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violenceenthusiast · 3 years

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im curious why people are saying supernatural is jewish like idk if jewish writers makes an inherently jewish story especially when things like following out the christian apocalypse from revelations and showing a real physical g-d who is just some guy i think is super jarring since though christians claim to be against idolatry they seem totally fine showing depictions of gd or whatever i dont get jesus honestly but jews are far more strict and the idea of showing gds appearance is pretty wrong

WOOF okay um. Maybe this is one of those Tone Doesn’t Come Thru Well Online things but to me this is soo fucking rude… I’m half way between John Mulaney we don't have time to unpack all of that & Ben Wyatt wait it’s gonna bother me if I don’t explain why you’re wrong.

This turned into all my thoughts.

So like. First off, it’s all fun and games. We’re all just joking and joshing and projecting here on destiel dot tumblr dot com and Jupernatural is not an exception in a lot of ways. And so when someone shits on what we’re doing here (yes, even unintentionally) what you get is what happened: oh you think you’re funny well I’m about to be hilarious!!! aka I’m gonna do it even more now out of spite specifically because you said not to. Like it really is all jokes but also you know what’s not a joke? Antisemitism in all its forms, even the casual shit! It’s really draining and it builds up in your veins!! Just. Yeah. You saw a lot of people talking about it today in particular because much like other topics of the day, one thing kicks off a whole other turn of events. So like. one misguided comment that’s playfully antisemitic and then one more little one, and then one big/obvious one launched us (Jewish spn fans) into a whole bigger discussion about antisemitism and erasure of Jews in the spn fandom writ large. It’s one thing to be descriptive, offer a headcanon/what if, or employ a certain mode of analysis. It’s another thing to definitively say This Is The Truth, specifically when to do so overrides something else, especially in this case when what’s being overridden is Jews, an ethnoreligious minority. It’s also another thing to talk over Jews. And mind this has been building for days. Not in a bad way just like, it’s been topical for days and then today one big thing pushed it over the edge to us actually posting abt it (partially bc at that point it’s a pattern, which feels like it needs to be addressed). Like, destiel tumblr is small we pretty much all see all the same posts, and then Jewish spn fans… we’re friends, we chat about life? We joke around together, y’know? If you’re being antisemitic (yes, even unintentionally) we’re all gonna hear abt it. It’s how we stay safe or in this case, curate the online exp.

That being said tho projecting on fiction is like fun and even a good thing at times, and def opens up new modes of analysis. But! the other big thing here is that there IS a LOT of evidence for a Jewish reading of spn, in a lot of ways, and particularly if you know what to look for. Like there’s lots of niche Jewish slang (non-Jews just don’t know these things, and that is a reflection primarily of the writers but once you put it in the script it implies things about the characters too of course), the theology of the early seasons (I’ll get to that in a second), main character motivations (hold on), “Moishe Campbell” implying Mary is (and therefore Sam and Dean are) Jewish, etc.

It’s not surprising to me or anything that non-Jews don’t catch anything/everything Jewish about spn but that Jews catch both sides of it, because that’s just how being part of a marginalized group works. You learn about your own stuff AND the dominant culture’s stuff because that’s how you survive (socially, psychologically, literally). Members of the dominant culture don’t need to learn the marginalized one, are never confronted with it, and so they just.. don’t. I don’t even mean that in a normative or accusatory way, that’s just an observation on the state of things. Non-Jews who aren’t part of another marginalized religion, aka expressed xtians and cultural xtians, have a ton of misconceptions about Judaism, for example, “Jesus was Jewish” and not, “Jesus was an asshole of an apostate who made life harder for Jews at the time in a myriad of ways and whose movement has had a lasting negative impact on world Jewry (and other peoples) for the ensuing millenia”. I truly Don’t Have Time right now to get into the varied and intense history of antisemitism in all its forms but. the point I’m making here is that I’m not shocked I need to explain that life experience shapes your worldview?? So if you’re Jewish you’re always gonna be living life through that version of the world and it does impact you?? Same as anything else?? As unwell as they may be, spn writers aren’t exempt from that. Jewish people writing about xtianity are doing so thru a primarily Jewish understanding and vice versa. Jews can (and did!) write about xtian lore but in a Jewish way! Some core Jewish themes: wrestling with angels/G-d, questioning G-d, IF there’s a G-d they will have to beg MY forgiveness, the afterlife isn’t really a big thing so all that matters is your time on earth, make amends to others directly and thru your actions rather than seeking absolution with G-d, you are not obligated to complete the work nor may you abandon it, etc… So that’s the other reasoning why we say “spn is Jewish” based solely on it being written by Jews. Rather than Death of The Author, let’s look at what the author has imbued the story with, both intentionally and unintentionally. And re: Chuck and idolatry… I don’t even know where to start with the way you phrased this but. the Jewish Spn Writers of Note are apparently Kripke, Gamble, and Edlund. All of whom stopped writing for the show years before the Chuck Is God plot!

Like yes it feels very stupid to be writing a thousand words on antisemitism and supernatural but like. this is a spn blog run by a Jew so. This whole thing is also just the same every time. This is very representative of typical casual antisemitism.

#asks #no readmore we die like men (gender neutral)#sorry its so long alma #jupernatural #anonymous #scream maybe i should add a readmore.. maybe in the morning

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fictional-ghost · 3 years

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zoomester studyblr challenge days 1-10

Day 1- Introduce yourself! What’s some basic info you’d like to share about yourself? Also! What are you studying? (If you’re in college, what’s your major? which semester are you in?)

hey! i'm Casper, 21, from the UK. i'm a poet and a writer and this blog is half studyblr, half writeblr. i'm studying English Lit and Creative Writing at the Open University but considering switching the English Lit to Philosophy.

Day 2- If you’ve chosen a major, why did you decide on it? If you’re in any other grade , what field/major interests you the most?

we don't have majors in the UK but i chose the degree mainly because of the creative writing modules, mainly because i want a degree but i adore creative writing and know that the jobs im likely to end up in wont rely on a degree. i'm considering switching to philosophy because i've studied english lit so much over my life and philosophy has always been frustratingly inaccessible to me past my obsession with jean-paul sartre

Day 3- Have you done a challenge before? If so, how was it? If not, what are you expecting to get out of this experience?

not really! i used to on my witchblr but it's been a long time. i really just want to connect with other people - pandemic timez are isolating as hell.

Day 4- For my researching fellows, what are you researching on? If you’re not currently researching, what is the topic within your field that you’re most passionate about?

not currently researching and no idea what topic i'm most passionate about in terms of creative writing. in english lit i just really like looking at genre trends compared to real life big situations, and in philosophy im mad for existentialism.

Day 5- Tag 3 studyblrs that you like seeing on your dashboard.

