#vari oriented

[canisalbus]

I love the idea of Machete healing some unresolved stuff about himself because he realizes the things he resented about himself when he was younger are traits that Ear has but because he loves Ear it helps him to realize those traits aren't inherently unlovable. Do you think Machete or Vasco would be helicopter parents?

.

[albert-hatesker]

Do you have any soft Wesker headcanons? :3 Sorry I am too stupid to specify anything

answering this one to the best of my ability, mb if i misinterpreted the question!

seeming like an unemotional man on the surface is tiring and surprisingly difficult, and with a life as horrifying and chaotic as his, i do think his need/craving for affection and comfort is much stronger than he'd ever show outwardly. behind closed doors, though? completely different story.

i've mentioned this before but he certainly enjoys even the simplest of comforts; something soft to rest on, warm blankets, the chance to rest after hours upon hours of constant work and stresses, the familiarity of home, all luxuries with the life he leads.

he's not good with expressing his thoughts or emotions verbally, so he moreso resourts to doing so physically. he isn't subtle when it comes to body language, unable to hide the way his shoulders relax and all of that passive tension seems to fade away when he's in a more comfortable environment.

while his glasses don't serve the specific purpose of hiding his emotions, he's grown used to them being a simple, comfortable wall between him and the world around him. to take them off is to let his guard down fully, to bare his weak spots with a certain trust that he's safe. if you've ever seen his eyes, you're someone special to him.

would love to be held for hours if he could. it's grounding, a reminder despite all of his racing thoughts that he's still alive, still human despite everything. sucker for praise, to be told all those pleasant things one may think of him - despite his egoist facade, genuine words of care and/or love are a reinforcement to an unstable foundation.

absolute favourite thing is having his hair played with. run your fingers through it and scratch at his scalp + the back of his neck and he'll practically liquify like a pleased housecat.

much more agreeable in this state; willing to discuss things fully, willing to try his hardest to express what may be bothering him, talks of the future and things he wants to do someday (to slow down and take his life day by day, at times. at others, to turn it all the way up to ten and reach as far as he can until his fingertips brush the idealized life he'd always seen for himself). appreciates genuinely being listened to and encouraged, much more than empty praise of whatever plans or rhetoric he spouts off in a professional setting.

if asking how his day was or how work is going is your thing, he'll gladly tell what he feels he can share, which could be anything from barely anything at all to damn near every detail, depending on the circumstances. while he isn't fond of taking work home with him, he still appreciates the concern and/or interest.

prefers a calmer pace when he's away from his stressors, especially after long days. movies, cooking/baking, even small activities like some sort of card game are all good options, and he really doesn't have any particular options he genuinely dislikes. it's not about the activity itself, but about the feeling of calm that comes with it and/or bonding with whoever else he may be spending this time with.

overall, his whole demeanor softens, whether this space of comfort be brought on by a location or by a person (more of the latter, given being alone encourages him to think about things even more).

it's almost an act of rebellion, allowing himself to indulge in things he'd been taught he did not need, things that were for men weaker than himself. for that, it's almost empowering, knowing this is something he has that can't be taken away from him, even if it seems the world wants nothing more than to do just that.

bonus: if you want to see him light up, ask him about literally any of his interests. he could ramble for hours about them, and absolutely adores any chance he gets to talk about what he is interested in, rather than just having to parrot what his superiors say he has to care about. the way to a man's heart is through his special interests. SORRY FOR THIS BEING SO LONG, can you tell i love him so much it makes me physically sick

[tomato-greens]

ok, there is this thing where just like Textbook Autism: The Kind That Gets Diagnosed Early keeps being read at the volunteer space as being anti-community by other people. I don’t know what to do about it because it’s really obvious to me that these volunteers are trying very hard to be part of a community & just communicate in ways that are recognizable as autistic (all self-disclosed!), & I get along with all of them except the one who can’t listen to explicitly-stated boundaries no matter how many times you say them, probably because my dad and several other people in my family also have Textbook Autism: The Kind That Didn’t Get Diagnosed Because The Modern Diagnosis Didn’t Exist Yet, plus Textbook Autism: The Kind That Gets Diagnosed Early. like what do you do besides say “I think this person is actually very community-oriented and that just looks different for them than for you, but you can tell because they are constantly doing things that are obviously a challenge for them as part of choosing to be in this community”??????? and also “you can literally just talk to them about whatever it is you’re worried about and then when you’re done talking about it, if they keep going, say, ‘let’s be done talking about this for xyz reason’ and they will respect that because they’re like…community-oriented?????”

drives me crazy. just fucking talk to them, they are people

[nerditudes]

Johnny's in his room, screaming into the void that he's totally straight. Not her business, but she's seen how he looks at guys sometime. He'll come out in his own time.

She might break out the flags and have-- 'the talk' with him this year.

[pointless-letters]

…Ron? Is that you?

[pixelplushies]

So I was recently tasked with a very well loved soft toy Flip the Frog from the 1930s to restore.

He was bought new for my great aunt-in-law when she was 10, and was gifted to her sister's children when they were young. My mother in law has memories of feeding him cornflakes and putting her hands in his mouth, which felt very soft and velvety.

He had been in the attic for a number of years, and had moths get to him. He had lost his eyes. Luckily there are some examples online which show what he was meant to be like!

