#And I'm not talking about negative opinion toward a behavior or criticism

[yelow-heart]

I've been seeing a growth on hatred towards Tubblings (Tubbo's community) in here. Aswell as some explicit hate towards Philza.

It's not a huge issue yet, but before it is: know that we don't tolerate plain hate in here and u will be reported. Tumblr HAS a report system that works.

You ARE responsible for the things you say online.

Doesn't matter if you're famous, or a public figure, or just a jane-doe. You're not just another number or comment and u will be held accountable.

Be gone trolls

#qsmp #tubbo #honestly I don't know where it's coming from or why #and I don't want to know either #qsmpblr is a safe space or God so help me #And I'm not talking about negative opinion toward a behavior or criticism #people have the right to disagree #it's healthy even #but hate speech? nah uh #not here #i also saw some weird hate to phil and the crows and immediately reported #and I'll say if the internet is causing such strong emotions and stress on ya it might be wise to take a break from it before u become sick #but don't make it other peoples problem #remember that there is a lot of kids and minors in this community #it's not cool to expose them to such behavior #you know what? I'll tag every streamer/community I can think of that has had hate thrown at them recently around twitter and here #badboyhalo #qsmp dapper #cellbit #oibagi #pactw #mikethelink #brazilians #quackity #philza #qsmp admins #qsmp empanada #qsmp sunny #qsmp leonarda #qsmp richarlyson

[writing-with-sophia]

I'm not really sure if this is has been asked before, but how do I write a believeable egotistical character?

I don't mean in a cutesy, likeable way either I mean egotistical in a way that kind of makes you want to strangle them.

Sorry if this doesn't make sense. :')

How to write a believeable egotistical character

Your question is really interesting!!

Creating a believably egotistical character who evokes strong negative emotions can be a compelling challenge. Here are some tips to help you develop such a character:

Establish consistent behaviors: An egotistical character should consistently exhibit behaviors that emphasize their self-centeredness and inflated sense of self-importance. Show them constantly seeking attention, disregarding others' opinions or feelings, and demonstrating a lack of empathy. Consistency in their actions will make their egotism more believable.

Show excessive self-promotion: Egotistical characters tend to constantly promote themselves and seek validation. They may boast about their achievements, exaggerate their skills or talents, and constantly seek admiration from others. Portray them as always looking for opportunities to showcase their superiority or belittle others.

Highlight a lack of empathy: Egotistical characters often demonstrate a lack of empathy towards others. They may dismiss others' problems or feelings, use people for their own gain, or manipulate situations to benefit themselves. Emphasize their indifference to others' needs or emotions, and their tendency to prioritize their own interests above all else.

Use arrogant dialogue: The way your egotistical character speaks can contribute to their unlikable nature. Give them dialogue that is condescending, dismissive, or patronizing towards others. They may interrupt or talk over people, dominate conversations, and belittle others' opinions or accomplishments. Their language should reflect their inflated sense of self-worth.

Portray a lack of self-awareness: Egotistical characters often lack self-awareness regarding their own flaws and the impact of their behavior on others. Show them oblivious to the negative consequences of their actions, and resistant to feedback or criticism. They may be unable to recognize their own shortcomings and instead blame others for any failures or setbacks.

Create conflicts and antagonistic relationships: Egotistical characters tend to clash with others due to their self-centered nature. Develop conflicts and antagonistic relationships with other characters who challenge their superiority or refuse to tolerate their behavior. These conflicts can highlight the negative effects of their egotism and further emphasize their unlikable qualities.

Show vulnerabilities and insecurities: While egotistical characters may project an air of confidence, they often have deep-seated insecurities driving their behavior. Explore their vulnerabilities and the underlying reasons for their need to constantly assert their superiority. This can add complexity to their character and make them more human, even if it doesn't excuse their egotism.

Provide opportunities for growth or consequences: Consider incorporating story arcs that allow your egotistical character to experience personal growth or face consequences for their behavior. This can create a more dynamic character arc and add depth to their journey. Whether they learn from their flaws or suffer the repercussions of their egotism, it can make their character more compelling.

And here are some common features of egotistical character. I hope they can help you:

Constant self-promotion

Dismissive attitude

Interrupting or talking over others

Exaggerating accomplishments

Need for control

Lack of empathy

Sense of entitlement

Inability to accept criticism

Patronizing or belittling language

Overestimating abilities

Remember, it's crucial to strike a balance between creating an unlikable character and ensuring they remain believable and engaging within the context of your story. By incorporating these tips, you can develop an egotistical character who evokes strong negative emotions and adds tension to your narrative.

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

#writeblr #writerscommunity #writersociety #writers #writer things #writers on tumblr #on writing #writing #creative writing #writblr #writings #writer #write #writers and poets #artists on tumblr #women writers #ao3 writer #author #writing community #writing stuff #writers block #writer tips #writer community #writer on tumblr #writer problems #writer stuff #writing resources #writing reference #writing research #writing related

[utilitycaster]

but you do have to admit that you write your 2k meta's mostly because you want (negative) attention? otherwise I don't understand why you are not writing more of your faves instead?

Sure! I can explain why I wrote this piece, which I assume is the reason you're asking this now.

I wrote it because I naturally had thoughts about the group dynamics of Bells Hells after the episode and started thinking about why this group is so disconnected this far into the campaign when, for example, the Mighty Nein, who had far more friction and conflict early on in the campaign, were positively ride or die by this point. I also really did genuinely find the degree of pressure that Imogen and Laudna have been putting on Fearne to be excessive and had been quietly thinking about it since episode 75 - they were the ones to initially make a big deal about "Emperor and Empress" (the fact that Ashton mentioned the party's positive reinforcement of the shard's retrieval being a factor in their choice is relevant here), I was reminded by someone else regarding Laudna's immediate shutdown of Fearne's attempt to tell the truth in episode 77, and then they called her out in front of everyone after she had expressed that she didn't want it to Morri. It made a clear pattern that I felt was interesting to explore, and in doing so I started asking myself if there were other patterns of behavior. I linked to someone else's post as well in there that talked about how Imogen and Laudna pretty much always act together in group discussions in my post because that was also an inspiration, and I've also talked a lot in the past about how Imogen and Laudna rarely bring up their own sources of conflict with each other, so the fact that their accusations towards Fearne are in the same scene where Imogen expresses disgust about Delilah's presence also is very relevant to their general group dynamics, since their own relationship with each other is very central to how they interact with the group.

I do write about my favorite characters as well. I wrote pretty extensively about Ashton after episode 78, as well as a bit about their conversation with Orym, but Ashton just had their big moment of explosion and I need to let that simmer or something else to happen before I have any longer posts. I've also, if not written anything myself, reblogged a lot of great posts about Chetney's fantastic reveal which I think tied up that whole exercise beautifully with a truth that was not a passive-aggressive accusation of others nor a self-flagellation but a realization of his own behaviors as well as an explanation to the group without expecting anything in return. In talking about the shard I did touch on my main feelings about Fearne in this situation but again I think I need to see how she actually reacts to the information she received here to actually have meta of substance, rather than "oh, interesting." And you can go through my archives if you'd like to see more; I'm usually pretty good about tagging by character.

But also: I like writing criticism, specifically. It is fun for me. I find that writing helps me arrange my ideas and understand them better, and sometimes I even change my opinion when I revisit the text or find my argument doesn't hold together on an intellectual level, even if I feel something emotionally. I've changed my mind about characters before through writing meta! Sometimes more positively, sometimes more negatively, but it happens, because the act of writing meta, if you do so well, is an act of interrogating your own pre-existing opinions and making sure they make sense to people who aren't you.

I also think there's value in writing things that aren't universally positive. Again, it forces you to actually think through what isn't working for you or what you dislike or what traits characters have that you think are causing problems for people around them rather than just saying UGH THIS SUCKS. But also, writing up how you'd fix a plot you don't like or how you'd resolve a conflict requires you have empathy for the creators or for the characters. Sometimes, even if a piece isn't, in your opinion, good, writing criticism of it helps you understand why a creator may have made that choice you didn't like. You can disagree or dislike something while still respecting it, and making yourself explain it to other people is a really good way to process your own feelings rather than stewing in them. I find people who never express any negativity openly are often deeply resentful and unpleasant and passive-aggressive. Indeed, that's arguably the whole point of that honesty exercise! This party keeps trying to smooth things over and so a lot of valid concerns or complaints they have about each other have since metastasized into something far more hurtful.

