#ignore that facet of society completely

[mazhai]

saw a post about how bridgerton is liberal white escapism trash bc it implies that anything other than being a virgin or a wife to a rich man would bring you certain doom and like. girl. no fucking shit.

[northgazaupdates]

A group of journalists held a public appeal yesterday for an end to Israel’s siege of the northern Gaza Strip, where practically no food aid has entered since October 2023. People in the north are living and dying in famine due to the complete blockade by the IOF.

To make matters worse, most mainstream media outlets are ignoring the plight of north Gaza, as the journalists and other people remaining in the north are predominantly Arabic-speaking. The north of Gaza is starving in silence.

Instagram user faridaek has been kind enough to repost the appeal with English subtitles added. This is a significant undertaking that we greatly appreciate, and we ask everyone with an Instagram account to share the video.

The journalist speaking is Islam Bader. He and his colleagues are making this appeal on behalf of the people of northern Gaza. The journalists present include Abed Alqadr Sabbah, Mahmoud Al-Awadia, Momin Abu Owda, Mahmoud Sabbah, Mahmoud El-Shareef, Anas Al-Sharif, Islam Bader, Mohammed Ahmed, and Fadi Al-Whidi, among others. The subtitles read

From the north of the Gaza Strip, we, as journalists still stationed here in the north stand today driven by our ethical responsibility and national duty as a voice for all those who remain steadfast in Gaza and its north who are being subjected to a policy of extermination and a policy of starvation which is no less than extermination. The markets have been emptied of all essentials, and there is no flour available except in rare instances. The occupation does not allow aid to enter, maintaining its obstinate siege against our people and our families. We are of this people, and today we speak for Palestinians, for the besieged and for those denied life’s essentials. The most basic necessities have now become extremely rare in Gaza.

Therefore, we issue this call as a final warning, about a severe famine that is unprecedented on a global scale and impacting all facets of life, particularly children, individuals with chronic conditions and society’s most vulnerable groups. We hold the Israeli occupation and the international community especially the United States responsible for this starvation because it is happening in front of the eyes and ears of the entire world without any concrete action [on the ground] to stop it. The occupation’s claims of aid delivery are deceptive and unfounded. In reality, nothing has entered the north of the Gaza Strip.

Therefore, this final call, on behalf of all these people, on behalf of our fellow journalists, on behalf of our families and on behalf of Palestinians and the displaced in the north of the Gaza Strip is for the world to uphold its responsibility. North Gaza is starving, and this famine must be stopped.

Source: Islam Bader et al via faridaek on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Farida EK (@faridaek)

[olderthannetfic]

I don’t see myself ever posting something like this publicly so here goes:

I am a sexual sadist. My sadism is tied to my sexuality and it always has been. No clue why. I’ve never felt guilt or shame about it because I do not derive any pleasure from unwanted pain infliction. I can’t even watch horror media because even the simulation of graphic unwanted physical harm makes me feel nauseous. Sick to my stomach nauseous. When I hear those actors scream and cry I want to throw up. Rationally I am completely aware it is fake and fictional but my brain can’t help the aversion I feel to unwanted violence of this nature. The only place I can safely explore this facet of myself is in a consensual sexual place with a sub. It’s the most at peace and happy I feel. And of course sexually excited. I can’t explain the psychology behind it I just know it’s always how my brain has worked. The first time I experienced sexual attraction was watching an animated kids movie when I was 8 and someone was bound and crying out and writhing around it made me sexually excited. I don’t know how or why these things happen.

I’m just sending this because I keep seeing this idea that sexual sadism is tied to abuse and that all sadist must be abusing their partners and it just isn’t true. I don’t have the answers as to why my brain was wired this way but I can unequivocally say I would never want to harm someone nonconsensually and that many people speaking on this topic seem to be coming from a place of assumption and ignorance around human sexuality. Admittedly I myself am not knowledgeable as to the whys, I just know I have never felt shame for something I feel is harmless. My partner has not been conditioned by society to be sexually aroused by pain and submission, they just are, same as me in the inverse.

--

Heh. This comes up here so often because I'm something of a sadist myself, though far too lazy to actually have a relationship.

People like to fall back on "trauma" because they feel like it legitimizes things, but really, some people are just wired kinky. There will never be a satisfying explanation any more than you can satisfyingly explain why a given person is straight.

And honestly, I think fandom should think a little harder about our extreme love of whump and watching our blorbos cry the next time we're hand-wringing over sadists existing. Just saying.

[damnfandomproblems]

Fandom Problem #4188:

(ONE of!!) the things that bothers me so much about "genderbends are transphobic just make them trans instead!!" discourse is that, it ignores so many different elements or possibilities. It's not just changing how they look, but deciding which elements of their personality they would keep and what parts would change, and how that would effect they way world perceives them and thus how they interact with the world.

Example: I have one character who's a hyper-feminine, Instagram influencer, rich spoiled snobby model type, and (an OUT) lesbian. Now in a world where she were a guy, how would that work? There are a few different possibilities.