I approached this project wanting to retain as much of the original plush as I could. I thought about doing a total restoration, but I would end up replacing so much I might as well be making a replica! I wanted to make sure I used fabrics that were sympathetic to the time period, so 100% wool felt and cotton velvet seemed appropriate. The only liberty I took was polyester thread, because that's what I had already.

I researched a lot of plush restorations and best practices. A lot of places recommended only surface washing, but poor Flip was so full of dust and the remains of moths, but his fabric body seemed rather sturdy still, I thought I would take the risk of un-stuffing him to give him a thorough bath. I very gently took him apart and unstuffed him. His stuffing material looked to be kapok. There was lots of moth poop.

I gave Flip a gentle bath with carpet cleaning solution, which is what is recommended for vintage plushies. It's designed to be used on lots of fabrics including natural ones like wool and doesn't leave a residue once it's done cleaning so won't degrade the fabric over time. Loads of grime came out of Flip, as well as some yellow dye from his feet.

Flip then had a good air-dry in the sun. He seemed to enjoy soaking up the sun, he was already looking a lot cleaner.

Flip's eyes (which once upon a time caused my cousin-in-laws nightmares) were particularly gross and moth-eaten underneath. I decided to re-cover the card disks that made up his eyes with velvet cotton instead rather than reuse the old eyes. His original velvet was really bright yellow but had faded over time. I decided to use a fabric that matched his more faded look, I felt the bright yellow would look out of place. I also got some wooden beads and cut them in half and painted them for his pupils, which I glued on.

When it came to restoring his feet, I tried to retain as much of the original material as possible. I enjoyed patching and repairing the felt, I chose a 100% wool yellow felt that was close to his old colour here. Highlights the age of the old parts, I feel like it draws attention to his history and age.

Time to put him back together! I bought some new kapok stuffing because I couldn't reuse the old dusty moth stuff. Luckily you can still get it. I wrapped his metal skeleton in felt so that if it got rusty it wouldn't stain him (he's already a little stained from it rusting). Then I slipped his limbs over the skeleton and sewed them back on!

Ta-daa!! Here's flip looking a lot better, even if I say so myself.

One of the things we noticed when looking at photos of these soft toys is that they seem to have pinkish or white bow-ties and this Flip was missing his! Looking at the character art, I believe they were originally red.

The orientation of the eyes also seems to vary because I think they were prone to falling off and being sewn back on. I chose to orient Flip's eyes close to how they were when I received him, but slightly more vertical to make him appear more friendly.

Flip was a very fun challenge and got me thinking a lot about restoration vs conservation of historical artifacts, he may not be super duper old or rare but I feel like I better understand the dilemmas and judgements that have to be made when working on objects like this!

[confuzing]

"We're rebooting the multiverse?" the new hire asked, sounding like he didn't believe her.

Mei nodded. "Well, part of it. It's actually not that big of a deal? It happens a lot- especially the PIDW subsystem. I blame the Prime."

"You're talking about Luo Binghe right? One of the other guys was saying he ripped something?"

"The coding of the multiverse- hence the restart," she said. "And there's lots of Luo Binghes." To prove her point she stopped at the observation window for Room 668G.

The new guy blinked in shock at all the Luo Binghes inside, mostly disciple Binghes, though there were a smattering of fluffy puppies in the room too.

"Are those?"

"Bingpups yeah- look the multiverse is vast - this isn't anywhere near the weirdest thing I've seen."

"How do you know who the Prime is if there's so many?"

A good question. "It varies by section but the PIDW section goes with the guy living the original novel. You read it right?"

"Yeah."

"Good." Mei continued down the long hall. "Anyway we figured out which one he was because he doesn't seem to have a husband?"

"A what??"

"Let me explain," Mei said. "So it's kinda weird but in literally every iteration after the Prime, Luo Binghe has a husband- it's all the same guy too- and all the Luo Binghes are desperately in love with their husbands and vice versa. But the Prime just... doesn't have one. Like you'd think having a bunch of overpowered demons around would be more of an issue but the little ones are very polite and the rest of them chill out tremendously when you pair them up with their husband."

"But Prime doesn't have one." the new guy frowned.

Mei shook her head. "Not that we've found anyway. Believe me the research team is looking. It wasn't a big deal for a while but then there was an... incident. Prime spent ...18 hours I think? In a universe where there was a husband and he got extremely jealous that he didn't have one. So he's been looking for his own ever sense.

"Which causes problems when he's running around in everyone else's world trying to steal and/or bride-nap their husbands," Mei concluded. "He usually does that when he's here too but I haven't heard any alarms today... Here let's peek..."

She deflected the new guy down a side hall, taking him through a series of twisting turns until they stopped outside another holding cell. This one had only one Binghe in it, this one in full Demon Emperor regalia. He was kneeling on the floor with his eyes shut- meditating probably?

"Wow," the new guy said softly.

In the holding cell Luo Binghe Prime's blood red eyes snapped open.

Time to leave! Mei began gently shoving her new coworker away from the window.

"...Can he see us?" the guy asked.

"Oh yeah," Mei said. "Hear us too. Two way mirrors do jack shit for Heavenly Demons. Come on, the boss is waiting for us."

That got the guy to start moving. As they left Mei remembered something.

"Hey, I don't think anyone actually told me your name?"

"Oh they didn't!" New Guy said. "I'm Shen Yuan."

