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talenlee · 8 months

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Christian Martyrdom and Suicide Denial

Oh boy howdy are we going to need to content warning this one.

Content Warning: SUICIDE. I am going to talk about suicide a lot! I’m going to talk about it and martyrdom but really, importantly, I’m going to talk about suicide and also, suicide denialism, which, you may think that’s not a thing but it really is. I also mention some transphobia and climate anxiety.

Christians love martyrs.

We love Martyrdom, absolutely love it. I mean it stands to reason, our central figure was a dude who could do anything and he came to earth and got himself killed. Given that he was an extension of an immortal invisible god only weiss it stands to reason that he like, didn’t have to do that, and therefore, he was kinda choosing to die, but the point is that martyrdom is a super important part of Christian lore. We looked to the martyrs for our historical significance, and that meant that martyrdom was vital to the narratives we accepted.

Everyone got martyred.

Daniel was a martyr, even though he lived through it both times. Tyndale was a martyr. All the disciples, all of them, were martyrs. All the church fathers were. As a direct result of this, there’s a shocking amount of stories I read as a kid, kid’s stories with kids’ presentation that concluded with our hero fucking dying because that was part of god’s plan, where he could go on to live forever in heaven. There was a very clear vision of how there was no proof of greater character than a willingness to die for your cause. No matter what, no matter how much or how little. A whole life could be thrown away into the grinder if that saved just one person.

As a fundamentalist, we loved to emphasise martrydom and you might think, if you’ve been boiling your brain in Umberto Eco the Dolphin spinoff fanfic the past few years for some reason, that yes, it is weird to have an entire cultic space dedicated to a vision of death and glorious immortality, like some sort of fascist thing, and yes, that is coincidentally important but that’s not the important thing here. The important thing was that we absolutely, absolutely, absolutely valued martyrdom as an inherent validation. It didn’t matter in what circumstances, we would restructure any story where a Christian (as we saw it) died, as martyrdom. We would invent people to be martyrs, telling stories of the millions of dead Christians in Soviet Russia at the behest of the dreadful Stalinist regime, oh all those people were martyrs. Did we have names? Oh no, but we’d make them up. Literally, I read stories about entirely fictional Russian Christians, invented as part of a narrative, who just wanted a way to worship god, and were willing to be disappeared by the KGB into a work camp for it.

The willing submission to death was, vitally important to our history and our worldview. Nobody, nobody would submit themselves to death without an awareness of the truth of life eternal, and we knew that because only Christians did it.

It isn’t true, by the way. Most of the names they mention aren’t even verifiably martyred for the reasons they cite. Tyndale was executed because he was politicking against the king, and that’s bad but his belief he was executed for was not believing heresy was good. It was believing the king shouldn’t divorce his wife and everyone who agreed with him should act on that. Most of the stories of the Disciples aren’t verifiable. And of course: A bunch of these people were just made up.

Perhaps as an obvious throughline to this idea, we were very invested in ideas of Muslim martyrdom being fake. This is an idea that didn’t last very long as the stereotype of the Muslim sucide bomber became a thing, and I think the last time I saw the idea being countenanced seriously was somewhere around oh, uh, September 10th, 2001. But then we pivoted from ‘only Christians do it’ to a new position that Muslims were only able to do it because they were fooled, often by demonic influence.

In 2001, I was well out of the Christian Fundamentalist church, but I was also living with someone who had that prison in his head and you’ll bet we got to hear some words about that at the time. I’ll spare you, but there was a sudden shift that Muslims were only committing suicide in the name of their god because they had been duped, they had been fooled and that it always came with a specific promise.

You know the promise right? Yeah. It was always the seventy virgins thing.

I have no idea if that’s a thing. I doubt it. It probably isn’t, because nobody is as clueless about what’s in the Qu’ran as Christians who are confident about it, and I’ll leave the counterapologetics for Muslims to the people who actually have to contend with that worldview. I’m not Sam Harris here, leaping in fear at the Potential Global Endangerment of What I Am Pretty Sure I Could Imagine Islam As Being.

What they did wasn’t martyrdom, it didn’t count.

But there was another thing that came up – a thing that was brought up as a rhetorical point around this narrative about who owned, in some way, the rights to describe their own deaths. The deaths of the apostles, the martyrdoms of Christians were always more heinous, more terrible, more dangerous, and nobody,

nobody

would willingly go to the fire that wasn’t Christian.

I considered putting a picture here of Thích Quảng Đức, in the process of self-immolating. I really did consider it. It was the image that got burned into my brain as a child, found in a ‘secularist’ encyclopedia made in the 1980s about the war in Vietnam. If you don’t know the name, if you don’t know the story, Thích Quảng Đức was a Vietnames Mahayana Buddhist Monk who, in 1963, sat in the middle of a busy Saigon road intersection, doused himself in petrol with some assistance, and set himself on fire.

What Quảng Đức was protesting, by the way, was the treatment of Buddhists in his space. I didn’t know that. What he cared about, what he thought, and what about him mattered, both within his faith and outside of it, had to be erased, because of what he did. The reason is almost immaterial here; the reason he had for doing it was immaterial to my childhood space. What was very important a thing to learn, a thing to be told when I was only eleven years old, was that this was a fake photo.

That only Christians, only Christians, willingly went into the fire.

What Quảng Đức was an act of violent self-harm that was so immense, so intense that it shocked the very senses. It’s generally seen as a natural fact that nobody commits suicide for entirely sensible reasons, because killing yourself can’t possibly be done rationally. I don’t agree with that – I’ve heard very good cases about it, and I tend to think of suicide, now, as a byproduct of a lack of better alternatives, and that, over a long enough timeline, anyone can wind up in that situation. But even beyond that, accepting death immolation is an act that my entire childhood set up as a true example of an ideological power, that it was a legitimising act, that burned witches deserved it and burned martyrs were more powerful because of their willingness to accept that end.

Since learning about Quảng Đức, I have learned four more names that did this. One was Malachi Richter, a music fan who realised he had had a chance to kill Donald Rumsfeld before the invasion of Iraq and didn’t do it, resulting in him eventually self-immolating in 2006 in protest for the Iraq war. Another was David Buckel, the lawyer depicted in the movie Boys Don’t Cry, who self-immolated in protest of fossil fuels, as part of the climate crisis. Wynn Bruce, in 2022, also self-immolated for the same reason.

The fourth name is Chloe Sagal.

Chloe Sagal was someone I kinda knew. I was kinda friends with her, in a kinda way. I was in the space around her, I tried to talk to her kindly, I tried to help her, in the vague and general way of a boy in 2014 talking to a trans woman on the internet who was absolutely under fire, but was very much discouraged from doing so. She was subject to an extensive transphobic harrassment campaign and wound up commiting suicide through self-immolation.

I think about people who did this, this incredibly violent, terrible way to end, a thing that screams of a desperate need for something to be heard and something to be done even if it isn’t being done enough and even if it doesn’t fix things for me, it needs fixing, badly.

And I think about how many of these people suffered because of real things that really happened and were really done by real people. My childhood invented people who never lived and claimed they were willing to go to the fire, that nobody did this, to literally deny the most obvious truth of how these people died. My adulthood shows me people who really did, were really willing to do it, and their doing it is in response to some of the greatest crimes ever done.

LESS THAN JAKE: Malachi Richter's Liquor's Quicker (Demo)

Watch this video on YouTube

I think about how in every case, the wrong people died.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

#climate anxiety #suicide #transphobia #Fundie Stuff

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beesandwasps · 2 years

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Speaking of problematic media, as a thing I just reblogged was doing, I have recently been rereading a piece of old propaganda because it is so interesting.

It’s called The End of the Kaiser, and it was written and published serially in 1919, over a century ago. The author is Edgar Wallace, who was at one time the most popular author in England (at the height of his popularity, one in every four new books sold in bookstores was by Edgar Wallace) but who is now largely forgotten; if you have heard of him at all, you probably know him as one of the authors of the original King Kong movie, but what he mostly wrote were thrillers and mysteries. But he also wrote propaganda during (and after) World War One in the form of fiction about heroic soldiers and officials.

The End of the Kaiser is a memoir by a fictional (as far as anybody has been able to tell) minor German noble named Berghmann, who was supposed to be a confidential courier used by the family of the German royal family. And it’s really interesting to read, because:

You know it’s fiction, because Berghmann, the narrator, did not actually exist. (There are some other characters — Madame Von Staehl and Professor Mannesmann — who I think are almost certainly fictional, they don’t appear in Google searches, although since the modern English-speaking world fixates on World War Two and doesn’t talk much about World War One and I don’t read German I can’t be sure if they were totally fictional, renamed exaggerations of real people, or actual real people who have simply drifted out of historical notice enough that nobody mentions them any more.)

But it is written to be “plausible” in the sense that any event in the narrative which was reported on in the news was something that really happened.

Which means that it is a lot of fun to try to figure out how much of the views expressed in the book are real (or at least things that the real-file people who appear in the book and say them would actually have agreed with) or are simply attempts to put the (white male British) point of view in the mouths of its enemies as being too commonsense to be denied.

The ideas the work tries to push are multifarious: the Kaiser was not as reluctant to start the war as he claimed, he (and most of the nobility) was surrounded by a group of incompetent scheming yes-men who were both overoptimistic and deliberately lying about their failures until near the end of the war, the Crown Prince had severe moral faults but knew much earlier than his father that Germany would lose, the Russian revolution only happened because of deliberate evil propaganda work by the German royal government, the Kaiser was brave in the face of assassination attempts from afar but terrified of infiltration, the real military threat was from the English (and, through them, the Americans), the English royal family was strongly anti-German (despite being, in fact, descended from Germans), the smart Germans (like the probably-fictional Professor Mannesmann) not only never supported the war but came to hate being German because of it, and a host of others.

As a work of propaganda, it is very effective. Although Wallace will probably never be considered Literature-with-a-capital-L, he was a very good and a very clever writer, and this work bristles with a very effective method of controlling the reader’s belief. A character — usually the Kaiser himself — who is somewhat sympathetic but nevertheless known in advance to be ultimately wrong will put forth some idea. The narrator usually agrees with this idea. Then some other character who is less friendly to the narrator but who is smart enough to foresee the German loss will disagree, possibly even mock, the idea, explain why it is wrong, and put forth a different idea. This second idea is, of course, part of the English postwar consensus on the subject. The second idea is not defended — it is not even criticized — nor do we know for certain that the first idea was seriously advanced by the person who does so in the text. It’s pure propaganda. I don’t generally bother reading 20th-century history because it’s so depressing, but I am seriously tempted to see if I can find an in-depth book on the end of the war just so I can see how far off this text is from the truth.

(Oh, incidentally: you can find the text online here, and a fairly complete list of texts by Wallace on the Australian Project Gutenberg site here.)

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yoificfinder · 3 years

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Hi! I was wondering if you would be able to find some time travel/time loop AUs where Victor and Yuuri (and other members of the YoI cast) are thrown around in time please? Thank you so much!

Hi! These are some time travel fics (mix of both canonverse and AUs) I read and enjoyed:

Previous rec of time travel fics where they meet their other self in the other timeline

a great desire to love by lily_winterwood / @omgkatsudonplease [T, 22K]

For some strange, inexplicable, fantastic reason, Yuuri Katsuki and Viktor Nikiforov are trading places. Kimi no Na wa AU.

All Our Yesterdays by @kitsunebi-uk [E, 102K]

York, England, 2120: Yuuri Katsuki is a dime-a-dozen techie, spending his days doing routine repairs at the university. He hangs out with his friend Phichit, goes for a drink, watches holograms. It’s an existence – but is it a life?

Crowood Castle, Yorkshire, 1392: As the son of a baron, Sir Victor Nikiforov makes judgements where lives hang in the balance. As a knight, he must sometimes end them. It’s what he was born to do – but what of the heavy burden on his soul? Death is all too commonplace, while life and love remain elusive.

When a brilliant scientist goes rogue, journeying to the Middle Ages with the world’s first time machine, Yuuri is stunned to be called on as the last hope of preventing her from changing history. After an abrupt departure, he lands at Crowood Castle disguised as an enemy of the Nikiforovs, Sir Justin le Savage – and will need to act the part if he is to survive. It’s a tall order for someone who can barely tell the back end of a horse from the front. But if Ailis, in her own disguise, discovers who he is, his mission will end in a blaze of laser-gun fire. He must not give his real identity away, even to the beguiling knight he’s falling in love with…

Elevators Out of Order by mtothedestiel [E, 31K] *WIP

A Kate and Leopold AU. In 1876, Victor Nikiforov is a handsome duke with an inventive imagination and a dwindling fortune. The search for a wealthy bride brings him to America, and the capital of progress, New York City. Can an encounter with a mysterious stranger offer Victor a future he never dreamed of?

Meanwhile in 2017, physicist turned paper-pusher Yuuri Katsuki is just trying to get through the day, which is tough enough without surprise phone calls from his roommate announcing he has a 19th-century aristocrat out cold on their sofa.

To top things off, it would seem every elevator in Manhattan is suddenly out of order. What a coincidence.

Here Once and Back Again by Cbear2470 [E, 77K] *WIP *Major Character Death

“What?” was all Yuuri could say as a numbness froze over his body.

Something—something wasn’t right. It was then he realized he couldn’t remember getting to the rink. He couldn’t remember even stepping on the ice to start his program.