One would be to leave her entire personality completely unchanged--she would come off as a flamboyant gay stereotype. The way society as a whole perceives and reacts to a very feminine man is EXTREMELY different from how it would react to a feminine woman. Also, leaving EVERYTHING the same, how would that reflect on her attraction? would she stay *gay* and be attracted to solely men? Or, would she stay *attracted to exclusively women*? This would be pretty unexpected for someone looks and acts like most people's gay male stereotype.

The other option would be to swap her extreme femininity for extreme masculinity. I'm thinking, "Alpha male sigma grindset" variety of dudebro. Of course, these types attract a very specific audience who are NOT known to be very accepting. If he were gay what would be the reaction of people in his circle? How would he deal with knowing his entire career and public image could be upended if this were known to anyone? Would he stay closeted to maintain his position or would he be out and to hell with what people think of it?

There's too many different facets and directions to explore the idea of changing a characters gender to write them all off completely. To write them as specifically trans would be a whole other completely different direction.

A privileged cis man growing up in a world with "toxic masculinity" ideals would not likely have the same experience as a trans man who is otherwise in his exact same position in life. He would go from someone who has NEVER had to prove himself, to someone who CONSTANTLY has to prove himself and ALWAYS being doubted. Or if the same person were transfem, they have a LOT to risk and to lose, the relative privilege she'd been afforded up to that point would surely be pulled right out from under her if she were ever to come out or publicly transition, but would it be worth living a lie?

It's not a narrative NOT worth exploring as well, but shouldn't be the ONLY narrative. "DON'T DO GENDERBENDS JUST MAKE THEM TRANS!!" It is NOT as simple as just slapping the trans flag on them and then calling it a day. And it is not transphobic to examine a characters' relationship to their gender and the impact that has on themselves and the way they fit into the world.

[juju-or-anya]

Its kind of weird that Penelope started Whistledown before she even knew how babies were made. Do you think in another universe the show explores how Penelopes naivety spurred her ruthlessness? That as she grew into herself she realized the actual weight of the rumors she spread. And had to grapple with what she has done and cannot undo. Or maybe explores her cognitive dissonance about her gossip column as she clings to her naivety? Not wanting to admit to the full implications of her writing because that would also mean letting go of childhood completely? I know this would all have to be an au because the tone of the show does not allow Penelope to be in the wrong but I want to see that internal battle.

Oh! What a great question!

As a Marvel fan, I can say that there are many Penelopes in the multiverse, and each makes different decisions. I see the book and the show as two distinct multiverses, each with its own interpretation and evolution of the characters. This duality allows us to explore different facets of the characters, showing how small differences in their circumstances can lead to completely different paths and developments.

In my opinion, Penelope truly began the identity of Lady Whistledown in an innocent way, as a means to come out of her shell. She was a curious and observant young girl who found writing a way to express herself and feel relevant in a world that often ignored her. Initially, her writings were merely a reflection of her desire for belonging and to be heard, without malicious intent. However, as she continued writing and seeing the impact of her words, that innocence became corrupted.

The fact that she doesn’t know how a baby is made is part of that innocence and her youth. Let’s consider that Penelope is very young when she begins as Lady Whistledown; she is ignorant about many things due to her youth and the education of that time. In Regency society, young women of her social status were sheltered and kept ignorant of many aspects of adult life and relationships. This lack of knowledge reflects not only her youth but also the protective and restrictive nature of her upbringing.

As Penelope begins to understand the power she holds, she becomes corrupted. The power to influence public opinion and manipulate others' perceptions is a dangerous tool, especially for someone so young and impressionable. When she finally learns about sex, much of her innocence is already lost. This revelation comes at a time when she has already begun to see the world through a more cynical and pragmatic lens. At this point, she sees herself as a victim who must defend herself at all costs. In the show's universe, I don’t think she can admit to any harm she causes. She sees herself as a poor victim, and any damage or consequence of her actions is justified because, in her mind, she is the victim, not the others.

To portray Penelope’s growth as a character and for her to recognize the harm she causes, it is essential to go back and prevent that innocence from being corrupted, allowing her to grow positively. Personally, I think we should start by giving her confidence and love, as she has two rather awful parents. Her mother, Portia Featherington, is manipulative and superficial, more interested in social appearance than her daughters' emotional well-being. Her father, although less present, does not offer a refuge of support either. Perhaps a conversation with someone who truly appreciates her could be the start. All her insecurity and darkness began from a lack of self-confidence and the need to create an alter ego to feel safe.

I believe this supportive figure should be Lady Bridgerton or Lady Danbury, an adult who can guide her. Lady Bridgerton, with her compassion and understanding, could offer her the motherly care Penelope never had. Lady Danbury, with her wisdom and experience, could teach her to use her wit constructively and ethically. It should not be Eloise or Colin but an elder who tells Penelope she can trust them. By changing this aspect, I think Penelope could come to understand the consequences of her actions. Even if she did everything she did on the show, she would feel remorse for each word, and upon reaching maturity, she could truly become a better person.