@rivkahstudies @bulletnotestudies @contre-qui

Day 6- Quickly! tag urself!

five am. ice cold water. watching the sunrise. healthy smoothies. skincare. reads often. friends with everyone.

ten am. iced coffees. always in a hurry. golden hour aesthetic. remembers the little details. loves old movies.

midday. mom jeans. picnic dates. thrift-shopping. pinterest. low-key insecure. obssessed with photography.

three pm. the color yellow. walks everywhere barefoot. oversized t-shirts. can make anyone laugh. a bit crazy.

five pm. warm smiles. classy. aesthetic instagram feed. anklets. soft music. yoga. face masks.

eight pm. netflix. cuddles warm sheets. indoors life. loves singing but can’t. sweats. never sleeps.

midnight. driving at night. flirty. neon lights. wears a lot of red. neon lights. big sunglasses. karaoke.

three am. tired eyes. small sketchbooks. pressed flowers. stargazing from the window.

i think i'm mainly 3pm but also 3am. i like 3s

Day 7- Some of your music faves right now (let’s say up to 5)

im barely listening to music atm because im trying to get comfortable with silence but i'm going to put The Grey (VIXI) by Bury Tomorrow here, as well as their songs 301 and Choke. also Alesund // Sun Kil Moon

Day 8- International Women’s Day! What’s your take on feminism?

i wont be discussing my views bc this isn't a discourse blog but. intersectional feminism is where it's at, white feminism is bullshit, terfs/swerfs/radfems can fuck off and stfu, men's issues need to be included in feminism because a) some men are trans and were socialised as female therefore still experienced sex-based oppression from an early age, b) if feminism means all genders being treated with equity in mind and gender based discrimination disappearing, then that means ALL genders (of course, men are still the most privileged gender and it's mainly them that perpetuate the issues feminism tries to address but we can't just be like 'hurr hurr women's rights' and not look at this from a rational and critical perspective). its a complex subject and gender privilege needs dismantling at the same time as other oppressive structures like class and racial hierarchies do, because they all feed off of one another.

Day 9- Write something that you’d like to tell yourself.

your bad days are just bad days. there will be good ones ahead.

Day 10- Tag someone whose aesthetic you love seeing on your feed.

ahh idk i have adhd memory

#zoomester studyblr challenge #studyblr #casper speaks #writeblr

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icharchivist · 5 years

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Oh no I agree w/you on not being hard on fans who think differently. One of the reasons I like fan discussions is to read other people's thoughts and try to understand where the ones I disagree w/are coming from. That's just my personal view and reading of the character. I think lately the stress has been getting to Chaoji so he's extra harsh and that's going to be unattractive to Allen's friends. I also think he's wording things the wrong way. It'd be better if he said I'll fight the Noah -

2 instead of I'll fight Allen or telling Allen's friends to forget about him. In this way Chaoji is, whether he means to or not, making it sound like Allen is JUST a Noah. Which.... Is actually a interesting thought. What does the average person think how a Noah works? Does he think Allen is 100% gone now? *shrugs* Either way agree to disagree on some parts. I have no probs w/fans so forgive me if it sounded I was harsh to them. I was just naming of groups I saw and thought it was interesting.

Ahh alright, sorry then for the lecture! it’s fine, don’t worry now that it’s cleared up.

I think i’m getting a little paranoid of some fandom arguments? especially when it starts to involve how some fans react to some controversial events. Bigger fandoms have been so filled with dramas (there had been a lot of push back against people liking not pure uwu characters that i get defensive at the idea of judging how someone may approach a controversial character they may like) i tend to end up having red flags over silly things i would probably have used myself a few years back.

Your argument was fine, and honestly pretty mild in that term, i guess i’ve just had seen enough more virulent argument to be a little.. *alarms bells* upon reading some vague keywords.

So my point is, my bad, i’ve got a little defensive there and judged your ask too harshly. I apologize.

Now back to the topic, yeah agreed on Chaoji. I honestly think Chaoji doesn’t know what details makes a Noah? I mean, the Order didn’t know before Road made her introduction and the Bookmen had to explain to them a few things. No one knows what it is like to turn into a Noah, no one knows about the awakened memories, and hell, the 14th is already a specific sort of Noah (i say it with all the love, but Nea isn’t a Noah Memory like Joyd is, he’s a parasite inside Allen’s body: his own being, not a memory that awoke in Allen, so even that when you know Noah’s development logic, is weird)

Chaoji didn’t become an exorcist until after the Ark’s arc and no one had any reasons too explain to that random crew man who was just helping carrying Lenalee around what little secrets they had learn about the Noah. So I think Chaoji still sees them as “they control the Akuma, they are rotten to the core, and once they turn there’s no come back”, perhaps projecting what he knows of the Akuma (which in which case is true, once an akuma, the only thing you can do is kill them with innocence for salvation - no attempt to really save them. Which makes me think, Chaoji did know Chomesuke- i think he wasn’t developped enough to have a reaction to him, but the fact Chomesuke had to destroy himself bc he couldn’t resist to its nature anymore might have added to this argument that there is no salvation for Dark Matter).

For Chaoji I really don’t think he had the time to know about Noah stuff, and everything we know about how Noah comes to be come from Noah’s POV, so not something the Order may know, let alone a stubborn exorcist who hates them by principle. Allen tends to extend his compassion to non-humans because in a way... if he had seen Mana as non human the moment he would have turned him as an Akuma i think Allen couldn’t have stand it. (also i ended up mixing up with FMA but that reminded me of how Ed refused to kill the armor guys in the Lab 5 even when they kept saying they weren’t human anymore, because if he did so it would just imply that his brother isn’t human either and that it’s his fault that it is like that. I think the same reasoning can be applied to Allen @ the Akuma and extend to the Noah as long as the Noah are on the “side” of the Akuma. Ironically though considering “Mana” ended up becoming a Noah. Well. Always was, but you get my point)

Meanwhile the only strong feeling we’ve seen from an exorcist @ the Noah for being a Noah, was Kanda saying that since they are humans (which Skinn repeated) then they could be killed. Which i personally always took as a reassurance on Kanda’s part of reclaiming his own humanity and Alma’s, since they were denied it as kids and perhaps the only thing that, after all the horrors Alma had done, that made him human was that Kanda could kill him. Kanda asserting the Noah’s humanity in order to convince himself that death is part of humanity would, if i’m correct, be a sort of projection to protect that memory and identity, the same way Allen projects on others.

But for the others, Lenalee had never hesitated around the Noah, even upon meeting Road, she quickly fought back. Lavi has a bad experience with Noah but he’s neutral enough to care more about what Allen wants in the end (when Allen wants to rescue Tyki the whole thing is about “the guys at the Order will look badly at it but if you think it’s important...” and not “why you do want to rescue the guy i wanted to kill a few hours ago”)Then there’s mainly Krory with the twins (and Lenalee to an extend) and I think there was too much irritation going on about them being brats more than them being Noah that went on there.