Behind them the alarms on Luo Binghe Prime's cell started beeping rapidly. Thank fuck that wasn't her problem. She just had to get Shen Yuan to part two of his orientation in one piece. Still, wouldn't hurt to just ... She linked their arms and started walking faster.

[visenyaism]

I mean this in the nicest way possible but everything I have ever learned about GOT and GRRMs writing has sounded awful to me. What makes it so compelling to everyone?

So it is deeply flawed in many ways. But it is huge and complicated and has something for everyone also. However dubious the prose can be from time to time the character writing is really tight. The POVs all feel like distinct, sympathetic, and complicated people. Everyone ends up being an unreliable narrator who is lying to themselves about something to cope in different ways for a really large and varying cast. I still think “what if the POV was King Arthur’s mother and not Arthur” is like one of the most progressive and interesting questions the series asks and he came up with that in the 90s. 

The series also has pretty great thematic complexity and depth in my opinion. GRRM has a lot to say about feudalism, violence, trauma, gender, war, politics, etc. Most of the commentary is about deconstructing the impact those patriarchial institutions have on both their enforcers and the people they oppress. It is not consistently perfect or woke by today���s standards, (especially in terms of orientalism) but it is pretty consistently interesting. 

[radiomogai]

[PT: vari-angled ay: a non-alloromantic and non-allosexual (aka ay) person whose orientations (romantic, sexual, or tertiary) differ. End PT]

original | striped

vari-angled ay: a non-alloromantic and non-allosexual (aka ay) person whose orientations (romantic, sexual, or tertiary) differ

for anon! the term and flag are a combination of variangled and ay.

flag id: the left flag has 3 stripes, with the second being twice as large as the rest. in order, they are gold, dark sky blue, and gold. on the left edge of the flag is a black half-circle that is the same height as the flag. the right flag has 5 stripes, with the first and fifth being larger than the rest. in order, they are gold, dark sky blue, black, dark sky blue, and gold. end id.

dni transcript here

[lilliangst]

biblically accurate, semi-realistic candace or kandake, who was a nubian queen

image renders:

Incoming yap about the current genshin problem:

As a Chinese person swarmed by western media, Liyue means so, so much to me. Seeing the culture that I've been taught to be ashamed of all my life being represented so accurately and positively makes me incredibly happy. It was the first time I saw the famous landscapes that I've visited in person and recreated a fantasy game. Seeing characters wear clothes with similar designs to what I’ve worn and eating similar foods to what I’ve eaten, is indescribable. The euphoria I felt when I first climbed atop of Qingyun Peak and heard the music is something I wish I could experience again.

That being said, Sumeru was a mess, and Natlan is just depressing. What I would give to have people from SEA/SWANA, Latin America, Africa, and Indigenous groups etc. to feel the same way I did when strolling through Liyue.

HYV’s colorism isn’t just stifling their character designs; by whitewashing real-life people, real cultures and even their deities, they are inadvertently whitewashing history. They are taking from actual ethnic groups: learning their history and struggles, then retelling these narratives after replacing their people with bleached protagonists in orientalist clothing.

All this because of what? Out of touch beauty standards? The possibility of lower sales? Dehya is extremely loved in China and her fans donated thousands to a children’s charity in her name. Other Chinese companies like Lilith Games and Bluepoch don’t have this problem. Dislyte is able to consistently pump out gorgeous character designs with varying skin tones and Reverse:1999 makes accurate designs and does in-depth research into the cultures of their characters.

It’s a basic lack of respect.

I've heard that Iranian players were extremely happy and touched by their representation, and that's amazing. And most European, Chinese, and Japanese players are fine with theirs. I just wish this extended to the representation of people with skin tones that are darker.

HYV has shown that they are capable of making characters with darker skin tones and interesting designs, but they will only do that for npcs and enemies. Orientalism, culture mash-ups and inaccuracies across regions is unfortunately common in the game, but the problem with the unchanging pale color of playable characters reflects an obvious and sinister bigotry. I do personally believe that a lot of this has to do with the meddling of higher-ups; many playable characters look like they’ve been white-washed at the end of the process, and just from an art/design standpoint, they fit darker skin-tones much, much better.

It is impossible for Genshin to be a fully “fictional fantasy game” because they chose to bear the responsibility of incorporating real life cultures into their world-building. The criticisms about Sumeru and Natlan are what they brought upon themselves. If you don’t want to represent properly, don’t do it at all. You cannot take everything from a culture and leave their people out of it. They deserve the same respect and research as the region representing your own nation.

For the people who have seen themselves represented in media over and over again, or for those who do not care about being represented at all: even if YOU don't care, others do, and they have a damn good reason for it. This is a big deal, it isn’t too much to ask for, and I will be blocking racists. Peace.

[scales-n-art]

Quick PSA, because there seems to be some severe lack of education regarding Asexuality among a certain bunch of opinionated people, who frankly have no place having such strong opinions about something they've demonstrated to be so ignorant about:

Asexuality =/= a lack of libido, sexual appetite, sexual drive, or sexual activity.

Asexuality does = little to no experience of sexual attraction.

There are many forms of attraction. For example, some of them may be: romantic attraction that you'd experience towards a romantic partner. Aesthetic attraction that you may experience when you see someone's fashion style or overall appearance. Platonic attraction that you may experience towards a close friend. Etc.