A narrative approach exploring this development could start with an incident that shakes her perception of herself. Perhaps an anonymous letter or a direct confrontation forcing her to face the consequences of her writings. This experience could be the catalyst for seeking support and advice from Lady Bridgerton or Lady Danbury. As she receives guidance and begins to understand the real impact of her words, she could embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

I think this is the best way to start an AU to transform the show’s Penelope into a better person, rather than a Mary Sue who gets what she wants regardless of the damage caused and who is justified. Every character, even the most villainous, can be saved with good writing and proper character development. The key is to allow characters to face their mistakes, learn from them, and grow in a way that feels authentic and realistic.

In summary, the transformation of Penelope from an innocent young girl to a mature woman aware of her actions is a complex but possible journey. With the right support and a narrative approach that respects her personal development, Penelope can evolve and become a more complete and nuanced character. This kind of exploration not only enriches the narrative but also offers a deeper perspective on the nature of power, innocence, and redemption.

[super-hero-confessions]

Homelander is great example of how desensitized and normalized actual grooming, trauma, and victim blaming are in society from multiple facets.

Every scene of him with Madelyn is intentionally made creepy and gross in the show, but people ignore this and what is being portrayed in favor of sexualization, even with eerie music or sound designed to make the interactions off-putting and sinister.

With victim blaming, there are as many people willing to blame Homelander for his situation and upbringing as there are people willing to blame Becca for being made a victim because of Homelander. All while ignoring the true root of the problem, society. Or in this case, Vought. And ignoring that sometimes the abused can and do become abusers.

It's a little disheartening because even some with genuine sympathy for Homelander seem to relish in the idea of him suffering further, being de-powered and tortured, or put into the same abusive dynamic if not similar to the one he had with Madelyn Stillwell. But then try and call it healthy, healing, and redemption.

Speaking from experience. Repetition of the trauma that you've been through doesn't help you get out of the place the trauma created. It just reinforces the walls and gives you new trauma.

Tough love isn't real. It's just the excuse people make when they want to be cruel without taking accountability for their actions. You can teach someone to be strong without being an asshole or abusing them.

I actually want one of two endings for the show. Either it's something a bit akin to the comics in which Homelander (in place of comics Noir) likely kills Soldier Boy (in place of comics Homelander), and then is killed by Billy, who's then killed by Hughie (spoilers I guess for those who haven't read them). Likely with the Boys forced to pick up the pieces and continue trying to dismantle Vought.

Or I want to see Homelander lose his shit and completely destroy Vought with no chance of the company recovering, probably because of something Billy does or says. Then disappearing for a while. Maybe being found as a completely different person in the future. Not necessarily redemption, but freedom from his tormentors, including the internalized ones.

But I feel the ending might work best if either both Homelander and Billy Butcher die, in which there is reflection on the hands they'd been dealt in the aftermath of their deaths. Or that they both survive and manage to stop that proverbial hand from dragging further victims into the fold.

When it comes to fandom and fics, I always find it a little odd but as an idea I have yet to see used? I think Vought could be brought down with the evidence of Homelander's upbringing being released to the public. One vial of compound V was enough to stir up a little trouble but nothing they couldn't sweep under the rug.

But with so many skeletons in that proverbial closet, if anyone could convince Homelander that Vought was the true enemy and his abuser. The archives he has access to would bring down Vought faster than the Nazi shit brought Stormfront down. And I do not understand how I haven't seen fandom use this concept. Maybe I haven't searched far enough, fair enough.

But I do find it a little ironic that while knowing and complaining about Vought being the true villain, people still individualize the problem and prefer to go after Homelander in fics. Even the people who claim to love and adore him.

Anyway, just a couple thoughts I wanted to chime in on. I could definitely hope for the survival ending, but I expect the death all around ending and hope at least for the post mortem reflections and maybe revelations of Homelander's past. I do wish fandom could be a little better on some things though.

This might seem crazy. But there is a lot of grandiose self importance and holier than thou attitude that goes around in The Boys fandom. I get that show plays with morality a lot and has people polarized as much as nuanced but Jesus fucking Christ.

And no, Justice is not Vengeance.

[satoruxx]

I hate Gege. I hate what he's doing with the story, but even though I love Gojo and I want him to come back as himself, I have to admit what has happened kinda fits the story because it is tragic. Gojo doesn't get a good ending, doesn't get redemption, doesn't get love, he doesn't get anything in return. He only gets the answer to Geto's question: he's the strongest, not Gojo Satoru, not a person deserving of anything. And that's tragic. Maybe it's because I love angst and, even though I NEED Gojo to come back, I think it's a good point to Gojo's end of narrative.