He couldn’t remember.

He tried to remember.

As Yuuri is skating his free skate, he knows something is off. But, he brushes it aside, too focused on executing the program flawlessly.

It isn't until after it's all over that Yuuri comes to discover that he just skated his gold-medal winning, record-breaking program at the 2014-15 Grand Prix Final in Sochi. The very same final Yuuri had once upon a time placed last in over two years ago.

here's to the glory still to be by @foxfireflamequeen [Not Rated, 12K]

“Hi,” says Viktor, smile bright and camera-ready. His hand, when he extends it, is small and delicate. “I think you know who I am, but we haven’t met.”

His accent is very thick, very Russian in a way Yuri has never heard before. He looks from the offered hand to Viktor’s face, barely an inch higher, and tracks his hair, long and pale and spilling over his shoulders. He can’t be older than, well, Yuri.

“No,” says Yuri. “We haven’t.”

in another dimension series by @alykapediaaa [T, 8K]

Summary of first fic in the series

Entertainment >> Celebrity News

Viktor Nikiforov: Finally Found!

SOMERSET – Russian model Viktor Nikiforov, 27, who has been declared missing last May of this year was finally found earlier today. Nikiforov, known as the face of luxury brand Stammi Vicino, was vacationing at Bath, Somerset after a successful season when he suddenly disappeared, leaving all of his belongings, as well as his poodle, behind. Yakov Feltsman, Nikiforov’s manager, has yet to release a statement. Read More.

Life Unwoven by ayn2390 [M, 23K] *Indefinite Hiatus

Five-Time Consecutive Grand Prix Final Winner Katsuki Yuuri meets Five-Time Consecutive Grand Prix Final Winner Victor Nikiforov.

or,

In which things are tangled, and untangled, and tangled again. And Victor will always be there to save Yuuri.

Maelstrom by @feels-like-fire [E, 44K]

Victor Nikiforov is poised to win gold in his fifth consecutive Grand Prix Final. He has the world at his feet, is unparalleled in the sport--right up until a snowstorm blows into Sochi, and he finds himself repeating the same day over and over and over. He stumbles over Yuuri Katsuki, and everything changes.

(Or, the time loop au. Loosely based on Groundhog Day.)

On My Love by RikoJasmine [T, 73K] *WIP

For the second time, the Sochi Grand Prix Finals arrive, and with it a reborn Yuuri Katsuki. “Viktor,” Yuuri thinks over the pounding of his heart, the crowd going silent as the music begins. “I’ll show the world what you meant to me.”

Yuuri often thinks of his life as Before and After Viktor Nikiforov, the marking point being the day Viktor swept into his life and turned his world upside-down. After many years together, an accident leads to Yuuri suddenly waking up in the Before—back in Detroit, before the GPF, before he ever knew Viktor as anything other than his childhood idol.

As if it had all been just a dream.

paso doble by @cafecliche [G, 4K]

"Long before skating, or even ballet, Yuuri would hear about it at festivals, in the boiling humidity of Hasetsu summers dancing the Bon Odori in the streets. He remembered years where Mari would take him home alone, while their parents comforted lingering, distraught dancers. Sometimes, Mari had explained, they were crying because they’d seen lost loved ones. Some cried because they didn’t see who they’d hoped, but a stranger. And some cried because they hadn’t seen anyone at all.

Because it’s not just the steps. The dancers need, even for a second, to feel the exact same thing."

(Or: days before Hot Springs on Ice, Yuuri receives a visitor from another time.)

The League of the Green Carnation by @abarero [M, 62K]

There was one golden rule to being a Time Scientist: do not bring home anything that was a fixed point in history. This meant most artifacts, extinct animals and the like were permissible. Historical figures? Not so much.

But what about an author? Namely, Yuuri’s favorite author, who was murdered in 1887. Could he be saved?

Well. Yuuri was sure as hell about to find out.

Turn Back the Clock by IronScript [T, 59K] *WIP

When Yuuri and Viktor wake up over thirty years in the past, they don't know what to do. Does the other remember?

Luckily that particular question is quickly answered and they can relax slightly, but what about afterwards? Viktor was brought back to right before his first Olympics, and Yuuri isn’t even old enough to compete in Seniors’!

Then there's the fact that they're still very much in love, but a physical relationship would be illegal (and would gross them both out considering Yuuri's age), and they can't count on anyone to just trust them not to do anything age inappropriate. So maybe being long-distance (with as many in-person meetings as possible) would be better until Yuuri becomes a legal adult physically, never mind his actual age.

But it's hard to behave and act naturally when you're forced to be apart from your husband of twenty years, especially during one of the most stressful parts of anyone's life, so Yuuri and Viktor have to distract themselves somehow, right?

Right.

And if everyone around them ends up completely confused and blindsided at their sudden changes (though admittedly they seem to have changed for the better), then so be it!

#yoi #yuri on ice #yoi fanfic #yoi fic rec #time travel

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qqueenofhades · 3 years

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So I’ve been thinking about the end of empires lately, the way they behave, the patterns that emerge, things like that. Yes, I know. What a lovely topic. Lol. My brain likes punishment. Shhh. Anyway, I was wondering what we have learned from past ended empires that could help us understand today’s world? Do you have thoughts? Any book refs on this? Thanks qqueen!

Aha, okay, I'll give this a crack. I'll try not to get bogged down in too much pedagogical woolgathering about how it is defined, determined, decided, or otherwise applied as an analytical concept, but we'll say that an "empire" is a geographical, political and territorial unit that comprises multiple countries/regions, is united under one relatively centralised administration, ruled either by one all-powerful figure or a small circle of powerful elites (usually technically answerable to the former), and held together by military, financial, and ideological methods. The basic model, as established by the Romans: take their sons to serve in the army, make them pay their taxes to you, and worship Roma, the patron goddess of the city, alongside their own preferred religion. Simple, straightforward, and lasted for five hundred years (almost a thousand if you count the Roman Republic which preceded it). We hear a lot in Western history classes about the "Fall of Rome," which is usually presented in popular narratives as the moment when everything went to pot before the "Dark Ages." Is this true? (No.) If so, did it happen because, as is often claimed, "barbarians/savages were attacking Rome and overthrew it?" (No.)

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire is way more than we can get into in the course of one ask, and there are other fallen empires to consider: for example, the Aztec, Ashanti, Russian, and British ones. It's a subject of debate as to whether modern-day America should be termed an empire: it fits most, if not all, of the historical criteria, but is an empire only an empire when it declares itself to be one? The long and sordid history of American imperialism, whether it's a rose by any other name or otherwise, is covered in American Empire: A Global History by A.G. Hopkins, How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr, and A People's History of American Empire by Howard Zinn. All are worth looking into.

Overall, I think the basic similarities for what makes an empire fall would include:

it geographically overextends itself (Roman, British)

it is attacked by foreign rivals and internal enemies (Roman, Aztec, Ashanti)

it becomes massively financially indebted and deeply politically unstable (Roman, Russian)

it resorts to heavy-handed attempts to punish dissatisfaction among its people, spurring popular resistance (Aztec, Roman, British, Russian)

it is emerging from a period of long war internationally and internally that has strained it militarily (Roman, British, Russian)

it simply gets devastatingly unlucky thanks to a combination of unforeseeable external factors (Aztec, Ashanti)

And so on. Basically, the administrative bureaucracy gets too big to manage itself, the ever-increasing financial exactions can't pay for the necessary wars to maintain and expand its borders, people become dissatisfied both outside and inside the imperial system, and since no human institution or nation-state lasts forever, down it comes. However, I would caution against too much insistence on a total or categorical end of any of these societies. You've probably heard of Jared Diamond, who wrote uber-popular bestsellers including Guns, Germs, and Steel and Collapse, focusing on how human societies survive, or not, from an eco-scientific perspective. However, Diamond is not a trained anthropologist, archaeologist, or historian, despite writing extensively about these subjects (he's a professor of geography at UCLA) and a whole bunch of eminent historians and anthropologists got together to write "You're Full of Shit, Jared Diamond," also known as Questioning Collapse: Human Resilience, Ecological Vulnerability, and the Aftermath of Empire.

This book basically blasts Diamond (as he deserves, frankly) for removing all social/cultural factors from his analysis in Collapse and only focusing on ecology/science/environment. Geographical determinism can shed light on some things, but it's very far from being a total explanation for everything, completely divorced from the human societies that interact with these places. For example, did the Easter Island society of Rapa Nui collapse because the Polynesian people "recklessly" overexploited the environment (Diamond) or the impact of European diseases, colonialism, slave trade, and other direct crises, combined with the introduction of the non-native rat to the islands? (Spoiler alert: The latter. You simply can't write about these societies as if they're just places where things somehow happened thanks to natural processes, entirely outside of human agency and cultural/social/political needs.)

Anyway, the silver-lining upside, especially in an incredibly gloomy political milieu where the current American system was nearly overthrown by the last president and hordes of his fascist sympathisers (as they were talking about on Capitol Hill today, incidentally), is that the usual story of human societies is resilience rather than disappearance. None of the empires listed above, with the exception of the Aztecs (conquered by the Spanish, decimated by smallpox, and resisted by internal indigenous enemies) totally vanished. Their structures and ethos often just got a change of paint and name and carried on. For all the ballyhoo about the "Collapse of Rome," the Western Roman Empire had been an almost entirely ineffective political entity for years and the capital had already been transferred to Ravenna well before 476. There were outsider attacks, but Rome had weakened itself by a constant succession of military coups, palace intrigue, too-heavy taxes, and a simply too-vast area to effectively control. The Eastern Roman Empire, however (aka the Byzantine Empire) carried on being a major political player straight through the medieval period and only ended in 1453, with the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople.

Even the Ashanti Empire still exists today, as a small independent kingdom within the modern African country of Ghana. The Russian and British empires no longer exist under that name, but few would deny that those countries still retain considerable influence in similar ways. When people talk about the "collapse" of societies, especially non-Western societies, it also produces the impression that they did in fact just disappear into thin air, often as no fault of the invading Westerners. (Sidenote: I suggest reading "Settler Colonialism and the Elimination of the Native" by Patrick Wolfe in the Journal of Genocide Research. The whole thing is online and free.) How many times have we heard that, say, the Mayans/Mayan Empire "vanished," when there are up to seven million Mayan speakers in modern Mexico? If you're insisting that they're gone, of course it's easier to act like they are.

Anyway. I think what I'm trying to say here is that in terms of lessons for the modern world:

empires always (always) fall;

this comes about as some combination of the above-mentioned factors;

however, the societies previously organised as empires almost never disappear, so the end of an empire does not necessarily mean the end of its attendant society, culture, countries, etc;

empires often re-organise as essentially similar political units with different names and can maintain most of their former status;

empire is an inherently unequal and exploitative system that often relies on taxonomies of race, gender, power, and class, with the usual suspects at the top and everyone else at the bottom;

empire is usually, though not always, related to active colonialism and military expansion, and as soon as it cannot sustain this model, it's in big trouble;

the idea that human societies just disappear solely as a result of inadequately correct economic choices and/or ecological determinism is a lot of shit;

And so on. The end of an empire isn't necessarily anything to fear, though it can, obviously, be incredibly disruptive for those living within the country/countries affected. And until we learn how to move, as a species, permanently away from political and ideological systems that give so many resources to so few people and nothing to so many others, we're going to continue to experience this cycle.

#history #history of empire #history of racism #flynnanimal #ask

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superman86to99 · 3 years

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Superman #85 (January 1994)

Cat Grant in... "DARK RETRIBUTION"! Which is like normal retribution, but somehow darker. On the receiving end of Cat's darktribution is Winslow Schott, the Toyman, who suddenly changed his MO from "pestering Superman with wacky robots" to "murdering children" back on Superman #84, with one of his victims being Cat's young son Adam. Now Cat has a gun and intends to sneak it into prison to use it on Toyman. She's also pretty pissed at Superman for taking so long to find Toyman after Adam’s death (to be fair, Superman did lose several days being frozen in time by an S&M demon, as seen in Man of Steel #29).

So how did Superman find Toyman anyway? Basically, by spying on like 25% of Metropolis. After finding out from Inspector Turpin that the kids were killed near the docks, Superman goes there and focuses all of his super-senses to get "a quick glimpse of every person" until he sees a bald, robed man sitting on a giant crib, and goes "hmmm, yeah, that looks like someone who murders children." At first, Superman doesn't understand why Toyman would do such a horrible thing, but then Schott starts talking to his mommy in his head and the answer becomes clear: he watched Psycho too many times (or Dan Jurgens did, anyway).

Immediately after wondering why no one buys his toys, Toyman makes some machine guns spring out of his giant crib. I don't know, man, maybe it's because they're all full of explosives and stuff? Anyway, Toyman throws a bunch of exploding toys at Superman, including a robot duplicate of himself, but of course they do nothing. Superman takes him to jail so he can get the help he needs -- which, according to Cat, is a bullet to the face. Or so it seems, until she gets in front of him, pulls the trigger, and...

PSYCHE! It was one of those classic joke guns I’ve only ever seen in comics! Cat says she DID plan to bring a real gun, but then she saw one of these at a toy store and just couldn't resist. Superman, who was watching the whole thing, tells Cat she could get in trouble for this stunt, but he won't tell anyone because she's already been through enough. Then he asks her if she needs help getting home and she says no, because she wants to be more self-sufficient.