I can't speak for everyone, but a lot of meta writers write meta because it's genuinely a fun hobby for them. When I was writing my piece about Dimension 20's genre experiments I stayed up later than I should have several times because it was interesting and I wanted to make sure I didn't forget how I was planning out the piece. I like writing a lot, and I've always preferred to write essays and criticism to fiction - I like to think I have a knack for the former that doesn't come as naturally for the latter. My brain jumps to analysis more easily than the invention of plot.

If you don't like the things I chose to write about, that's completely valid. But I'm not doing it for negative attention. I'm doing it because it's enjoyable for me. How you respond to it and how it makes you, specifically, feel, doesn't enter into my consideration. It's 2k words because that's how long it took me to say what I was thinking and it's about Imogen and Laudna's effect on the group dynamic as I understand it because that's what I was thinking about since it was very present in this episode, and I wrote it because I like writing.

Hopefully that explains it!

#answered #Anonymous #cr tag

[sapphic-agent]

What a horrible day to have eyes. I go into the anti Aizawa tag and I'm greeted with this.

You know, I don't even completely disagree about Eri. I love her, but Horikoshi didn't write her well. No one's doubting that. But if we're talking about her trauma not being handled well, she's far from the only case. Not to mention her quirk was the reason as to why she was abused, so the point about her power is irrelevant in my opinion.

(Also, the complaint about her being a "perfect" abuse victim is weird... She's a child. Children usually are perfect victims because they're either completely powerless or their innocence is being manipulated and taken advantage of or both. It's also funny how OP doesn't complain about Izuku too because at least Eri has some form of agency. At least she's allowed to look at Overhaul as her abuser. Izuku is reduced to supporting and validating his abuser's feelings. Why is trauma handled incorrectly in MHA until the minute it comes to Izuku's lack of negative feelings towards Bakugou)

But even considering all of that, blaming her for Aizawa's shortcomings as a character is wrong.

I genuinely don't know where this came from. They don't even have that many scenes together and we've almost never seen him being a "cutesy" dad to her. We hardly ever see him even act paternally towards her, he's mostly seen escorting her and being by her side. If anything, that sounds way more like fanon Dadzawa. And considering a lot of the manga was changed to meet the fans' expectations of certain characters (specifically for Aizawa and Bakugou), if he has been changed into a "cutesy dad," then that's the fandom's fault for perpetuating that trope, NOT Eri's.

But more importantly, complex? Interesting? AIZAWA?

OP is acting like Aizawa's role in the story isn't being whatever Horikoshi needs him to be at the time. Hell, most of his overall dialogue is commentary for telling the audience how they're supposed to feel. Part of the reason Bakugou's behavior is never condemned is because Aizawa is always conveniently placed to shut down any criticism about it and defend him.

You'll also notice that despite challenging "everything Deku's heroism is about in a nuanced way," Aizawa never actually tries to teach Izuku differently. He condemns and scolds him for it but never actually explains what's wrong with his concept of heroism and tries to teach him differently. So what exactly is he challenging? Because Izuku still holds onto his ideas of heroism and Aizawa never tried to correct it even prior to Eri.

So instead of blaming a six-year-old who wasn't even given that many scenes in the story, maybe take a look at your favorite's failings as a character.

#anti aizawa shota #anti eraserhead #anti dadzawa #eri #eri deserves better than aizawa stans jfc #keep her away from aizawa stans #there are some things wrong with eri's character don't get me wrong #but don't ever blame her for aizawa being a shitty character #why is it easier to blame the kid than it is to admit that a grown man can just be written badly #i had an issue with this op a few months ago #so it's not like i'm surprised because their media literacy is severely lacking #but dear god they have some HORRID takes

[babacontainsmultitudes]

As some of you already know, I am disheartened- though certainly not surprised- by the recent backlash against one Sparrow Oak Garcia for his recent transgression of *checks notes* having a mixed-to-negative opinion on zoos.

Part of me honestly feels a bit silly responding to any of this, but what are any of us here to do if not have opinions on fictional podcast characters. Anyways, I will get to the more important stuff, as obviously (if you've seen any of the criticisms I'm talking about) this ties back to Hero at the end of the day, but seeing as the first wave of hate I saw after the episode was largely to the effect of: "what the fuck does Sparrow have against zoos?", I would like to start by addressing that point briefly (and only briefly, as it's really not the sort of topic I care to discuss online), by saying that zoos and animal captivity more generally have a long history of being contested and criticized by animal rights activists, and that instances of animal abuse and neglect within zoos and other animal-based theme parks are anything but obscure. Furthermore, it feels worth noting that as of present less than 10% of zoos in the US are AZA-accredited. I say absolutely none of this with the intention of making any definitive statements on the nature of zoos, nor to judge people who do enjoy zoos, nor even to provide my own feelings on the matter. Rather, I offer this information only to explain that someone like Sparrow taking issue with something like zoos really isn't strange at all? And whether you agree with such a stance or not, it undoubtedly comes from a place of empathy. Moreover, I don't think we can honestly divorce Sparrow's take and compulsion to voice it from the metacontext that Sparrow is a character being played by Anthony Burch, you know, a vegan, who probably has his own views on the matter that may or may not differ from yours and mine.

Okay, on to more important matters. At the forefront of things I suppose is the assertion that Sparrow's behavior regarding Normal and the zoo and all that is hypocritical and perhaps even nonsensical in light of what Hero was going through at the time with her training. "He wouldn't take Normal to the zoo but he forced Hero to kill a deer with her bare hands?" Certainly the sort of statement that will elicit a strong emotive reaction from the fandom, but one that ultimately relies on a pretty major assumption, namely, that Sparrow acted as the primary organizer and perpetrator of Hero's training, one who supposedly felt no internal conflict towards the situation whatsoever, rather than instead serving as an enabler of it, who ultimately intervened but only after far too much damage was already done. Neither is a great thing to be, but there is absolutely a difference between both of these roles, and I think that Lark and Sparrow's respective behaviors over the course of the season point almost unanimously towards Sparrow being the latter and Lark the former.

(The above being a non-exhaustive list, of course)

The funny part about the whole zoo thing is that it only further corroborates the notion that Sparrow is someone who is sensitive to the suffering of others, and by extension only serves as more evidence that he most likely was not the one actively making Hero undergo the worst of what she had to do. Does this make him guiltless in the matter? Absolutely not, but it does point to Sparrow having issues that are fundamentally different from Lark's, and means that the instance with the zoo is not only consistent with Sparrow's characterization, but frankly not actually all that hypocritical if you look at it for more than a second. That is, there is a very important but simple difference between the situation with Normal and the zoo and that of Hero and the deer that accounts for the variances in Sparrow's behavior between both cases: Lark. Sparrow isn't okay with either situation, based on all the evidence we have so far of who he is as a person there is absolutely no reason to think that Hero's training is not something that deeply upset him- I mean for fuck's sake everything about how Sparrow raised Normal down to his name stems from not wanting his kids to have to live that kind of life. So why doesn't he put a stop to things sooner? Why does he let any of Hero's training happen at all? Again, very simply, because Sparrow cannot say no to his brother. I mean, he does eventually, given Hero's current status, and that change is an important and still ongoing facet of Sparrow's growth and his arc, but at the start of things it is something he struggles with even more than he does now, to his own suffering and detriment and of course even more so to Hero's. But did Sparrow himself "force Hero to kill a deer with her bare hands"? Almost certainly not, and I have to admit that I find it quite frustrating how quickly Lark vanishes from the collective conscious of the fandom when the time comes to assign accountability for matters concerning Hero. But then, who is Sparrow if not someone who takes the fall for his brother, apparently even in the fandom-space.

[Not that there isn't any nuance to Lark's utilitarianism, either. In general I feel as though discussion of the twins' biggest mistakes too often omits the acknowledgement of the fact that all of it has been to stop an eldritch horror responsible for the death and torture of millions of people, but anyways. Not what this post is about.]