Asexuality IS a spectrum, we call it the Asexuality Umbrella; SOME people under the ace umbrella may experience no interest towards sex/intimacy whatsoever, some may experience disgust re anything sex/intimacy related, some may be indifferent or neutral about it, and some are positive or even enthusiastic about it. These things may include acts such as kissing and physical touch of the non sexual kind. ALL of these people are still asexual, and their sexual activity or lack thereof has nothing to do with it.

Asexual people may choose to engage or not in sexual activity, and the circumstances under which they choose to do so, and the reasons why, are very varied: physical pleasure, closeness to a partner, emotional connection, finding pleasure in pleasing a partner, etc, etc.

The ways in which an asexual person may choose to find their pleasure is also very varied. And yes, it may be through fiction, because it can be a safe way to do so without being expected to behave or perform in a certain way that may be uncomfortable for the individual. Nothing wrong with enjoying a good smutty book or fanfic, or comic. Harms no one involved. Enjoying this doesn't mean you're not asexual.

Asexuality does exist, and it's way more nuanced and varied than just equalling it to "not getting any."

Now read all that again, but switch Asexuality for Aromanticism. Also a spectrum, also varied, also incredibly nuanced.

So, yes. A fictional character CAN be asexual, AND also engage in sexy times with the chosen ship partner. A Queer Platonic Relationship is also a very valid option, because NEWSFLASH, sex is not the only valid bonding point of a relationship. It can be a strong, important one depending on each individual, but it's not the only way to connect with a partner.

And, NO. Asexual people are NOT "repressed." Asexual people do NOT need anyone to "change their minds". Asexuality is NOT a problem, a symptom, or a sign of trauma.

Some sources to know more about the topic:

AVEN - Asexuality Visibility and Education Network

The Invisible Orientation - by Julie Sondra Decker

The ABCs of LGBT - by Ash Hardell

ACE: What Asexuality reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex - by Angela Chen

There are many more sources out there, support groups and communities on social media that you can find mainly through AVEN, or with just a simple search about Asexuality on any search bar nowadays.

There's too much info about it now compared to some years ago to remain so ignorant about it.

Do. Better.

[kleopatra45]

Mercury in the Houses of D9 Chart

1st House

When Mercury is in the first house of your D9 chart, communication is at the core of your relationships. You express yourself easily and may rely on humor, intellect, or charm to connect with others. Your future spouse is likely to be witty, articulate, and youthful in spirit, bringing a lively energy to your life. They’ll appreciate meaningful conversations and will often challenge you to think more critically or creatively. Together, you’ll value open dialogue and problem-solving, keeping your relationship dynamic and full of intellectual stimulation.

2nd House

With Mercury in the second house, you value intellectual stability in relationships. Communication about finances, shared values, and material goals will be a key part of your connection. Your future spouse is likely to be practical, resourceful, and detail-oriented, with a talent for managing resources wisely. They might work in a field requiring precision and thoughtfulness, and their analytical mind will be an asset in building a secure life together. This placement suggests a relationship where clear communication about material and emotional needs creates a strong foundation.

3rd House

Mercury in the third house signifies a strong focus on communication and mental agility in your relationships. You and your future spouse may share a love for learning, writing, or even teaching. Your partner is likely to be curious, sociable, and intellectually stimulating, with an ability to keep conversations engaging and varied. This placement often indicates a relationship based on shared ideas, lively discussions, and mutual curiosity about the world. Together, you’ll thrive in environments that encourage growth, connection, and intellectual pursuits.

4th House

With Mercury in the fourth house, intellectual and emotional connections often come together in your relationships. Your future spouse is likely to have a calm, nurturing presence, prioritizing deep and meaningful communication within the home. They may be someone who enjoys discussing personal matters, family, or shared memories, helping to create a warm and harmonious domestic life. This placement indicates a relationship where communication serves as a tool for emotional bonding, and your spouse’s thoughtful nature will help you feel secure and understood.

5th House

Mercury in the fifth house suggests that creativity, humor, and intellectual engagement play a major role in your relationships. Your future spouse may be someone with a playful spirit, artistic talent, or a sharp wit that keeps you entertained and inspired. This placement points to shared interests in hobbies, art, or games, and your partner will likely encourage your creative side. Together, you’ll enjoy lighthearted moments and passionate discussions, finding joy in each other’s intellectual and imaginative energy.

6th House

When Mercury is in the sixth house, communication about daily routines, responsibilities, and problem-solving becomes important in your relationships. Your future spouse is likely to be practical, hardworking, and analytical, often helping you organize your life more effectively. They may work in a field involving service, health, or detailed analysis, and their methodical approach to life will complement your own. Together, you’ll build a partnership based on mutual support, where clear communication ensures that tasks are shared and challenges are tackled efficiently.

7th House

Mercury in the seventh house emphasizes intellectual compatibility and harmony in communication with your partner. Your future spouse is likely to be articulate, charming, and skilled at diplomacy, making them a great listener and conversationalist. This placement indicates a marriage where mutual respect and understanding are maintained through open dialogue. Your spouse may work in a field involving negotiation, counseling, or law, reflecting their ability to mediate and bring balance to challenging situations. Together, you’ll create a relationship where communication is the foundation of trust and partnership.

8th House

With Mercury in the eighth house, your relationships are marked by profound, transformative conversations. You’re drawn to a partner who has a deep and curious mind, someone interested in uncovering life’s mysteries or exploring topics like psychology, spirituality, or finance. Your future spouse may be intuitive and analytical, helping you navigate complex emotional and intellectual terrain. This placement suggests a relationship where shared secrets, deep conversations, and intellectual intimacy strengthen your bond. Together, you’ll find growth through mutual exploration of life’s depths.