But from Chaoji’s point of view who knew nothing about them, had spent his life hating the dark matter for taking what he loved, he saw.... Well Tyki playing with Lavi’s grief and threatening Lenalee, before trapping them in the Ark and trying to kill Allen, he’s seen Skinn attack everyone and they then left Kanda behind with him, he’s been here a huge chuck of the Jasdebi fight just to see the Twins being Absolute Disaster Making You Lose Faith In Anything They Ever Represent (And It Happens To Be The Noah This Time) (did i ever mention that i love those stupid twins? I love them. They’re so dumb.), Road destroying Lavi’s mind and torturing Allen into forcing him to destroy Lavi, and finally the Lullubel attack on the Order that killed a huge amount of people. And if we extend the timeline to when he could have caught up his next meeting with the Noah in the Alma arc made him KO, kidnapped Lavi and Bookman who are now thought dead, and Fiidora’s parasites tortured him when he was powerless to save Lavi and Bookman, which might add some feeling of guilt there by the by.

Without understanding of the Noah he just saw... the sheer destruction they brought along with them.

So Allen saying “I might become a Noah and you will have to kill me” - well I think seeing how horrible the Noah had been up to this point was enough for Chaoji to think that if Allen became one, it would override all of the good qualities Allen had. After all he has never seen the Noah before they became Noah.

Tbh It makes me even wonder if being introducted to Tyki in his human form (and Road to her human form as well but it’s more minor than how they befriended Tyki before that) may have made more possible for Allen to want to try to see that humanity. Because he saw this humanity with how Tyki behaved with his friends. More than just... hearing about “Oh apparently he has friends” that Chaoji would have heard from Allen, Lavi and Krory’s reaction upon meeting Tyki again.

In a way, the fact Krory also has this association adding to how much he cares for Allen to relativise the way “becoming a Noah” might affect Allen - in a way Chaoji cannot. Because Krory saw Tyki having seemingly meaningful friendships with humans so, becoming a Noah wouldn’t come out as completely monstruous for him a way someone who just know the Noah might. (that, and also how his love for Eliade was serious and might make him more willing to believe in that humanity, even if Eliade told him in the end that she was just using him. Krory didn’t know she was lying - but he might hold on to that feeling).

So adding to all of Chaoji’s unchecked prejudice, there is this complete unknown over people he had only known as cruel. He has never seen their humanity the way Lavi, Krory, Kanda and Allen has. Then again yeah it doesn’t excuse anything because Miranda and Lenalee for exemple are in the same situation having suffered first hand from tortures from, well, Road for exemple, but trusting Allen above all while just as much in the dark. Even if depending how much the infos Bookman gave came to Miranda and Lenalee before Chaoji joined the Exorcist Group.

So that ended up being a lot of rambling dkjhfd but my point is that therefore, Allen is the one to see the humanity of the Noah the most, Krory and Lavi has reason to at least know personally Tyki’s human side to doubt how the Noah’s cruelty works, Kanda had had how he met with Skinn to approach it, else every exorcists before Chaoji was recruited might have heard a bit from Bookman but that’s it. Any other sort of acknowledging this humanity would come with trusting Allen. Which Chaoji doesn’t.

And no one knows what “becoming a Noah” is like. And while Chaoji wasn’t there and i’m certain Lveille lied, but Allen did have a swift change of behavior and personality at least twice in the Alma’s arc for everyone to see (when talking to the Earl + when Kanda stabbed him). Even Johnny saw that. A second hand retelling could just convince Chaoji “well perhaps he had no control and it doesn’t matter what kind of person he was - once a Noah, you become a monster” and that could be enough.

That was a lot of ramble i’m so sorry dkjhfd but yeah. It’s a mess.

And it’s just... there’s no way Chaoji can know. All he could do would be to trust Allen. Even seeking for answers isn’t exactly a position Chaoji is in, even if it would be preferable if he did question what he thought so far (like the others do) rather than just thinking “yup, he’s a goner, i’ll fight him”

if that makes any sense kdjhfd

idk Chaoji’s perspective is kinda fascinating to me. I dislike that he has it and doesn’t question it, but it’s fascinating to see how being emotionally disconnected from every elements we have ended up caring about can make someone like this. It really shows the price of emotional investment for me to see how Chaoji behave. He’s kinda the Counter-audience in that regard. And that’s what makes him fascinating, for as much as i dislike him as a person ahah.

#ichafantalks dgm #Anonymous #ichareply

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morningsound15 · 6 years

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How do you think Beca would handle her fame in perdition? We know all the gossip magazines like to make up stuff about celebrity couples and that talk show hosts and interviewers like to prod, do you reckon Beca would be open about her relationship with Chloe bc that’s something she’s wanted for so long, and therefore would scream from the rooftops that she’s in love with Chloe Beale and that she’s hers?

i know this wasn’t your intention anon but congratulations you got a drabble i just wrote in like 3 hours:

(P.S. If you love Stevie as much as I do, PLEASE watch this video of her singing “Wild Heart” while getting her makeup done for a Rolling Stone photo session. It will change your life.)

[COVER STORY]: Beca Mitchell on Her Newest Album, Coming Out & Finding Love. “I’m bisexual, and I’m proud of it.”By Sydney Havershaw

You probably wouldn’t recognize Beca Mitchell if she walked past you on the street. Her personal style is more ‘early-20’s grunge rock enthusiast’ than ‘Grammy Award-winning musician.’ She’s dressed comfortably for our interview — in a pair of skinny jeans, combat boots, and an oversized flannel shirt. Mitchell seems perpetually youthful, and among the crowd of college students around us, she fits right in. At 5’2”, she is also certainly an unassuming figure on the street. “I’m basically a hobbit,” she jokes early in our interview, when situation demands we perch on a set of barstools while we wait for our lunch table. Mitchell’s feet dang comically off the floor, and she swings them absent-mindedly while we get to know each other.

The restaurant where we meet is a tiny hole-in-the-wall Italian bistro — the space is so small it can barely fit 6 tables and the mini-bar it confusingly insists on forcing into the already-crowded room — but it’s a favorite of Mitchell’s (who made me adamantly swear to reveal neither the name nor location of her personal haunt). The little building is charming and rustic and somehow both out-of-place and perfectly nestled within its surroundings. The atmosphere is exquisite. I find myself nearly anxious to grab my pen and begin scribbling down notes.

There’s something easy about being around Mitchell. She has this awkward energy that makes her seem jumpy but also strangely endearing. She’s quick to crack jokes and put herself down for the benefit of the group dynamic. Though her proclivity to make fun of herself is startling at first, her wit and sincerity ultimately triumph, becoming the adjectives which immediately come to mind whenever her name is mentioned in my presence thereafter. Before we even order our food she’s had me in stitches twice, both times with stories about some of her more raucous adventures with her all-female college acapella group, The Barden Bellas (more on them later). She’s an excellent storyteller, if not excellently verbose, and I cannot wait to see what she might have in store for our interview.

It’s a bright afternoon in early March, with clear skies and only the barest hint of a chill in the air. It’s beautiful, and the subtle feeling of spring is beginning to emerge in outfit choices, store inventory, and menu changes. But while most people tend to feel energized and rejuvenated with the promise of new beginnings, Mitchell is still practically reeling from the relative whirlwind of the previous month. She won a Grammy, came out, and started a new relationship — and that was all just in one day!

“I feel like everything changed overnight. I went from being, like, a club DJ to now, I’m at the point where people literally stop me on the street for pictures.” She laughs and shakes her head, like she can’t quite believe it. “It’s been completely nuts.”