I think that's mostly it lol. Got some thoughts on the family's policy on pets (and how it relates to the Hero thing but also to Beanie actually), as well as some remarks on Rebecca and how we really shouldn't be leaving her out of this discussion (I say, leaving her out of this discussion) but eeehhhhhhh y'all I'm especially low energy as of late eheh and mostly just wanted to speak my peace on a couple major things so let's cut it here for now I think :b

#dndads #meant to post this a bit sooner but sleep and anxiety have been very bad lately :( -not related to this stuff lol #dungeons and daddies #sparrow oak #sparrow oak garcia #also posting this at an awful time as I am one to do but eh what can you do #long post #dndads s2 ep 41 #baba babbles #<- remember when I said I would start using that talking tag then didn't???? #hero oak #hero oak swallows garcia #normal oak #normal oak swallows garcia #names lmao gosh #lark oak #lark oak garcia #ask to tag #<- just in case given certain topics

[emblemxeno]

This ask is going to be kind of long, but your platform is really the only platform where I feel comfortable having this conversation. You don’t have to post this if you don’t want to, I won’t feel any sort of ways about it, but I’ve got to get this feeling out of my system. The way the fandom treats Fates compared to the other games in the franchise, makes them completely unbearable. I don’t think I can forgive the fandom for it even if they did somehow start giving Fates its overdue credit. Treating its fans like shit for almost a decade is unacceptable. I don’t know how so many people can justify their behavior in regards to this game. The fans of this game have literally done nothing to the fandom other than love it unapologetically, and we still get condescended to about it. You dare offer your opinion about a take in the series and it’s like, “You’re a Corrin fan, you have no right to talk about anything.” I have never seen a group of fans that have to literally HIDE the fact that they cherish a game in order to appease its larger community, it’s so disgusting. I don’t care if I’m being harsh with this ask because I have witnessed and dealt with this condescension for years. I don’t care to spare any feelings at this point, and I think the fandom certainly doesn’t deserve any of our grace either. Calling out the elitism, cliquish behavior, and hypocrisy is the right thing to do no matter how much some people soften/normalize these issues.

Hope you don't mind me posting this anon.

It's certainly an unfortunate situation. While Fates has its problems--I say this as a diehard fan--I agree in that it's in a singular situation where it's just met with derision initially and only given praise in backhanded manners. Think "Fates sucks but it does have great X and Y" and including an obligatory compliment towards Conquest. Which, don't get me wrong, Conquest is fucking amazing in the gameplay department, but half the time I'm just like... all right, I think you're just pretending to like anything of Fates just because you feel obligated to like one of the most acclaimed gameplay centered entries in the series.

There was just the perfect storm of controversy and unmet expectations that people had towards the game: the woefully inaccurate conversion therapy accusations, the romance options, the sales model of having multiple versions, the story not being liked, Corrin not being liked, the cast being seen as tropey, the fanservice hatred, etc. Its reputation from pre-release to nearly a decade after release is just a swamp of negativity.

And, in risk of sounding defensive and deflective, Awakening did most of this first. Awakening used being gay as a constant punchline especially in DLC (but people are reclaiming that now as something to be praised cuz of course), Awakening had problematic romance options (Nowi, any of the children but especially Nah, Donnel, Ricken, and Lissa are still underage, Aversa is technically your sister and she's written in the M!Robin support to tease that aspect, Tharja in her entirety), Awakening's cast was the de facto tropey cast before Fates, its story was criticized for the same things Fates was (poorly explained lore and world, pacing issues, convenient plot devices, pandering to a previous game, and had its exclusive issue of being inconsistent with Archanea's lore), Robin was criticized for being an all loved player insert with too many powers/importance, it started the oddly designed armor designs for fanservice reasons, and while it didn't have multiple versions, it was the first game with a ton of paid DLC.

Don't get me wrong, I love Awakening to pieces. But that game started pretty much everything Fates gets shit for. Yet it gets retrospective love or at the very least a pass cuz... Fates does it worse/more and because it was gonna be the last game in the series? Wouldn't it be fair then, to give slack to Fates for following in the footsteps of the most well received and successful game in the series by replicating it while trying to improve on what some felt were lacking? But I guess at that point, people think it utterly failed in improving on the story and characters so :/

I think you have a point regarding Fates fans as well. We're pretty much the only FE fans that get unironic negative labels, at least by casual aduiences. Apparetnly we're "coomer, porn brain freaks who don't know what good games are." Though, that's about it in terms of the elitism thing, otherwise I think it's just fans of older games being out off by the direction newer games have gone, and most make no distinction and criticize all of Awakening, Fates, 3H, and Engage. Still, Fates fans are the ones getting the most accepted flak.

To end this off, let's be honest: If Fates is the example most people give of the worst game in the series, FE fans have it pretty fucking good lmao.

#fire emblem fates #fire emblem discourse

[hornets-nest666]

Many people have some questions regarding to the choices we've made. The purpose of this post is to provide a clear understanding of the situation, to prevent the spread of misinformation or baseless criticism.

So, let's start with the first character we want to discuss: Rosco. There were people who didn't approve of his design and appearance. In the animated series, Rosco was on the heavier side, but in the comics, currently, he is thin, even skinny. Then why? We want to be honest with you instead of trying to kiss your ass and make excuses. We see him like this. Yes, it's that simple. It's like how Connie sees Sheba as being full, even though she is not portrayed that way in the canon. (And right now, I'm talking about this person's creative work, not the person themselves. I have never criticized Connie's creativity.)

By the way, we'll get to Sheba a little later.

I want to highlight a crucial aspect that many people have overlooked. Roscoe was a plump kid since his early years, and he faced bullying from his peers due to his weight. Our intention is to shed light on the challenges that overweight individuals, especially children, may face.

To be honest, I myself was a witness to bullying at school. Regrettably, it is a common issue that many children have to experience. However, it is important to note that we strongly disapprove of this behavior and, on the contrary, aim to raise awareness about this problem.

No one should be subjected to humiliation based on their physical appearance or any unique features they may have. This applies to people of all body types, regardless of being overweight or thin. Unfortunately, some individuals choose to overlook this and instead resort to intimidation and derogatory remarks, accusing us of being fat phobic.

Now, let's address the questions concerning Sheba. Some people, particularly those who are fans of Connie, have been upset with her physique. These people argue that Sheba being overweight is normal while being thin is not, and accuse me of being fat phobic for not portraying her that way.

Let's make something clear. These people claim that Sheba as overweight, and some have even attempted to prove that she was depicted as such in the original work, despite the fact that I have previously provided evidence (which can be found below) that debunks this rumor.

I am not judging their interpretation of the character in any way. Clearly, they appreciated how Connie illustrated the character, and for that, I am happy for them. However, it is unnecessary for them to shove their personal head canons on everyone else. No one is required to draw the way you want them to. Many people hold various opinions on this character. However, I, personally, along with my assistant Leila and our translator Kalu, perceive her like this and it's NOT BAD. Surprisingly, the negative reaction towards the portrayal of Sheba came as a shock to us. It seemed as though everyone prefers exclusively caring for overweight individuals, while negatively judging thin individuals solely based on their body size. This situation seems to exhibit a double standard.

Do you enjoy Connie's artwork? Well, why are you still here? Instead, you should be on her blog. I've come across several artists who portrayed characters differently from how I imagined them. What do you think I did? I simply continued to browse through their artwork without resorting to trash-talking or discussing it in a chat room with my friends.

There's a simple truth: if you appreciate someone's work, you follow them; if you don't, you just move on. I have no intention of apologizing for my work or belittling myself in front of those individuals who think it's acceptable to insult an artist based on their perspective. By reacting this way, you only reveal that you have nothing better to do.

Let's recall our most memorable April Fool's JOKE, which left a lasting impression on many people. I never thought people could get so offended by a really harmless joke.

Interestingly enough, it was Connie's fans, as well as Connie herself, who seemed to be the most offended. It seems that the significant age difference in the prank was taken quite seriously.

