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stickyglitterwombat · 1 year

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Warrior Nun Ableism

I’ve just watched season 1 of Warrior Nuns and I’m torn.

Because on one hand, as a bisexual woman and POC, I appreciate the great representation on the show. I love that the main character is openly bisexual and has two love interests who are male and female. I love that we have a lesbian nun. I love even more that the relationship between Ava and Beatrice is not rushed, but instead well developed giving the characters depth and time to get to know each other. I love that the women on this show are each given their own storyline, are allowed to be complex and flawed while having strong bonds between them. I also love that their fighting outfits are not sexualizing them.

On the other hand, I was deeply bothered by the ableism. To give you some context, I grew up with a disabled father. Like Ava, he was quadriplegic. Unlike her, he was disabled from the moment he was born. My father was born in 1948, at a time when there was even less disability awareness than now and fewer (if any) institutions where a disabled child could study, let alone receive the medical care they needed. Like Ava, he was raised in an institution run by nuns. This particular establishment housed kids recovering from tuberculosis and other disabled children. I will say in my grandparents’ defense that they did not abandon him. They visited him regularly and it was simply the best solution they could find at the time for their son to receive an education while receiving medical assistance.

My father grew up to be an activist for disabled people rights and I grew up surrounded by disabled people. We have had many discussions over the years about the representation of disabled people in the media.

I still remember being in drama school when I was 20, about 15 years ago now, and explaining to one of my teachers, who thought that Avatar was the best thing since Star Wars, why I had hated the movie. We were in the common room, all of us were eating lunch, and it suddenly got very quiet as I gave a very passionate speech about ableism (and that’s without mentioning the white savior complex, but that’s another topic). What was my normal, something that to me was obvious, glaring, and evident and rage inducing was so foreign to them. Everyone looked at me as if I’d grown a second head. This was when I first realized how uninformed the vast majority of people are about ableism. I should perhaps add at this point that I grew up in France, in what is (in large part thanks to my father’s efforts) one the most accessible cities in Europe. Even if they were not in my father’s circle of friends, it was a very common thing to see disabled people in the streets or in public transport, or pretty much anywhere else in the city.

I find the language used in Warrior Nun extremely alarming. It shows a devastating lack of awareness about the underlying ideas it conveys and the damaging stereotypes it perpetuates. “She was already in hell”, or “She was already broken”. It reinforces the idea that disabled people are not whole, that being disabled will never let them live a happy fulfilling life. Yes, it comes from a character who is clearly ableist herself. But it’s chilling that the first line of the show is Ava talking about how her whole life she’s fantasized about dying. Major red flags.

Again, it is true that disabled people can struggle with mental health, and that they can have suicidal thoughts in direct relation to their disability. If I want to be generous (but I honestly don’t think that the creators of the show put that much thought into it), I could even say that it would make sense for Ava to have these thoughts when she was raised by abusive ableist people who probably told her every day of her life that she was broken and that she would have been better off if she’d died with her mum. The show had an opportunity to explore the theme of abuse of disabled people by the people who are supposed to care for them, unfortunately, like most things that have to do with Ava’s disability, it never went anywhere. And there’s a reason for that. If you ask me, the show’s creators never really had any intention of giving Ava’s disability much spotlight. Or of creating a disabled character at all. Her disability was merely a plot device for them.

Which leads me to the big, the bad and ugly, the “magical healing”.

Rosie Knight on Nerdist said it better than I could.

“Stories shape the world around us and Warrior Nun, Batgirl, Venom, and The Witcher (which features a magical disability cure which also makes a lady sexy, as if disabled people aren’t and don’t have fulfilling sex lives) play into harmful narratives. All of these tales enforce dangerous tropes: that disabled people don’t have any quality of life, that we don’t have sex, that all we want is to become able-bodied, and, most horrifyingly of all, that we’d rather be dead than to live as our authentic disabled selves.”

Here is the link if you want to read the full article (which I encourage you to do).

https://nerdist.com/article/warrior-nun-magical-disability-cure/

Dear content creators, please don’t make a character disabled just to give them something to “overcome” and then have it play next to no part in their story as soon as they are “magically healed”. That’s not good representation. That’s poor storytelling. That’s exploitative, gratuitous, and contributes to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about minorities.

Please, do better.

EDIT: I am still figuring out how tumblr works and can’t manage to reply to the comments in the comment section. This is a reply to Sorrynotsorrow.

Inviting people to think a bit more deeply about the reasons why the shows they watch and enjoy might be problematic is precisely the point of this type of post. They discuss the ways minorities are represented in shows and aim to raise awareness about how the ways said minorities are represented in the media are harmful when that is the case.