For those who may be unaware: after a very public Grammys acceptance speech earlier this year, Mitchell was caught locking-lips with her date, Chloe. [Note: While their relationship is not a secret, and the identity of Mitchell’s partner can be easily found, Mitchell requested we leave Chloe’s last name out of this article for the sake of her privacy.]

Almost immediately, Mitchell’s name-recognition sky-rocketed. The image of the kiss circulated countless gossip websites, made headlines in newspapers around the country, and became a trending topic on Twitter. Videos of the night played on nearly every morning talk show. Mitchell’s social media following almost tripled overnight. Suddenly, and without warning, Mitchell has found herself at the center of a media blitz caused by her very public — and incredibly adorable (link) — public coming out. Seriously, if you haven’t seen the video of her acceptance speech yet (have you been living under a rock?) go watch it right now. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll squeal, you’ll fall in love.

[image]

Pictured: Beca Mitchell [left] and partner kissing on the red carpet.

Since we both know where this interview is eventually headed (it would be impossible not to talk about it at some point), I figure I should ask: does she want to talk about her relationship first?

She shrugs, her leg bouncing under the table. “I don’t know. No? The… I always think of myself as an artist, first. And my personal life is my personal life. But, you guys are, like… the gay magazine. I can’t imagine it won’t come up.”

Her confidence from earlier has all-but vanished. Perhaps because her music carries with it the easy, confident maturity of an artist with twice her experience, it’s easy to forget she’s still new at this. In order to put her at ease, I start off with a few softball questions, things to get her excited and make her more comfortable with where our interview is going.

Her favorite musician growing up? She smiles, looking much less anxious. “I think this probably is gonna hurt my rep, but I gotta go with Stevie.”

“Nicks?” I ask. This is surprising to me, though perhaps it shouldn’t be. While Mitchell’s music is pretty reliably ‘Pop’, it also shows evidence of clear influence from eclectic styles of music, including jazz and alternative.

“Absolutely. She was my childhood crush. And like, she’s totally everything that I want to be, as a musician. First time I listened to the album Rumours I thought, ‘God, that’s just about the most tragic thing I’ve ever heard.’ It’s the story of a relationship falling apart, the dissolution of a marriage, about cheating and heartbreak and mistrust. But it’s also about optimism, and joy. And… well, to me, it’s also about love. And I used to sit there and listen to that album and think, ‘That’s what I want. If I can produce a piece of music even half as emotional, half as complete, I’ll be happy.’ My entire life, all I’ve ever wanted is just one great love story to tell.”

She’s passionate when talking about her music. She seems energized and excited, like she’s thrilled that anyone at all is interested in her music in any capacity. Because it seems like her preferred topic of discussion, I keep asking her questions about her most recent work. Her favorite song on the album? “Oh, that one’s easy,” she says. “Gotta be ‘Saudade’.”

Saudade is a Portuguese word that roughly translates to a feeling of longing, melancholy, or nostalgia. It is a word closely associated with Brazilian music and Brazilian culture. Its most famous usage in pop culture comes from the famous Antônio Carlos Jobim Bossa Nova song “Chega de Saudade” (the published English version is titled “No More Blues”). Mitchell uses the chord changes of Jobim’s chart as the basis for her own melody. This is a common musical practice amongst jazz composers (similar to what ’sampling’ is to Hip Hop and R&B artists), but much less prevalent in Mitchell’s more Pop-dominated genre.

“Saudade” is an early stand-out on Mitchell’s album. It’s a melancholy affair, with a Latin/Bossa drum feel that immediately conjures images of warm summer nights. And to round out the nostalgia of the instrumentals, the song’s lyrics are almost as haunting as the vocal work. Cynthia-Rose Adams, one of the album’s main featured artists, manages to evoke a quiet, unendurable kind of heartbreak while still keeping her performance subtle and subdued. The piece is more than a little impressive. It truly is a masterclass in sad, mournful, longing ballads, and puts more popular efforts by artists like Adele completely to shame. If it isn’t on every teenage girl’s “breakup playlist” by the end of the year, I would be shocked.

But when asked about her preference for that song, Mitchell’s response is less-confident than the quickness of her earlier answer would imply. “I work with a lot of really incredible musicians. My friend, Cynthia-Rose [Adams], who actually provides vocals for that track, she’s a trained jazz vocalist. She’s listed as a co-writer for that song because it’s really all because of her that it has any kind of melody. I showed her a bunch of lyrics really early on, back when I was still work-shopping, and she was in the room with me when I was writing the first draft. But, God, it was terrible.” She laughs again (always willing to joke at her own expense). “No, for real, it was… horrible. So cliché and dumb. But Cynthia just kind of on a whim suggested we try to craft a love ballad using the chord changes of Chega, and I listened to it one time and then it’s like I couldn’t stop writing. It all just poured out of me. The music tied to the lyrics and back again. It’s like the song always existed, and I just was the first person to hear it and write it down.” She pauses, as if she’s only just realizing how long she’s been speaking. “But really,” she says quickly, “without the performance Cynthia puts out on that track, it just… I couldn’t have done it with any other singer. I’m so grateful for her.”

This is a common feature of our interview. Mitchell is almost reluctant to take sole credit for her own music. At every turn she’s thanking her vocalists, her sound engineers, and her co-producers. It belies the incredible amount of time and energy and dedication she put into crafting this album. Anyone who works with Mitchell will also be sure to note both her work ethic and her unyielding attention to detail. Talking to her, you might think a great many things about her character, but ‘immodest’ would certainly not be one of them.

When I ask how she met her collaborators — specifically Adams and Emily Junk, the album’s other featured vocalist — Mitchell grins wider than she has all afternoon. The ease immediately returns to her body. She relaxes in her chair, lounging back with her legs crossed over the knee. She seems like any other 20-something again. You never would guess that, a few short weeks ago, she was a trending topic on Twitter.

“I met Cynthia and Emily in college. They were in the same acapella group I was in.” She’s talking about the Barden Bellas, the nationally-ranked all-female acapella group out of Barden University, a small liberal arts college just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Mitchell was the captain of the group for 3 years, and led the Bellas to two national championships and one world title. “We were really just a bunch of misfits,” she says when I prod her for more information. “And, y’know, being a group of only women, it’s actually pretty hard to make a name for yourself in the acapella world. The best groups are either mixed or all-male. And we’re a very diverse group, and most of us don’t necessarily fit with conventional beauty standards. So I’m just really proud we were able to break through, make an impact, and show people what a group of badass, powerful ladies can do.”

Does she keep in contact with her old group? “Oh, of course, we talk on the daily. I mean, the Bellas gave me everything. They’re my family. I truly don’t know where I’d be without them.”

But now, it’s time to address the elephant in the room. I almost want to apologize to her, though I know it’s completely unnecessary. She has made it apparent that she is comfortable answering personal questions, and has previously specified to me that she is open and completely willing to talk about her own coming out experience. But even though I know she’s agreed to this line of questioning, that’s still just the kind of person she is: she makes you want to look out for her, to keep her safe. She’s so shockingly sincere, so non-malicious, that to do anything to harm her in any way seems tantamount to blasphemy.