However, let me explain everything in order. Bendy, at the age of 18, is naturally inclined towards romance and has always followed his heart's desires. Regardless of anyone's attempts to dictate his dating choices, Bendy's rebellious nature ensures he remains unaffected, simply pursuing relationships with whomever he chooses.

Moreover, it is important to acknowledge that in my country, the transition into adulthood begins at the age of 18, and this fact cannot be denied. From the age of 18, individuals have the freedom to make their own decisions and shape their own lives. Consequently, once I reach the age of 18, I can start a relationship with a man who is 50 years old, since I will legally be considered an adult and capable of making my own choices. If you don't like it then you should direct your arguments towards the laws and regulations of my country, rather than towards me personally. You can try to reach out to Putin himself for a response.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the same principles apply not only in Russia, but also in certain states across the USA.

I also find it funny to see the hypocrisy of individuals, who consider Bendy to be a child, while behaving in a deceitful manner. Why don't you bring up Bendy's 18+ content? Why don't you express surprise and concern about Bendy's age, saying something like, "Wait, Bendy is only 18!" It seems dishonest, doesn't it?

I did not draw anything like this based on the Oswald and Bendy pairing, because it was meant to be a joke. It's surprising to realize that there are individuals who need even the simplest things to be explained to them.

And of course, there will be those who will immediately ask, "Well, if Bendy doesn't care, what is Oswald's perspective?"

Just like any guy who has discovered his perfect match.

A relationship isn't just about one person; it's a mutual connection. If Bendy had an issue with Oswald's age, he would have rejected him. And I'm certain Oswald would have respected that. It's surprising how others feel the need to criticize Bendy, an adult who can stand up for himself, for being content with his partner's age. He will find his way in life without their judgment.

(Leila: Speaking from my own life experience, my mom and dad are 11 years apart. They live normally, and it hasn't caused any problems so far. :b ✌️)

That marks the end of this post. I sincerely hope that, through this, you are able to understand and empathize with the opposite perspective. As I said, this post is purely explanatory, as there are still individuals who remain unwilling to understand. I will not apologize for my artistic expression or any of the actions taken. I do not perceive them as insignificant or as errors requiring forgiveness.

They simply represent my creativity, personal interpretations, and humorous anecdotes, which some of you may view as subpar.

In that case, kindly refrain from visiting my blog again.

Thank you for your attention. ♥️ Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Leila, Kal, and my dedicated audience for their unwavering support. You all hold a special place in my heart. 😭💝

#babtqftim #bendy and boris the quest for the ink machine #bendy and the ink machine #fan comic

[blackautmedia]

There's this whole thing going around about there being "white favoritism" in the TOH community. Basically, the gist of the argument is that the TOH fandom is racist because of how it gravitates toward white characters (Amity, Hunter, and Eda just to name a few) over the none white ones. It's died down a bit but some people are still complaining about it (cough cough LO cough cough).

Personally, I think this is complete bullshit since 1) there are reasons people like these characters that have nothing to do with racism and 2) Luz is still like. A really popular and beloved character within the fandom, but since you talk a lot about racism in media and fandoms I want to know your opinion on this; do you think the TOH fandom has a white favoritism problem like some people say it does?

Sorry in advance for the novel, but I wanted to make sure I'm clear about this.

I don't really take part closely in fandom spaces and didn't/don't participate in TOH fandom, but I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that most fandom spaces including TOH have an issue with racism and white favoritism.

Offhand a few of the ways people talked about Camila for the longest time calling her a bad or manipulative parent when while imperfect her actions were pretty reasonable given her circumstances come to mind.

I think the show itself runs into issues too that I've talked about before, but the only time I feel harsh criticism is only warranted is in situations where works are created with active hostility in mind.

Shows like Family Guy and South Park and all the bigotries they bring don't come from a well-meaning place and the people responsible for continuing to make them deserve scorn. If creators openly espouse their bigotries or abuses, then they deserve far less grace.

But I don't get that impression from the TOH crew at all, so I feel at worst it should be taken as a "this was likely done carelessly, not from a place of harm and if this was pointed out to them they'd likely be receptive to feedback" and to communicate criticisms with that fact in mind.

I think the other question to ask is "what is your motivation behind your critique?" One of the biggest guiding principles I live by and incorporate into my beliefs and politics is that you need to love the oppressed more than you hate the oppressor and your communication needs to reflect that.

Bringing up bigotries like that should be a call to make spaces more inclusive and accessible to the people pushed out and mistreated within them and to help people think more critically about how what we engage with influences how we think about non-fictional scenarios when we're bombarded with an idea countless times.

That means we center building up people whose voices go not listened to or center around addressing their needs. Outside the discussion of fandom spaces, this is a lot of the same problem I have with a lot of performative leftist politics in that it feels like some are more interested in finding a socially acceptable enough person or idea to ridicule and build their presence off that ridicule.

Someone baseline can arrive at a reasonable conclusion but still have behavior that displays a disdain for the people that make it relevant in the first place rather than making criticism designed for betterment for a person, people or a community.

So when I say that fandoms have a racism problem I say that to mean people should take that as a call to come at it from a place of genuinely caring about the people it negatively affects and to adjust communication accordingly.

That can apply to criticizing how people within a fandom space talk about the work they're reacting to, how they review the work especially since there are obviously real people that have to make it, and what place you're coming from in talking about it.

I have more of a "pick your battles" mindset because I feel like discourse and reviews should take more consideration into the number of animators, producers, etc. striking for better work conditions, the advent of AI being used to de-value labor and exploit people with theft, the lack of covid protections in place in these work spaces, and the inaccessibility for more oppressed people in the space that in turn affects not just the art itself but most importantly the well-being of the people working there and those who can't work that don't have access to the space or are disabled.

To me it's a form of criticism, but one rooted in care and concern for others if that makes sense, something I feel can be lacking in these conversations.

That's where I feel these conversations would be more productive and why it's valuable to listen to people coming at it from a place of genuinely wanting to better a community.

It's fresh on my mind, so I think another good example of what I feel is a bit of a misogynistic framing is how a lot of reviews in the Regular Show fandom talk about CJ. Specifically the idea that she has a "temper problem" or anger issues and then the cited examples are largely reasonable situations that leave out the way she's seriously mistreated by her boyfriend.

You can look up several review or discussion videos talking about the season 6 love triangle that will say she's jealous and jumps to conclusions for driving off angrily when Mordecai hugs Margaret in a non-romantic context, but leave out the part that he was there on the advice of a misogynistic dating coach to ask Margaret to communicate to CJ in his place instead of just being honest with her all of which happened after he faked getting hit by a car to try and trick her into feeling bad for him.

It's CJ with the problem, CJ has anger issues, she has a temper, not "Mordecai was awful to her and she was upset about it."

I do think that there's a lot of issues of misogyny in how the Regular Show fandom engages with the series.

But I think a more constructive way of looking at the situation is less focused on ridiculing people who think that CJ has "anger issues" and more to get people to question the way they think about women's behavior, which can then be applied outside the scope of a cartoon discussion.

Dozens of other series also have women/girls who are treated with far more scrutiny and the reasons behind that. So as someone who enjoys talking about this stuff all the time, I find that what stance you take is only part of the equation and how you frame and communicate your criticisms or praises is just as important.

I don't have much of a platform, but that's a major thing I hope comes across in how I speak to others.

I don't think it's wrong to say that most fandoms have problems with racism and specifically Anti-Blackness, but I think we also should prioritize and center better voices to discuss it.

[the-archlich]

Let's Talk: Guan Yu

One of the reasons I don't go to reddit is because I don't have to: there's always someone willing to put my words in my mouth for me, no effort required on my part.

So, let's set the record straight regarding my opinions of Guan Yu as of 5/26/2023, after many, many years of reading and writing.

The historical Guan Yu, like everyone in his particular sphere, always suffers by comparison to his fictional counterpart and that's not really his fault. It doesn't help that his fictitious versions also tend to be insufferable. This leads to a bad combination of things. An irritating fictional version gave me a negative predisposition towards Guan Yu, and the fact that the real man didn't live up to the exploits of the legendary one (because of course he didn't), led me to judge him more harshly than I would have someone else. If you've entered into the 3K community through any kind of media (which is probably just about everyone speaking English), you've likely experienced it yourself with one of these people.