STILL I believe overall Gege's narrative sucks. Bc where the hell is this comming from? Why is Shoko suddenly careless about Gojo when she told him he wasn't alone? It's a good point to the story but it's so out of nowhere, like most things he's been doing. I think some things are good to the plot, but I think Gege just makes them up atp tbh. It's like he builds the story to be one way and then decides to do something out of a chatgpt chat?

idk sorry for this rant, Im honestly coping with the leaks

trust me i'm an angst lover myself, but at some point there has to be a line drawn on how much we can blame on jujutsu society being fucked up. gojo obviously was never destined for the good ending of course, and yes jjk society is fucked up and wrong. but the fact that he, as one of the main characters, did not get a truly completed character arc, is what bothers me.

if satoru was always going to die and was never supposed to get the happy ending, that's fine. but there were so many facets of his story left completely untouched and unfinished. therefore i don't think that gojo's character even had an ending, not the way others like nanami did—and i think that's pretty pathetic bc as a writer how do you botch your own character that bad??

but yeah nonnie you're right, gege sucks with his whole narritive. DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON SHOKO. my girl was so worried in the past chapters. she had visceral reactions to everything, and you're telling me that she's just emotionless about this whole thing now?? nah nah it's not real. gege just picks some random idea to do one week and then completely ignores it the next week.

don't worry nonnie i think we're all completely mortified by leaks so everyone's just reacting to it :((

[mediaevalmusereads]

The Bridge of San Luis Rey. By Thornton Wilder. Harper Perennial, 2021 (original publication: 1927).

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Genre: literary fiction

Series: N/A

Summary: On Friday noon, July the twentieth, 1714, the finest bridge in all Peru broke and precipitated five travelers into the gulf below. With this celebrated sentence Thornton Wilder begins The Bridge of San Luis Rey, one of the towering achievements in American fiction and a novel read throughout the world.By chance, a monk witnesses the tragedy. Brother Juniper then embarks on a quest to prove that it was divine intervention rather than chance that led to the deaths of those who perished in the tragedy. His search leads to his own death -- and to the author's timeless investigation into the nature of love and the meaning of the human condition.

***Full review below.***

Content Warnings: attempted suicide

Overview: I don't know much about Thornton Wilder (or about 20th century American literature, for that matter). I haven't read or seen Our Town, so my evaluation of this book is coming out of complete ignorance. I happened to find it on a list of recommended historical fiction novels, and the premise was intriguing, so I gave it a go. Overall, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Wilder's characters were eccentric and compelling, and his prose style brought them to life in rich, vivid detail. While I can see some readers become frustrated with the lack of an overarching narrative, the individual character portraits were so captivating that this book gets 4.5 stars from me.

Writing: Wilder's prose is superb. It feels elegant without being overly lyrical or formal; it brings characters to life with descriptions evocative of a 18th or 19th century folktale. I really loved the hint of "wisdom literature" that Wilder injected into his writing, and I loved that the book felt old-fashioned yet fresh and new at the same time.

Plot: There isn't really a plot to this book so much as there is a number of character portraits that are brought together following the collapse of a Peruvian bridge. When the bridge of San Luis Rey collapses and sends 5 people falling to their death, a witness named Brother Juniper resolves to investigate in hopes of convincing the locals that their deaths were part of God's plan. The bulk of the novel, then, includes descriptions of the victims, their backgrounds, and their lives so that Brother Juniper may definitely answer the question "why did these 5 people die?"

If you like plot-driven stories, then you probably won't enjoy this book, but if you like character-driven works, this is a spectacular example. The characters all have unique quirks and an array of desires, and many of them have an almost obsessive preoccupation with the object of their affections. Doña María, for example, is desperate for her daughter to love her while Esteban is so connected to his brother that his death leaves him feeling empty. Themes such as love/obsession and religion/spirituality are woven so deftly throughout the novel that it was a delight to see them reappear at different points, each exploring a new facet.

I also very much admired the way Thornton made all the characters feel interconnected. Though they didn't always interact with one another, they belonged to the same community, often crossing paths with prominent secondary characters. This meant that their deaths didn't feel random, but didn't feel like a punishment, either. Instead, it felt like Thornton was painting a picture of a tragedy, one that is deeply felt by the whole town and which has ripple effects across different strata of society. It was incredibly satisfying to read.

Characters: There are quite a few characters in this book, so I'll speak about them more generally rather than giving a detailed critique.

The five victims of the bridge were complex, somewhat eccentric, and very well-realized. I loved that each of them felt unique but all fit into the same world without issue, and I appreciated the way they were used to explore the major themes of the book. While each of them were some mixture of good qualities and bad ones, I didn't get the sense that I was reading about heroes and villains. Each one had attributes that made me like them or feel sorry for them, and each had things that made me side eye them a little bit.

Secondary characters were also masterfully used, often showing up as anchor points across multiple chapters. Both the abbess and the actress, for example, are powerful personalities, and they have unique relationships with each of the victims that makes this book feel like a series of interconnected, overlapping paths. If you enjoy those kinds of "composite novels," you'll definitely appreciate Thornton's work here.