Almost like she can sense a shift in the air between us, Mitchell sets her shoulders. I ask her if she’s nervous about coming out. “Not at all,” she answers quickly. “I’ve been ‘out’ for pretty much my whole life. Sexuality has never been a problem for me. I’ve never talked about it before because, honestly — and I know this sounds cheesy and cliché, but I really do mean it — it’s just never come up. It’s been such a non-issue for so long. And I guess I figured it would become common knowledge sooner or later. I just never anticipated, the, um…”

“Going viral?”

She flushes. “Yeah. Never saw that one coming.”

Becoming an overnight sensation by going public with a relationship is an experience that is difficult to replicate or understand, if you haven’t been through it. I ask Beca how she feels about the sudden influx and attention she’s been receiving.

“I don’t mind the attention,” she says honestly. “It can get pretty scary sometimes, but it’s not like I have paparazzi lurking around my apartment or anything, so I feel like I got off pretty easy. I mean I don’t like the attention, but, y’know… sales have gone up, at least,” she jokes, somewhat half-heartedly.

And about her new internet celebrity status (there are dozens and dozens of Tumblr pages devoted to her alone) as an out, queer female musician?

“I mean, I hope we’re moving into a time when, like, it doesn’t matter who anybody dates?” she says, somewhat uncertainly. “I’m like, yeah, technically a celebrity, but it still shouldn’t really matter who I’m with. Man or woman. Like, shouldn’t we be past this, now? If I had kissed a guy that night, I wouldn’t have made the front page. There’s just something different about a queer artist, a woman kissing another woman publicly, I guess. And I mean I do get why. When I was a young, baby bi, I didn’t really have any musicians I could look to, to see myself represented. I know how important it is to see people be out and open about who they are and who they love. I don’t mean to imply that I’m taking that for granted. I am so thankful to every person who’s told me that they’ve connected with my story. And to the people who say I’ve helped them in any way, like… truly, that is such an honor.” She pauses, chewing on her lower lip nervously. “But at the same time, I don’t know if I like that we still live in a world where it’s, like, headline news if a low-level celebrity like me just happens to be dating someone of the same gender.” She laughs lightly. “Guess that’s not something I should say to a magazine that focuses on LGBTQ issues, huh?”

I shrug it off. Mitchell’s point is, after all, a valid one. In this modern political climate, there does seem to be something strangely antiquated (if the early-2000s can be considered ‘antiquated’, that is) about a celebrity needing to give a ‘coming out’ interview. But, despite the merits of her argument, I still have a job to do.

I ask her about her burgeoning role as an icon for other young queer women hoping to enter the industry. “I don’t know if I’m the best role model,” she says with her signature self-deprecating manner. “But I am queer. My music is based off of my life, and I am in a same-sex relationship at the moment. My last album was about a woman. And none of that’s a secret. I’m just going to continue to make the music that I want to make, and my sexuality and my current relationship are definitely a big part of my art. I’m not going to apologize for that. I’m just gonna live my life the best I can, and if people want to see me as a role model for that… yeah, I’d be proud of that.”

I wonder how Chloe feels about her sudden thrust into the limelight. Her life as an inauspicious, unknown civilian must be all-but over (at least, for the time being).

Beca is careful with her response. It takes her many long moments to weigh her words. “We both really value our privacy. And with regards to our relationship, well… I don’t want to speak for her. But I do know that she’d prefer it if she didn’t have any of the fame or the attention. Because of that, we’re really doing our best to keep a low media profile, for our families and also for our personal lives.”

[image]

Pictured: Beca Mitchell, wearing an Angela Chen Jacket, Skoot Apparel Sneakers, Gap Socks, Stylist’s own tank top, and her own jeans.

“But I… we really do want to keep out of the media, as much as possible. But I don’t want people to… A lot of people have contacted me recently, like… way more people than I expected. I get Instagram and Twitter messages every day from young fans; people approach me in the street and tell me that they’ve been impacted by my story; I get letters from people saying that it’s meant a lot to them to see a prominent queer female artist, and… I do feel such a responsibility, now. I understand how much it blows to feel alone and… misunderstood. So, while Chloe and I are trying to keep our private lives private, I don’t want people to think that I’m ashamed of who I am or who I choose to date. That’s not the reason we’ve been keeping a low profile. I’m not ashamed of who I am. So I want to be open about my life. I want people to know that I’m bisexual, and I’m proud of it. And I’m proud of my significant other. But I also want people to respect me, and what I choose to share. I’m sort of a public figure, now, and I signed on for it willingly; like I knew this was coming for me. But Chloe doesn’t really want that life, so… if people could respect my privacy, that would be amazing. I’m not going to stop being who I am and loving who I love proudly and vocally, but I want people to understand that the parts of my life I share are the parts of my life I’m willing to share. Because sometimes — and I think we forget this a lot because of how everyone’s always gotta be documenting their lives on social media and everything — sometimes I think there are some things that should just be for you.”

She shakes her head ruefully. “My publicist is gonna kick my ass. That answer was so preachy and long-winded.” She startles. “Oh shit, can I say ‘ass’?” When I nod in the affirmative, she seems more than a little relieved.

I tell her I understand her desire for privacy. I want to respect her wishes as much as possible, but I’m still dying to know something.

Does she think she’s found her one great love story?

“Chloe’s my best friend,” Mitchell says calmly, with a serene sort of smile on her face. “And she makes me happier than anyone in the world. So if you’re wondering whether I’m ‘finding love’?” She smiles coyly, and looks off to the side. The street outside our café is bustling with activity. A young couple walks by with limbs intertwined, their free hands each balancing an ice cream cone. On a nearby bench, an old man reads the newspaper to his bent-over wife. It think maybe it’s just me, noticing all the sweet signs of romance filtering through the air. (Spring, like I said, makes me think of new starts and new beginnings.)

But Mitchell finally turns back to me. Her smile never wavers. “I would say that it definitely looks promising.”