But it's been a long time. I've spent the last several years reading and writing. I've studied other time periods and other cultures, gaining a broader perspective and more grounded expectations.

All of that said, I still don't have a very high opinion of Guan Yu. Before I get into my criticisms, though, it's important for me to give him what credit he is due, because he isn't without achievements. I've dismissed some of these in the past, downplaying their significance or casting doubt on their veracity, and in most cases that was unwarranted.

What's Good?

What's good about Guan Yu? Let's start with the obvious he absolutely was very good in a fight. He was a brave and strong warrior who never shirked from danger. Breaking ranks to kill Yan Liang is the highlight of his feats, but his strength was praised even by his enemies in Wei and Wu. I've downplayed some of his martial achievements in the past and it's just not good practice to disregard the assessments of his contemporaries.

His enemies feared him. There are numerous examples of this. Sun Quan, Lu Meng, and most of their advisers feared what an ambitious Guan Yu could do with control of the Great River. Commanders on the front lines in Jing feared what could happen if he came within striking distance of the capital. While I've always maintained that anyone in such a powerful strategic fulcrum would have been equally feared, that's something that by its nature cannot be proven; and doesn't change the fact that it was Guan Yu who was there and Guan Yu they feared.

He was also a man of excellent conduct (this is separate from his abrasive personality). As a subordinate officer he was always diligent, and he was always personally well-behaved. This is illustrated well by the manner in which he left Cao Cao to return to Liu Bei. He waited until Cao Cao's battle with Yuan Shao was done (rather than deserting in the middle) and refused to accept additional gifts because he did not intend to stay. Such behavior is a particular contrast to his colleague Zhang Fei.

Guan Yu was also a scholar. He could recite portions from one of the Classics from memory. I haven't given him credit for that in the past. If I'm going to praise guys like Li Dian and Huang Gai for dabbling in the literary arts, I should praise Guan Yu for it too.

What's Bad?

Guan Yu was personally skilled in the military arts, but I don't think that translated to being a good commander. He had some bright spots during his campaigns but ultimately I regard them all as failures. His efforts during the Jing Offensive feature his greatest successes but also a number of setbacks. Then he lost a substantial parcel of Liu Bei's territory during the Jingdong Campaign. And, of course, his efforts to capture Fan and Xiangyang during the Jingxi Campaigns ended in such abysmal failure that Liu Bei lost half his country.

Whether you want to blame these failures on Guan Yu's own errors (as I do) or circumstances beyond his control ("he couldn't have known XYZ"), the result is still failure. His efforts to capture the Xiangyang region, in particular, were all for nothing.

Just as bad (and related to those failures) is the fact that Guan Yu's behavior (personally and militarily) angered and alienated Sun Quan and his envoys. The relationship between Liu Bei and Sun Quan was always shaky and Guan Yu made the situation considerably worse. Those who had to deal with him cited obscene arrogance as his most abrasive trait.

He also badly alienated his own subordinates. They defected as soon as they had the opportunity, in significant enough numbers that the loyalists were unable to mount any effective resistance to Lu Meng's army. His behavior turned both allies and subordinates against him and led to a massive loss in territory from which Liu Bei was unable to recover.

What's Ugly?

I've had some different takes on the "arrow story" over the years.

Yǔ was once by a stray arrow hit, pierced in his left arm. Later though the wound healed, whenever it was cloudy and raining, the bone would be in pain. The physician said: “The arrow head had poison, and the poison has entered the bone. The arm wound must be reopened to scrape the bone and remove the poison, and only after will the pain be removed and that is all.” Yǔ immediately extended his arm and ordered the physician to cut it. At the time Yǔ had also invited his officers to meet to drink and feast. The arm blood flowed, filling a pan, but Yǔ cut his meat and drank his liquor, talking and laughing as usual.

It's very difficult to credit the story as written. If you are capable of feeling pain, you're going to. You can take this as an indication that Guan Yu had some kind of nerve condition where he couldn't feel pain. You can take it as a sort of folktale told by his contemporaries to emphasize strength and endurance he actually did possess, even if the story itself isn't necessarily true. There are useful ways to read this but I have difficulty taking it literally, at face value.

Also, everything with Lady Du and Qin Yilu is weird.

That Doesn't Sound So Bad

No, it's really not.

He was a mostly unsuccessful commander and a counterproductive diplomat. His professional failures caused his state irreparable harm. But at least he had many redeeming personal qualities. He was an intellectual, a man of good conduct who possessed personal valor that intimidated his foes. Had he been kept on a shorter leash, perhaps his career would have flourished more.

You know who summarized it well? Chen Shou.

Guān Yǔ and Zhāng Fēi both were praised as a match for ten thousand men, were the era’s tiger ministers. Yǔ repaid with service to Excellency Cáo, Fēi righteously released Yán Yán, both having a state elite’s manner. However Yǔ was stubborn and self boastful, Fēi was violent and without kindness; by shortcomings obtaining destruction, is a constantly repeated principle.

That's pretty much how I feel at this point. Guan Yu had some qualities worth praising and it's a disservice to ignore those. But they weren't enough to save him from his own destruction. His strengths brought him high but they weren't enough to keep him from falling.

#guan yu

[gunsatthaphan]

Maybe asking this is a bad idea cuz I don't wanna bring negative asks and interactions on your blog but I wanted to ask what are the plot holes you noticed in NLMG? I genuinly want to know I don't wanna stirr the pot! I also feel like some of the conflicts are a bit forced like the one at the ballroom was literally so random(on a side note am I the only one triggered wen Maggy calls the people at the club elders when it's barely people on theire 30s and 40s?)

p.s. you have every right to be critical of something, don't feel pressured to not share your opinion only cuz some people make you feel bad! they are the ones that can't take a differen't opinion well and should work on their empathy and understanding! also thanks for always being nice and available to ask opinions and thoughs!

it's totally fine anon! I'm willing to discuss the show as long as it's in a respectful manner lol.

trigger warning I’m gonna criticize the show one more time so if you can’t handle that, don’t open the post. ✌🏻  

to start things off I find the plot around the death of nueng's dad very confusing. It's strange to me how he gets shot and essentially no one reacts to it. they're giving us indirect hints about Kit being a suspect in all of this but the entire plot just gets left alone. No one questions it and no one seems to want to find the killer. Additionally we still know nothing about the family business? I find it weird how neither Nueng nor his mother seem to be showing any interest in finding out what actually went down. Additionally Kit and Chopper play a very important part in this story and yet they barely have screen time. doesn’t add up. 

The other thing is the relationship between nueng and palm that's bothering me a bit. they're both showing hypocritical behavior towards each other which irritates me. we have palm who gives nueng mixed signals and flip flops between "i love you" (after knowing him for 5 days) and "this is my duty and I live for my job" while also saying things like “why are we even doing this and who even is this family” to his dad. We’re halfway through the show and we still know nothing about palm nor what he actually thinks and feels. And he’s the main character. And then we have nueng who keeps telling palm he wants him to be his friend while not treating him accordingly, kisses ben, almost gets into a relationship with him and then beats palm up for breathing near a girl and tells him he’s nothing but a servant. Which brings me to the ballroom fiasco aka the worst scene in gmmtv history lmao. Everything about that was unnecessary. That being said I definitely agree with you about some conflicts being forced. It’s a constant push and pull between nueng and palm which I wouldn’t mind if there was a good amount of tension between them, reinforced by the surrounding plot, but there’s nothing. They could’ve changed that if they had involved Ben more in the story as well as the dad’s assassination case but they did none of that. There is no buildup, the pacing is off and the romance plot feels bland to me. I also talked about that in this post. 

so yeah that’s my current opinion and if you have a different one that’s fine and maybe this will change completely in the remaining episodes. But for now I’m disappointed. Not only by the storytelling but also by pond and phuwin’s chemistry because something about it feels off to me. which wasn’t the case in fish upon the sky at all so it’s surprising. even more so since Jojo is the director. We all know he can do romance right. so what happened here. Also I love Phuwin but I feel like this role is a bit too big for him. I’m not a huge fan of his acting in this. 

