this is what this story embraces. Also, Bill is just hot in this. I gotcha, Harry. I see what you see. ❤️ >>> I’m not broken (Drarry, T, 455)

Summary: Draco should want to have sex with his boyfriend...shouldn't he? 

Oh, this is gorgeous. This fic captures such a vulnerable and important moment for Draco, and anyone else who identifies as ace. We’re always told about love and sex and how they need to be linked together, but that’s not the case! You can love someone like Draco loves Harry, and sex doesn’t need to part of it. Also, there’s more than relationships than sex (as well as a whole spectrum of attraction and other things in between). 🧹 >>> Yes, Daddy (Scorpius/Harry, E, 11.5k, mind the tags)

Summary: Scorpius loves his Daddy. But no one knows. Not even Harry. Especially not his father.

OKAY. I usually don’t seek out fic with age difference, breeding or daddy kinks much, but I have to say, this was smokin’, and it’s a fic that’s hard not to re-read or think about. There’s humour, and I adore Al and Scorpius’ friendship. Not onlt that, but damn, the smut makes you sweat 🥵 and goes to a whole new level. Megs worked some magic with this one, since you know, I’m cool with reading more fics with these kinks now. But also, Harry and Scorpius are actually just so tender with each other. And Draco is dramatic as usual, what else is new? 🤣 💼 >>> It’s Yours (Neville/Percy, E, 3k, mind the tags)

Summary: Neville's interview for Percy's secretary takes a very interesting turn...

Sooo, this one doesn’t have Harry in it, but if you like Top!Percy, praise kink, power play and boss/employee dynamics, this is the fic for you. Also, Megs pointed out there needs to stories where Percy’s taking the lead. I agree, and she’s making it happen. I don’t know what the hell it is, but Percy not only being in control in the office but when it comes to sex is very appealing. And seeing this from his perspective, which shows what motivates him to do the things he does and to get what he wants, and Neville just handing all of that over...yes. There 10000% needs to be more of these two! You can find more of Megs’ work on AO3. Make sure to leave kudos and comments to show appreciation for all of her fandom contributions. Megs, thanks for being you, for making CoMs exist, and for sharing all the love for all the ships. Things would not be the same without you around. Have a fantastic day!

[danzanelfuoco]

Title: Lost Cause 

Rating: SFW 

Fandom: Stranger Things 

Ships/Character(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Bingo Prompt(s): Disaster Bisexual

Warning(s): None

Tags: Ficlet, ice cream, bisexual disaster Steve Harrington, Robin is a good friend

Summary: And now Eddie is licking his ice cream, tongue swirling around the vanilla scoop, smiling at him, and offering to share it ‘since he looked like he wanted some’ - the same ice cream where Eddie’s tongue had been mere seconds ago and Steve has to shake his head because he thinks he will just explode if he tries to utter a word. “Listen, you dumb idiot,” Robin says, gripping his shoulders and forcing him to turn to look at her, “I thought I was a lost cause, but honestly, Steve, you’re worse than me."

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39669525

@careofmagicalshippers

[reluctantbylerblog]

they really have the gall to say they aren’t biased against byler when these are their reactions to both of these posts:

like c’mon bffr

[entropy-sea-system]

I was just thinking about how in care bears unlock the magic they give Bedtime the night shift in the caring control tower (he mentions it in the first episode) maybe because he works better at night and it fits his sleep pattern better and it's kind of nice to think of it as them accomodating his sleep schedule

[livvyofthelake]

just saw a horrible take. tumblr don’t you ever suggest a post like that to me again.

[ot3]

i genuinely don't care if femslash shippers are artificially inflating the narrative importance of falin and marcille's relationship. yeah sure implying that marcille has romantic feelings for falin (a solid read but not Canonical) is the primary driving force of the plot (objectively incorrect) minimizes marcille's larger character motivations WRT wanting to conquer the magic of dungeons to equalize everyone's lifespans, which she's been wanting since Before she met falin, and similarly minimizes the importance of Laios' relationship to his sister. but also. whens the last time any popular airing anime had meaningful femslash for anyone but the yuribrained devotees to give a shit about. come on.