9th House

When Mercury is in the ninth house, your relationships thrive on shared intellectual growth and philosophical exploration. Your future spouse is likely to be open-minded, adventurous, and deeply curious about the world. They may be well-traveled, academically inclined, or spiritually oriented, inspiring you to broaden your perspectives. This placement suggests a relationship where communication revolves around big ideas, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of wisdom. Together, you’ll enjoy exploring new horizons, both literally and intellectually, finding fulfillment in shared discoveries.

10th House

With Mercury in the tenth house, communication about career goals and ambitions becomes a cornerstone of your relationship. Your future spouse is likely to be ambitious, strategic, and focused on achieving long-term success. They may work in a field that involves public speaking, planning, or leadership, and their sharp mind will inspire you to pursue your own goals. This placement suggests a relationship where shared aspirations and intellectual collaboration help you both rise to new heights. Together, you’ll create a partnership built on mutual encouragement and a shared vision for the future.

11th House

Mercury in the eleventh house points to a relationship based on shared dreams, social connections, and intellectual innovation. Your future spouse is likely to be progressive, forward-thinking, and socially engaged, often introducing you to new ideas and communities. This placement suggests a relationship where communication revolves around shared goals, humanitarian efforts, or group projects. Together, you’ll thrive in social or intellectual circles, using your combined talents to make a positive impact. Your spouse’s innovative ideas and collaborative nature will keep the relationship exciting and meaningful.

12th House

When Mercury is in the twelfth house, communication takes on a subtle, intuitive quality in your relationships. Your future spouse may be introspective, spiritual, or artistic, with a knack for understanding what’s left unsaid. They may work in a field involving healing, creativity, or research, bringing a compassionate and empathetic energy to your connection. This placement suggests a relationship where deep, intuitive communication fosters emotional intimacy. Together, you’ll explore life’s mysteries, finding fulfillment in quiet moments of reflection and shared spiritual understanding.

©️kleopatra45

[bimboficationblues]

so the thing about "read theory" as a mantra: in the social media sphere there is a consistent downplaying of what that kind of commitment actually entails, plus a consistent obfuscation of what exactly the commitment is necessary for.

let's say that you're interested in learning more about specifically "Marxist theory." This, I think, also raises a bunch of questions about what we mean by theory - works of political philosophy, texts on revolutionary and military strategy, political speeches, journalistic or sociological analysis, historiography - these varying things with very different discursive norms and standards of evidence or logic often get rolled into one singular object called "theory." but let's set that aside for now.

you want to learn this for maybe an assortment of reasons, here's a few (non-exhaustive) good ones:

Marxism has been a substantial historical force that has probably had a notable impact on the world around you in some way.

Learning about Marx/ism might offer some level of insight into your current social world that other things are unable to offer.

Many texts - Capital, The Wretched of the Earth, The Second Sex, The State and Revolution - are also world-historical forms of political literature, which is interesting.

Follow-up to 2 - maybe having some level of familiarity with these things will give you the ability to better articulate yourself and participate in social and political movements around you.

generally speaking the Social Media Marxist approach is to tell you to go read off a list of texts of whatever writers the author personally agrees with or whatever works she happens to have read. so you decide to start with the big guy Marx, who is at the top of the list. totally reasonable decision.

however, there are a few contextual questions that might reasonably come up when doing so.

first, it will be clear that Marx did not pop out of an intellectual vacuum; Lenin has a rather popular identification of the "three sources of Marxism" - post-Hegelian German philosophy, French socialism, and English political economy. from my perspective, these are more like three of his main objects of ire (and so in some sense are both influences and also breakages - but not strictly speaking a synthesis), but I digress. so, frequently, in order to grasp what Marx is talking about or responding to, you are going to need some level of familiarity with a lot of additional people: Smith, Ricardo, Malthus, Hegel, Bauer, Feuerbach, Hobbes, Spinoza, Rousseau, Mill, Sismondi. suddenly you are not just learning about the works of one guy, but his attitude towards all the people he relies on for support or aims his criticisms at. and each of those different intellectual relationships is going to be different. sometimes at different times!

second, and relatedly, Marx is not always the most charitable to the people he's criticizing, who were often rival socialists (so there were pretty notable political and personal stakes at work in proving them wrong or diminishing their influence over the movement). the introductory materials to the new translation of Capital also observe that Marx's approach to scholarship is, shall we say, haphazard; often he makes quotes or citations that are not actually representative of what he's citing. finally, many of the people he's criticizing have sort of been rendered obsolete historically *in no small part* due to the success of Marxism as a political orientation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. so to determine whether Marx is being fair to the people he is basing his critique on, we will have to do some level of intellectual work to check. so now we're not just evaluating Marx's relationship to different thinkers but also the substantial content of each of those thinkers themselves.

third, Marx did not pop out of a social vacuum. all of these different writers didn't just crop up from nowhere but wrote within particular sociohistorical contexts, some of which were rather divorced from the European revolutionary wave, first worldwide financial crisis, and the shifting character of the United States in the wake of the Civil War and the formal abolition of slavery - some of the historical events that Marx was more explicitly engaging with. and the radical liberals, republicans, and socialists Marx criticized all also had their own intellectual and social histories. so now we're getting a little far afield from the initial notion, which was just to read some guy, and getting into the realm of social history, and trying to understand the relationship between world history and the ideas produced within it.