I still like them as actors though and I also like the rest of the cast as well as the cinematography. Also the story around Ben, Chopper and Phoom is very intriguing to me, especially perth’s and chimon’s performances are remarkable. so I will definitely finish it while hoping my opinion will change ✌🏻

xxx

#never let me go #opinions #tw criticism

[ninjapotatohead]

I'm just going to get this out of the way...

All you ever do is ignore the obvious and just flat out insult people who were never in the wrong with a dumb meme. (I mean, memes are funny, but not your's)

People have different opinions on comics and the games and that's okay. You can't just be a hardass to Sonic fans who like media or characters you don't like.

Like, I follow people who don't like Sonamy but do I bash on them because of that? Uhhh, no. I don't. Because I respect other people's different opinions, despite the fact it's not like mine.

You, however, do not. And that is sad.

Also?? I am convinced you are homophobic, because I just noticed you didn't bring up the fact Tangle and Whisper are a thing now. Knowing you, I should've known that that was the case.

Sorry for being honest, I guess, but you're probably the most butthurt person in this hellsite. I didn't make my blog just to see your dumb posts about you criticising fans and people who work at SEGA who are doing their job.

If your life is based on constantly ignoring valid points or looking at the negative side of things in the fandom or being snarky and rude to people who just simply disagree with you, there's a good reason why a lot of people block you.

I hate to disappoint you, but unfortunately, you're an asshole.

I tried so hard not to get in your way, but your posts have been bothering me every time I look up Sonic's name because I want to see funny posts, cool fanart and all that awesome jazz.

You are just one of those people who drains out all the fun and makes fun of the fandom for simply ENJOYING stuff that you don't.

I want you to understand that. I'm not here to attack, I'm just telling you how you make me feel.

You're the living embodiment of the No Fun Allowed panel from the Archie comics, and I don't think that you'll change for the better anytime soon.

Also, don't even think about responding with a meme or your usual: "I have no idea what the hell your talking about, therefore I'm right. Checkmate."

Cause that just proves you don't care.

I know you're reading this, but choose to think I'm wrong. I know, but I'm posting this to you anyways because maybe someday, you'll reconsider how you act towards certain people.

Or maybe you won't, and I'm certain at the second option.

Really sorry, but you're just not a good person.

Either leave the fandom or grow up, which ever comes last.

Credit where it's due, you're not being a punk-ass and going Anonymous. That said, your claims are full of more holes than a fine Swiss cheese.

• "All you do is ignore the obvious and insult people who were never in the wrong..."

You're making shit up. Have you SEEN the sorts of things I get in my inbox? Oh wait, of course you (supposedly) haven't. That would require admitting that the other side of a coin exists, and that these people you claim are "innocent"... simply aren't. The only ones "ignoring the obvious" are the jackasses who make shit up about the games they never played.

• "Memes are funny, but not your's"

There's no apostrophe in "yours". Next!

• "People have different opinions on the games and comics, and that's okay."

No shit, Sherlock. You say that, yet, whenever someone (ie folks like myself, @darklightheart, @crusherthedoctor, or @aquillis-main) lists any and all grievances or problems said comic has from our perspective (with reason), the fandom takes a defensive stance almost immediately and swarms our inboxes with their own brand of unsavory behavior... but said fans are "innocent" according to you, right?

• "Also, I'm convinced you're homophobic because I just noticed you didn't bring up the fact that Tangle & Whisper are a thing now."

Did you break your back and pull every single muscle in your body or something, because that's a goddamn massive leap of logic you just made based on literally nothing.

• "...you're probably the most butthurt person on this hellsite."

• "I didn't make my blog just to see you criticizing fans and people at SEGA who are doing their jobs."

No, you made your blog to cry your way into people's inboxes about people not doing it enough.

• "If your life is based on constantly ignoring valid points and looking at the negative side of things in the fandom..."

Like those so-called "innocent fans" who blow up the inboxes of multiple users on this site to do that very thing? Yeah, no. Try harder.

• "...your posts have been bothering me every time I look up Sonic's name..."

Translation:

• "I'm not here to attack..."

Could've fooled me.

• "...I'm posting this to you because maybe someday, you'll reconsider how you act towards certain people."

So, what you're saying is the next time soy boy stans like you bombard the inboxes of myself and other users for the express purpose of trying to silence other people's opinions, we're supposed to just acquiesce? Yeah no, you're living in a bubble.

• "Really sorry, but you're just not a good person."

#spud's inbox #sonic community nonsense

[jess-moloney-malarkey]

My problem is not that people hate Jess. I don't care how you feel about Jess. I don't have a strong opinion on Jess, I just respect her as the partner of one of my heroes. I don't feel the need to dive into every aspect of her life and past like apparently some others do. But hey, that's your prerogative if you want to. Have fun. My problem is with how certain people behave and interact with others in their dislike of Jess. My problem is with how certain people treat others, citing only your highly speculative thoughts as reasoning. There's no respect for a difference of opinion. Their MO is to just be defensive, deflect, and attack. Even attacking people who have never interacted with them (we'll circle back to this) And for what? Why so nasty and hostile if it's only a matter of opinion? That's my problem with them.

The second anyone tries to even respectfully disagree and explain why, they always just resort to the same “oh you’re just a crazy Jess stan, you don’t have a real argument, you know what I say is the truth and are just trying to deny it because you’re a pathetic Jess ass kisser” spiel. Then they ask a million follow up questions that demand answers, saying “I won’t hold my breath, you probably can’t answer.” Instead of being receptive and offering to hold a real discussion on why they disagree. Nothing is ever "good enough" for them to engage with, and they are just brushed off with superiority. Or when they’re not feeling feisty, they just ignore it, delete it from their inbox, and claim they never got one. (this has happened with multiple people, more times than a "tumblr glitch" could explain)

Again, I understand what they talk about is mostly their opinion on what they've looked at, and that's valid. They can have that opinion and speak freely about it. I'm not bothered by that in itself. It's predominantly their behavior towards others who don’t share that opinion, and their almost immediate willingness to be so rude to others based on how they feel about Jess. I mean, in the beginning, they reblogged at least three random peoples' posts saying nice things about Jess, calling the bloggers names and belittling them over it. Recently, they posted screenshots of a bunch of comments from users on Instagram expressing adoration for Jess, just to talk down on them. It's shit like that that's not cool, at all. Like, if you're going to call me a bully, look in the mirror first.

I'm also bothered by the fact that they seem to place so much emphasis on social media, treating it like the end all be all of these people's lives. No matter how much someone used to or currently posts, that does not mean that they have to or will post every little, or even big, thing in their lives on Instagram. Like, people in a relationship, who live together, they might not post every single important thing on their story tagging them, or comment on their post. Sometimes they will, absolutely. But other times, they can literally walk into the other room to say it. Same with family. They can just call or drive over to them. Real life does not happen exclusively and continuously on social media, there will be gaps. Their intense scrutiny, analysis, and conclusions drawn for Jamie and Jess’s personal relationships through the lens of Instagram is mind blowing to me.

And most importantly, maybe their theories (the whole fake pregnancy discussion, or Jess having an eating disorder, for instance) go too far? Just maybe?

The constant stream of these outlandish theories in the Jamie tag spread nothing but negativity and needless fearmongering, while also promoting division in the fandom between the "correct" side who criticize Jess, and the "wrong" side who don't.

I don't know the person behind the blog personally. I just don't like how they treat others and how they conduct themselves online based on this woman who truly means nothing to them.

#this is so long and people are still going to say I'm the bully and I'm worse or whatever but anyway lol

[hazzzzzzman]

Are gaming communities becoming a toxic environment for certain people?

Introduction

The promise of fellowship shared passion, and collaboration often coexists with a darker underbelly: toxicity, in the vast digital expanse of gaming communities. While these communities provide opportunities for connection and entertainment, they have also become breeding grounds for toxicity, creating hostile environments for certain groups, particularly women, LGBTQ+ people, and marginalized gamers. Gaming has always been perceived to be played by males. According to Ambi et al (2020), They conduct a survey to collect data by surveying the respondents. The study included 476 respondents aged 18 to 37 years old and discovered that the majority of those who identify as gamers are men, white, and generally younger than those who do not. Except for the fact that they were white, the results were deemed significant. The study thus demonstrates that the general demographic and group of people who identify as gamers are young males, which is critical information for the respondents.