[thetransguard]

okay i knew it was coming but its kind of killing me how obtuse people are being towards toshiro (im not fucking calling him shuro and honestly yall should stop with that too). should he have told laios how he really felt about him, sure, yeah, but im going to go off on a limb here and suggest maybe! maybe! he's been raised in an environment where it's actually like legitimately unheard of and taboo to be very open and straight forward about his feelings. the entire party has been calling him by a name that literally isnt even his own because he is so used to quashing down his own reactions to others. like i think other poc diaspora dunmeshi fans might agree with me here but he just reads like someone whos not bothered enough to correct every microaggression thrown his way. because that shit is exhausting. and after like five hours of laios bugging him about stories of his homeland why would he have a good opinion of him. genuinely. im not saying laios is entirely at fault but neither is toshiro. i love laios too but it is Very Weird that toshiro gets the brunt of their friendship's falling out (ill circle back to this)

also to preface this i am a farcille shipper so im. not pushing for falin/toshiro. but people acting like his affection for falin is somehow not relevant or he has no devotion to falin at all is CRAZY. immediately after being teleported out he threw himself back into that dungeon and didnt eat or sleep properly to rescue her. we literally watch him collapse from it. after multiple episodes emphasizing the importance of nutrition and caring for yourself and your take away from a man willing to toss that away is that he just. doesn't care for falin? why is he in the dungeon then? answer. quickly. granted he's not as onboard with the whole black magic thing but his concerns are literally valid and before we see falin chimera he seems to have been talked down from reporting them all for it. its the proof of his concerns of the use of black magic that he decides to go up and report them at all. his bond with falin isn't nearly as strong as marcille's bond but its also not nothing. ignoring that or minimising his own sacrifices is such a nasty bad faith disservice to his character.

speaking of bonds. toshiro doesn't hate laios. guys. his last act this episode was to give laios and the rest of the party (yes, even black magic user marcille) a way out of the hole that they'd already dug for themselves. fleeing to the east and leaving falin to the elves isnt the best case scenario but it is one that lets the majority of the party survive whatever's coming. its the realistic play. is this the act of a man who hates his former colleagues? is he wishing harm and further misfortune on them? his actions speak for themselves. you guys are being way too hard on toshiro and its really fucking telling. this goes for white viewers especially

[takeachillpillshawty]

Things I need to see in more\ want to happen twst fanfics

Vil living as Vil Schoenhiet the student at NRC and not THE Vil Schoenhiet model, actor, and influencer.

Kalim angst. I love him but sometimes I love seeing my babygurl suffer, and not Jamil betraying him angst. No, I want him to question his self worth as a dorm leader in general, I want him to be on edge at the thought of an assassin at school, I want him to worry about the people he befriends knowing that getting involved with him will put their lives in danger just like him.

Leona's hinted depression being discussed.

Jade finally being seen as the scarier twin than Floyd, I don't care Jade lovers your mans is scaring away the hoes.

Yuu\ Prefect \ YN adjusting to the world or Twisted Wonderland... Literally, getting used to the oxygen, atmosphere, eating fruits or food that doesn't exist in their world, so on and so on.

Riddle being a kid.

Vil enjoying his flaws and accept that there are people who genuinely love him even if he isn't the fairest one of all.

Trein and Riddle having father son moments.

Jamil realizing that his parents played a bigger role of his hatred for Kalim, and that it was possible for he and Kalim to be friends after all.

Silver and Sebek being brothers. Yes, I see them as brothers Silbek shippers don't come at me.

Ortho being creepy as fuck, like as in uncanny valley creepy. I know with my full heart that is Ortho was real he'd give major uncanny valley effect. I love him, he's still my son.

Lilia going through the grief of losing Meleanor.

Grim and Prefect some how fusing together into one being, A being able to do magic and be accepted as a student.

Kalim being unhinged, like feral. Not in the sugar rush kind of way, like giving a 5 year old the power of God kind of unhinged.

Cater, Kalim and Lilia all just collectively crying together to let all the stress, frustration, anger and sadness out. They usually do this during club hours.

N I E G E L E B L A N C H E.

[careofmagicalshippers]

43 | Drarry Deep Dive #3: The Trope Edition⚡️🐉📚

It's time for our final Drarry episode! (for now...)