TL;DR: The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a masterful meditation on the meaning of human life, made all the more impactful by its elegant, gnomish prose and cast of complex characters. While some readers might be turned off by lack of a tight narrative and the open-endedness of the denouement, this book is a wonderful study of character, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in creating memorable, impactful character vignettes.

[ishouldreallygetofftheinternet]

I think the thing that is currently upsetting me most about the whole generative AI thing (because obviously it’s bad for writers, artists, the environment, many of the most vulnerable people on the planet etc etc) is that it’s so obviously revealing people who are just 100% fine with being complete liars. You would have to be an idiot to think that people can’t see through your “AI” slop at this point so I can only assume the lying is coming from a place of malice or just utter indifference (to what they’re doing, and also about constantly looking like a twat). I’m so fucking tired of living in a world where so much is just lies now, and the lies are so obvious that you have to be wilfully ignorant not to see them… or so desperate to not see them because they’ve permeated every facet of western society that it’s impossible to avoid having to play into them.

[soisialta]

A Crusade for Change in the World of Accessibility with Thea Kurdi from Antonio Vieira Santos on Vimeo.

Have you ever faced a moment that completely altered the course of your life? Thea Kurdi has, and she's here to share her journey through grief and her metamorphosis into a passionate critic of accessibility. We're honored to welcome back Thea to our show, as she candidly discusses the devastating loss of her husband to COVID-19 and how it has reshaped her perspective on the world of accessibility consulting. Our conversation traverses the raw edges of personal tragedy, the disillusionment with inclusion efforts that often miss the mark, and the systemic barriers that impede genuine progress. As an accessibility critic, Thea is on a mission to dissect the status quo and advocate for authentic change, a challenge she's more than ready to tackle.

Throughout the episode, Thea, alongside Antonio and myself, scrutinizes the pitfalls of organizations that merely check the accessibility box instead of weaving it into their core values. We dive into the complexities of advocacy, spotlighting the lack of substantive actions in policy and education that could truly bridge the gap for those with disabilities. We also uncover the invisible struggles faced by the majority of individuals with disabilities that often go unrecognized, and how ignorance and apathy contribute to systemic inaccessibility. Thea's insights serve as a wake-up call for the collective power of community advocacy, urging a shift from token gestures to a culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of society. Join us for this profound exploration into the heart of what it takes to cultivate a world where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental right.

[battleofself-ferino]

Thoughts to Ponder #3

Challenges in Seeking Redress for Human Rights Violations

When justice fails to serve its purpose, does it still mean anything at all? It is a question I often pose in the status quo of the Philippine justice system and its duty-bearers. Marred by impunity and strong personal greed, the uphill struggle to demand a just and fair accountability still persists and continues to impale those who seek for it. Even more so it kills a society when justice is insofar muted and invisible  in the face of human rights violations. The latter itself is an occurring stark reality, plaguing generations of generations of Filipinos who are yet to receive the rightful compensation, the right kind of justice they deserve. Isn’t it a bit over the edge to ask these people for more perseverance, when they have endured enough violence and oppression? But it is the reality of the system the Filipinos have unfortunately adapted to, the kind of justice that does not progress and is yet to progress; the remedies that tried to bandage this failed system can do so much until it breaks down and completely shroud the cries of the people.

The fragility of Philippines’ Rule of Law have changed the system to boot, with the still-persisting crusade on the aftermath of Martial Law three decades later, victims of human rights abuses during the dictatorship of late-dictator Ferdinand Marcos, are yet to receive the necessary and adequate monetary and other forms of compensation. Transitional justice struggles to bring forth those who are accountable to these crimes, and even in the presence of collective societies fostering and reconciling peace from the past and the present, when these violators come with power, benefitting from the broken system and backed by decades—or worse—centuries of corruption and conflict, justice remains to be a wisp invisible to the society. Victims of the Martial Law will continue to endure another years of ignorance and injustices for as long as the violators control the rule of law. The same can be applied to the extrajudicial killings permeated and pursued by the last Duterte administration, it strengthened a culture of impunity, machismo, fascism, and violence obstructing the very essence of the judicial system in the country. These occurring and unaddressed violations is what made the Philippines’ rule of law decline in the statistical report of World Justice Project (Borgen Project, 2023). 

Complex bureaucratic processes made it also impossible for mere individuals to navigate, it remains a challenge for the judicial system to conduct and issue reforms that will ensure adequate and fast delivery of justice for the victims. Adapting to the modernization of today, courts do often computerize court data and cases for a more systemic and reliable organization. Remedies such as justice on wheels where scheduled bus services are offered for trials near prisons are also mediated. However, even these efforts could still not sustain the victims. The Philippine bureaucracy is a labyrinth  that unveils the inefficiency and lack of transparency in the facets of the system. 

