#the education system is flawed

[hellspawntale-rebooted]

An unfortunate and important announcement.

For the foreseeable future, I will only be able to access Tumblr on The weekends.

As you probably know through reading between the lines, i have school. UNFORTUNATELY, I got a 59 out of tombs 60 I need to pass math for the first quarter. Therefore, as punishment and to make me do better in math, I am no longer allowed access to my phone during the week, thanks to my Mother. I am only allowed today because of Friday being a day off. She seems to think I’ll HAVE to study if I don’t have my phone, but here’s the thing. I CANT. My schoolbooks only have questions and things we’ve already learned. Also, if we’re prepared for stuff in class, WHY would I need to study? That’s the thing: I don’t. It’s because they DONT GIVE US WORK, they give us THE EXACT SAME STUFF OVER AND OVER AND THEN A TEST. We haven’t even been in class for most of math because of technical problems, having a DIFFERENT TEACHER. I dunno if the teacher calculated my marks wrong or what, but I’ve been doing GREAT recently. I won’t be able to post or do ANYTHING related to my phone unless it’s a weekend. I HATE this so much.

[cirr0stratus]

“why do you think you have to be perfect at everything, you know it’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how you learn!”

then why am i graded on my perfection? why is my worth defined by how well i can perform, how perfect my attendance can be, how much i can get right without needed extra help or assistance? if you want me to make mistakes to learn, stop penalizing me for making them.

[honouredsnakeprincess]

I think it's really dumb when (almost always american) youtubers criticize fundamentalist homeschooling or tradwives or the like, but then also scramble to defend "benign" instances of these things?

actually, i think homeschooling in general is pretty shit, and at best represents a fundamental failing of the public school system to meet the needs of disabled students (in that that is the most "benign" reason for homeschooling i have seen)! i think that even if you voluntarily choose to play the role patriarchy has assigned you, as a mother, you are still playing the role patriarchy has assigned you, and that is not a neutral act!

[imnotpayingforurtherapy]

Children should not be FORCED to SUPPRESS their emotions during school they should be TAUGHT how to MANAGE them in a healthy way that doesn't hurt themselves or others

[bambiraptorx]

A small but important thing I forgot to add to my massive post about the yokai school system: I mentioned it was largely publically funded through taxes, but not entirely.

One reason for this is that after a number of decades (depending on how many classes someone takes a semester, how many extracurriculars they do through the school, etc), the public funding allotted to an individual will run out, and they'll be expected to pay for classes. This is still much less expensive than it would be in the standard American college though.

The second reason for this is that basically all the schools in the Hidden City are run with some level of donations (usually from wealthy patrons who have an interest in education, and might choose to fund a specific subject area such as math or science or theater). These donations usually aren't the bulk of school funding, but make up 15 to 20% of it on average.

The reason this is important? The one person in the Hidden City who donates the most money and to the most schools: Big Mama. It's one of the reasons that the Council of Heads hasn't just outright arrested her: besides the fact that she's very good at covering her tracks, her criminal empire is funding at least 30% of yokai schools. Taking her out of the equation would substantially strain the yokai education system.

[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

[hellspawntale-rebooted]

I hate it when teachers say working together and helping eachother is a “crucial skill”

You don’t even help your own students

And isn’t the whole adult thing full of competition?

You tell kids they won’t be ready for the real world

Maybe you should actually prepare them then

And stop being so stubborn

You can’t just make people get along

[broodparasitism]

I don’t care how mentally ill you may be you all have GOT to let go of your superiority complex you had over your peers who were deemed “problem” kids and stop playing the gifted kid victim

[coffinsister]

no idea how you are irl but at least on here you come across as needy yes but like in a cute ashley kind of way? like idk maybe im just into that but like your whole vibe is well... needy little sister and also based and gay anti-corpo. i dig the whole vibe

Aww, are you saying you are into me~?

Jeje sorry I jest, this message is just really nice though. I vibe with your vibes too ^-^

I am really needy tbh, irl I do my best to not be so needy and be as normalpilled as possible, with mixed success, but you know, the attempt is made.

I do my best to stay based, but also, genuinely, I really do hate corporations and capitalism as a whole with a burning passion. I'm actually an unironic anarchist as well, so yeah, I'm just queer and disabled and with a bone to pick with the State.