We're discussing Tropes! Find out our favorites, as well as some of yours: from A/B/O to Soulmates, Auror Partners and AUs, there are so many ways to enjoy Harry x Draco!

In case you missed them, find Drarry part 1 and 2 here:

41 | Drarry Deep Dive #1: The Draco Edition HERE!

42 | Drarry Deep Dive #2: The Harry Edition

Connect with us!

website • spotify • apple podcasts • twitter • instagram • mastodon • leave us a voice message! • patreon

[class1akids]

BNHA 423 - Thoughts (aka how to fumble your ending: a masterclass by Kohei Horikoshi)

I won't have time on Sunday, so I'll write up my chapter thoughts today. Probably the last time for this series (unless we get a Todo-family moment in the epilogue).

I've joined this fandom 6 years ago and written countless meta and analysis. I'm grieving today not that the story has come to an end, but the way it fumbled its landing.

Last chapter: Deku after a combo from everyone Rises to everyone shouting Ganbare and All Might Annointing him as HIS personal Jesus Greatest hero

This chapter:

Everyone's aggregate animosity (including 16 members of Class A - missing: Uraraka, Bakugou, Shoto and Aoyama) and the strength Deku added to OFA in 2 years kill AFO-in-Shigaraki's regen (even though he was engineered by Ujiko to be able to hold OFA).

Deku punches the body of that little crying boy he yapped about saving of the big bad and it starts to crumble. So AFO looks for a new host in Deku.

We get to the only good point in this chapter: as Aizawa is yelling for Midoriya, ShiraGiri worries about Tomura. The tragedy of how their lives went in separate ways. The only person on this battlefield who cares about Tomura is Kurogiri

WTF - I'm emotional. This must help bring Tomura back, right?

Let me see! what's happening on the vestige side?

Is Kurogiri dead? Why?

I NEED ANSWERS!!!

Or fuck that - let's get to Bakugou, because why not. Obviously, he's in desperate need of another highlight.

Let's even make sure he gets personally praised in case in the last 5 chapters he was not mentioned we forgot how he's the awesomest. Who cares about Kurogiri dying in the background? Who cares about Aizawa's or Mic's feelings? The most important question is how Bakugou got to the battlefield.

Oh, wait, here comes the twist. Remember that crappy little panel of Shoto in the last chapter? No? Don't worry. Neither does 99% of the fandom, except a few die-hard Shoto-fans.

Well, you see, that crappy panel was actually Shoto being hidden as he lifted up Deku at the end of that long combo to give him his last push. And the one above, is not a BKDK combo but an Origin Trio combo. It's just cropped the same way BKDK shippers always crop Shoto out of any Trio pictures.

Congratulations, Kohei Horikoshi-sensei! What an amazing twist. You managed to write Schroedinger's Origin Trio scene! It happened, but maybe it never did. Thanks for stringing me along all these years through the rollercoaster rides of Origins and Risings. I'll take that playground from you and give it to fanfic writers who actually care about maintaining it.

While Bakugou is yelling in the background, Deku is pulling a Mirio on AFO and calls him friendless. The worst thing that can happen to a Shonen boss.

There is some incomprehensible mumbo jumbo about OFA-magic - but don't worry peeps - it's all a set-up for Deku getting it back (in case you are one of the people who seems really to be worried about that)

And then AFO realizes - due to Deku transferring the last bit just so - that he was just a sad little human who loved his brother all along. Yoichi's lifelong efforts to make an impact on AFO didn't do anything. Only the Jesus-Punch-of-Magic did. Too bad.

Oh no, the whole fucking peanut gallery is back to nobody's surprise. (Actually All Might is missing, which may suggest Deku will only get the stockpile back). Even if Deku gets OFA back, please don't transfer these guys back. I'm so sick of them. They were a total waste of time and took Deku's precious real estate for introspection. Fuck that. I don't actually care. Deku has been damaged beyond repair.

GROUP FIST BUMP!!! Amazing Climax. Maybe a double spread, Sensei?

HK: Sorry, I used up my double spread quota on Bakugou!