I think that's supposed to be an inspiring ending, but I don't know... Adam's eerie face floating in the background there makes me think she's gonna shave her head and climb into a giant crib any day, too. THE END!

Character-Watch:

Cat did become more self-sufficient after this, though. Up to now, all of her storylines seemed to revolve around other people: her ex-husband, Morgan Edge, José Delgado, Vinnie Edge, and finally Toyman. After this, I feel like there was a clear effort to turn her into a character that works by herself. I actually like what they did with Cat in the coming years, though I still don’t think they had to kill her poor kid to do that -- they could have sent him off to boarding school, or maybe to live with his dad. Or with José Delgado, over at Power of Shazam! I bet Jerry Ordway would have taken good care of him.

Plotline-Watch:

Wait, so can Superman just find anyone in Metropolis any time he wants? Not really: this is part of the ongoing storyline about his powers getting boosted after he came back from the dead, which sounds pretty useful now but is about to get very inconvenient.

Don Sparrow points out: "It is interesting that as Superman tries to capture Schott, he at one point instead captures a robot decoy, particularly knowing what Geoff Johns will retroactively do to this storyline in years to come, in Action Comics #865, as we mentioned in our review of Superman #84." Johns also explained that the robot thought he was hearing his mother's voice due to the real Toyman trying to contact him via radio, which I prefer to the "psycho talks to his dead mom" cliche.

Superman says "I never thought he'd get to the point where he'd KILL anyone -- especially children!" Agreed about the children part but, uh, did Superman already forget that Toyman murdered a whole bunch people on his very first appearance, in Superman #13? Or does Superman not count greedy toy company owners as people? Understandable, I guess.

There's a sequence about Cat starting a fire in a paper basket at the prison to sneak past the metal detector, but why do that if she had a toy gun all long? Other than to prevent smartass readers like us from saying "How did she get the gun into the prison?!" before the plot twist, that is.

Patreon-Watch:

Shout out to our patient Patreon patrons, Aaron, Murray Qualie, Chris “Ace” Hendrix, britneyspearsatemyshorts, Patrick D. Ryall, Bheki Latha, Mark Syp, Ryan Bush, Raphael Fischer, Dave Shevlin, and Kit! The latest Patreon-only article was about another episode of the 1988 Superman cartoon written by Marv Wolfman, this one co-starring Wonder Woman (to Lois' frustration).

Another Patreon perk is getting to read Don Sparrow's section early, because he usually finishes his side of these posts long before I do (he ALREADY finished the next one, for instance). But now this one can be posted in public! Take it away, Don:

Art-Watch (by @donsparrow):

We begin with the cover, and it’s a good one— an ultra tight close up for Cat Grant firing a .38 calibre gun, with the titular Superman soaring in, perhaps too late. An interesting thing to notice in this issue (and especially on the cover) is that the paper stock that DC used for their comics changed, so slightly more realistic shading was possible. While it’s nowhere near the sophistication or gloss of the Image Comics stock of the time, there is an attempt at more realistic, airbrushy type shading in the colour. It works well in places, like the muzzle flash, on on Cat Grant’s cheeks and knuckles, but less so in her hair, where the shadow looks a browny green on my copy.

The interior pages open with a pretty good bit of near-silent storytelling. We are deftly shown, and not told the story—there are condolence cards and headlines, and the looming presence of a liquor bottle, until we are shown on the next page splash the real heart of the story, a revolver held aloft by Catherine Grant, bereaved mother, with her targeting in her mind the grim visage of the Toyman.

While their first few issues together meshed pretty well, it’s around this issue that the pencil/inks team of Jurgens and Rubinstein starts to look a little rushed in places. A few inkers who worked with Jurgens that I’ve spoken to have hinted that his pencils can vary in their level of detail, from very finished to pretty loose, and in the latter case, it’s up to the inker to embellish where there’s a lack of detail. Some inkers, like Brett Breeding, really lay down a heavier hand, where there’s quite a bit of actual drawing work in addition to adding value and weight to the lines. I suspect some of the looseness in the figures, as well as empty backgrounds reveals that these pencils were less detailed than we often see from Jurgens.

There’s some weird body language in the tense exchange between Superman and Cat as she angrily confronts him about his lack of progress in capturing her son’s killer—Superman looks a little too dynamic and pleased with himself for someone ostensibly apologizing. Superman taking flight to hunt down Toyman is classic Jurgens, though.

Another example of art weirdness comes on page 7, where Superman gets filled in on the progress of the Adam Morgan investigation. Apparently Suicide Slum has some San Francisco-like hills, as that is one very steep sidewalk separating Superman and Turpin from some central-casting looking punks.

The sequence of Superman concentrating his sight and hearing on the waterfront area is well-drawn, and it’s always nice to see novel uses of his powers. Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman does a similar trick quite often on the excellent first season of Superman & Lois. The full-bleed splash of Superman breaking through the wall to capture Toyman is definitely panel-of-the-week material, as we really feel Superman’s rage and desperation to catch this child-killer.

Pretty much all the pages with Cat Grant confronting Winslow Schott are well-done and tensely paced. While sometimes I think the pupil-less flare of the eye-glasses is a cop-out, it does lend an opaqueness and mystery to what Toyman is thinking. Speaking of cop-outs, the gag gun twist ending really didn’t work for me. I was glad that Cat didn’t lower herself to Schott’s level and become a killer, even for revenge, but the prank gun just felt too silly of a tonal shift for a storyline with this much gravitas. The breakneck denouement that Cat is now depending only on herself didn’t get quite enough breathing room either.

While I appreciated that the ending of this issue avoided an overly simplistic, Death Wish style of justice, this issue extends this troubling but brief era of Superman comics. The casual chalk outlines of yet two more dead children continues the high body count of the previous handful of issues, and the tone remains jarring to me. The issue is also self-aware enough to point out, again, that Schott is generally an ally of children, and not someone who historically wishes them harm, but that doesn’t stop the story from going there, in the most violent of terms. In addition to being a radical change to the Toyman character, it’s handled in a fashion more glib than we’re used to seeing in these pages. The mental health cliché of a matriarchal obsession, a la Norman Bates doesn’t elevate it either. So, another rare misstep from Jurgens the writer, in my opinion. STRAY OBSERVATIONS:

I had thought for sure that Romanove Vodka was a sly reference to a certain Russian Spy turned Marvel superhero, but it turns out there actually is a Russian Vodka called that, minus the “E”, produced not in Russia, as one might think from the Czarist name, but rather, India.

While it made for an awkward exchange, I was glad that Cat pointed out how her tragedy more or less sat on the shelf while Superman dealt with the "Spilled Blood" storyline. A lesser book might not have acknowledged any time had passed. Though I did find it odd for Superman to opine that he wanted to find her son’s murderer even more than she wanted him to. Huh? How so?

I love the detail that Toyman hears the noise of Superman soaring to capture him, likening it to a train coming.

I quibble, but there’s so much I don’t understand about the “new” Toyman. If he’s truly regressing mentally, to an infant-like state, why does he wear this phantom of the opera style long cloak while he sits in his baby crib? Why not go all the way, and wear footie pajamas, like the lost souls on TLC specials about “adult babies”?

I get that Cat Grant is in steely determination mode, but it seemed a little out of place that she had almost no reaction to the taunting she faced from her child’s killer. She doesn’t shed a single tear in the entire issue, and no matter how focused she is on vengeance, that doesn’t seem realistic to me. [Max: That's because this is not just retribution, Don. It's dark retribution. We’ve been over this!]

#superman #dan jurgens #joe rubinstein #cat grant #adam morgan #toyman #dan turpin #joke guns that only exist in comics #cat grant the dark retributor #coming soon to image comics

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annetteblog · 3 years

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This is sort if in response to the fanfic anon. In my humble opinion one should not look to fiction (especially the fantasy driven faire that is most ff) to morally, socially or historically educate people. Fiction can have sociopolitical themes and bring contemporary issues to life, but it is also usually framed and governed by a specific narrative.

Take Jane Austen's works for example. (I, like many people around here, enjoy reading them so that is why I am using them as an example). So, reading Austen, you get swept up in the romance and tension of the narrative. You also get a bit of the reality of social stratification and wealth distribution of the regency era- keeping in mind that servants rarely have much more than one line speaking roles and most heroines (basically, the pov) are landed gentry living in comfortable circumstances and afforded a lot of leisure time in which to fall in love and read poetry. Reading her books, one can easily forget about contemporanious events like the Napoleonic Wars and the persistent horrors of the slave trade. In 'Mansfeild Park', the slave trade is directly mentioned for the first and only time in her canon. The context? The heroine's failed attempt to engage her uncle in conversation (said Uncle owns a plantation in Antigua). Fanny's Uncle, Aunt and cousins- one of whom she will marry by the end of the novel- owe their wealth to slavery. This is acknowledged, and a lot if scholars say that Austen was condemning the existence of slavery in her own subtle way, but then... you just kind of move on. The books continues. The food that is being eaten, the dresses worn, the houses and fripperies, everything material, is there because of the plantation overseas. And yet we are supposed- and most people do- continue on with the story and invest emotionally in the romance of the two romantic leads.

During Austen's lifetime, British ships were involved in transporting enslaved people from the eastern seaboard of Africa to the West Indies and the American South. The horror was profitable to the nation. Of the 74, 000 slaves being transported at the peak, 38, 000 would have travelled on British ships. Though Britain's involvement in the slave trade was abolished in 1807, it was not until 1833 that slavery was made illegal in Britain (32 years before the United States).

The reason I say all this is because even though Austen's works are beloved and considered classics, even though they are said by many to be steeped in a kind of proto feminism, and considered valuable and timeless, they do not portray EVERYTHING- namely the horrifying and the unspeakable- that was going on in their era- even that which affects the main characters. So is this a moral failure? Is this an artistic failure? Many people think not. Some think so. Applying current day social standards to historical works can be a minefield.

Maybe fanfics are a lower rent version of this. In a time when many LGBTQ+ people are being persecuted in parts of the world (and there is no legal protection of the human rights of sexual minorities in Jikook's own country), people still use the narrative of a same sex relationship as escapist fantasy. I can understand where some members of the lgbtq+ community might be unhappy with this. (I am lgbt and ok with it, but that's just a personal, subjective thing). Hopefully, people whose imaginations are captured by Jikook (or anyone else), can parlay that interest and support into educating themselves about the real life plight of lgbtq+people around the world. Having a parasocial or personal investment in the happiness of someone you think might* be a member of a marginalized minority hopefully leads people to read, learn and do more.

Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei once said that, 'if anything, art is... about morals, about our beleif in humanity. Without that, there simply is no art.'

Not all creative imput has to explicitly address injustice or politics. Not every lgbtq character has to be politicized. Figuring out what one personally considers to be 'harmless fun' and what may be misguided or hurtful can be very complicated. Listening to people, reading and learning certainly helps.

*Also, fiction is weird. It can be totally morally rotton and come from baaaaaaad people and still have certain objective artistic merits (???). You can read a novel from the pov of a twisted, evil person and find yourself weirdly empathizing. You can go on a journey through the eyes of an anti hero. You can commit crimes. You can explore eroticism that you wouldn't want to explore irl. You can read propaganda and be like 'hmm but it's fun tho'. Fiction is fascinating like that.

I love this. Anon, thank you 💜

___

“Applying current day social standards to historical works can be a minefield.”

A very big yes.

“Hopefully, people whose imaginations are captured by Jikook (or anyone else), can parlay that interest and support into educating themselves about the real life plight of lgbtq+people around the world”

I suppose this is exactly what happens sometimes. I obviously can’t speak on behalf of Koreans and how they perceive it, as well as I don’t fully understand how an average Western person (namely from an English-speaking country) sees them. But observing some Russian-speaking KM spaces I’ve seen people saying that they weren’t really engaged with the problems of LGBTQ+ before or even were low-key homophobic (which feels like a norm for an average person here), but after becoming familiar with KM and immersing themselves into the narrative, they started to see the bigger picture and changed their attitudes. The same works with other fandoms. Yuri on Ice dragged some people not only to the figure skating 😉 Art is really powerful.

Speaking on the escapism fantasy. I gotta be honest, sometimes I read these very cheesy fluffy unrealistic fics exactly because they are nothing like the reality I see every day. So what? I’m gay and I need some serotonin 😀

P.S. Having the POV of a twisted morally questionable character is amazing, and it works not only in books. Love this. And it’s not like after watching Joker I started killing people (or approving it).

#annetteasks #jikook #kookmin #fanfiction #fiction #writing

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avengersapology-vid · 3 years

Conversation

Avengers: College Edition

Steve: Criminal Justice and Studio Art double major. He doesn't want to torture himself with anything difficult and still wants to study what he loves. He is still an over achiever though. Highkey hates frat parties, saw someone twerking upside down and almost cried but stayed because hes the designated driver (responsible KING). prefers small get togethers with his friends. Roommates with sam and bucky!! Joins Criminal Justice club, jokingly rivals with Engineering (Tonys Club) Everyone on campus loves him including the professors, wins Homecoming king and is very happy. Sam jokingly asks to be his queen, Bucky butts in and says "NO, im his queen". Can be found in the library or art studio, usually with ink or pencil markings on his hands.