Prosecution remains a formidable task, specifically when you are a mere victim—a small individual operating and adapting under a failed justice system. Workaround these legal loopholes and we may find ourselves facing our biggest enemy. It is an arduous task, requiring you to shed sacrifices and reopening the Pandora’s box that were unjustly heard. But the goal is clear and simple: to reconcile people from their past, strive towards a healing future, and hold their perpetrators accountable as the true essence of justice would pursue. 

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade CP worries over “avalanche” of fake information circulating on Social Media The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Usaini Gumel, has expressed concern over what he termed as “avalanche” of fake information on social media. He said that people were being fed with unregulated, false, hateful and defamatory information which had often led to violence in the society. The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Gumel spoke on Sunday in a lecture titled: “The Perils of Social Media, Consequences of Defamation and Spreading of Falsehood”. He presented the lecture in Gumel during the Youths of Gumel Emirate Facebook Connect Initiative 2023. According to him, misinformation, hate-speech and defamation of character now flow freely on social media platforms because of ignorance and absence of regulation. The Commissioner of Police said though the social media has added value to the society, it has also contributed to insecurity, conflicts and religious bigotry in the country. Gumel observed that a significant number of youths that interact on social media platforms know little or nothing about the legal framework that guide the upright use and the consequences of its misuse. “It is convincing facts that some of the news and views spread so rapidly through the social media platforms keep causing turbulence and social disharmony among citizens. “Although the social media have advantages with recognizable multiple merits, the perils however, need not only to be more highlighted but also be tackled with prudence. “We are all aware that the ability of the social media products consumers are still immature in this century to effectively coordinate the massive information sent to them in text messages, Facebook posts and tweets, etc. “This is because they keep utilizing them without verifying the authenticity of the contents that could, in some cases, be harmful to them or the society,” he added. According to him, there are numerous instances where the social media has created social turbulence, resulting in social unrest and sudden rise of online crimes that pose grave threats to the society. He added that there were records of cases of online harassment of eminent citizens and political personalities, thus exemplifying the behaviour and social sickness of a society. “This sort of online pestering comprises threat, religious-based abusive statements, hate speeches, blackmail and sometimes upload of morphed pictures etc. “Those acting this way should always remember that not all victims overlook the damaging effects, and harmful consequences of those actions on their individual and collective fundamental freedoms,” he added. The Commissioner of Police said it was distressing that government has no or limited control to restrain social media sites except through complete shutdown of the internet or ban of a particular platform in case of violation. “As a result, the social media has regularly been employed by adversaries of the state as well as non-state actors who, in most cases, create misinformation, fictitious narratives, hate propaganda, inciting fear, false alarm, infuse mutual distrust, etc. “These started to impact the various facet of human life and day to day functioning of societies, which further destabilized national integration and security of a country,” he said. Gumel advised social media handlers to be wary of false information and use of fowl languages capable of causing social unrest, defamation of character and threat to national security. (NAN) #CPworriedoveravalancheoffakenewscirculatingonSocialMedia

[goodlives-mitansh]

Forever alone| 6 ways to overcome loneliness

Do you feel lonely forever?

Sometimes we are naturally afraid to live alone forever. While that's normal, it can sometimes be difficult to ignore comments.

There are many things people can do to prevent loneliness from dominating them. It can be difficult, but the positive side is that you are not alone in this lonely situation. Calling themselves "Forever Alone" has become a powerful way of showing that they are surrounded by loneliness in today's society, which encourages accepting one's own flaws and shortcomings. unrepentant way. This is just a strategy to simultaneously accept and suppress emotions and feelings.

We can experience loneliness not only when we are alone but also when we are around other people.

Accept who you are:

Being able to accept who we are can be difficult. However, it is one of the most meaningful paths you can choose. The process of self-acceptance has many facets.

Many things can make someone feel lonely, but the first step is to recognize that feeling. The hardest step to take is the first step. You're halfway through when you start to realize your loneliness.

Try not to mix in:

We all try to fit in with our friends, family, and colleagues. And we often show a false version of ourselves to avoid being “alone all the time.” It can help you adjust in the short term, but it's not a good way to deal with loneliness. Being honest with yourself is important.

Make peace with your feelings:

Not only can you control your emotions through this, but you also want to take the time to improve yourself. Your stress and anxiety levels will definitely decrease thanks to this.

Positive statement:

The correct claim exists. Consider yourself well. You can get whatever you desire. Start building that confidence. You will realize your full potential and realize that you deserve success or love if you do this.

It is your responsibility to lift your spirits when you feel down. Treat your body with respect and like your best friend. Cursing him or your situation will only make you feel worse.

There's never a bad time to start over:

Does life end here, even though you've lost your closest friends and people you trust, or have you and your partner become completely different personalities? Can't you take charge of your life and live it like it's brand new?

Take time for yourself:

You should enjoy every precious moment of this. Appreciating it not only increases your sense of worth and confidence, but you also experience the wonderful energy that surrounds you.

The question of what to do alone now arises. Here is a list of some actions you can take.