I'm not one to criticize Horikoshi's artstyle, but boy, this panel is so underwhelming compared to the stuff he drew in this endgame. Is this your big AFO vs OFA clash????

What happens when Ghost Fist collides with Real blood? Of course, it will transfer all that sweet Ghost-DNA!!!

Aka - Horikoshi is saying - Don't worry, Deku won't be quirkless.

OK. Well. Let's move on.

Here is another line from Horikoshi's outline. Did you want to see a heart-warming scene between Nana and Tenko? Too bad for you. You get Bakugou, you voted for him.

(Btw, Shoto is not the only one who doesn't seem to be allowed to have a proper scene with his mom, I guess Tenko cannot even get an emotional afterlife scene. If you are an abuse-victim in story, Horikoshi says - fuck you! Take a swan dive and hope to be reborn as a bully in your next life).

Well, at least Tomura noticed that Kurogiri mysteriously died after Horikoshi couldn't think up an actual proper endgame for him.

OK, onto the MAIN ANTAGONIST's final monologue. It will be deep after being built for 400 chapters, right?

Shigaraki: Well, I didn't even manage to destroy your hand. I amount to just a crying boy.

Deku: Well, I still hate you for stabbing Kacchan and the others. (forget the others, I never cared about the others). I killed you because I was sick of your moping it's the International Board of Therapist's recommended therapy for victims of abuse and grooming.

Shigaraki: Well, what do I say to that. That's so fucking stupid.

Shigaraki: And to my gay little boyfriend, I leave my treasured Nintendo controller.

Deku: Yeah, whatever. I don't really have any thoughts. I've stopped introspection in Act 2. Your life sucked. You need to fuck off now and stop spreading the sadness, I have a victory punch to perform.

Deku: This is the story of how I became the greatest hero by punching the fuck out of this crying, abused little boy and then bathing myself in his nasty pixie dust. killing 2 main villains for the price of 1 in under 7 pages and changed the weather for the dudebros on Twitter can cry about the blue sky in the anime again. I also eradicated sadness with punching it hard enough.

Also - I probably still have a quirk. Tune in to find out in two weeks.

Sensei, with all due respect - this chapter was ass. Visually, thematically, from a storytelling point of view. Even the good ideas were executed badly or were crammed in with terrible ideas. What a fucking let-down.

Will Shigaraki go and be the hero of the villains?

I can see him reconstruct with Overhaul and magic, or I can see that we will get a reveal where Deku had the Lion Turtle solution all along and he has punched Shigaraki just at the angle to magically manifest 5-year old crying Tenko and save him and he was cold and aloof because he already "saved the boy".

I can see a BS solution incoming. But it will not fix this chapter for sure, nor the broader writing issues with Deku's character and with the Deku - Tomura dynamic.

[lucaswarmhotchocolate]

while I agree with many others in the fandom that Harry Potter is not power-hungry, and writing him as such is a very fine line between "Making drastic changes to canon while still trying to adhere to the general premise" and "pure self indulgence" (neither of these is better or worse than the other do whatever tf you want), but -- I think that it's very interesting to read about a very naturally magically powerful Harry Potter. I love when Harry could do anything he wants, but he doesn't because he genuinely cares about people. When he has all this raw magic at his disposal but he ignores it for whatever plot reasons your heart desires. and then, of course, the instability that comes with poor little Harry having the power of 4 nuclear bombs wrapped up in a 5 foot tall 70-pounds-soaking-wet absolute waif of a child's body is addictive to read about.

In general though, for me, I love how this power can represent the autistic child's experience. I find that the eventual magical-meltdown scenes are very cathartic, and I will often daydream about Harry having these magical outbursts. I've even written a drabble about him having a meltdown, and I draw from my own experience being autistic and having very violent meltdowns (which have historically included harming myself and others who have the misfortune of being around me at the time).

I feel like in the harrymort fandom I see less of these magically powerful harry fics, probably because the draw for a lot of harrymort shippers is the obvious difference in power. But I really do feel like we are under utilizing this trope! It might be caused by the more mature audience in comparison to drarry ships, but honestly even with snarry I saw more magically powerful Harry Potter.