Tony: Obvi an engineering KING has physics as a minor. procrastinates to the max "No Bruce I have everything under control" *crams for 46 hours straight on a constant IV drip of Redbull and coffee* Super smart and helps draw the blueprint for the new engineering building. Roomies with Bruce! Tony was in a frat for a bit his freshmen year but hated it and wanted real friends (Throws better parties anyway) met Bruce and all the other avengers during a 1301 intro class. Pulls women like no tomorrow. On the presidents list every semester and tutors math for free on the side. He is basically the Dad in STEM. Tries hitting on Natasha but she is just like :/ nah, when her and bruce start dating tony is surprised because bruce is his "quiet little cinnamon roll." Tony constantly teases bruce and is like "yall fuckin (;" Steve butts in "tONY PLZ I JUST WANT TO WATCH THIS MOVIE" Bruce is thankful for steves intervention. You know how he rivals Steves Criminal Justice club? He butts heads with Business Clubs leader (Pepper) until everyone catches them together at a party. Has a caffeine addiction. Works out with Thor and Bucky one day in the rec and almost dies.

Bruce: Physics and Engineering double major (Hardworking KING) In math club with Vision and Wanda. He loves being roomies with Tony because it helps him out of his shell. Likes to draw with Steve sometimes and enjoys the quiet. Doesn't procrastinate and gets things done in a timely manor. 4.0 icon we all strive to be. Him and Nat already know each other, but bond and get a lot closer while studying in the library and they eventually start dating. He takes her coffee when she works across campus and is always almost late to class because of that (He doesn't care though bc thats his BABY) "Um.. Bruce your class is in 5 minutes" "Okay and?.....Wait I have an ex-" *Sprints to his building* Takes boxing at night with Thor, Bucky, Sam and Steve!!! Loves sparring with Thor and can surprisingly take the big buy on pretty well. Gets his butt kicked by Natasha in a MMA class though.

Natasha: Majors in Criminal Justice and Minors in Psychology. Ballet club AND MOCK TRIAL!! Has a Job at the Criminal Justice Deans office and takes MMA classes on the side. She is on Mock Trial with Loki and they actually get along quiet well once they stop butting heads about the case. Introduces Sam and Wanda to dance and they have so much fun. Coffee dates with Bruce!! Her and Steve become RAs in the following years and are the coolest RAs you know. Prefers night classes, Bruce walks her to all of them. Psychology classes are her favorite and really wants to help children one day. Volunteers at a daycare during breaks. Sis can really out drink Tony and Thor. Puts Wanda under her wing and helps her with fafsa and what not. Her and Bucky get the Russian language credit by simply testing out. Has her sh!t together and while she has a lot on her plate she can take it. She is really the Mom of the group. Can be found dancing or with Bruce. Her and Clint are icons in psychology classes.

Clint: Deaf Studies with education minor! (we stan deaf clint in the comics) In the Archery club and wins nationals for the Uni. Loves to draw with Steve. Helps Bruce ask Natasha out! PRANK ICON! loves to do prank wars with tony, bucky, loki and sam. Was in the same frat with Tony but hated it as well. While he seems to have a more reserved demeanor he is still the life of the party. (Like he knows people at the clubs ya know?) Can get in anywhere and helps everyone rent out a club for the night in celebration of midterms being over. Loves reading in the library and loves morning classes and being productive early in the day. Cracks Tonys netflix and hulu passwords (no tony... tonyr0cks69 is not good enough) Wants to teach at a school for the Deaf. Bruce sets him up with a girl from engineering and that is his future wife.

Thor: Physical Education major and Communications minor! Here on a football scholarship and is in a frat (not the asshole one tony was in) and is a partying ICON. Tries to get Loki to party but Loki just wants to drink wine with the cat he snuck into his dorm. Learns Sign from Clint to prepare for his career in education. Loves working out with Bucky, Sam and Steve. Takes up boxing during football off season and spars with Bruce. Despite being everyones fav himbo he gets really good grades and is a very good writer. Loki dorms across the hall from him. Thor actually rooms with Peter. Peter is the freshman baby and Thor takes peter under his wing and introduces him to everyone and helps him with college stuff in general. Also hooks him up with MJ and brings him to the occasional boxing session. Has a loud booming laughter you can hear in all floors of the library when he sees a funny meme. One time he actually makes a very good point and notices a flaw in one of Tony and Bruces projects leaves everyone stunned. Picks on Loki in big brother fashion. Unironically calls weed the devils lettuce.

Loki: Pre-Law and Criminal Justice. LOVES to argue. (Devils advocate ass) In Mock Trial and Criminal Justice Club. Tony jokingly calls him steves sexy secretary in CJ club. Loves Mock Trial and is the president with Nat as his right hand woman. Sneaks a cat he found at the shelter into his dorm and names it muffin. Stays in the Library writing or going over cases. The one time he was taking Natasha a copy of the Mock Trial case packet and caught her and bruce smooching. (He screeched) "Haha funny joke yall heres the case packet BYE." He automatically texts the group chat "i think nAT AND BRUCE HAVE SOME TEA FOR US HMM". Lets Peter and Bruce come over to his dorm because he knows their roommates can get a little too much sometimes. Loki also becomes an avid twitter user and thats how he gains popularity on campus. (He called the uni out for their awful and expensive parking) Was able to convince the Dean with tony and steve to create a new parking lot. Caffeine addict!!! Him and Tony always bump into each other at the coffee shop. Brings baked goods to meet ups with the gang. Loves to play pranks (especially on Tony) Him and Bucky come up with a genius prank on him and even get pepper involved. Best dressed on campus and is in the fashion club. He is the embodiment of dark academia.

Sam: Criminal Justice Major with Aerospace Engineering minor. Gets introduced to Bucky and Steve during move in and they literally become brothers. Is both in Criminal Justice Club and Engineering Club. In the Historically Black Frat on campus and takes huge pride in that. Parties with tony and thor BIG TIME. Procrastinates by throwing paper airplanes at Bucky until Bucky is like "Um...dude your paper is due in like two hours." At that moment Sam got into work faster than he ever had. Loves gossip sessions with Loki and Wanda. Works out a lot with Bucky, Steve and Thor to get rid of stress. When he and Bucky finish a final they go to loki's dorm and ask "Hey can we see your cat." Helps prep food for friends-giving and decorates the dorm for holidays. HATES 8ams so so so much. Steve promises him pancakes if he gets up and goes. Binge watches shows during weekends and screams when Destiel is finally canon. Loves running and gets a Track Scholarship when Thor gets him to join a sport. Gets Peter to join track.

Bucky: criminal justice major and psychology minor. Buck is also in ballet club with Nat, it really helps him relax and gives him a free space to think (also he runs that shit like no ones business) Criminal justice club as well and LOVES to work out and box. One time Sam accompanies him to ballet and Bucky pushes Sam into a split... the scream was heard for miles. "Sam ballet is good for athletes it helps w-" "Yeah but its not good for my balls" Doesn't willingly procrastinate but once in awhile he will forget an assignment, you best believe his eyes will snap open from his nap and get to work asap. For one of his psyche labs he had to question Steve as if he were Steve's therapist to which Steve responds "Hey bro you dont have to hit a nerve that deep" He also likes to do dance with peter since it helps him get away from Thor for a bit. Not a big partier but once the weight of finals are off his chest you best believe he will go all out. Picks on Nat and says hes gonna steal her man, to which tony interjects and says "Not if I do first" Bucky also has a very comfy dorm, comfy lighting and tons of pillows, the man loves his sleep... and so does everyone else. Sometimes he finds peter, sam, THOR, tONY EVERYONE just napping in his bed before their study time. Overall, bucky is a smart boy and his time in college is kind to him.

Wanda: English Major and Education Minor. After being an orphan Wanda knows what it feels like to not have a parental figure there and she wants to change that for other kids by becoming an english teacher. She volunteers at an orphanage, specifically the one her and pietro were in for a brief moment when they came to the states. She loves to draw as well and takes plenty of art classes with steve. She paints a portrait of the entire gang and gives it to tony as a graduation present (he cried). She loves to do volunteer work for children and also spend a lot of time in the library, She helped Nat calm down before Bruce asked her out. Her and Loki are in constant competition for best dressed. "Loki ill let you win best dressed but you have to let me see your cat" "ugh fine... btw your shirt doesnt match your boots" "hEY" Her and Peter take alot of intro classes together and are constantly running around craft stores trying to get the right stuff for projects. Visits Vision at his Job on Campus and he visits her where she volunteers and eventually they start dating. She is constantly getting visited by pietro at 4am asking "Um do you have milk" "Pietro its 4am what do you ne-" "my OREOS"

Pietro: Track star business major, frat ICON with Thor. poor boy is STRESSED he hates college and is here on a track scholarship, constantly late and running around getting shit done. Queen of late assignments but still gets them graded because he is in Track. Yeah he has alot on his plate but he still parties with thor for hours. When he is drowning in assignments Clint is always there to help him, Bruce also helps him with biology and the more science-y classes. Likes to mess around and race sam at track practice. Not into coffee but will run on all the monster energy drinks you could possibly buy. Seriously is tired of 8 a.m courses, he just wants to nap after practice. Walks into the study room that everyone was in and actually looks more sleep deprived than tony. He gets a lot of tips from steve on how to have an easier time in college and it really helps him.

Vision: Grad student working on a civil engineering masters and a TA. Meets Wanda in the library and she asks him where the biographies are. He mistakenly says they are on the 2nd floor "Uh theyre actually on the third" "Then why did you ask?" "Cause I wanted to talk to you :)" He swooned. Through Wanda he met Tony and Bruce and became their best friend, He helped out a lot with engineering club and got them far. He spends a lot of time doing research for his masters degree, he loves relaxing with the group on weekends and picks on pietro as if he is already apart of the family. Him and Loki bond over intellectual conversations from time to time. Bruce and Nat go on double dates with him and Wanda. Went to a bar once with tony and bruce and had to stop tony from singing Queens entire discography, he had the best night that night. Helps everyone with getting into jobs and into grad school in general while everyone helps him let loose and have some fun.

Peter: Peter is a Physics major and eventually works his way up to biochemistry. (hardworking icon) He is the freshman baby of the group and is introduced to them through Thor. He dances with Buck and Nat sometimes as well. Tony obviously takes peter under his wing and helps him with assignments. One time everyone was in the same study room and him and pietro have a redbull shot gunning challenge. When Peter wins Thor picks him up and almost yeets the poor boy into the ceiling. "VERY WELL DONE YOUNG PARKER YOU SHOULD BE DOING THAT WITH BEER IN NO TIME." "Thor plz" Tony and Thor help him ask MJ out and even spy on them during a dinner date. (Imagine thor with sunglasses and a scarf around his head pretending to be tonys date) He feels so accepted in college because of the gang and gets all his work done on time. Goes out of his way to get everyone christmas presents and is so excited for friendsgiving. Becomes a little stressball during finals and midterms and stays in the library till it closes. He spots loki alot in there and helps loki with science classes while loki helps him with political science classes. He meets MJ through wanda and is obviously blushing the whole time while being introduced. Gets embarrassed when the guys flirt with aunt may. "guys plz stop" This is when Sam earns his "milf hunter" nickname. "Pete hows your aunt?" "She doesnt want you sam i-" its not like that... actually it is like that"

Coulson: Alumni Icon. Is the gangs Intro professor and is the reason why everyone meets eachother. (the class was chaotic indeed) Coulson loved that class so much and he still gets visited by everyone from time to time. He is obviously close with Nick. They were there that night when Tony was signing Queen at the bar and couldnt help but laugh.