Any new talent you find appealing, check it out:

New beginnings are always difficult, but life is also difficult. On your first attempt, and maybe even with your first skill, you have every right to fail. Learning never ends.

Sometimes we waste time taking care of ourselves because we are haunted by emotional mistakes or work-life imbalances. However, it is never too late to find yourself again. In addition, you can meet new people and get rid of loneliness forever.

At GoodLives, we're here to support you through your struggles by connecting you with therapists who understand your mental health and can effectively manage the issues you're experiencing. Right. Anyone who wants to ask for help is never alone.

For more visit Goodlives

[bpdxcat]

(not written strictly by "me" but we don't have anywhere else to put this rant and we wanna kinda, share it and keep it? so decided to place it here)

Thinking of how no matter how palatable and "normal" you could be as a system, it wouldn't be enough. Like if you're obnoxious, overly open, overly weird, with unusual parts (alters, aspects, facets, etc), if you have a system aesthetic, a system name, different quirks, well you're sure to get fakeclaimed.

But even if you're not anything like that... well. I don't think you're truly in luck in this case.

I mean, there are people who think they have the "right" system experience go around fakeclaiming anyone who doesn't fit. But people have all kinds of experiences and yeah some of those can be particularly weird or freaky or cringe or whatever... frankly, so what? Let's be honest, experiencing different parts inside one body (or something thats similar to that, or something similar only in appearance) is already generally an "abnormal" experience. And people generally can be pretty weird, freaky, cringe etc. Especially when they decide to be honest and open about some things. I think truthfully people are rarely as "normal" as they appear. It's just that this whole... structure of society, the expectations, rules, it's all pretty oppressive and affects everyone and forces everyone to play nice, or else.

The argument "but these people that are Especially abnormal and open about it give us a bad name" is kinda ehh. This entire experience is already abnormal and unpalatable by itself. Like sure we should strive for being accepted and all that but throwing other people under the bus just because they stand out too much...

Trust me, if people judge you, find you weird, etc, trying to be as "normal" as possible and making yourself small won't fix the issue. If they already want you to fit into a box they're comfortable with, you trying to shove yourself and others into that same box isn't that much of a good idea. You're just hurting the people who are more like you than you think, and you remain a weird freak to the "normal" people anyway. Maybe the only time they'll "accept" you is when you suck up to them super hard and completely minimize your own experience and hide it.

This applies to many other mental health things, disabilities, queer identities, etc. How many times have I seen people say "oh I have an acquaintance who's Actually xyz unlike these fakers/trenders/etc, they're nothing like that, they're just a Normal person, they don't even look like xyz, you'd never know they're xyz, they don't show it and don't shove it into your face, they keep private about it". Is that really such a virtue? Is that really acceptance? It's very conditional and based on you just... hiding who you are. Trying to fit in and blend in. Hiding/ignoring your own experiences, needs and so on. Is that even fair?? And if you stand out of line, you'll most likely get punished for it.

Ofc there are people who are legit like this just because that's how they are, like irl I'm also a very "normal" person outwardly and I hide things real well due to paranoia and plain anxiety. Even online I'm often fairly "normal". That's not the issue. The issue is chasing other people and trying to force them to fit in and not supporting each other, lack of solidarity.

Like I think it's actually very rare if you fully fit in, are fully accepted, and you're truly just fine with it. I'm sorry but I don't think it's bad to be "abnormal" and I support systems (or whoever else) who are obnoxious and cringey and whatnot. Wish I had the guts myself to stand out like that. But I'm just a small gray mouse that keeps hiding.

[filthforfriends]

I love watching Damiano casually go from highly respectable and enviable according to toxic masculinity standards one day to androgynous fetish gear with minimal coverage, platform heels, and makeup the next.

There's no change in confidence. It's not like femininity is exclusive to some stage personna. He doesn't make a point of omitting this from his heterosexual relationship either. Both Giorgia and Damiano are comply comfortable with the many facets of his gender expression.

But the dude bros feel so betrayed by his ability to shift while still remaining authentic. I think they'd be okay with Damiano if he was in a queer relationship, or didn't identify within the gender binary. But he's a cis man in a long term relationship with not just a woman, but a model. His entire life is coveted.

It decimates their world view, because Damiano is like them. He plays basketball, attends sporting events, drinks beer, and has the same type of friends they do. Not only does he radiate confidence, but he has the ability to pull focus, draw an entire room in and entertain them, and that is true power.

They want to be him and crave his approval as a result, but he does't give a fuck about what they think. Thats what makes the patriarchy work, men have to hold each other in higher esteem, but Damiano doesn't and it makes them panic. Because what does it mean that a man of his caliber isn't on their side? What does it mean if people like Daminao totally ignore patriarchal social norms?

He doesn't care what the boys think and its so disorienting to see someone who doesn't find comparisons of to women insulting. He doesn't value their opinion above women's, doesn't feel embarrassed that he has more validation from feminine forces. This is because the root of the patriarchy is hating women. Damiano doesn't just call for equality, he treats women and all that is considered culturally theirs with respect and reverence. It's easy to call yourself a feminist then shit on everything associate with women.