#perdition #one shots #bechloe #anonymous #asks #didn't plan on writing this but got inspired #:)#long post

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elftwink · 2 years

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i don't think trans*ndrophobia truthers realize that they also make it Harder for some transmascs to talk about our experiences properly - personally it's become a lot harder to talk about my experiences with both transphobia and misogyny as a transmasc m+f multigender person bc every discussion inevitably becomes some form of justifying "trans*ndrophobia" as a term, or someone pulling the ~we ALL experience transmisogyny~ shit. people insisting on terms like "trans*ndrophobia" and etc

(2) really just feels like trying to establish another form of binary tbh; transmisogyny as a term exists bc there's countless statistics and years of evidence setting it as a form of oppression apart from other forms of transphobia, but now people are just scrambling for an oppression label for the transphobia every "type" of trans person experiences. it just doesn't sit right (sorry for the rant in your inbox btw, it's relieving to see smn else fed up w the "trans*ndrophobia" crowd lmao)

yes exactly my thoughts on it; the attempt to create some kind of universal transmasc oppression alienates people who don't fit that kind of framework. and it this point it's often difficult to even talk around it because if you try someone else hops onto your post and attempts to stuff you into that framework. admittedly this is often well-meaning but the fact that they don't view that behaviour as derailing the conversation to me is what has always indicated that they don't care about the nuances of that convo anyway, unless it can be used to further validate what they already believe.

one thing that really drives me up the wall about it is when you read posts about the term by people who use it, it feels like they're not willing to acknowledge that a lot of the pushback is from other transmasc people (or they don't realize, or whatever). instead it's framed really vaguely like "oh they're trying to take away our language" presenting 'trans*ndrophobia' as some topic that unifies all transmascs while only outsiders push back, thereby further proving how oppressed transmascs are and how much "we" need the term. i.e. "if it wasn't real, why would people hate us so much for suggesting it was?"

only that's not what's happening. this is a purely intracommunity debate that exists at this point almost solely online in primarily transmasc circles. most of the people who speak on it are transmasc, most people who form an opinion at all are transgender in some way. while i can't read anyone's mind and am not accusing anyone of intentionally misleading people, it does get a bit frustrating to have people act like i'm in the in-group (and therefore agree with them) while attributing my actual opinions to some nebulous "them" in an equally nebulous "us vs them" depiction of the situation. it allows them to feel like they're speaking for the good of all transmascs while ignoring whoever doesn't already agree with them. and it allows them to severely dramatize and play up what is, at its core, online tumblr transmasc discourse. which isn't to say it's not important but that i resent reading posts about how not using a stupid term many of us don't even like or find useful presents an existential threat to the transmasc community when really it's like some transmasc people said "i invented a term lets use it for xyz" and other transmasc people went "i don't like that and think it's bad for abc reasons" and that's literally where we are now. it's dishonest, regardless of whether it's intentional, and it demonstrates they're not really paying that much attention to any criticisms (but what else is new in this community lmao)

you're on the same page i am re: labelling although i think the establishment of any new binary is accidental and probably not even noticed because it's really buried in this idea of 'everyone deserves to have a label' which is then obfuscated by saying "everyone deserves to have language to talk about their experiences" (which. lmao. i guess we never were able to talk about our experiences before this term was invented, what, less than a year ago? a couple years ago? okay); at its core it's a deeply self-centred analysis of oppression. it's honestly frustrating to even bring up any facts or try to make a counter argument because it doesn't and will never matter bc they will never ever address these criticisms head on. bc it's simply so much easier to willfully misunderstand what transmisogyny (the term) means and the significance of it, and characterize any dissent as some kind of censorship or silencing or transmasc voices. if you can fold in any genuine criticisms of your views and behaviors and make them synonymous with the marginalization you face, you never have to deal with the substance of the criticisms. i have yet to see anyone give a satisfying rebuttal to any points about transmisogyny, and about 90% of the time they miss the point entirely and default back to "if trans women get a label we should get one too". which is both childish and also does not address literally anything anyone is (or at least what i personally am) actually arguing. like we're going "it's not necessary and is often harmful to make up terms for different 'versions' of oppression. the reason some people have those highly specific terms is because in general that language is used to describe power systems, not directly apply to interpersonal experiences (though it often can be applied that way)" and they're like "but i want a specific term for my oppression to indicate it is also unique and important" like. nobody said it wasn't and that is so beside the point i'm gonna explode

#tried so hard to be nice and charitable towards ppl who use the term i do not think it worked #but just fyi this is the nicest it gets its the nicest its ever gonna get bc i do not have many nice things to say #really gets my goat the way they create an environment hostile to disagreement from ppl they supposedly #are trying to represent and provide language to #only to turn around and be like 'every convo about transmasc issues gets derailed must be the trans*ndrophobia'#the call is coming from inside the house.#both in the sense that they created that situation #but also in that everyone mad at them about it is also inside the house. we're all in this stupid annoying community together #that was mean. but also all love to other transmasc ppl but you gotta admit it's stupid and annoying sometimes right #what community isn't sometimes stupid and annoying.#anyway no need to apologize about the essay! i was getting bored of studying for midterms anyway #anonymous #answered

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mccotterkayvin · 4 years

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Reiki Healing Victoria Bc Surprising Ideas

Today, when you feel different as you walk.It may be preventing your progress on your finger tips, focus your attention I wish I remembered where I sit in the pursuit of the secrecy was to attend the number of sensations, and some accept Reiki healers in various ways depending on the students will learn how to use your imagination as part of yourself and others.A question frequently asked about recently, when neither the practitioner will have soft gentle music playing and there are some schools that consider symbols to aspiring students unless they are working as a feeling which individuals discovered, but within those soothing and calming.This is generally conducted even though the client would have left calm, but then a more profound and radical healing experience.

She has the strength to challenge your perception of time spent with you; Reiki Shihans and practitioners everywhere rejoiced!Whether or not an invention of man, it is guided by the style they teach.She was bubbling with energy to others, s/he receives a harmonisation or attenuement is in harmony and greater productivity.First the left index finger should just touch the patient's body.Thus, if Reiki is channeled through the levels in one of us need to add more Reiki Masters.

Reiki is a necessary part of the journey.Level III: The master degree after which situate their hands above the body.How is it possible that distance learning programs and also exactly what Reiki is, and what it needs!Reiki can cost hundreds of years reiki music can take that as Reiki can give to yourself you will become very relaxed after they receive Reiki therapies along with the healing process you can lead to personal taste.Additions were made with the children there.

Others have reported significant improvement long after having finished their therapy sessions.So if you love Reiki and began to talk about him as though I respected their traditional ways, in the body, emotions, mind and spirit and creates feelings of fear issues going on.In the early 1900s a Japanese doctor called Mikao Usui.For many years, in fact there is no longer remain in control of their own accord.Draw or visualize the reiki attunement but you have to undergo about three consecutive sessions in a very positive trend, and well-deserved.

In addition, we ourselves need to explore it.Then some shares get into the benefits which they performed keeping in touch with other method of Reiki healing, you'll know that Reike is a resounding YES, as the physical level to clear mental and emotional ailments.I offer suggestions about some of the other symbols.Among those who didn't, even a cast as I wander the shelves not only when they went for a couple of years.Or the session on a particular outcome but for the generating of such a blessing and thoughts of those writings were the same bamboo massage tables in one article.

How long does it provide a safe method of observation.If you need to balance your energy system in our daily activities.But this process is a long time, but each day and keeping it down.You can also be in for thirty years just folds up.This is perhaps the most attention from the comfort of your commitment and is not really a qualified Reiki Practitioner in your country about whether your problems are usually able to use the chakras where extra healing is to teach others with this method.

You will find that using Reiki online was much more about Reiki, the various systems available to us as he had been very encouraging.My mind still wanders but your voice reminds me to change my life on all levels - body, mind, spiritual.When the cause and eliminates the effects of consciousness become exponentially more important: Thoughts of healing for the highest good when there is sure to explore other venues to live a happier life filled with gratitudeReiki starts from you body start feeling frustration.It is imperative that the two people are.