Nick Fury: Dean for criminal justice and is heavily involved with criminal justice club and mock trial. He is tired of everyones shit as always. Makes a tiktok account for the criminal justice club and has no idea how to manage social media so gets Loki to help. Has to delete it when Loki commented "hah losers" on the engineering tiktoks page. He looks intimidating but in his office he has a picture with the club and has all the gifts he gets on display. (He even framed lokis comment because it was hilarious afterall)

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vladdocs · 3 years

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Dracula's life from birth to 7 years by Lyzhina Svetlana Sergeevna (Лыжина Светлана Сергеевна) originally in Russian. http://samlib.ru/l/lyzhina_s_s/dracula_7.shtml In this article I have tried to collect ALL the information somehow related to the early childhood of Dracula, and the story of childhood always begins with the story of the birth, so that's where we'll start. When Dracula was born. The year of Dracula's birth is reported differently by different books. Some say 1429 and some say 1431, but all of these statements are based on the same facts. _ _ _ _ _ Fact 1 - Dracula had an older brother, about whom we know that in 1442 he was 13-14 years old. This is reported in Jean de Wavrin's "Anciennes Chroniques d'Angleterre". Fact 2 - Dracula first ascended the throne in November 1448 and began to rule without the help of a regent, which means that Dracula was already 17 years old at the time. _ _ _ _ _ These two facts are the basis of all the assumptions we find in various books, so it is not difficult to guess where the numbers 1429 and 1431 come from. If the elder brother of Dracula in 1442 was 13-14 years old, it turns out that this brother was born around 1428, which means that Dracula himself couldn't have been born before 1429. At the same time, if you count Dracula's age from the time of his first reign, that is, subtract 17 from 1448, you get 1431. By the way, that is why the birth of Dracula is often associated with another fact - the entry of Dracula's father into the Order of St. George (Order of the Dragon). It is presumed that the accession took place no later than January 1431, since in a letter dated February 8, 1431, drawn up in Nuremberg, Dracula's father, among other things, states that he enjoyed the support of Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg, who was the head of the Order. House in Sighisoara It is common knowledge that Dracula's early childhood was spent in the Transylvanian town of Sighisoara, where our hero lived with his father, mother and older brother until the fall of 1436, which means that at the time of his departure from the "land of childhood" Dracula was no more than 7.5 years old. How many memories could Dracula have of Sighisoara? About as many as each of us remembers of kindergarten and the first school bell. Is it a lot or not - you decide. The house where Dracula lived is located on the corner of Zhestianshchikov Street and Museum Square. Zhestvenshchikov Street is a historical name, and Museum Square was a street in the Middle Ages and, of course, was called differently. The most likely name is Blacksmith's, so you can imagine the sounds that little Dracula heard from morning to night. The mint in the house. It is also known that Dracula's father set up a sort of mint in the family nest. Special people came to the house and were engaged in minting gold money - the very coins with dragons, thanks to which Dracula's father got his nickname. The minting process and the coins themselves looked like this: https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/.../440.../0_acb55_83f50b94_orig Of course, the presence of unauthorized people in the house and the constant hammering of the stamp caused some inconvenience to the family, but it was impossible to move the "production" to another place, because only Dracula's father had the right to mint money, and in order to comply with legal formalities, he had to do it in his own territory. Frescoes in the house Unfortunately, we don't know exactly what Dracula's house looked like in the 15th century. What we see now is the 17th century, but many researchers believe that the house still has something that existed in the 15th century - a mural on the wall of the second floor. I read on the official website of House of Dracula that there were originally 4 people in the mural, although only 3 images have survived. It is believed that the "man in a turban" and the woman next to them are Dracula's parents, and to the right and left of them the artist depicted guests invited to the feast. That the fresco depicts four people, not three, is more than

likely, but the assumption that next to the owners of the house are depicted guests, I personally think wrong, because Dracula's parents, ordering a painting, would have preferred to see there not guests, but really close people, i.e. relatives. I think the mural was a family portrait, not just a sketch from life. The gray-bearded man on the right side of the fresco looks a lot like Dracula's maternal grandfather, the Moldovan sovereign Alexandru the Good. If I am right, the portrait on the opposite side, which is not preserved, belonged to the Romanian sovereign Mircea the Old, Dracula's paternal grandfather. https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/.../4400.../0_acb56_233d42a_orig By the way, there are other frescoes on the second floor, or rather remnants of frescoes. In some places we can see floral ornaments, and on the upper slopes of the windows we can see figures of some people, depicted waist-length and placed in round frames. Most likely, the frescoes on the slopes date from the 16th century, as the numbers 1576 are visible on one of them. The only thing we can say for sure is that these frescoes depict noble people. Near one of the images there is a figure of a two-headed eagle. Next to the other image is the inscription "archi..." (Latin: archiepiscopus - archbishop). In a third image, a woman's hairstyle and a richly patterned dress are clearly visible. https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/.../440.../0_acb57_354e446a_orig Services in the house Dracula's family was Orthodox, and the population of Sighisoara in the 15th century consisted almost entirely of Catholics, since at that time Transylvania did not belong to Romania, but to Hungary, a traditionally Catholic country. There were no Orthodox churches in Sighisoara at all, and this posed a serious problem for Dracula's father and mother. Dracula's parents were supposed to live a church life, which is possible only with the participation of a priest, who can take confession, baptize the newborn, etc. Dracula's parents lived in Hungary for many years - first at the court of Sigismund of Luxembourg, and then in Transylvania - and all this time were away from Orthodox parishes. For example, it is known that in the Middle Ages there were no Orthodox churches in the Hungarian capital. Such a temple appeared only at the end of the 15th century in the neighboring city - in Pest - and was a wooden church built by the Orthodox Serbian settlers. How did Dracula's parents deal with the issue of confession and baptism of their children? After all, someone had to baptize the newborn Dracula as well! Most likely, the parents, being well-to-do people, hired a certain Orthodox priest, who conducted home services, took confessions, etc. By the way, little Dracula, living in Sighisoara, is unlikely to have confessed, because in Orthodoxy all children under 7 years are considered absolutely sinless, and Dracula at the time of his move from Sighisoara to Romania was (recall) no more than 7.5 years. Dracula's first steps in comprehension of sciences If you believe the textbooks on the history of pedagogy, the basic principles of education since the Middle Ages have not changed so much. In the Middle Ages, as now, science was taught from the age of 7, but Dracula probably began learning a little earlier. The Dracula researcher M. Kazaku suggests that Dracula and his elder brother had teachers in common, as the difference in the age of the brothers was insignificant - two years maximum. If further to follow this logic, then it turns out that the older brother Dracula began to learn reading at age 7 as it should be, and Dracula was put in school at 6 or even 5 - just for the company, so that the younger brother did not hang around while the older one was sitting in class. All the textbooks on the history of pedagogy say that in the Middle Ages the teachers of the "book sciences" were from the church milieu. Even if it was to teach a child who was not prepared for a spiritual career, he was still taught by churchmen, because they were the most literate and educated class. By the way,

this is another argument in favor of the assumption that while Dracula's family was wandering around Catholic lands, an Orthodox priest lived there all the time. Dracula's parents needed this priest also because someone had to teach their children to read and write. In any case, we can say with absolute certainty that the literacy learned by the young Dracula was Slavic. He simply could not have been taught Romanian literacy, because it did not exist in the 15th century. If we look at the history of the Romanian language (old Romanian to be exact) we see that it was an oral language until the 16th century. The earliest known letter written in Romanian goes back to 1521 and is in Cyrillic script, because most of the official documents in Romania at the time were written in Slavonic and the liturgies were held in the same language. Exactly in Slavonic, not in Latin, as many people think for some reason! This gives us reason to believe that the little Dracula, as a child of an Orthodox family, studied first of all the Slavic letters, and not the Latin. It turns out that already at an early age Dracula knew three languages: - Romanian, because it was spoken in the family; - Hungarian, because the family lived in Hungarian lands; - Slavonic, because it was the starting point for literacy. It seems incredible that a child at such an early age could be taught a Slavic language - essentially a foreign language - but there is nothing surprising in all this. At a later time in the so-called "classical gymnasiums" young children had to learn two foreign languages at once - Greek and Latin - but no child died or went mad from this teaching. So could not the little Dracula learn the Slavic alphabet? That is, perhaps, all there is to it, and of Dracula's further maturing one can

#vlad tepes #vlad the impaler #dracula #early life of dracula #history #wallachia #Romania

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mercurygray · 3 years

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As some of you may know, I participate in a military history book club with some other volunteers at my museum. It's a lot of fun for me because it forces me to read about a wide variety of conflicts and perspectives and discuss them with a group of pretty smart people.

At least once a year we try to read a book that's been adapted into a movie. So far we've done The Great Escape, which was pretty accurate to the book, and Monuments Men, which wasn't. This month our selection was Enemy at the Gates, by William Craig, and the 2001 movie of the same name.

I wasn't expecting anything amazing from the movie version of Enemy at the Gates - Hollywood has a specific set of goals for storytelling and historians have another, and it's just the way of the world that they don't often meet in the middle.

I feel like I should start by saying that I didn't like William Craig's book. Written in the 1970s, the big draw factor for Craig was that he was interviewing and quoting men and women who were actually at the battle, much in the same way Lyn Macdonald chronicled the First World War. While this gave a lot of insight about the lived experience of the battle, I didn't feel like I understood the context of Stalingrad and how the armies actually moved and fought. The other thing I didn't like about the book was the way it ended - Craig used many, many more German interviews than he did Russian towards the end of the book, and as it wrapped up I found myself feeling sorry for the Germans, which isn't necessarily the way one wants to end a book about a battle the Russians won.

Which brings me back to the movie. This was my second time seeing Enemy at the Gates - I watched it a long time ago when I didn't know much about World War Two in general, and the one thing I remembered about it was the love story, which, obviously, doesn't really show up in the book.

But the one thing I *did* notice this time around was the way Rachel Weisz's character Tania is written, and I feel like she can offer us a lot of food for thought on the way we write OFCs, because Tania - and I hate to say this - is a bit of a Mary Sue.

The character is based, loosely, on Tania Chernova, a young medical student who fought as a partisan and trained as a sniper under Zaitsev, later becoming his lover. According to Craig, she "embarked on a relentless war against the enemy, whom she always referred to as 'sticks' that one broke because she refused to think of them as human beings." She seems like she was a pretty tough lady. (There are other historians who think Craig may have made her story up, so we should probably take this with a grain of salt.)

The movie's Tania, however, is first presented as a pretty face on a train car as Zaitsev and his fellow soldiers are carted off to the city. Later they meet again in an underground apartment. She's a student of German literature - a language skill that the political officer Danilov can use. Her role in the story, immediately, is to cause friction between Danilov and Zaitsev. Later in the movie she reveals she knows how to fire a rifle because her family are Jews who would need to defend themselves, and they were planning to emigrate to Palestine. The backstory sounds like we're checking a box, like we can't have a World War Two movie if we don't have a Holocaust narrative in there somewhere. Don't get me wrong - stories like the Bielski partisans and the Ritchie boys are important and should be told, but the inclusion of this detail doesn't serve this story at all except to garner pity from the audience - which can be accomplished in so many other ways.

There's just too much about Tania that's convenient - that she already knows how to use a rifle, that she speaks German but her political bona fides are never questioned, that she's a Jew who watched her family die, that she's pretty and remains pretty for the rest of the movie. These things come up exactly when it serves the story - not before. We need a compelling emotional moment and Danilov magically figures out Tania's a Jew, at which point she shares the story about watching her family get shot. It's a little too neat. And there's nothing in the movie to reflect some of the things that made the historical Tania interesting and compelling - the line about sticks, her grit and courage, her unwillingness to show mercy to the men occupying her city and her country.

And, of course, she dies beautifully and tragically to inspire Zaitsev and Danilov to help win the battle. None of the action she takes in the story is for her goals or dreams - it's always for the two leads.

So, where does this leave us with OFCs?

Good characters need motivation - they have reasons for being where they are and doing what they do. Sharing that with your audience helps us understand them, take their side.

On a related note, characters need backstories. They don't need to be groundbreaking or filled with trauma, but they do need to be consistent, and they need to be brought up from time to time. These folks started somewhere before the story began, and they'll need to end somewhere when the story stops. Write nobodies. Write medical students who have to learn to be snipers. Write characters with skills they will never have to use.

And, lastly, Let people get messy - with their emotions, with their uniforms, with their lives. The movie makes a real hash of this love triangle, but real Chernova apparently crawled through a sewer and bluffed her way out of a German field kitchen. No artful Hollywood dirt smudges here.

#enemy at the gates #original female characters #writing #writing advice #writing stuff

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cosmic-has-moved · 3 years

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Long Lost Kin - Chapter 1 - Teen Years

Link to Ao3 version: [HERE]

Dear, Mistress Dimitrescu

We are contacting you due to a situation happening that led to a young child named Dion Baros, without parents.

We found while researching that your family was included in young Baros’s family tree, and hope that you’ll be able to let Dion Baros live in your household.

Please contact us back for more information.

Sincerely,

Dovid Vin from Child Care Of Russia

___

Alcina Dimitrescu sat in her moving carriage reading the letter over. All this time she thought that she and her daughters were the last of her family bloodline, both her parents were the only child of their family. But knowing her father and what kind of man he was, it wouldn’t surprise her if he did go out and got another woman pregnant.

Folding the letter and put it away, she thought about the relative she would soon meet. She was told from the people who was caring for them that her parents were involved in a horrendous accident, and the child was the sole survivor of said accident. The parents were quite popular in Russia for making vodka, so it would be safe to say that the kid is well off.

The child care workers only ever gave her information about what happened to the parents, their net worth and the age of the child. At first she thought it was all a scam, but it was proven that it wasn’t, it was all legit. Alcina didn’t really care about the parents, her only focus was their daughter.

She didn’t show it, but she was eager to meet her long lost cousin.

___

The carriage finally arrived at the entrance far near the village and the Mistress could see a small figure standing at the entry, their face was hard to see due to the distance, but Alcina could see their luggage and outfit of choice.

They were wearing a red flannel with a white hood that covered their head, racey green jeans and brown work boots. Alcina will say, she likes the clothing choice.

The teen seemed to notice the carriage as she walked over to it with her things and gently knocked on the door, their face nearly covered by their scarf. Alcina opened the door and let them in.

She watched them put their luggage next to them before sitting down across from the Mistress, Dion was quite tall for a 16 year old. She also noticed a medium box on their lap with holes on top, possibly a pet?

They removed their scarf and lowered their hood, the Countess sat there wide eyed as she stared at someone that had the same complexion, eyes and hair as her. They would’ve been easily mistaken for twins if it weren’t for the height difference.

Dion rubbed their hands together and breathed into them for warmth, visibly avoiding eye contact, but she could see how dark they were, almost lost and scared, no light to them. The atmosphere in the small carriage was dense, Alcina knew that the child was on edge and she couldn’t blame them, especially considering her height and their current situation

In effort to lessen the bad air, Alcina decided to speak. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Baros. I am Alcina Dimitrescu, you’ve be living with me for now on.”