[exemplarybehaviour]

listen i will be first in line to complain about u.s. americans' self-centered view of the world. but also i need my non-u.s. american followers to know that they do teach geography in school. we do get lessons on other countries. we do get classes on how to analyze biases in our sources and finding information at libraries and online. i went to public school in a shit state and i learned these things. my friends learned these things. i want to set my hands on fire

[chowowed]

All of the Plaintiffs in the Mills v. DC Board of Ed (1972) ruling are students of color. Despite that, the case itself was about DC’s BoE allowing school districts to exclude, suspend, expel, and transfer these students for having “exceptional” disabilities. They sued on behalf of the estimated 12,340 disabled students who were unfairly cut out and left to rot. Doesn’t that just make you feel a certain kind of way? 

[thottybrucewayne]

I hate that the "Gen Alpha can't read." conversation so much because people are taking this as a chance to call children stupid and their parents monsters instead of having a very real discussion about how the education system is flawed by design, covid fucked up everything socialization wise, these parents having little access to child care and more work hours leads them to lean on things like tablets and phones to watch their kids more and more, teachers are more overworked and underpaid than ever leading to them leaving the profession in droves and that's only like the surface level issues. There's a myriad of factors at play here, not just that "The kids are spoiled screen-addicted brats with no imagination and their parents are childish spoiled millennials who just let coco melon handle everything."

[georgia-stanway]

You wouldn't know this from the fact that I live blogged the election but I actually only got a c in my politics a level. I was predicted an a/b but because I only needed a b in it instead of the as I needed for history and English I didn't do any revision and I only did it in the first place because I couldn't think of anything else to do (I probably would have done RE but I didn't do RE GCSE because I did my GCSEs on 6 hours a week with hospital ed). Thankfully a*ac is the same UCAS points as aab and they didn't really care about politics, presumably because I got an a and a* in the subjects I actually wanted to study.

[belltherad]

yes the point of english in US schools is a media literacy class but also the content and quality of education in the US not only varies from school district to school district but from level to level (e.g. AP/IB/honors kids getting more respect and funding and quality education from teachers and schools)

[bloomburnburial]

the way i see people equate "anti-intellectualism" with "any critique of the education system/academia" is. i don't really know what it is but it sure is Something

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

The Mini Guide to Crafting Compelling Royal Characters for Fiction Writers

Creating royal characters can be both exciting and challenging. These regal figures often play pivotal roles in stories, capturing readers' imaginations with their power, privilege, and the weight of responsibility they carry. Whether you're writing historical fiction, fantasy, or contemporary novels featuring monarchs, this comprehensive (mini) guide will help you develop authentic, multi-dimensional royal characters that will resonate with your readers.

Understanding the Basics of Royalty

Before diving into character creation, it's essential to have a solid grasp of what royalty entails. Royalty typically refers to members of a ruling family, including kings, queens, princes, princesses, and other nobles within a monarchical system. These individuals are often born into their roles, though some may ascend to power through marriage or other means.

Key aspects to consider:

Hierarchy and succession

Royal duties and responsibilities

Protocol and etiquette

The concept of divine right (in some cultures)

The relationship between royalty and their subjects

Remember, while these elements are common in many royal systems, you have the creative freedom to adapt or reimagine them for your fictional world.

Developing Your Royal Character's Background

Every character, royal or not, needs a rich backstory. For royal characters, this background is particularly crucial as it shapes their worldview, values, and decision-making processes.

Consider the following:

a) Lineage: What is your character's family history? Are they from a long-standing dynasty or a newly established royal house?

b) Upbringing: How were they raised? Were they groomed for leadership from birth, or did they have a more sheltered upbringing?

c) Education: What kind of education did they receive? Was it formal, focusing on statecraft and diplomacy, or more well-rounded?

d) Relationships: How do they relate to their family members, courtiers, and subjects?

e) Personal experiences: What significant events have shaped their character and outlook on life?

Crafting a Unique Personality

Avoid the trap of creating one-dimensional royal stereotypes. Your character should be as complex and nuanced as any other well-developed protagonist or antagonist.

Consider these aspects:

a) Strengths and weaknesses: What are your character's admirable qualities? What flaws do they struggle with?

b) Motivations: What drives them? Is it a sense of duty, personal ambition, or something else entirely?

c) Internal conflicts: What personal struggles do they face? How do these conflicts affect their rule and relationships?

d) Hobbies and interests: What passions do they pursue outside of their royal duties?

e) Sense of humor: How do they express humor, if at all? Is it dry wit, sarcasm, or something else?