I am aware that some of the people reading this may never have talked to a disabled person about what their reality is like, may never even have met one. This post is asking you to do something that might not be comfortable. It’s asking you to take a minute to think about something you may never have spent much time pondering in your life, to look beyond the enjoyability factor of a show, beyond the thematics, to challenge your views and educate yourself about realities that are different from yours. It’s asking you to be aware.

Any show, even a show that has strong supernatural elements like this one, is a reflection of their creator’s views of the world, influenced by their beliefs, cultural and socio-economic background, including their blind spots and prejudices.

A story is never just a story.

There is a difference between the thematic arcs of a show and representation. These are two different topics. You are quite right in saying that loneliness and a lack of freedom are some of the big themes that are explored in Ava’s story. In terms of characterization, the way they have linked it to her disability, death and rebirth makes sense, yes.

But that doesn’t mean that the way they wrote about her disability was great representation (for all the reasons that I’ve explained).

From what I have read though, they have received a lot of messages about this topic and have expressed a desire to do better in season 2. EDIT 2: LOL, Their idea of better representation is to completely erase the fact that Ava was once disabled.

#warrior nun #ableism #ava silva #sister beatrice #avatrice #bisexuality #representation

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denimbex1986 · 1 month

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'On the surface, All of Us Strangers, directed by Andrew Haigh, is a dark and twisty love story. Underneath, there is the often-present storyline seen in queer cinema: that of trauma and tragedy.

All of Us Strangers follows lonely middle-aged gay man Adam (Andrew Scott), struggling to come to terms with his tragic past and sexuality. Adam is a screenwriter, attempting to use his craft to work through his trauma, but his solitary life is interrupted by his new neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal).

Through a dreamworld-like exploration, Adam experiences the companionship and love accepting his homosexuality would bring, all the while visiting his dead parents in an “I see dead people” Sixth Sense fashion.

Ultimately, the story ends with the realisation Harry, like Adam’s parents, was actually dead all along, and the film leaves us wondering if Adam himself is a ghost, too.

LGBTIQA+ audiences are accustomed to seeing themes of loss, grief, homophobia and tragedy play out on screen, and this film is no exception. While it explores these themes through a beautiful, haunting ghost story, gorgeous cinematography, affective music score and captivating performances, it still reinforces the narrative queer people cannot live happy lives.

Queer representation

Queer representation in mainstream media has historically been marred by negative stereotypes, tokenistic representation and death. In my recent interactive documentary, Queer Representation Matters, queer media scholars and queer screen storytellers share how queer characters are often relegated to roles characterised by tragedy or trauma, perpetuating harmful tropes like “bury your gays”.

Bury your gays is a storytelling trope that sees LGBTQI+ characters die, often to propel the story forward for a cis, heterosexual character. We can first find these stories in late 19th century literature such as Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890).

It gained traction in the early 20th century, in Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour (1934) and Vin Packer’s Spring Fire (1956) (although she doesn’t die, just ends up institutionalised), and continues to appear in novels, plays, films and on television.

Films such as The Hours (2002), Philadelphia (2003), Brokeback Mountain (2005), A Single Man (2009) and Black Swan (2010) are all films about a queer character who suffers and dies.

You may remember some of these much-loved, yet killed-off TV characters: Villanelle from Killing Eve (2018–2022), Poussey Washington from Orange is the New Black (2013–2019) and Lexa from The 100 (2014–2020).

Online queer news site, Autostraddle, have compiled a list of the 230+ dead queer female TV characters, which continues to be updated with each death.

Essentially, for queer people, it starts to feel like you can’t have queer representation without someone dying tragically at the end.

A 2023 report from Screen Australia shows only 7.4% of main or recurring characters on Australian scripted TV from 2016–2021 were identifiably LGBTQI+, and although there have been improvements in representing more complex and inclusive queer stories on Australian television, we remain quite conservative in depicting queer sex and diverse genders.

Queer people will have different and complicated responses to queer death on screen. The result of the bury your gays trope is many queer people are left feeling that being queer means you are destined for tragedy. Witnessing another queer death on screen can make us revisit past wounds and experiences.

We need diverse stories

Tropes will always exist in storytelling, but by having more diverse queer filmmakers telling more diverse queer stories, audiences will have a more balanced narrative about queer life (and life expectancy).

So, do these themes of trauma, tragedy and queer death mean films like All of Us Strangers fall into the bury your gays trope? Not necessarily, no. Here, Harry’s death is not propelling a straight character’s story forward.

It is also necessary to have sad stories about queer characters. Stories that show the queer experience in different social and historical contexts are important to understanding the struggle for LGBTQI+ liberation.

While All of Us Strangers may reinforce the narrative queer people cannot live happy lives, there are moments of tenderness, vulnerability and hope in the film. The true value of the story lies in its creation by gay filmmaker Haigh.