Getting toxic? Let's talk about it

Toxicity manifests itself in various ways within gaming communities, ranging from straightforward harassment to outright discrimination and exclusion. Misogyny, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination are common experiences for women navigating these spaces. Targeted abuse, derogatory language, and objectification all contribute to an environment in which female gamers feel unwelcome, anxious, and unsafe. This toxic environment discourages many women from freely expressing their love of gaming or participating in discussions, robbing these communities of diverse perspectives and talent.

A survey was conducted on 900 women gamers in the US, Germany, and China on their opinions and perceptions towards their behavior and how females are portrayed in video games. One said "A lot of the time I end up playing as male characters in MMORPGs so people don't realize I'm a girl," one woman explained. "We try to hide what we are so people don't flirt with us, send us stuff, send us messages we really don't want, or pictures." It has been reported that the women surveyed express their satisfaction to developers on how females are depicted but are rather disappointed with how they are treated by other gamers (Sinclair 2021). This implies that female audiences are facing quite a few adversaries to fully immersed in the gaming community due to this circumstance.

Minorities?

Representation matters in this age of moving forward as what society perceives hence why inclusion is very crucial in many aspects of life and gaming is definitely one of them. Despite these drawbacks, the number and variety of players is growing. African Americans, Latinx Americans, and Asian Americans are becoming more active in the gaming community. Similarly, these players of color are more likely to play than their white counterparts (Eng 2020). Representation doesn't mean you have to give up on catering to or shaping your player niche. These still remain and designers need to consider them throughout the process but so is cunning with player accessibility in mind. Representation helps us reach and recognize more and different players in our field. However, this desire did not arise without recognition of the negative aspects previously caused by the lack of expressiveness.

In addition to that, the LGBTQ+ community is not perceived well initially when integrating into the gaming communities. There are many political reasons as well as cultural reasons that this group has not been fully or openly represented. Although there are times when few game companies have been trying to push the representation of these minority groups to gain a wider audience, especially the gamers that are in the LGBTQ+ community

PERSONAL TAKE?

I personally think the minority group that is not feeling too comfortable in life gaming deserves the product that can be marketed towards them. I sense no harm in anyone playing a game as everyone should play the game as intended which is to enjoy and fulfill their time. Gaming should not contain the elements of sexism, racism, and overall hate. Gaming is supposedly available for everyone to enjoy. Thus the example of girl gamers should be a norm and not stir up conflicts as well as political issues.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the toxicity prevalent in gaming communities, particularly towards women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized gamers, is a multifaceted problem that must be addressed collaboratively. Gaming communities can transform into spaces that celebrate diversity and provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all enthusiasts by cultivating a culture of inclusivity, respect, and accountability. Representation is critical in the fight against toxicity. In their creations, game developers should prioritise diverse and authentic representation of women, and other minority groups. Inclusive storytelling that celebrates diversity while avoiding harmful stereotypes not only empowers underrepresented groups but also fosters empathy and understanding among participants.

References

Amby, A., Caluscusan, D., Dublas, J.H., Medina, M. and Tuballa, G., 2020. Analysis of stereotypes: How non-gamers view gamers. Academia. viewed 26 November 2023, <https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/62301617/Analyss-of-Stereotypes-how-non-gamers-view-gamers20200307-128480-ha50k8-libre.pdf?1583646102=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DANALYSIS_OF_STEREOTYPES_HOW_NON_GAMERS_V.pdf&Expires=1701093819&Signature=B9eDz0AlblG9HzTMVzUOzCd9~Hqr~2c8anxPrrTY-s2A4J0kwWr57qBfYF38f~98ySQ49TdDPuLl8KAmey-VLUJw5ShSBwA-~I5xBz76w7yCiljVr2VW9x9UvxHGIQnz3qNJCaEGkiDJH1f3qhNIcTowqbjxawIqDVNjS5seLGSFnR-wrVN9OMEtvQUgmEXnlQM~-PeDbjxFpIQIkJ-W3fixh9b3c6lMQh42J8sdy3EPE-J0qS2pmDZvpZD143UCBnCelYCcoWtwlkAjYTMoLl~mFW4NSCOmpfkVVuYfRM72dUhELxk0N9Z9QJp4uBMsYQCOP3p~N45qShgT9RRp-g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA>

Eng, D 2020, Representation in games, Medium, viewed 26 November, <https://medium.com/@davengdesign/representation-in-games-eccc9e59e36b>

Sinclair, b 2021, Survey says 59% of women hide gender to avoid harassment while gaming online, GamesIndustryBiz, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.gamesindustry.biz/survey-says-59-percent-of-women-hide-gender-to-avoid-harassment-while-gaming-online>

#mda20009 #week 10 #blog 5

[solavelyan]

intro.

It's a Dragon Age sideblog! My main blog is @bogunicorn, and I go by Bog (or any type of nickname you can wring out of "bog unicorn"). If you're looking for more info about me as a person, that'll all be over on my main.

This blog and my main are both 18+. Please do not follow me if you're under 18. I don't keep close track of my followers, but I do check out blogs that follow me because of the spambots, and I block minors on sight.

eta oct 2023: given The Bullshit happening at bioware following their mass layoffs and their leveraging of the next game against former employees' requests for proper severance pay, please assume that none of my posts or words are an implicit or explicit endorsement of the company itself. i mean, they already weren't, i just want you to imagine that all of my reblogs have an invisible "EA/BW execs fall off a cliff challenge" tacked onto them.

what to expect here.

Gifsets, fanart, jokey jokes, and sometimes (reblogged) meta posts.

My own Dragon Age thoughts, feelings, theories, random whatevers. My original posts of all kinds are tagged #bog post.

A general positivity toward queer shit, weird shit, horny shit, and kinky shit.

My fanfic and my OCs. I don't post fic too often, at least not in the last few months, but I have a ton of OCs (roster TBA). I write notes and profiles and little ideas for them as a hobby even when I'm not actively writing fic. Anything relating to my own writing will be tagged #bogfic, anything involving my characters tagged #my ocs and then #character name (oc).

Generally, I'm a multishipper at heart and can find something to love about any given ship, PC choice, character, or type of storyline. Chances are if I'm spending my time talking about something or speculating on it, it's because I'm having fun or enjoying myself.

Commentary on fandom trends and behaviors (and, sometimes, common sense reminders not to be a dick to each other about fake stuff).

To get blocked if you put rude or annoying shit in my mentions, including using any of my posts to character bash or otherwise go off-topic in order to air your personal grievances underneath my stuff. I don't care if you don't like Solas, or if you have strong opinions about Anders vs. Fenris, or if you think "supporting" the mages/Templars/Chantry is good/bad, or if you feel like your personal favorite character/PC option/romance isn't represented by my posts and you feel your specific criticism is the exception. Do not cite the deep magic to me, witch, I was there when it was written (like 8+ years and two US presidents ago). Mind your manners and blacklist or scroll if you need to.

what not to expect.

Speculation or spoilers about Dreadwolf. I have all that stuff blacklisted for myself, so I don't even see it, let alone reblog it. So if you, like me, are going into DA4 blind, this is a safe spot for that.

Consistent character bashing or character hate. I simply do not spend a majority of my online time thinking about stuff I hate.

Anonymous asks. Anon is always turned off, both here, on my main, and on my AO3.

Real world politics and news, or general (as in, not-DA-specific) Disk Horse. Honestly, probably not even that much Dragon Age Discourse, either.

Equating in-game choices or fandom opinions with real life politics and morality. I don't "support" any group in Thedas because Thedas is fake. My politics and activism are for real people, not Wizard Politics or whatever.

Egg or cheese jokes.

the tag system (tm).

#timeless posts - Anything reblogged from the depths of @bogunicorn in the last 10 years. Usually queued.

#bog post - Any and all of my original posts.

#bogfic - Anything involving my writing or my OCs.

#my ocs - My OCs. Often accompanied by #[character name] (oc).

#spicy bog - Ye olde horny tag.