Balancing Power and Vulnerability

One of the most intriguing aspects of royal characters is the juxtaposition between their immense power and their human vulnerabilities. This balance can create compelling internal and external conflicts for your character.

Consider:

The weight of responsibility and its impact on their personal life

The isolation that often comes with a royal position

The constant scrutiny they face from the public and court

The struggle between personal desires and duty to the crown

Creating a Believable Royal World

Your royal character doesn't exist in a vacuum (I hope not). They're part of a larger royal ecosystem that includes family members, advisors, courtiers, and subjects. Developing this world adds depth and authenticity to your story.

Key elements to consider:

Court dynamics and politics

Relationships with other noble houses or kingdoms

The role of advisors and how they influence decisions

Traditions and customs specific to your royal setting

The economic and social structure of the kingdom

Addressing the Challenges of Royal Life

Royal characters face unique challenges that can drive your plot and character development. Some common themes include:

a) Succession disputes b) Balancing personal happiness with duty c) Navigating political alliances and conflicts d) Managing public opinion and maintaining legitimacy e) Dealing with threats to their rule or life

Use these challenges to create tension and drive your story forward while revealing more about your character's personality and values.

The Impact of Historical Context

If you're writing historical fiction or a fantasy inspired by real-world monarchies, it's crucial to consider the historical context. Research the time period and culture you're drawing from to ensure authenticity in your character's behavior, beliefs, and challenges.

Key areas to research:

Social norms and expectations of the time

Political systems and power structures

Technology and its impact on governance

Religious beliefs and their influence on royalty

Gender roles and how they affect royal duties and succession

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When creating royal characters, be mindful of these common mistakes:

a) Making them too perfect or too villainous b) Ignoring the realities of royal life (e.g., lack of privacy, constant duties) c) Overlooking the impact of their decisions on their subjects d) Failing to show growth or change over the course of the story e) Relying too heavily on stereotypes or clichés

Incorporating Royal Etiquette and Protocol

Royal characters often adhere to strict codes of conduct and protocol. While you don't need to become an expert in royal etiquette, incorporating some of these elements can add authenticity to your story:

Forms of address (Your Majesty, Your Highness, etc.)

Court ceremonies and rituals

Dress codes and regalia

Rules of precedence in social situations

Diplomatic protocols when interacting with other royals or dignitaries

Exploring Different Types of Royal Characters

Remember that not all royal characters need to be ruling monarchs. Consider exploring other royal roles, such as:

The rebel prince or princess who rejects their royal duties

The reluctant heir thrust into power unexpectedly

The exiled royal fighting to reclaim their throne

The royal spouse adapting to life in the palace

The illegitimate child discovering their royal heritage

Each of these archetypes offers unique storytelling opportunities and challenges for character development.

Balancing Historical Accuracy and Creative License

If you're writing historical fiction featuring real royalty, you'll need to strike a balance between historical accuracy and creative interpretation. While it's important to respect known facts and timelines, you also have the freedom to explore the inner lives and motivations of these historical figures.

Tips for balancing accuracy and creativity:

Thoroughly research the historical figure and their time period

Clearly differentiate between historical fact and fictional interpretation

Use author's notes to explain any significant departures from known history

Focus on filling in the gaps in the historical record rather than contradicting established facts

Developing Royal Character Arcs

Like any well-rounded character, your royal protagonist should undergo growth and change throughout your story. Consider how their experiences might challenge their beliefs, alter their perspective, or force them to confront their flaws.

Possible character arcs for royal characters:

From naive idealist to pragmatic ruler

From reluctant heir to confident leader

From isolated monarch to connected leader who understands their subjects

From power-hungry tyrant to benevolent ruler (or vice versa)

Remember, character growth doesn't always have to be positive. Sometimes, the most compelling stories involve characters who face moral decline or tragic falls from grace.

Remember, while the trappings of royalty may be grand, at their core, your royal characters are still human. They love, fear, hope, and struggle like anyone else. It's this humanity, set against the backdrop of power and responsibility, that makes royal characters so fascinating to read and write about.

Happy writing, - Rin T

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!