Anyways I know this is a disjointed mess of all my thoughts with no real point, but I felt like talking about my favorite trope 🫶

[nobibiname]

There seemed to have been some nasty things in the fandom lately, and in the interest of turning a page, I’d like to say:

Yes I’m an Elriel shipper (and Nessian and Feysand etc etc) and no, I will not show up on your page and yuck your yum if you ship someone else.

But if you care I will tell you why this ship has such a grip on my heart ♥️

I love Elriel, because their quiet love speaks volumes in shy looks and brushes of fingers.

What I love the most about them is how they just understand each other. Without words. He doesn’t need his shadows or any magic to read her, and she doesn’t need her magical sight to see him… to see him rubbing his temples and conspires to get him the funniest gift ever. They see each other’s facial cues and body language in a situation where they are not free to express how they feel whenever and wherever they want. They can’t love out in the open, because of customs and politics and an unwanted gift from fate. So they read each other’s tells like poker players, or spies.

Together they are balance, light and dark, cobalt and rose pink, harmony. They are so harmonious together, even the gifts they gift others are a match (to Feyre: paints and brushes, to Nesta: books and a reading light) almost like they planned it, feyre didn’t get two sets of paints or brushes, but one of each. Harmony.

I love them without banter, without training, without one-upping each other or being the loudest, most attention grabbing people in the room. They are the couple that are quietly lovely.

To me being able to comfortably be quiet and peaceful with someone IS love. And I would love to read the love story SJM writes for them. maybe let’s just remember that we all love these books and characters. 🩵

[sokkastyles]

I have a question, I know we know that shipping does not equal morality. And I get that, and I really like that. However, on my other blog, that should have been my main blog (yes I am that dumb). I have talked about Aang's non-consensual and criticized how Kataang is written, however, if you ship Kataang I won't come for your throat because that's not my style. I know the few misogynists/antis on here and on Twitter, and I don't want to let a few bad apples be my impression of a fandom, that's not fair, So now I'm side-eyeing myself over my past remarks. Likewise, I know shipping is not equal to morality, but I also want to criticize Kataang because of how flawed it is and how wrong that kiss was (and other things). I have no idea what I'm saying because at this point I'm rambling. What do you think?

Well, there is a difference between criticizing a ship and criticizing canon. I don't honestly care what people ship. I use the antikataang tag because I don't want to argue with people who do ship it, but that doesn't mean I won't be critical of what is in the show. I think expecting people not to engage critically with media is absolute nonsense. But there is a difference between engaging critically with the actual media and criticizing people's fanon or headcanons, which is where you get away from critically engaging with canon and move into the area of criticizing other people's opinions, which is how arguments start.

Like, there isn't really any actual concrete argument you can make to criticize zutara, because zutara does not exist in canon. It's all fanon and headcanons and speculation. And criticizing other people's opinions just makes you look like a dick.

You also have to take into account the intention behind something. The thing about the way Katara's relationship with Aang is presented is that we're supposed to root for Aang to get Katara, and every obstacle towards that end is just there to create dramatic tension for the male point of audience identification. That's the real problem with the noncon kiss, and people who are critical of it are right to point it out.

In contrast, when I say shipping isn't morality, I'm talking about people who write, let's say, dubcon zutara fics. Fanfiction as a genre is largely female-centered fantasy. Yes, even those lurid fics you're thinking of. People write and read these fics for completely different reasons and have completely different expectations than when watching a series like ATLA. Trying to say that someone can't criticize the way the show presents Aang kissing Katara after she said she was confused as a mistake to be glossed over (that is forgotten as soon as it happens) because they also happen to like reading darkfic is nonsense. There's also a long history of women's interests being policed that informs my views here, vs the fact that consent has only fairly recently become a conversation in mainstream media. You have only to look at the way the show itself portrays Katara having interests (especially in boys) outside of Aang as dark and dangerous to see this happening in ATLA itself. Or the way the creators got away with saying that zutara shippers are doomed to end up in abusive relationships while painting Aang as a typical Nice Guy stereotype who expects Katara to magically become his girlfriend (and gets angry when she doesn't) and seeing nothing wrong with it.