#bogcrit, #[character name] critical, #dragon age critical, #[game] critical, #fandom bs - These are my Complaining Tags. If you never want to see anything truly critical or negative, just blacklist #bogcrit. If you want to avoid grousing or critique of a specific character, the games in general, individual games, or the fandom itself, blacklist whatever listed tag is relevant to you.

#fic, #art - Fanfic and fanart that I didn't make.

#meta - Meta or speculation posts.

#da au - Any kind of alternate universe post.

#ask meme - Blanket tag for any put-it-in-the-tags posts, as well as actual ask memes.

Characters are tagged by their full names. Origins and Inquisition PCs are tagged #the warden or #the inquisitor, as well as by surname. Hawke is always just #hawke. I don't specify gender in my character tags, this system is already complicated enough.

Ships are tagged #[character] x [character] in alphabetical order, with the PCs just using their surnames. I also use the more portmanteaus (like Solavellan, Fenhawke, Adoribull, etc) because that's what people are inclined to click/search, but I would still slap "lavellan x solas" on a Solavellan post just for consistency.

contact.

complain to my manager

send me an ask

read my fic

#pinned post

[basiliskinmybed]

hi, you don’t need to post a response to this. just read it at least please. sorry this is long, i’m not going to send you hate or a bunch of angry messages like you might be getting, i just want to share my opinion with you. i thought it was interesting that you mentioned KBS (the fanfic, not sure if the author wants it in this conversation or not so i’m abbreviating the name). the cultish behavior that harry disapproved of in the story also included spreading negativity about the work of authors who really didn’t ask for it in a community that also did not really ask for it. i think that is where people were upset with you, because it opened a conversation of mocking what other people like under the guise of criticism/personal preferences. sort of similar to the people sharing hate in that story’s discord server under the guise of trolling or that it’s okay because they are just opinions. i know this wasn’t your intention, and i’m very sure you just meant your original post as a little bit of fun to talk about something that has been sitting on your mind for some time. these are just your opinions and you can have them, but i think it was just the way that you went about it which irritated people. although not your intention, it did come across a bit mean-spirited and inconsiderate, and it did seem like you shaded something that is very well-liked in this little fandom. this will draw criticism towards yourself and your opinion just from the very nature of the conversation as it is quite negative to discuss things you dislike, and tagging the main ship tags opens that dialogue to many who likely don’t want to see that. many people here seem to have come from fandoms where drama was non-stop over silly things like this, just topics that spiral out of control until people’s feelings get hurt and nasty things get said that aren’t necessary. it’s actually really stupid and very juvenile but unfortunately that’s what it is, and i think that’s why people didn’t want you to start a conversation like that so publicly.. it invites people to spread negativity about things that others find enjoyable and people argue about it. especially leading up to tom’s birthday which is supposed to be a fun time in the fandom, full of amazing creative content from everyone.. a conversation like this circling might make people insecure over what they planned to post. so sorry again about this being so long, you might completely disagree with me and that’s okay. i just wanted to explain to you without it needing to be public necessarily or make you feel like you’re being ganged up on. i really hope you don’t let this situation heavily affect your view on the fandom or the ship itself, i know it’s selfish of me to wish but you might find some that do agree with your opinions, meaning that it’s not like everyone hates you (and unfortunately, there is no community that is forever positive without arguments). i hope you have a nice rest of your week and that this situation doesn’t give you further anxieties or troubles <3 take care!

Hi. So, about KBS, if i recall it correctly, that discord service in the story was talking shit behind the auhors' back and harry, they were talking about how pathetic he's, i remember how that made him frustrated and sad. i didn't do that, there was nothing against anyone. not everyone may like my attitude in the original post, but i didn't intend to do harm or wasn't even serious while making it. however, they attacked me, called me slurs, sended many anon hates. that's why i thought my situation was similar to the story, because i'm overwhelmed by the pressure like him. someone even said, '"...and the author has more talent in their little finger than you will ever have in your sad little life, going by all the insecurity, bitterness, and discourtesy that you're spewing here." don't you think they took it too far for no reason? for nothing? and now they're gonna say i'm playing the victim like it's all my fault and deserve all of it. lovely. i'm human too, if they only thought it as much as they think "what would author feel?" just because i said their work is not for me. thank you for being kind though, i appreciate that and see your points. and lastly, i don't think there's a single thing in this world that would make me hate tomarrymort, let alone for something petty like this. :)

[bookwyrminspiration]

Fitz needs many, many hugs. I feel like he gets the short side of the stick in the fandom, everyone's always talking about him in relation to Sophie instead of him being his own character with his own flaws and opinions. It hoenstly annoys me, it's not like he even has glaring anger issues! He only yelled at Sophie (and people in general) when he was going through the most traumatic parts of his life! His dad straight up died! (Or at least. Didn't know he could be healed, but to him his dad died) and He's expected to not only /not/ go into his own way of dealing with emotions, but to cater to others? People are expecting a 16 year old boy to be the pinnacle of emotional maturity? To hear about how his father died and go "Ah yes, what a shame, are you alright Sophie? I know that Lord Alden was close with you" as if it wasn't his fucken dad omfg

I could just be remembering it wrong and I personally don't like Sophie all that much (I just find her very selfish and overpowered, especially since she's launched into the highlife of society. I would've preferred to have Sophie cut out or at least reduced and have Fitz and Dex be the main characters as they are /brilliant/ mirrors of each other and could solve lots of the issues. That way we would also get a feel for how the world was, immersing ourselves in the fantasy when someone weird comes along, but that "weird" is our normal. I also don't like how she kissed Dex to say "See? Nothing" like omfg-)

Both Fitz and Keefe's characters have gotten almost irreparable confuddled with Sophie, and while she is a critical person in their lives who has permanently affected them, she is not all they are! I'm certainly guilty of this, as a lot of times I'll draw on relationships characters have and Sophie is an important one for them, but there's so much to each of them! Actually I think all three of them are permanently tied to each other, as I've brought them all up now...

You're so right though, Fitz needs so many more hugs, and your critique of the anger issues he's attributed to have is accurate. The term "anger issues" come with a whole host of assumptions and stigma, and I just don't think they fit him. I believe it's more accurate to say that he can struggle with his anger, not that he has anger issues. And yeah! His worst moments have always come during some of the most stressful times of his life where it would be absolutely unrealistic to expect him to be rational and in control. That doesn't mean that he's excused or justified or that his behavior is acceptable, but it doesn't make his behavior into some huge character flaw to vilify him for.

Fitz's dad effectively dying is a very understandable reason to lose your shit! One thing that always slightly baffles me is how Sophie herself specifically says that (saying she understands and that he can be mad at her, etc) and has that attitude throughout the whole event from the beginning, yet people portray it as a negative count on his character. Sophie saw Alden as a father figure, but she didn't have the same relationship or reliance or conceptualization of him as Fitz and Biana. She's allowed to feel however she needs to about it, but at the end of the day it really wasn't about her.

Also that's an interesting perspective! I haven't considered Dex and Fitz as the main characters before, as it would be a very different story. Not that that is a bad thing, it's a matter of personal preference. They do have an interesting dynamic and parallels, and their arc learning to set aside their prejudices and come together to work towards whatever goal they'd have in this changed story would be wonderful! I do wonder how it would work, as I think there's a strong argument that the reason both of them changed and came together/got over the rivalry they have is because Sophie is in the story as a bridge, so I'm curious how their interactions would be navigated without her.

I agree though that'd I'm super curious to see what the world was like before Sophie came crashing into it. I swear I made a post about that exact thing I just don't know when, but I want to know what it was like when everyone was going to classes and without Sophie's human lens and with Fitz disappearing and Keefe pulling pranks, you know?

I've also talked about the Dex kiss thing here so I won't say more here, but that's a fair way to feel about the situation!

anyway what I'm getting from all this is that we should love Fitz Vacker some more and that is a message I can absolutely get behind <33

#kotlc #keeper of the lost cities #quil's queries #nonsie #fitz and sophie: *get into an argument in legacy* #some people: ah yes this is proof that fitz isn't a good person for her despite this being a consequence of /both/ their actions #and also a valid argument from both sides #i simply love everyone in the series okay #long post