This also means that if someone like Damiano is able to completely ignore social niceties, there are no barriers for them either. Their whole life has been spent in imaginary boxes, and they cannot possibly fathom functioning in another reality. They feel betrayed because he has given them the freedom they never wanted. When asked to examine themselves, they find the personality society supplied them with nothing else underneath.

A glass house only stands if everyone inside stays away from the windows so not a single pane breaks. It only takes one person who doesn't care if he bumps into the glass, to shatter the whole rouse and leave the occupants exposed.

[earthbaby-angelboy]

Why representation in media is so important

Fandom: Criminal Minds, The Good Doctor, Takin Over The Asylum

Earlier this year, I came to accept the fact that I have bipolar disorder and that I am autistic. This was hard for me, mostly because I had been masking my whole life, and knew this was an opportunity to finally take that mask down and be my true, nutty, autistic self. I, like most young people finding out about a new diagnosis, felt scared and alone. 

Then, in August of 2021, I began watching Criminal Minds. The first character I took a liking to would be a character that would help me grow to be comfortable in both my autism and chronic illnesses: Doctor Spencer Reid. In the first season, the first thing almost immediately said about him is that he is on the autism spectrum. At almost 15 years old, this was the first time I had ever seen an autistic character on TV. I was amazed.

As if my life could not get any more turbulent, in September, I was diagnosed with three comorbid chronic conditions (a mouthful, I know): Ehler Danlos syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, and hypermobility syndrome. I needed a cane and sometimes forearm crutches. The sudden adjustments that needed to be made just for me to get around was jarring. I was watching season 5 of Criminal Minds, which is the season infamous for when Spencer gets shot in the leg and starts using a cane. This was astounding to me. If an FBI agent can have a mobility aid, and still be seen as handsome, smart, and respectable, why can’t I do the same? Seeing a disabled character on TV changed my mindset completely, and knowing that one of my favorite characters possibly ever also used a cane was beyond comforting.

Earlier this week, a TikTok about the well known show, The Good Doctor, came up on my page. I was reminded that the show had an autistic person as a main character. So, interested by this, today I decided to take a peek around on the related tags here on Tumblr. Upon my searching, the GIFs below appeared. 

(credit to @whitefluffyyeti​ )

In these clips, Shaun is having a sensory overload (sometimes referred to as a “meltdown”), which usually occurs when an autistic person is overstimulated by their surroundings. As a kid, these were common occurences: hours where I would scream, cry and shake, feeling completely misunderstood and totally lost. To see an adult, a respected adult, feel the same things and react in the same way that I usually do (covering ears, rocking back and forth) to having a sensory overload is beyond impactful. I feel both comforted and eased knowing I’m not alone with my struggles. 

(EDIT: 12/2021) When I was 10, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. No one, including me, wanted to believe it. I ignored it for 3 years, until it got to the point where I couldn’t anymore. Of course, I felt alone and weird. But, I recently found a very old BritCom (circa 1994) called Takin Over The Asylum. Its about a young man named Campbell Bain who aspires to become a radio personality. He is bipolar, however, he isn’t ashamed of it. In fact, he embraces it. He jokes about his disorder, he calls himself a loony, and talks about how he shouldn’t have to conform to society because he’s different. I was reminded of the diagnosis I received years ago, and decided that fuck it, I was gonna embrace that too. If he could have manic episodes, fall into his depression, live a turbulent life in a mental hospital yet still be confident in himself and his dreams, so could I. It gave me hope that I could still live with my chronic and mental illnesses, and be successful.

(EDIT 6/13/23): I recently found out about the Six Of Crows duology, and in turn, Kaz Brekker. Kaz is a ruthless, cold hearted teenage gang leader… that also uses a cane. His disability is not some tragic backstory that the author harps on, but rather just another facet of who he is. Although he is dependent on his mobility aid, he uses it in a surprising way: to help him fight his foes. He is respected, successful, and feared. Another thing I love about his character is the fact that when he was given the choice to get rid of his disability, he said no. For so many people, their disabilities aren’t something they can magically get rid of. Some of us are born with these conditions, and they will never go away. So, to see a character that actively chooses not to get rid of his disability was refreshing. Kaz has given me the complete and utter confidence to begin using my mobility aids again after not using them for a very long time (a year/year and a half). He means the world to me.

By this point, some of you are probably asking “Reid, why is the title about how important representation is in media?” Well, let me tell you my friends: had I seen autistic, disabled, adopted kids in media that weren’t stigmatized when I was growing up, I would not have felt as alone as I did. Its unfortunate that only now I’m seeing these characters, but it is beneficial and important to me either way. So, to any writer reading this, please add trans, disabled, autistic, adopted, mentally ill and queer kids into your stories. It might just change someone’s life.