The thing is that zutara, if we look at the way it's written in canon as a metaphor for a romantic relationship, follows the same tradition of how fanfiction has historically existed as an exploration of romantic and sexual dynamics. Those conversations about consent are actually happening and being explored in fanfiction, even the dark stuff, whereas relationships that are presented as "wholesome" often push us to NOT have those conversations. So when I say shipping isn't morality, what I actually mean is that noncanon shipping and darkfic actually has more of a moral leg to stand on than uncritically engaging with relationships on the grounds that Aang is the hero so his goodness and worthiness to get the girl should just be assumed. Zuko has to work for his right to be in a relationship with Katara because he didn't start out from a place of goodness, and that, on its own, is very female centered because instead of starting out from the perspective of the male hero deserving a relationship by virtue of being the hero, we see the idea that a man has to work to gain a woman's respect and affection.

So it's not so much that I hate KA, but I hate the idea that we should engage in it uncritically. And that would be true even if it really was the most wholesome relationship in the world. The same thing cannot be true of zutara because even the darkest of darkfic are about women centering themselves in the narrative and engaging with power dynamics in ways that are subverting patriarchal norms about relationships by definition.

[cfr749]

Initial Thoughts on Chenford in 6x07

All right... I'm feeling... a lot at the moment, so just sharing my initial reactions before seeing anyone else's. I'm sure my feelings will evolve. Also this turned into a GD essay and I'm sorry.

The Good

Grey acknowledging that Lucy was going through a lot ABOVE & BEYOND the break up. I just wish he'd mentioned the shooting, too. Lucy deserves to be more than her relationship with Tim and I need to actually see that in the future.

Lucy laying out 2 key things in her conversation with Grey - how easily Tim walked away and that he had no right to make that decision for her

Prior to the last scene (see The Ugly below), I thought Tim's interactions with the therapist were reasonably well done; if only therapy was that easy in real life lol

"You've always got a home with me" - I loved this final scene between Lucy and Tamara. I don't really have feelings either way about Tamara at this point, and this still hit me right in the heart.

Smitty's poll made me laugh, but also another solid indicator that these writers / producers do in fact really enjoy laughing at the expense of the fandom and shippers (which, whatever, I don't care that they do, I'd prob do the same; but it does irk me when people act like these writers should be worshipped because of all the things they "give" us)

The Tim

"I'm not depressed. I broke up with her."

"I was her TO." Not her friend, cuz god knows Tim has yet to deal with the fact that he started banging his former Rookie I suppose.

I dunno whether to put this in The Good or The Bad at this point; it depends on where they take it, so instead Tim gets a section all about why he's a dick.

To be clear, I do not like that Tim is a dick. But I actually do kind of like that it is very clear TO THE AUDIENCE that Tim is being kind of a dick. Do I still think people will bend over backwards to defend him? Of course they will.

From my perspective, I love Tim, I understand that he thinks he's doing the right thing, and has lots and lots of trauma. I've never seen Tim as a character that magically healed at some point between Seasons 1 & 5 (please see his storyline with his dad, his ongoing issues with UC work and unwillingness to confront or deal with them, his feelings about therapy historically, his inability to dump Ashley, etc. etc.). He's never been perfect and he doesn't need to be.

All of those things are true. None of those things give him a free pass to be kind of a dick. He still has to take accountability for how he treated Lucy (which, to be clear, was like sh*t).

The Bad

Lucy being petty AF with the invites to Tamara's dinner - let her be ANGRY, but give me villain Lucy over this dumb sh*t.

Lucy having no one other than Grey to talk to.

Others acting like Lucy is actually kind of pathetic (why do these writers love sh*tting on her so much? girl could not be down and kicked any harder at this point) -- Celina / Nolan and the double dumping crap, Lucy thinking Grey paid actors and him telling her she was out of her damn mind

The last interaction between Lucy and Tim. I am so angry for her. I needed to see that from her, but instead it felt kind of like her being dumped / a kicked puppy all over again. We got it, thanks. What's next? Lucy being incredibly happy with the hottest man on earth? I'm here for it tbh. Lucy plotting Tim's murder? Also here for it at this point. LOL.