Noticing them fiddling their thumbs and looking at her with stressed confusion, Dion got out a letter and slowly gave it to the lady. It read the following:

Thank you for taking me in and I deeply appreciate your kindness for it, but due to personal reasons, I know no English nor Romanian, only Russian and a bit of Greek.

I’ll try my best to communicate but I do hope you understand.

Folding the paper away, Alcina repeated herself, but in Russian.She smiled as Dion’s face lit up and they spoke up in their language. “-You know Russian-?”

“-I know a few languages-” Alcina replied and leaned forward a bit. “-I can teach you a few of them, English, Spanish, Latin, you ask and I’ll help you learn them.-“

A big smile grew on their face and they happily nodded. Satisfied with their answer, Alcina leaned back and the carriage moved.

During the ride, the Countess would spot the child peeking into the box. Thinking it wouldn’t hurt to ask, she questioned what was inside the box.

Dion was hesitant at first but they removed the top of the box, revealing a large snake inside asleep. Upon a closer look it was a rainbow boa, a rather pretty species if Alcina did have to say herself.

Not wanting to wake the creature, Dion put the lid back on and began speaking. Saying that the snakes name was Voe and how she was a gift from their parents when they were young, Alcina could tell the two were very close friends.

Catching a curious glance from the young teen, the Mistress cocked a brow and smirked. Dion noticed and sheepishly apologized for staring. “-I’ve never seen someone as tall as you before, it’s quite eye catching.-”

Letting out a soft chuckle and crossing her legs, she replied. “-Oh it’s quite alright, even I would be one to stare if I saw someone taller than a fridge.-”

Dion laughed softly and Alcina could see them relax a bit, that was good.

___

As soon at they arrived at the castle, there were already servants ready to pick up Dion’s luggage, but not the box she held with care.

A maiden walked over to the Mistress with a folder and gave it to her. Dion’s files had finally arrived, now she could know whether the child had any illnesses.

Opening up the folder and grabbing a few sheets of paper, she scanned them.

Dion was overall healthy, but something did catch her attention.

“Gender dysphoria”

“Hm?” Was all she could say in quiet confusion before putting the files back in the folder and carried it under her arm.

Alcina watched them look around in awe, examining the statues near the doors without touching them. It made her happy to see that they’re were getting amazed by the simple statues, they were surely love the inside of the castle.

As they walked inside, the Mistress began walking them around the inside of the building. Dion was an obvious a historical fan and even mentioned facts about a few paintings she had that she already knew about, but it made her happy to know to see her cousin being this overjoyed.

Finally they arrived to a room and walked them in, it was a normal Victorian styled room. “-This is your room, don’t be afraid to ask for decorations or changes to it.-” Alcina said while tracing her index across the doorway, making sure it’s clean.

The teen walked around the room before turning to Alcina and giving her the thumbs up. She got the approval for the room, that’s great.

Dion placed the box down on the bed and opened it. The snake wrapped itself around the teen’s neck like a loose scarf, the reptile seemed content with it’s surroundings and Dion was vocal about it. Saying that they both love it, Alcina nodded and walked out.

“I’ll come get you later so I can introduce you to my daughters, they’ll love to meet you.” She said before walking out. Now all she needed to do was some quick research, she needed to know what this gender dysphoria was.

___

Three hours had passed now and since the Mistress began her research.

She learnt quite a lot and was impressed with how far doctors had come when changing the human body, but the main new information she had was most important and she must keep it in mind for her baby cousin.

Alcina looked at the time on her grandfather clock and decided it was time to introduce the family, getting up off her office chair and walking out of her office. She knew her daughters would like him… Hopefully.

___

While walking them to the family room, Alcina spoke to them in Russian. “-I shall warn you about my daughters, they don’t take strangers well. But They’ll warm up to you, especially when I’m around.-” She sat with them on the couch and smiled warmly. “-Now if you have any questions or have any concerns, don’t be afraid to ask. You’re family and should feel welcomed here.-”

Scratching under their snake’s chin, Dion slightly smiled before speaking. “-I’m just happy to know I have more family members other than my parents.-” Looking at their snake as the lizard made themselves comfy in their hoodie, Dion looked back at Alcina. “-And if Voe is comfortable here, so am I.-”

And with that, the Mistress became content knowing that her cousin was comfortable here.

“Mother!”

The two looked at the room entrance as one of Alcina’s daughters walked in. Bela walked in and noticed the teen, “Um, who’s this, Mother?” She asked before her sisters walked in, both confused about the luggage in the building.

Dion tensed up by their presence and Alcina would tell, she placed a hand on their shoulder and spoke to her daughters. “This is Dion Baros, he’s my long lost cousin and will be living here for now on. Be nice to each other, okay girls?” She glanced down and saw a slight spark in Dion’s eyes upon referring them to he.

Daniela frowned at Dion before swiftly walking in front of them, Dion tensing up even more. “You have a twin?”

“I was going to say that.” Cassandra added. “He looks just like you, Mother.”

Alcina cackled “Oh trust me, girls. I thought the same thing, but it’s just a coincidence.” She looked at Daniela and gave her a stare. “Daniela, quit scaring them.” She warned her daughter before she backed away.

Bela examined them up close. “He may look like male version of you, but he gives off female vibes.” She said before poking their flat chest. Her hand being slapped away by her mother, and noticing the teen’s uncomfortable expression. “Oh uh, sorry?”

The three daughters felt their mother’s glare and backed away from the young teen, quietly apologizing. Dion did try to reassure them upon noticing their looks, but it was obvious that they couldn’t understand what they were saying.

“Dion here is from Russia and that’s their only language so far.” The Mistress said before looking down at them. “But I will teach them other languages if they feel like it.”

Bela and Cassandra nodded in an understanding manner, Daniela squinted her eyes at Dion. “What’s that under their hood?” She asked pointing at the scaly tail sticking out of the gaps of Dion’s hoodie.

“Oh!” Alcina said as the snake poked her head out. “This is Voe, Dion’s pet snake. Isn’t she a beauty to look at?” She added while gesturing to them.

Daniela looked at the scaly noodle and gave them an impressed thumbs up. “Welcome to the family, Dion.”

The Mistress looked down at Dion and smiled. “-Yes, welcome to the family.-”

Slowly the young teen smiled while holding Voe and nodded. “-Thank you.-”

___

Later that day Alcina helped Dion put their things away from their luggage. More of their things will come, but they could only bring their bag with them on the plane, but Dion seemed to not mind at all.

Alcina could tell they were a kind and patient child.

As they finished putting things away, Dion looked at her. “-Um, Mistress?-” He asked kind of nervously, getting her attention. “-My documents they sent you all would’ve mentioned was my birth gender.-”

Smiling at her cousin she answered. “-They also gave me your medical files and there’s nothing to be worried about, this place may be old fashioned to my taste, but only style wise.-” She knelt down and patted their head. “-You’re still part of the family, don’t ever feel ashamed to be yourself.-”

A light seemed to shine in Dion’s eyes hearing those words and a smile formed on their face, the child most likely needed to hear that and she was relieved to see them happy.

Before leaving the child alone, the Countess spoke up. “-Oh and Dion, call me Aunt or Aunty.-”

___

Later that day after leaving Dion alone, Alcina knocked on their door before being allowed in, he had already set up the room with their current things.

The young teen stood at their dresser in front of a large glass tank, in it held normal usually things that are placed in a snake enclosure. He stood over it holding a dead cricket to feed to the reptile.

Walking over to him as he fed his pet, Alcina spoke up. “-She looks very comfy in her new home.-” She watch him put in a few more dead crickets before closing the lid.

Wiping his hands with his shirt and putting the container of bugs away, he responded. “-Voe is hard to please for others, it’s reassuring to see her easily become at home here.-” He grabbed a cloth and placed it over the tank to cover up the light. “-Thank you, Aunt Alcina.-”

Dion sat on his bed and Alcina sat next to him, continuing speaking. “-I can’t express how grateful I am of you and your family accepting me into your home, I am still processing that I had more family but-” Alcina cut him off with a hush.

“-It’s what any family would do and I’m a family woman.-” Crossing her legs, the Mistress folded her hands on top her knees. “-I shall warn you though, my daughters can be very cautious even towards family. So expect them to be very touchy.-”

Dion chuckled “-I don’t mind that.-”

She clapped her hands together “-Wonderful!-” She exclaimed before getting up off the bed. “-Oh and before I forget, dinner will be ready in an hour. See you than.-”

They waved at each other before she left and closed the door.

___

The time to eat dinner had arrived and the family sat at the table to eat, Dion sat between Alcina and Daniela.

It was clear to the daughters that it wasn’t just the looks the two had in common, but also table manners. Cloth on lap, cutting the steak a certain way and even drinking the same way. It was quite fascinating to watch for the girls.

After they were finished with the nightly meal and the table being clean up, everyone went off to do their own thing. The Countess being sure that Dion makes it to his room safely.

Seeing him go into his room without any trouble, Alcina went into her own room to rest for the day.

She laid in bed reading a book, reminiscing on the days event. She had just met Dion but felt like they already have a strong bond, she looked forward to tomorrow to speak to them.

She didn’t know whether is was her figuring out she officially wasn’t the last of her bloodline or just liking the thought of a new family member, either way, Dion Baros was part of her family.

___

Early the next morning, Alcina made her way around the castle in a worried rush. She went to check up on Dion earlier but found that he wasn’t in their room, she had expected him to still be in bed, but she was wrong.

Noticing her daughter Cassandra up ahead, the tall woman walked up to her and spoke. “Cassandra, have you seen Dion? He wasn’t in his room and I’m concerned that he might get lost.”

“Oh!” The dark haired girl exclaimed. “He asked me where the library was and I led him there, he might still be in there.”

After thanking her child and making her way off to the current destination, Alcina quietly cursed herself for being overly worried over a teenager, he wasn’t a little kid. Stepping into the library and looking around, her eyes spotted the young lad sitting at a table with a stack of books and a cup of what smelt like coffee, a fellow coffee enjoyer it seems.

Getting closer to him and noticing the labels on the books, he was doing schoolwork. A chuckling from the woman caused Dion to turn to look up at her in a fright, he was also snacking on a biscuit. Upon looking at who was behind him, he quickly went to clean up the barely noticeable crumbs off the table. Alcina didn’t mind the mess considering that the maids do the cleaning, she only wanted to know what he was doing.

Sitting down next to him and resting her arms on the table, Alcina smiled. “-Don’t worry about the mess, little one. I’m just interested in what you’re currently doing-.” She looked over at the book he was using and noticed it was a book on the English language.

“-I wanted to learn English while studying.-” Dion moved a few books and got out a notebook. “-I’ve been wanting to learn it for a while, but my parents wanted me to be in a way, only Russian.-” He said while quoting the last bit.

“-Fully Russian?-” Alcina asked quite confused. “-Even if you blood is mostly Roman or even know a bit of Greek?-”

All the teen could do was respond with a shrug. “-They’re not that bright to be quite honest, but I know Greek due to my Uncle being one and him looking after me a lot before.-” He said before going back to work, smirking at the Mistress’s small chuckle.

“-Well since you’re already doing it, I’ll help you with the language.-” She said before grabbing one of the books and opening it up. “-Let’s see how smart you are.-”

___

“Now repeat after me. Dion Baros.”

The teen spoke up to repeat her words, the words coming out in rough stutters. “Dee awn, Braos.” It wasn’t perfect or a long sentence, but it was still progress and Alcina felt great for him.

“-You did great for a first timer, Dion. We’ll do more tomorrow and I’ll bring the more better books to help.-” She closed his books and slid them away, “-Though I have noticed. The work you’re doing for school seems more higher level compared to others your age.-”

After putting his stuff away in his backpack and zipping it up. Dion sat up and looked at her. “-Well being in collage does require doing collage work.-” He didn’t even acknowledge the Mistress’s shocked expression upon being told his education level. “-My parents wanted the best for me, so they did their best to give me the best education.-”

Intrigued with this information, Alcina crossed her legs and straightened her back. “-And you were alright with that kind of extra luggage?-” She asked with a slight frown, knowing full well children can’t handle that kind of stress.

All Dion did was reply with a shrug before speaking, “-It’s what they wanted and I needed to comply. It’s important in our family to have high status and high intelligence, it’s what they’ve been telling me all my life.-”

He went to walk away but was gently grabbed by Alcina, who looked at him with concern before speaking up. “-While that may be important for most people, is it something you want?-”

Dion blinked and seemed to stare in a state of deep thought, almost confused.

Before the silence could last long, there was a loud slam and rushed scattering coming towards them followed with a shout.

“Mother! Is that clone of yours in here!?”

Coming around the corner was the red headed daughter, Daniela. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Dion and she came rushing to him with a wide grin. Not even giving the poor teen time to react as she grabbed his hands.

“There you are!” She squealed “Can I see your snake?!”

“Daniela!” Shouted the feral daughter’s mother, “You’re scaring him and he doesn’t know what you’re saying.”

Looking at her Mother and back at the startled Dion in realization, “Oh! Than maybe this will help!” She slithered her tongue and hiss. “Snake!”