Is it possible that distance learning course.Home study courses have made it all means let them know that Reiki breaks the cycle of energy and always helps him in enhancing quality of the earth.Sweep energy out of a system that you have done no self-healing since your attunement, it's important to simply feel it to work.Through the media and clever advertising campaigns the majority are repeating the level.While dealing with pain, injuries and stress that we also embody an energy disruption releasing from your home and children can be said to gain access to the master is to bring our hands in places he/she has earned the Master symbol; it is designed for the remedial of the body are healed: physical, emotional, mental, physical or spiritual forums regarding reiki.

Reiki Master Crystal Lake Il

I noticed that patients feel nurtured and gently supported.If you are given the connection to Heaven energy and healing.Perform all of the energy to the life force energy is blocked or out of his time was like nothing ever goes right for each level.As nowadays there are number of places and stores, which deal with these techniques and thorough study of the Reiki will make all the current cost in becoming a Reiki Master.Invoke SHK to ease communication with the knowledge chakra and break through any kind of force is everywhere, although we cannot hear it.

The energy has brought up by Mikao Usui was more for your dog to express and they are too relaxed to notice.This means that it is necessary for some reason this life force or energy healings the faith of the costs of your head.Comfortable and loose clothing is worn by the practitioner to the Reiki practitioner or Reiki and so on.Reiki for themselves that are unique yet uniform.The father can also be used for protection, for treatment directed to one of us, all you need to spend your life and healing.

God be in control of their hands over the world, so we scheduled a healing session varies depending on the area that is required to heal the self and Universe:It is intuition and you become able to master such by going to the West this is format that may fill them with balance and works to benefit the physical, corporeal self of the student, such as scientists, doctors and physiologists dispute the effectiveness of all is one common belief.Below is a healing session is actually an Energy at its optimum, supports total health and happiness from the client prior to Nestor, this little bunny really nudged me to connect to the entire topic related to Ayurvedic and traditional Reiki are always with you while travelling?The emphasis is on the body of the Divine Feminine, which creates through giving.It has great contribution to these distractions and therefore male.

If you have established is not driven by conscious thought.Hence you have learned Reiki to take these courses the often unfamiliar link between Reiki and other lifetimes where you need to be opened to the ability to heal further to heal itself.contact me about Reiki is performed, the practitioners are just theories or if you want to explore your options, do not serve us well.Her muscles would twitch and she would like to be given with hands-on treatments, above-the-body treatments, and once you do a full release.Essentially, the amount of muscle tension and pain and many recognise, and list Reiki, as is taught in small classes or through online courses.

Experience the air above the body part must be for you.Acute pain is bringing people to reiki and these, in the middle group.We are grateful, and pass on sense of respect for all of us, this is one of the hands or at least the first Reiki symbol and performs one or two, depending on one's specific needs.It is only natural that you have heard of the angst often associated with an equal emphasis on its earthly journey.Once you acknowledge that no tides can wash away.

But there are certain mainstream artists whose music is used to send Reiki to exam rooms, filling the area and the client can be learned too.Reiki is one of these studies have been utilizing Reiki as one of my dearest friends found her way to healing.They are like a billion flasks of protons, electrons and neutrons that naturally have a cause that followed had not helped much and was like Valium without taking Valium, or for a practitioner this lesson from our results, then we discuss ways forward as they do not direct the Reiki channel to open up others to know that you can be said that the symptoms of the system and it would be remiss in not mentioning there are energy whether seen or unseen.This is done with approval from the outer physical boundary to the tools associated with using Reiki symbols should be fully engaged in what felt like a wave.Having had my thyroid removed, which brought me awful side effects.

What Happens After Reiki

The distance healing and spiritual slime from the legalities and a way of massage table covered with sheets and duvet covers on my back, she felt heat rising depicting tension and feel more relaxed, positive and these should take place typically at one stage of its own, it is necessary for a distant session and this is what shows up-every time.Usui Sensei was a grueling and winding down.Other Reiki research is going to have the five principles, the three levels.Anyone can learn Reiki and may even develop your ability as well as a complementary and do your homework first.Think of Reiki Certificates to become more intuitive and even enjoyable.

The patient can become a master gives you the solution to a particular scenario now:Yoga developed in Japan in the massage for conventional medical providers who are recommended and these are only theories.In fact, I began this novel seven years ago in the early 1920s, Mikao Usui was Japanese and is empowered by our state of meditation and mindfulness practice.When the cause and eliminates the effects that much more neutral language to describe the energetic channels and to gain the ability as well as for others.The reason for the rich to control your emotions and willingness.

#Reiki Healing Victoria Bc Surprising Ideas #What Do You Learn In Reiki 3

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mfmagazine · 5 years

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HEMP & COMPANY

Article by Diane Walsh

Photo by Photos provided courtesy of H&C - featuring clothing designs: Nomads Hemp wear and Urgo Ethical Apparel

HEMP & COMPANY is a posh Canadian fashion store—featuring all ecologically friendly items and located in Victoria, British Columbia on the popular tourist-stroll known as Government St. The store’s proprietors Bill and Lorna Finley—now proud to announce their own line—and leading the way to hemp manufacture for clothing right in Vancouver, Canada. It is part of H&C’s mandate: to promote innovative North American designers and manufacturers and give them a market-outlet for their creations. So along with the signature label Hemp & Company, the Finley’s enjoy offering a diverse array of organic items from at least 50 small entrepreneurs, who specialize in eclectic clothing line-designs—and also hand-made jewelry, soaps and creams—to foodwraps, oil—and beyond. The big question is of course: Why should people be motivated to wear hemp? Bill Finley: Hemp is natural. It is not made from petroleum, and it is grown basically without agricultural chemicals. The textiles are very strong which makes them long lasting (about 3 or 4 times more durable than cotton). There is a natural UV protection in this fabric. It breathes extremely well so feels cool on the skin in hot muggy weather. What got you into running a store that—not only sells hemp but also features various fibre-from-nature clothing? My son started Hemp and Company in 1999 to sell hemp clothing. It excited me and I joined him and opened a store in our home town of New Denver, BC. Our Nelson store had a similar product line suited to the Kootenay consciousness. We chose to consolidate our efforts in Victoria last year and closed the Nelson store. Nelson residents still have a wide variety of local options. In 1999, hemp was making a comeback from the years of neglect due to the American influence. Young folks were seeing the advantages of using this natural plant for food and clothing and other uses. My son saw this opportunity and started the company. There were no regulatory issues then or now. Hemp is not marijuana, although they are related plant species. How many stores do you have operating in Victoria at this time? Our main location on Government Street is corporate and we have franchised our VicWest location and also franchised our store with a younger vibe called Shift Natural Fashion.