The Ugly

I could not hate the implication of that final scene with Tim and the therapist and the door shutting more. There was ZERO reason they couldn't have had him show up during the day, and it actually disgusts me that they are pushing this line again, but especially with Tim. I am literally NEVER this dramatic, but in this case I really hope they did that to just get a reaction, because if anything were to actually happen between Tim and the therapist, I'd be 100% done with this ship and show as would a whole lot of the audience (I think). If I kept watching, it would only be to see Lucy be absurdly happy without Tim.

Well, what'd I miss? What did y'all think?

[sgiandubh]

This is a thank you, not an ask. I guess I would be classified as a lurker in the Tumbler world since I primarily only read what others write.  But I did make a comment to you once and you responded so you made me feel comfortable enough that I could send this to you.  Shippers have unknowingly been helping me stay sane these past few years.  My husband has Alzheimer’s with Aphasia and I have been his sole caretaker for a long time.  Having this responsibility is not for the faint of heart. One day in early 2019 I stumbled across Outlander and like a lot of others, was in, hook, line and sinker and Jamie & Claire and Sam & Cait became part of my daily life.  Last week I had to place my husband in a memory care facility.  It was an agonizing decision and I prayed for a sign that this was the right move.  As stupid as this may sound, I think my prayer was answered.  On the second day he made a friend.  His name is Jamie.  Only in the Outlander world would this have any meaning, but we've now got a sweet Jamie in our lives.  You may officially call me crazy.  Thank you to you and all the other shippers for all the smiles and happiness you've brought to me and many others. It kept me going.

Dear @jovialchaoslover,

By all means, do not thank me, even if I felt incredibly moved and honored by your submission, on behalf of the entire OL Shipper community. In fact, I should thank you, because for all those name calling and finger pointing Anons, you get to read something as genuine, moving and personal. These moments are rare and precious (and should remain so). They make you feel useful, in a very unexpected way.

You are one of those daily life unsung heroes and I want you to know that you are probably way stronger than you would ever think. I can only imagine the kind of experience you are now going through, even if I am (like many daughters, all around the world) only too aware of the cruelty with which old age sometimes disfigures beloved family members. I have only a remote idea of my own grandmother's quick descent into dementia and death, but I do have a very direct experience of the grueling toll it took on our family. Especially on my own mother, who let everything go and cared for her until the very last moment.

With the proper care solution in place, you will find yourself with a lot of time on your hands. A spare time you perhaps forgot existed. Please (I urge you) use it wisely and never forget this is all about you. You more than deserve it and the moment is now. I may know a thing or two about emptiness and void. They are incredibly enticing and treacherous. Please try and do something for you every single day. It does not matter if it is important or completely futile: it is about YOU and changing the angle will change everything. Remember the wonderful woman I am sure you are and try to reconnect with her. I can promise you she is not very far and I bet she misses you, too.

Last but not least, let me tell you that I will never call you crazy for having shared that Jamie story with us. I think it was very brave of you and I can confidently tell you it even has a name. What you experienced is called synchronicity and it is part of the tiny and personal magic of daily life. People as serious as Carl Gustav Jung dedicated their life to try and make some sense of this. And it all started with one of his patients (he was a shrink) describing a very vivid, recurrent dream of hers, that featured a scarab beetle. At the very same time, they both saw a scarab beetle (uncharacteristically) tapping on the window. The woman was not instantly cured (psychoanalysis does not exactly work like this), but it helped both of them overcome a very frustrating communication barrier.

That Jamie story is a real synchronicity, too, because it is meaningful for you and nobody else. It happened for a reason you are the only one to understand, in time. I could talk about it for hours and link it (as Jung did) with my beloved I Ching or with a couple of dead(ly) serious German philosophers, for some extra gravitas. But I am not going to over-complicate things. You got this. You are strong and brave and believe it or not, I am sure you are also loved by many.

I also think Caitriona Mary Balfe and Sam Roland Heughan should read your ask, finally understand their magic brought solace to many, many people around the world and get their damn act together for Season 8. But that is a different story altogether.

For the rest, if you want, we will be here for you. Me and probably other kind people on this side of the fence. Anytime you want, here or in DM. It may not be much, but it is something.

PS: that may or may not have brought a #silly tear, you know.