fourth, you are a subject in the world, which is to say YOU did not pop out of a social or intellectual vacuum. you likely bring predispositions, assumptions, biases, and cognitive distortions to what you read; we all do. working through those and trying to note where they're happening - where they might be fine and where they might be problematic - will require a certain willingness to reflect, to write, to take notes, to analyze and self-scrutinize, and to be critical of both yourself as a reader and of the text you are reading. (a nested problem is that we have a truly staggering amount of material from Marx and Engels, and you might have to make certain determinations as to which material is important or worthwhile or more useful, and identify the standards by which you think that - all of which requires a certain reflection on your status as a political thinker).

okay, so consider all that. we started with "I wanna read this one guy," we end with "to really grasp the work of this one guy it's also important to know both preceding and contemporaneous world history, his intellectual influences, and the gaps or silences or errors in his work.” now consider that, if you really want to be able to speak on them with some level of confidence and intellectual honesty, you have to apply approximately the same level of rigor to every other writer on the Social Media Marxist approved list - Lenin, Fanon, Che, Kollontai, Cabral, Mao, Luxemburg, whoever. not to mention their critics, both direct and indirect!

Marx developed his work through an incredibly sustained engagement with enormous volumes of different material; we have entire notebooks of him poring over Max Stirner, or Spinoza, or the political economists, or the empirical observations of English factory inspectors. I'm not saying that you have to do that, or even that one strictly *has* to go down any or all of the first three rabbitholes I identified. Marx was in the somewhat unique position of sustaining himself through the support of Engels and his journalistic work, as a product of being in perpetual exile. that's not the kind of position that most of us are typically in.

the point is not "commit yourself to being a perfect monastic scholar in order to reach perfect truth" - such a thing is probably a fantasy, even if we wish otherwise. the point is that if you think "theory" is worth taking seriously, well, you have to actually take it seriously. if you don’t think it has stakes or utility, that’s fine; different people find different things useful. I think “theory” is not a set of dead letters by canonical authors but produced through social life. but if “reading theory” is a way to clarify and assert yourself as a political subject and agent, to claim some intellectual autonomy and acquire some understanding that you can put into practice in your life, then that’s demanding. it’s not impossible, but it does take real effort and a commitment to study and a certain level of resistance to being dogmatic. otherwise you are just letting yourself be rhetorically persuaded by whatever is in front of you or whatever affirms your biases.

as Marx says in the preface to Capital, Volume I, "I am of course assuming that my readers will want to learn something new, and so are ready to think for themselves."

[stellarsecrets86]

Sun In Signs Of Groom Persona Chart

Other posts you might like:

Masterlist

[PS: These are my own observations. For entertainment purposes only. Have fun.💚]

🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩

(Sun in a groom persona chart represents his core identity, ego, and how he presents himself as a husband. It is symbolic of his willpower, leadership qualities, self-expression, and the life force that he brings into the marital relationship. The position of the Sun in the signs shows what kind of energy he carries, how he would handle responsibilities, and what role he would play in the union.)

Sun in Aries

In the groom pc, having Sun in Aries attracts bold, energetic, and passionate spouse. Most likely, he would be the head or the dominant in the relation. It makes him very adventurous, enthusiastic to try everything new in this marriage, but his individuality could overpower him and cause impatience or dominance. He is the protector of his woman, even taking on the role of "hero" when it comes to his girlfriend or wife. He is independent and may require a partner who can appreciate their energetic vibes while maintaining emotional equilibrium. His leadership can be inspiring, yet it should also be modulated to include his partner's needs.

{Spouse likely has a sharp, angular face with prominent features and a high forehead, exuding confidence and energy.}

Sun in Taurus

The Sun in Taurus makes the groom a practical and reliable person as he values stability. He feels good if his environment is comfortable and secure, and he works hard to make his partner feel valued. Taurus Suns are sensual and base a lot of their marital satisfaction on physical connection and comfort. They can be resistant to change and love routine and tradition. They are loyal partners but at times can be possessive. The beauty, luxury, and finer things in life are truly appreciated by this groom, and he often strives to create a beautiful home.

{Spouse may have a round or oval face with soft, symmetrical features and a pleasant, earthy charm.}

Sun in Gemini

He is curious, communicative, and versatile. He brings intellectual excitement and humor into the relationship, never a dull moment. Versatile and sociable, he likes to share ideas and enjoy lively discussions with his mate. His restless nature may at times make him appear inconsistent, absent-minded, and so on. He needs a partner who can appreciate his lively mind and understand his varied interests. This groom does well in relationships with good lines of communication and shared curiosity.

{The spouse could have a narrow, oval face with expressive eyes and lively, youthful features.}

Sun in Cancer

He is deeply nurturing, empathetic, and protective. He values emotional connection and creates a sense of home and family in the marriage. His intuitive nature makes him highly attuned to his partner's needs, often going out of his way to provide comfort. At times, he may struggle with moodiness or clinginess. A Cancer Sun groom needs a partner who understands his sensitivity and shares his desire for a close-knit family life.

{A moon-like, round or soft face with gentle, nurturing expressions is typical for the spouse.}

Sun in Leo

He is charismatic, warm-hearted, and proud. He looks at marriage as a stage on which to shine and generally assumes a leadership role in the relationship. Generous and loyal, he loves showering his partner with affection and admiration and expects admiration in return. While his confidence can be inspiring, he may at times come off as self-centered. This groom does best when his partner supports his ambitions and shares his enthusiasm for life.