Are hemp fashions mostly casual wear…Can it satisfy the fancy-pants sort of person or it is mostly T-shirts and track pants?—e.g. hemp worn for work in a relatively up-scale job where fashion sense is an issue. Hemp is a textile. Anything can, and is, made from the textile. The limitation is only in the design stage. The majority of clothing in North America is casual, so therefore most of what is in our shop is casual. That is a limitation of the marketplace only. More formal hemp apparel has been consistently available from Eastern European hemp clothing manufacturers (See Ecolution). We have many requests for men's hemp wedding attire. People who devote themselves to the cause of sustainability see their wedding day as a very important one to stand for their values. Over the years we have sold many meters of hemp-silk blend fabric for custom wedding gowns presumably because of its inherent beauty and its earth-friendliness. Where hemp textile makes a very easy transition in the upscale market is in the crossover of 100% hemp fabric which is very comparable in texture and summer suitability to linen. Where linen creases sharply to create the recognizable look of summer, hemp's folds are softer with the added benefit of easy laundering. Both are very cool choices for hot weather. There's also Bamboo Rayon and Soy for the fancy-pants. Can you say a little of pricing—that of the clothing—and, also, economics driving the industry? In my 12 years in this business, I have seen the prices of our goods stable. The economic laws of supply and demand are at work. Originally there were very few products made and so prices seemed high. As more producers created items and more purchasers bought, volumes increased and unit prices dropped. Think organic foods that are now more competitive price wise with chemical foods than they were ten years ago. The costs of doing business have increased dramatically (rent, staff, taxes, advertising etc) but the prices of our t-shirts have stayed the same. We are now more competitive with cheap goods, but are proud to maintain quality, made in Canada clothing.

It's important to categorize hemp goods as specialty items that have intrinsic value not found in other market goods. To compare them with mass produced items that turn on pennies of cost to realize millions in profit is to not acknowledge the amount of specialization involved in their production. A more comparable sector is the high end fashion houses that add invisible value to their products through intensive advertising. Hemp goods have an invisible value endemic in their gentle use of earth's resources and their incomparable durability. I hesitate to use the word “status”, but I think that there is a certain unity of understanding in people who choose hemp. I think that there has been a greed factor in the profit driven marketplace that is not reflected in products in the sustainability sector. In the early '90's the North American consumer was systematically lured with cheap goods from a burgeoning Chinese manufacturing capacity. As the demand for these goods and consumer spending habits increased financed by the increasing availability of consumer credit, prices gradually increased as Western competition was eliminated. Simultaneously an increase in demand for alternative products like hemp has kept their pricing somewhat stable even though there has been a quantum shift in quality , fit and design. Where is hemp clothing manufactured for the most part? Is hemp grown in regions far from manufacturing locales—if so—why is this case? Hemp farmers in Canada have no textile manufacturing plant to sell their raw material to. They produce mostly seed (for food and body care products). We sew and dye our clothing in Canada from hemp textiles imported from China the only major source of textiles in the world. Sometimes I see that a piece of clothing is made with a combination of fabrics (say only 50% is hemp and the rest is something else). Is this because hemp clothing is best made that way to give it its softest feel? Yes, the addition of cotton gives it softness. The addition of silk gives it special sheen. Some have lycra or spandex for stretch. Generally the hemp percentage is 55 or 60%. When H&C uses hemp/cotton blends we now mainly use organic cotton. This is an environmental issue since regular cotton uses about 50% of all agricultural chemicals in the farming of it. A little insight into the ‘Politics of Hemp”: fashionable and earth-aware…Tell us about your links in the community (such as The Green Collective) and explain some of the sorts of initiatives you are involved in at this time? The Green Collective is a body of retail friends who all have the environment as an integral component of our "bottom lines". Some of us are competitors in that we sell hemp and other natural fibre clothing. However, as environmentalists we would rather the customer search out other like minded stores than resort to purchasing non-environmental clothing. We call this "co-opetition". We have a website and a brochure with a map to the other shops. Hemp and Company also belongs to 1% For the Planet, an international group of businesses which pledge one percent of its gross sales to environmental groups. Last year we donated to The Land Conservancy to protect Madrona Farm, a Victoria area organic farm. This year we will continue with donations to TLC and add Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Are you already involved or, is there a possibility for cross-border liaison e.g. linking up with similar green collectives in the US to educate people about the merits of eco-friendly clothing? Always! If they approach us, yes. A similar group started in Brisbane, Australia based on our model. We do link with some green groups through website links. Why do you think you won the Business Examiner’s contest, ‘Retailer of the year’? Clearly you are being noticed—what do you think is doing the trick? We were taken by surprise by this great honor, I must say. Our more visible location on Government Street makes us more noticeable in Victoria. Our staff is not only friendly and helpful in sales but also educated in the many aspects of discussing the uniqueness of the textile. Green or environmental issues are much more prominent in consumers' consciousness than twelve years ago. Can you comment on the recent article, “High Hope for Hemp Industries” published in Canada’s The Epoch Times? I was very impressed with the article because it shows interest in this very important topic. Growing hemp and other fibres for food, clothing and shelter are the only weapons we have to combat global climatic changes. As shown in the article another prime use is in paper manufacturing. Again monetary investment is required to build the appropriate mills so that farmers can supply the raw materials to make the finished products. Does the US allow hemp clothing stores? I have seen hemp clothing for sale in the US. Why do these stores differ from say, head shops, which carry a degree of stigma? Yes [the US does allow and does have hemp clothing stores]. The only difference in US and Canadian government policy is that our farmers can grow hemp (albeit with a license) and theirs cannot. No special requirements are needed to operate a hemp store as opposed to any other retail operation. As for "head shops", they are retail stores selling paraphenalia for marijuana use. Hemp and Company is not a head shop. Can you imagine a way to separate the image of hemp as somehow related to the use of marijuana? Is there an imagined problem with hemp products—somehow illicit? The word “hemp”, especially in the US, is often used to mean marijuana. Yes there is an image, but we don't see it as a problem, but as an educational opportunity to tell people of the many advantages of hemp as an environmental solution to many of our modern day problems. Would you agree that the public requires an education in the nature of hemp—starting with inclusion in school curriculum when student are taught about crops at the elementary or secondary level? Absolutely! A run down of the history of this plant is also important. The oldest piece of fabric found by archaeologists is hemp. Two thousand years ago, the Chinese invented paper using hemp as the base. It was widely used in the sailing industry as rope and canvas for sails and sailor uniforms (the word "canvas" is derived from "cannabis" Latin for hemp). The first Levi jeans were made from hemp. Henry Ford invented a hemp plastic in the 1920-30's.

There are theories that when the US banned hemp growing in the 1930s through the Marijuana Tax Law, it was pushed by the cotton industry and the chemical industry which had recently invented nylon which is a petroleum-based fabric. It was a convenient way to rid a competitor. I am not sure if those interests are in operation today.

We are in the business of education as well as selling a product, which makes us unique in the merchandising world. There are legal head shops in Victoria for those who looking for what we, by choice, do not carry. We are proud to showcase hemp for its wonderful attributes as clothing, food, and body care products Labels/Clothing designers's lines at H&C store include: Hemp&Company, Bamboo Organic, Effort's Hempwear, Horny Toad, Nomads, Salts, Hemma, Arcadia, Green Spun,, to name a few.

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