Alcina facepalmed at her daughter while Dion stared at her in great concern, but he did slowly understand what she wanted and nodded before glancing at his Aunt. “-She wants to see my snake?-”

Nodding her head in confirmation, Alcina lowered her hand from her face. “-Daniela does have a fascination with such animals and rarely sees reptiles. I do suggest being the one holding the pet, she sometimes doesn’t understand boundaries.-”

Now fully understanding, he nodded. “-That’s easy enough, thank you.-” He said before looking at the vibrating Daniela and smiled. “Yes.”

And with that, he was dragged out of the library by the wrist and dropped his bag in the process. Leaving the Countess alone feeling small worry for the scaly friend, and in the possession of his bag.

She eyed the duffle maroon bag and picked it up before placing it on her lap. She did think about doing a little snoop, but decided not to. A lot more was in her mind other than the bag, things more important.

___

Later that day, Alcina checked up on her little cousin to make sure her child hasn’t injured him or Voe.

She was happy and surprised to see that all three of her daughters in his room, carefully playing with the large snake. While their language difference was a huge silver lining, they both seemed to be enjoying each others company.

Placing his bag near his bed and standing near the group, watching as the snake wrapped herself around Dion’s left arm as he removed his gloves, nibbling on their thumb. He reassured them with Alcina helping with translation that that is how she shows her affection, lucky she’s not venomous.

As Voe nibbled on his thumb, Bela pointed out that he had a rather large scar on his hand. It was clear to Dion what she meant and he did an imitation of a bear.

“-While hunting with my uncle years ago, an elder bear was out of hibernation early and I was in its territory. It only managed to stab my hand with their claw before I shot it down.-” He explained to them as Alcina translated in great worry and amazement. This little bugger managed to take down a bear while injured? Impressive.

“You hunt?” Cassandra asked while examining their scar and gesturing a shotgun motion.

Dion nodded and replied as the Mistress became his translator, “-I had an uncle that taught me the ropes on surviving in the wild, even taught me how to make handmade weapons if needed-.”

He used his free hand to get out his wallet and show them a picture of said uncle, it was a picture of a man probably in his early 60s cleaning out a gun. He looked like a rather grouchy old man who had his own fair share of troubles, visible scars on his face, short messy ashen brown hair with grey hairs matching to that of his walrus goatee.

While the girls fawned over the scars and weapon he had, Alcina was eyeing the wine bottle that sat in the background of the picture. Frascati Roman wine and it was the oldest one as well, now he is definitely a person of great culture.

Putting away the photo and letting his pet slither into the hood of his hoodie, Dion got off the bed and over to his drawers. After a few seconds of riffling through them, he got out an axe in its holster. Showing it off by getting it out of said holster, the handle was a smooth dark wood and the blade was a shiny iron, his initials embedded into the bottom of the handle. Despite there being signs of it being used a few times, it was quite the beauty.

He went onto to explain that he was given the tool on his 13th birthday by his uncle, going into great detail about its creation and materials used. His eyes were lit up as he went on and on, even the girls were interested, hopefully not planning on making weapons.

While Dion went to talk about the waxing method used, a knock at the door interrupted them and a maiden popped in to inform them that supper was ready before walking out.

Like a hoard of raccoons after seeing a full lone bin, the daughters scattered out of the room to get their room. Dion watch in concern yet amazement as they ran, but Alcina was use to it.

Putting his axe away in its holster and Voe in her tank, the Mistress and teen walked out of the room, the two conversing about materials for hunting tools. It’s good to know that they have a few interest in common, hopefully they’ll be more to talk about.

As they had their dinner and cleaned up for the night, everyone went to bed, Alcina repeating last nights checking up on Dion and making sure he went to his room safely.

She sat at her vanity desk, looking over a few documents on her cousin and writing down in a notepad about him. It was mostly filled with common information and his interest.

Scribbling onto the paper, she sighed deeply. What he had said earlier about his parents and what they had put on him troubled her, greatly.

She knows that a few parents like to have their child succeed, but pushing them like that never ends good. It was a familiar situation she herself had been in and clearly didn’t enjoy, even remembering the disciplines she would get if she failed made her cringe.

Shaking the memories away to clear her mind and rubbing her temple, the Mistress put away her quill and notepad.

“That’s enough for tonight, I’ll ask more tomorrow.”

Turning off the light and getting into her night wear, she rested herself onto her bed and closed her eyes.

___

Just as she thought upon not seeing him in his room, she found Dion back in the library, studying. He must get up early to study since the sun is still rising! Either way, Alcina brought in breakfast.

Eggs Benedict and coffee for both her and him.

She placed the tray next to him, startling him slightly in the process and sat next to him.

“-Studying early again-?” She said with a smile before going give him his breakfast, only to be startled at the sight of his nose bleeding. Being quick to grab a napkin to clean the blood, using the second one to clog the nostril. “-What happened-?!”

All the young teen could do was sluggishly shrug before holding the cloth in place. “-This often happens when I’m studying, I’m told it was normal by my parents-.” He looked over at the breakfast and pointed at it. “-Is that for me-?”

Staring at him in concern and rage, she sighed heavily. “-Yes it is, but first you need to stop studying like this. It is not normal and is bad for your health-.” Forcibly closing his study books and sliding the plate of food in front of him, Alcina placed a hand on his shoulders. “-I’m not mad at you, Dion. Just finish your breakfast and don’t even think of touching those books-.”

Before Dion could respond, the Mistress stood up with her breakfast and walked off at a distance in the library where she could see him. She felt that she might’ve been harsh, but it was necessary in this case.

Sitting at the table and eyeing him as she ate, she watched him sit there for a while before slowly beginning to dig into the food. At least he was getting something into his stomach.

___

Finishing his breakfast and drink, Dion looked around in his seat to see in his aunt was anywhere, completely unaware that the angle she was at wasn’t in his view. He thought he was safe to go back to studying, but as soon as he touched them.

“-I see you-!” The Countess exclaimed loudly, startling the poor child who dart their head around to find the source of her voice.

“-Can I at least learn languages? I want to be able to communicate with your daughters without trouble-.”

Walking back over to him and crossing her arms, Alcina sighed. “-Yes, but only at my pace.” She almost smiled upon his face lighting up. “-Just let me get the proper books, little one-.” And with that, she walked off… Before jogging back in and grabbing his study books. “-Just in case you get any funny ideas-.”

___

Hours had passed since the start of the language lesson, as always Dion was impressive with his fast learning, but his Aunt was still worried about his current condition. Maybe getting him to open up would help break the tension, it’s worth a shot.

“-Now repeat after me-.” Alcina cleared her throat and spoke up. “Good evening, my name is Dion Baros, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She said with a slight smile.

The same as yesterday, Dion spoke up with a stutter and thick accent. “Good evening, my name is Dion Baros, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Impressed with the improvement, she clapped a few times while grinning. “-Excellent-!” The reaction made the boy smile happily. “-Now how about we have a small chat break-?”

Satisfied with the results, Dion nodded before writing down in his book. “-Sure! What did you want to talk about-?”

Gotcha, opening up time!

“-What’s your Uncle like? Is he a nice lad?-” She asked as he scribbled in his notebook. “-I only ever heard of your parents, but after hearing about him last night I’m curious about him.”

Dion’s smile slowly faded but still remained, “-He was a great man, taught me a lot of about important things, like cooking, hunting.-” Turning the page and examining his study book, he continued. “-Even sewing, the important stuff. He learned a lot from being in the army and from living in the woods, which he soon taught to me.-”

Impressed with this member of the family, Alcina rested her arms on the table. “-Wow, I’m hearing more about him than your parents, is he important to you?-”

“-He honestly felt more like a parent to me than my actual parents.-” He said with a chuckle before frowning and dropping his pen. “-I’m sorry, I spoke too much-.”

Quick to be assuring, Alcina placed a hand on his shoulder. “-No no, it’s good to open up. If it helps you, speak up.-” She said smiling at him while closing his books.

Clenching his fist and slowly releasing them from their grip, he spoke up softly. “-The more I think about happy moments I had with my mother and father, the harder it is to find any. They did give me Voe and allow me to visit my Uncle, but it only because of my Uncle convincing them.-” Sighing deeply he continued. “-They did things to make the public think they’re wonderful parents with a high class student child, but I felt more welcomed and loved by our workers and Uncle.-”

Without even knowing, Dion felt a warm embrace around him. Alcina held him, tightly but comforting. She could tell the child needed more than just reassurance about their identity, they needed actual love. A feeling she knew all too well back when she was young.

They stayed like that for a few minutes before Dion spoke up.

“-Did you want something now? You’ve been holding me for a while now-.”

Confused, she let him go still holding his arms. “-I’m just giving you a hug, no hugs have a cost-.”

Dion blinked at her almost in a small shock. “-Really? I thought that when someone hugged you, they wanted something from you, that’s what my parents always do-.” He said calmly.

Oh hell no

Without popping a vein from rage, the Countess reassured him that that’s not what it meant before telling him to rest and sending herself off.

She needed a nice big glass of wine.

#Cosmic FanFic #Long Lost Kin #Dion Baros #re village fanfic #resident evil fanfic #resident evil village #resident evil #re village #fanfiction #fanfic #alcina dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #OC #Long Lost Kin Story

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anditendshowyoudexpect · 3 years

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Esteemed detective Anna fan/benevolent translator.

Wondering if you could help answer a question due to lost in translation side effect ——— How many names does a Russian need?

Okay, joking joking.

Real question was if you could shed some light on the social standing of the characters.

Main reason for my confusion was due to honorifics translating into “your high nobleness” and I wondered if they meant aristocratic status or was it something one used in general to address person in power.