{The spouse often has a regal, well-defined face with strong bone structure and a radiant, magnetic presence.}

Sun in Virgo

Husband is practical, detail-oriented, and committed to his self-improvement project. He brings stability and dependability into the relationship, many times going out of his way in order to solve problems and make good order. He loves his partner who shares an appreciation for organization and hard work. Sometimes, he could make his partner's life hard through being too critical or perfectionist, which might be a tense source in their relationship. When a Virgo Sun husband is appreciated for his work, he thrives.

{Spouse may possess a delicate, heart-shaped face with fine, symmetrical features and a refined appearance.}

Sun in Libra

Husband is charming, tactful, and loves to establish a marriage that is just harmonious. He prefers justice and desires a balanced partnership wherein both parties are equal. His love for aesthetics and romance alone can create a beautiful and loving environment for his spouse. Nevertheless, his need to evade conflicts may at times elicit indecision or repression of his own needs. A Libra Sun husband thrives well in a relationship where mutual respect and collaboration are established.

{The spouse likely has an oval or symmetrical face with balanced, harmonious features and an attractive, graceful demeanor.}

Sun in Scorpio

Husband of a Scorpio Sun in the groom pc will be an experience of depth, passion, and an almost irreversible commitment. Pressing into intense intimacy, or a probe into the depths of life, are the ways he might pursue his partner. He desires transformation for himself and from his partner. This could mean he sometimes can become possessive or controlling. A Scorpio Sun needs trust, honesty, and emotional toughness from his wife to have a successful marriage.

{Spouse may have a square or intense face with piercing eyes, strong jawlines, and an enigmatic aura.}

Sun in Sagittarius

The Sagittarius Sun in groom pc husband is free-spirited, optimistic, and adventurous. He has fun in the relationship and gives his partner an urge for new experiences. Freedom is important to him, and he needs a partner who will respect his need for freedom. While his enthusiasm is contagious, his lack of focus or commitment to some routines may frustrate the spouse at times. A Sagittarius Sun husband really thrives when his mate loves adventure and personal growth as he does.

{A long, oval face with high cheekbones and a bright, adventurous expression often describes the spouse.}

Sun in Capricorn

Ambitious, responsible, and intent upon building a stable future, the Capricorn Sun groom regards marriage as both an obligation and an opportunity to extend his role of provider and protector. Practical by nature, he works hard to assure a successful long-term partnership, though at times his work or responsibilities may make him appear a little distant or serious. An Capricorn Sun boyfriend thrives in an appreciation of his efforts within a relationship and feels supported on his journey to success.

{The spouse may have a chiseled, rectangular face with defined bone structure and a mature, poised look.}

Sun in Aquarius

The groom with the Sun in Aquarius is a nonconformist who values independence and individuality in his marriage. He brings a unique twist into the relationship and mostly confronts conventional standards. While intellectually and socially attached, he values a partner who sees his vision for progress and change. His detached nature may sometimes make him emotionally unavailable. This groom thrives in relationships where freedom and mutual respect are emphasized.

{Spouse could have a unique or unconventional face shape, often oval, with sharp features and a futuristic vibe.}

Sun in Pisces

The Pisces Sun is the groom pc is compassionate, dreamy, and emotionally intuitive. He marries with the utmost romanticism and idealizes his spouse. His creative and emotional nature makes him a tender and caring partner. Since he can sometimes be very imaginary and flee from strife, he can create misunderstandings. A Pisces Sun feels most happy with a spouse who can share his emotions and creativity.

{A soft, rounded face with dreamy, delicate features and expressive, soulful eyes is common for the spouse.}

[theartingace]

A question for the centaur back-pocket, but what, if any, do your centaurs do when it comes to courting and romance? Do they have any particular traditions that stand apart from the mixed rider or non-centaur cultures?

always love a back pocket centaur question for when I inevitably wheel back around! So thank you! I don't have TOO much specific thoughts when it comes to courting centaurs, as the main two-ish cultures in my world generally have pretty loose courting rituals that vary primarily a lot by individual and culture. The Merchant culture in particular is pretty rangy and depending on location and social status it's going to look very different- higher echalons of city folk are most often poly while successful outlying settlements are matriarchal holdings with migratory bachelors, those lower on the totem poles are usually more human standard monogamous but larger groups are preferred so families are often heavily blended. Riders are more family and rider-pair oriented in regards to customs with romance and creation of children largely left to individual preferences and just fuel for the family spinners to gossip about while watching the goat-pull games. There's not so much many hard rules in the overarching cultures? The only one that probably WOULD have stricter rules around courting would likely be the mountain folks, who are a bit more conservative and structured in their daily lives and lovers of rituals- but they don't like to tell me of such private things, i need to get to know them better!

The one thing I do know across almost all centaur cultures is that courting always involves some measure of dancing!

In my mind dancing is a large part of centaur culture at large, with large syncronized dances being at the heart of most large celebrations, and those dances are a PERFECT place to show off to the hotties, establish new bonds, and generally connect with a crush!

and then synchronizing steps and movement is the base of centaur dancing, like dressage but with multiple horse bodies in a small area, so it's generally regarded as a way to get your body in synch with a partner along with your mind and heart!