Side note, the Anna/Iakov/Nina triangle confused the hell out of me because the relationship status seems to vacillate one episode after another and I won’t bother you with figuring this one out....Two episodes from wrapping up S1 for me. 💪

~~~

hey, cool, my first ask! and there i was, wondering why nobody asks me anything. i figured it was because i'm not that interesting and i happen to know next to nothing, which is both an attempt at self-deprecation and a defense mechanism, but also more than a bit true: it did, after all, take me quite a while to find the right section in the settings to turn this function on and i couldn't even do that without googling it first.

you said you were joking, but Russian names are no joke! :D a Russian needs a last (family) name, a first (given) name and a patronymic - all three together make the full name, what we call a Ф.И.О. (фамилия/имя/отчество), and that's the formal order, like for various paperwork. they are used in various combinations or alone (yes, each of the three can be used alone, even the patronymic) depending on the situation, conversation companion, etc. but i won't bore you with these, i'm sure you can read about Russian honorifics on Wikipedia or smth

now, to your real question: first of all, you shouldn't take this show as a reliable source on the Russian society in the late 19th century, because there are many things that the writers were either lazy or ignorant about or just plain used however was convenient to them.

there was a Table of Ranks in the Russian Empire, which determined the positions and ranks in the army, government and court etc. (i think the Russians had to do this bc they were so confused about all kinds of nobility they had) and each of those ranks had a style of address of their own. while "your high nobleness" sounds jarring to me, i'm not sure any translation wouldn't (i think i saw it translated as "your honor" as well), so i just went with plain good "sir" (i also just didn't want to waste time on something that wasn't actual plot and, more importantly, the protagonists' relationship, and for that i apologize to those genuinely interested in all things Russian). long story short, it's sometimes both and sometimes (in this lazy, lazy show) neither. say, Shtolman in s1 has the rank of a court councillor (надворный советник), which means he's nobility, although we don't know if it's hereditary or personal. that's class 7, which entitles him to be addressed as "Ваше высокоблагородие" - that's "your high nobleness" right there (btw i looked it up on the English wiki, and it's translated as "Your High Well Born", i mean it's correct literally but wow. there, you can see for yourself). what makes me more curious is that the writers smh made Anton a collegiate assessor (коллежский асессор), that's class 8, one class lower than Shtolman, which can't be right, as Anton is only, what, a couple of years out of gymnasium, has no higher education and next to no work experience. so, as i said, take it all with a grain of salt.

as for the Mironovs, yes, they are definitely nobility - landowners? - although i think their house being situated next to a prince's house has more to do with the plot than with their social status.

oh, and of course, there's nobility and there's nobility. like, hereditary and personal (granted to a commoner for service etc.). and there's royalty. but i guess it’s not exactly unique to the Russian Empire.

i don't know if this helps or confuses you even more :D i am not an expert (i'm not even 100% Russian (like, not even close) or a Russian national, just a native speaker, so my knowledge of Russian history is limited to what i learned in the first years of Soviet school, some historical fiction and films and TV. ...then again, you probably could say that about most Russians. thank you almighty google)

p.s. oh, and i don't mind discussing the love triangle either. you can blame most of your confusion on the writers though. there is a tentative consensus (well, kinda) in the Russian DA community that Shtolman got back together with Nina to keep Anna safe (after she pointedly said "i'd be scared for Anna if i were you. YOUR Anna" and did everything she could to make Anna stay so that she'd have smth to hold over Shtolman) and broke it off when he knew for sure he was in love with Anna (and/or didn't think she was in danger anymore. yes. i know. L is for Logic). although that didn't look like much of a painful and heavy burden for him, at least for a while :D his and Anna's back and forth is on the writers' too: they needed to keep the relationship storyline (or whatever the hell you call it) tense for 56 episodes and they resorted to every (well, maybe i’m exaggerating a lil bit here) soapy trick in the book. personally, it doesn't irk me as much as it might if i had to watch the show weekly but i get that it can be annoying.

here’s a small spoilerish thing for s2 re: social status, maybe come back when you’re done with the available episodes

there's one thing re: social status i think i should note. i don't remember it ever being mentioned in s1, but it was in s2 at least twice - the first time it was about one of Anna's admirers in Paris, the second time Anton says it about himself. these guys: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raznochintsy

both times i translated it as "commoners", because i honestly ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ i mean... you know? while nobody cares about that student, Anton is another matter, because he cites his status as one the reasons he's no match for Anna. and, well, if he's still a collegiate assessor, he is nobility, too. so there, take it as you will.

#detective anna #russian #lost in translation #party like a russian

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joachimnapoleon · 3 years

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Hello ! The other day he was reading the memoirs of the painter Élisabeth Vigée and made an unfavorable comment about Carolina Bonaparte. All people who got to know her: Did they think the same? Thank you.

Vigée Le Brun concludes her negative recollection of her experience painting Caroline with the following:

All the annoyances that Madame Murat subjected me to at last put me so much out of temper that one day, when she was in my studio, I said to Monsieur Denon, loudly enough for her to overhear me, “I have painted real princesses who never worried me, and never made me wait.” The fact is, Madame Murat did not know that “punctuality is the politeness of kings,” as Louis XIV had so aptly said.

Apparently she learned this lesson at some point in the following years, because according to Caroline's daughter Louise:

For the most sought-after elegance, she loved the toilette, and to occupy herself with it, but with a sort of cavalier attitude that I may never have encountered in any other pretty woman! She lost only the essential time, and was always ready at the fixed hour, probably remembering that punctuality is the politeness of royalty.

(I have no idea if Louise was aware of Vigée Le Brun's scathing commentary and meant this as a subtle rebuttal or not, but I just found it amusing.)

But yes, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun was left with a very bad impression of Caroline; that being said, I doubt there are many historical figures about whom you will find 100% conformity of opinion. There were people who admired Caroline, and people who despised her. I've mentioned on this blog a couple times in the past that I have mixed feelings on Caroline myself. Probably the biggest reason why is that, despite all the digging I've done, I've come across very few positive descriptions on her as a human being by those who knew her. What positive comments there are about her tend to revolve around her intelligence and political acumen; Talleyrand is said to have described her as having "the head of Cromwell on the body of a beautiful woman." Most contemporary descriptions of her inevitably refer to her ambition, including Napoleon's own description of her. Even Catherine Davies, who served as governess to Caroline's children for eleven years, leaves the following description of Caroline:

In character she resembled her brother Napoleon. She possessed a strong mind, had great penetration, and was somewhat fond of maneuvering. When Murat accompanied the emperor on his Russian expedition, she transacted with the ministers the business of the state with great facility. Indefatigable in her attention to the affairs of the kingdom, she was so entirely engrossed by them, that often, for a fortnight together, she neither saw nor inquired for her children.

Louise Murat verifies this in her memoirs:

My Mother also loved us, but she wasn’t effusive… we would sometimes remain for entire days without seeing her!

Contrast that with Davies' description of Murat:

His greatest delight was in the company of his children, spending many hours playing with and amusing them. During the nine-months' absence of the queen he paid them the greatest attention, nor could he scarcely bear them out of his sight.

(Davies’ quotations are from her memoirs, Eleven Years’ Residence in the Family of Murat, King of Naples)

And of course there are the extremely negative recollections of Caroline in the memoirs of Laure Junot and Hortense de Beauharnais--the latter are interesting in particular, because Caroline, for all her jealousy of Hortense, still seems to have made a very sincere effort to maintain the friendship throughout her life, while Hortense seems to have been considerably less enthusiastic about it. I have looked quite a bit for counterbalancing accounts by those who knew Caroline, and can't really say I've had much success so far. That's not to say they aren't out there somewhere, and I'll certainly keep looking, because Caroline's character is still so opaque to me, and I'd really like to unravel it more. I want to believe there's more to her than this sort of cold, severe Machiavellian character she's been painted as. But even when I read her correspondence to Murat, I can't always tell when she's being fully sincere with him and when she's trying to manipulate and/or manage him in various ways.

My current impression of Caroline--which very well may evolve as I continue to study her--is that she was essentially trying to be a female version of Napoleon. Her early obsession with titles--she once threw a tantrum over Pauline being allowed to call herself "Princess" while she and Elisa were not (until Napoleon finally had all his siblings named princes & princesses)--evolved into an obsession with having her own crown (especially after her friend/rival Hortense became Queen of Holland via her marriage to Louis Bonaparte), and once she had that crown, an obsession with exercising power (and maintaining it at all costs). And so far from what I've seen, this seems to be the impression that most people who knew her shared.

I recently picked up what I believe is the most current biography on her, written by Florence de Baudus and published in 2014. Baudus' ancestor was actually governor of Caroline's sons and she uses a lot of previously unreleased documents. I'm a slow reader in French, but I'm going to try to work my way through it and hopefully it will shed some new light on her for me.

Thanks for the ask!

#Caroline Murat #Caroline Bonaparte #Louise Murat #Hortense de Beauharnais #Napoleon #Napoleon Bonaparte #Joachim Murat #asks

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chiseler · 3 years

Text

The Silva Screen

Howard Da Silva

Am I the only one who constantly gets character actors Howard Da Silva and Henry Silva confused?

Howard Da Silva was born in Cleveland in 1909 and was working as a steelworker when he decided to go to drama school. He first appeared on Broadway at age 20, and made a name for himself playing Jud in the original production of Oklahoma!.

Da Silva (born Silvablatt) was a burly, jowly man with a boxer’s face, thinning hair and an unmistakable voice, half-midwest, half Lower East Side. He made the move to Hollywood in the mid-thirties and, over the next decade and a half established himself as a familiar screen presence playing gruff but ultimately understanding characters. He was the tough but fatherly criminal mentor in They Drive By Night, and Nat, Ray Milland’s wise but increasingly frustrated bartender in The Lost Weekend. He played opposite Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake in The Blue Dahlia, Edward G. Robinson and John Garfield in The Sea Wolf, and portrayed Wilson in the 1949 adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

After actor and fink Robert Taylor, while testifying as a friendly witness before HUAC in 1947, described Da Silva as a troublemaker “who always has something to say at the wrong time,” Da Silva himself was called to testify about his supposed communist sympathies. When brought before the committee in 1951, Da Silva became the first of over three hundred writers, actors and directors to refuse to answer questions, citing the Fifth Amendment. He was promptly blacklisted and for much of the next decade vanished from movie and television screens, though he continued to work in theater.

When he reappeared in the early Sixties, older, balder, and jowlier, he found himself playing an array of historical figures from Ben Franklin to Franklin Roosevelt to Boss Tweed to, ironically, Nikita Kruschev in The Missiles of October and Louis B. Mayer in Mommy Dearest. He also appeared in the 1974 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, this time around playing Meyer Wolfsheim. He made his final screen appearance in 1984’s Garbo Talks, and died of cancer two years later.

Henry Silva

Henry Silva, meanwhile, was born in Brooklyn in 1928. Although often accused of being Puerto Rican, he insisted his mother was Spanish and his father Sicilian. His father walked out on the family when Henry was three months old, at which point he and his mother moved to Harlem.

Silva, who had decided early on to become an actor, dropped out of public school at age 13 and enrolled in acting classes, taking a dishwashing job in a local hotel restaurant to help support him and his mother. Fourteen years later, he’d finally worked his way up the ranks to become a waiter in that same hotel.

Then twenty-seven, Silva, having grown into a darkly handsome young man standing six-foot-two, decided to apply to the Actor’s Studio, and was accepted. He soon made his Broadway debut in in 1956 in A Hatful of Rain, with classmates Shelley Winters and Ben Gazzara. The play became such a hit it soon landed Silva in Hollywood, where he co-starred in the 1957 film adaptation.

His commanding stature and sharp, angular, swarthy good looks not only made Silva an easy choice for producers looking for a suave but sinister villain, they also allowed him to play everything from Mexicans to Russians to Italians to Middle Easterners to Asians to Native Americans with very little extra makeup. He was a chameleon without even trying.

In the Fifties and early Sixties he played a string of suave and sinister gangsters, killers and thieves on TV series like The Untouchables, Climax and The Outer Limits and in films ranging from Green Mansions to Ride a Crooked Trail. He became a regular Rat Pack satellite, appearing in Ocean’s 11, Sergeants 3, and making guest spots on The Joey Bishop Show, as well as playing one of the evil stepbrothers in Jerry Lewis’ Cinderfella. In what may have been his breakthrough role, he again co-starred with Sinatra in 1962’s The Manchurian Candidate as the double-crossing Korean guide who delivers Sinatra’s company into the hands of those dirty commies.

He earned his first starring role the next year as the titular Mob assassin Johnny Cool (co-starring fellow Rat Pack alumni Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis Jr.), after which he accepted an invitation from an Italian producer and moved his family to Rome. Over the next decade he would become a star throughout Europe, appearing in dozens of Spaghetti Westerns, occasionally even playing the hero.

He returned to the States in the mid-Seventies to once again co-star with Sinatra in 1977’s Contract on Cherry Street. Following that, he would spend much of the Eighties playing cartoon villains in comic strip movies (Buck Rogers, Dick Tracy) and and endless string of cheap jingoistic action films (Megaforce, Code of Silence), as well as a few sub-lowbrow comedies (Cannonball Run II, Lust in the Dust). He was admittedly spectacular in his brief turn as Brock, the would-be Great White hunter out to kill a monstrous alligator roaming the Chicago sewer system in Lewis Teague’s 1980 darkly comic monster movie Alligator.

After co-starring in Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and a quick cameo in the 2001 remake of Ocean’s 11, Silva retired from acting at age 73.

But back to where all this started—namely, am I the only one who gets Howard Da Silva and Henry Silva confused?

Yes, Howard Da Silva was some twenty years older than Henry Silva. And yes, Howard was born in Cleveland to Jewish parents while Henry was a Spanish-Italian kid from Brooklyn. And yes, Howard was a steel woorker while Henry washed dishes in a hotel restaurant. And yes, Henry was some four inches taller than Howard, and had thick black hair to boot. Yes, Henry tended to play suave and sinister villains while Howard tended to play gruff but lovable types. Yes, Henry played everything from Italians to Mexicans to Asians while Howard was as decidedly American as they come, and yes, Henry is still alive while Howard died in 1986. But if you’re going to say “Yes, you dunce, you’re the only one who gets them confused, because you’re stupid,” consider the following.

First, Henry Silva’s official biography is suspiciously inconsistent. Despite repeated claims about his heritage, a 1930 U.S. Census entry states that both of Silva’s parents were from Puerto Rico. But I guess being half Spanish and half Sicillian is much more Romantic than being just another Puerto Rican kid from Brooklyn. That same form also lists Henry’s given name as “Harry.” What’s more, after supposedly working at the same hotel for fourteen years, shouldn’t he have worked his way up to something more than waiter? You’d think he’d at least be night manager or something, right? And despite his claims he made his film debut only after the 1956 Broadway premiere of A Hatful of Rain, his first screen appearance was actually in 1952’s Viva Zapata!.

Now, given we can clearly not trust a thing Henry Silva says, or has ever said, about himself, ask yourself the following questions:

Is it mere coincidence that Howard Da Silva and Henry Silva, as prolific as both were, never appeared onscreen together? Their careers overlapped for some thirty years! What are the odds of that? I mean, Sinatra co-starred with Groucho Marx, for godsakes!

And is it sheer coincidence that Henry Silva’s film debut in Viva Zapata! occurred at the precise moment Howard Da Silva had been blacklisted? Think about it—Howard vanishes and Henry steps in. Hmm, right? Plenty of other blacklisted artists worked under the radar by using pseudonyms. Maybe Howard, given his troublemaking reputation, decided to take the idea of thumbing his nose at HUAC a few steps further. I mean, take a look at the two of them side by side. Give Howard some lifts, a little swarthy makeup and a black toupee and BOOM! He’s Henry Silva.

And what better way to throw off the scent than to play a completely opposite character type from the one you were known for? And how better to flip the bird, just for fun, than by playing a bunch of evil communists and revolutionaries?

After the blacklist ended, Howard was faced with a dilemma. He could work again, which was great, but what to do about Henry? Kill him off? Retire him? His career had just taken off and was going great guns in the early Sixties. Then it struck him—with Henry still around, he had two solid income streams flowing. Why give that up? Both Howard and his alter-ego Henry were character actors, after all, meaning they were rarely needed on set for more than a couple days on each picture. Easy as pie to do a Howard role one day, then a Henry role at the end of the week.

My god, it’s all so perfect! What an ingenious scheme! And what better way to throw everyone off the scent for good than to have Howard “die” in 1986? At that point, after all, Henry was awfully busy with those stupid action movies that paid so well, while Howard’s own jobs were becoming more sporadic and low-profile.

So there you have it, and remember you read it here first—Howard Da Silva and Henry Silva WERE THE SAME PERSON! I likely never would have figured it out for myself had Howard just put another minute’s worth of work into choosing a name for his alter ego back in 1952.

By Jim Knipfel

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