It's not just for lovers, like us it's for self expression and connecting with other folks, and definitely some centaurs really like dancing and some hate it! But overall for my centaurs it's an important tentpole of all their cultures and a large part of that is it's role in connecting folks to both a partner and their community

[jaythes1mp]

I was wondering how you think readers life would be different if they were a puppy hybrid instead of a cat? I had a dream about this last night after I reread your works

You had a dream abt it after my fic?🫢🥹💚

The dynamics between the reader and the family would noticeably change if the reader took on more canine traits rather than feline. The bat’s would likely respond differently, as canine behaviors and characteristics can vary significantly from those associated with cats. The reader's dog-like nature could shape how the family interacts with and cares for them, adding a different layer to their relationships and potentially influencing the family's behaviour. They’d expect more from you.

The nature of a dog is typically more sociable and dependent, leading to different expectations and interactions.

So if you don't immediately respond to their affections by showing signs of eagerness, like a happy, loving puppy would, the family would interpret your behaviour as abnormal. They might worry that something is wrong with you, as canine behaviour typically involves being sociable and receptive to affection.

They'd expect you to enjoy being petted, as dogs often crave human touch and attention.

You’d promptly be sent out on your way to a vet. Because, something must be the matter with you. It could never be their faults. They'd assume that the issue lies within you rather than considering the possibility that they might be the source of the problem.

In contrast to their care for Kitten Reader, they'd be more inclined to allow Puppy Reader to spend time in human form. This is because it's easier for them to monitor and assess your mental state when you're in human form. As they find it less challenging to gauge your emotions, well-being, and mental state when you're human if you’re completely unreceptive as a pup.

For a kitten it’s natural to be less receptive to affection, batting at their hands or hissing when they get too close. But it’s completely abnormal for a pup. You’re supposed to seek out their touch, not flinch from it.

So they need to nip your behaviour in the bud.

Damian, being the meticulous and dedicated individual that he is, will take it upon himself to arrange online training sessions with the most skilled and highly regarded trainers available. He believes that you ought to behave in a manner that befits your canine nature and will take great care in selecting trainers who can help you learn and adapt accordingly.

He will diligently oversee your progress, taking notes on your behavior and ensuring that you receive the necessary guidance.

Dick, being the “loving and dedicated older brother” that he likes to call himself, will dive into a thorough online research session to discover the best ways to force have you to be affectionate with him. His search queries including phrases like "How to get your dog to like you," "How to create a bond with your new puppy," and "How to make a puppy love you instantly." He’ll immerse himself in articles, videos, and guides that provide tips and techniques to form a deep and affectionate connection with you.

This ends up resulting with every time you manage to do literally anything besides growling at him, whether it be making eye contact, sitting, or even just existing in his presence, you’re immediately rewarded with a dog biscuit as an incentive.

Jason, with his rugged exterior and rough edges, is the type to carry you, no matter how large your fluffy canine physique, in a practical doggy bag. While he may appear tough on the outside, he has a deep attachment to you in your puppy form, as in some underlying level he sees himself in you.

Especially if you have any visible scars that can’t be concealed in your canine form, he might find an even stronger affinity towards you, mirroring his own experiences in a strange yet comforting way.

Tim, being the methodical and detail-oriented individual, he is, would design an unnecessarily intricate and ultra-luxurious dog pen for you indoors. This pen would be thoughtfully equipped with every amenity and comfort appropriate for your puppy needs. However, he's also pragmatic and meticulous, and would ensure that appropriate measures were in place to lock you up if you needed disciplining for misbehavior, demonstrating his keen attention to both your comfort and safety.

Tim's favorite creation thus far for you is the collar fused to your skin in a way that causes no discomfort when you transform from one form to another. It relays live data to the Bat-computer and a specially designed app installed on each family member's phone. The collar monitors everything you consume, tracks your whereabouts, keeps tabs on your vitals, and records your voice continuously for 24 hours. Moreover, it also picks up on any intense emotions you're experiencing, providing the family with a comprehensive understanding of your canine state of mind at all times.

The collar is discreetly designed to blend in, looking just like any ordinary dog collar one would purchase at a pet store, except perhaps a bit more posh and expensive. However, the back of the collar is adorned with a beautiful tag bearing all the family members’ contact details.

Other features are installed to keep you in line. A built-in shocker to administer a warning shock in case of any misbehaving behavior. After all, a little shock can go a long way in shaping a puppy's behavior. The collar is also equipped with a feature that bypasses the need for conscious thought to shift between your human and puppy form. It sends signals directly to your brain, creating a sort of mental “shortcut” to seamlessly transform between states. It takes much of the guesswork out of transforming, streamlining the process and making it effortless, forcing you to shift and taking away your ability to choose with a click of a button.

Bruce, being the overprotective father figure that he wishes to be, would be disheartened with the limitations placed on him. He’d long to take you to the grocery store, show you off to his co-workers, or even simply take walks around the park in his neighborhood. However, the others would be quick to point out that your canine form might attract unwanted public attention, and the less people knew about your existence, the better it would be for everyone’s security.

Like, What the fuck do you mean he can’t take his purebred puppy inside this fine dining establishment?? He’s a billionaire. Make the exception before he has your whole restaurant shut down and each of your employees knee-deep in debt by the end of the day.

Link to official chapter

Like to previous cat reader

I’m so tired… really hope you liked this, anon.