When a gay man is able to tell the story his way, the story becomes more authentic.

Haigh’s ability to create truthful conversations between Adam and his parents, cross-generational romance, and the desire to heal persisting wounds, demonstrates the value of the authentic lived experience.

It is important to reflect the tragic queer lived experiences. But when these stories are saturating our big and small screens we are not seeing the alternative – the queer resilience, resistance, joy, hope, creativity, potential and triumph.

We need to see stories that challenge the narrative that being queer ultimately leads to pain, trauma and tragedy. We need to see we can also live long and happy lives, so we can believe we can have the happy ever after.'

#All of Us Strangers #Andrew Haigh #Black Swan #The Picture of Dorian Gray #LGBTIQA+#Andrew Scott #Paul Mescal #Killing Eve #The 100 #Orange is the New Black #The Hours #Brokeback Mountain #Philadelphia

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tsukikoayanosuke · 1 year

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My Manga Yuu Wish List

With the appearance of Yuuka Hirasawa in Savanaclaw Manga replacing Yuuken Enma from the Heartslabyul Manga, it's safe to say that we might expect more Yuu in future manga installments. So, today, I have a wish list for the next future Yuu.

Now, to premise this: This is a wish list. Thus, this might sound very self-indulgent. These are just my opinions and you guys can agree or disagree with them. I'm open to further conversation. And because this is very self-indulgent, I realized after writing this that I may or may not make Yuu the main character. What I'm saying is that I may or may not give my choices of Yuu a bigger role than in the game. Like, some have an entire character development for a one-off mc. This is what happens when you daydream about the plot too much lol. All the Yuu here are first-year age, or at least around that, like Yuuken and Yuuka. So, unfortunately, there are no adults or tiny children.

So, without further ado, here's my wish list for future Manga Yuu for each Episode.

Octavinelle Arc

Once the Discord group I'm in is talking about some reader expectations on future Manga Yuu. Someone sent an ask to my friend saying that they (the asker) want an overweight Yuu to show that you can be happy even if you're overweight. Now, there is no problem with this and it is a good message. However, I don't think it suits the story of Octavinelle.

Like, if I have to guess this Overweight Yuu plot, is that Yuu was also bullied because of their appearance but managed to come out as a happy child. This is a great message. But, here's the thing: Azul is already happy. Yes, he's no longer a chubby octopus, but he's now a happy teen. If this is about self-acceptance, and both Overweight Yuu and Azul are comfortable in their own path of happiness, then what is there to challenge? What does Overweight Yuu bring to the table other than representation (and possibly pandering wokeness)? Again, I’m not saying Overweight Yuu is bad, I’m all support. It’s only the matter of execution. And we’re living in a timeline where “representation” in media being more important than storytelling, you can’t blame me for having fear of the worst.

We need to go back to Octavinelle Arc. The main story the Octavinelle is Azul scamming many student is signing a contract, making them his servants, and it's up to Yuu to save them (well, mostly your close friends). While body image is a struggle for Azul, that's not the main conflict of Octavinelle. Azul was bullied as a kid and that resentment kept growing along with his skill. When he becomes, basically, above everyone else, he uses that power to scam people. In short, Azul is a bully victim who becomes a bully. And that's the key. Azul is doing all of this, working hard to be better not because he wants to be better, but as an act of revenge toward his bullies first and foremost.

That's why I don't think the Overweight Yuu and the self-acceptance theme might work in terms of narrative.

But that’s not saying we can’t have an Overweight Yuu. However, the overweight-ness is not the main focus. What I think might be a good theme to challenge Azul is revenge and redemption.

So, I offer a Former Bully Yuu.

Just like how Yuuken is the calm leader compared to Riddle being easy to anger, and Yuuka hardworking compare to Leona's laziness, I offer someone who switches roles: Azul previously was a bullying victim now become a bully, and Yuu who was a bully once but now defends those in need.

I imagine Former Bully Yuu as someone who looks tough, maybe part of a gang once, but turns out to have a heart of gold. Maybe something happened that made them stop their bullying and actually try to be good. Or maybe they're still struggling to mend their mistake but people still see the bully in them. Going to Twisted Wonderland might be a blessing because they can start a new leaf with a brand new image. They might even have a closer bond with Deuce for their similar past. And if Deuce said he can relate to Azul, the Former Bully Yuu can do too.

When Octavinelle Arc starts, Former Bully Yuu knows the signs almost immediately and maybe even call out at Azul's behavior. Thus, there's a conflict between the two main players and Former Bully Yuu becomes determined to save their friends.

This actually might also open the possibility of having Yuu that's not a good kid in the beginning. Yuuken and Yuuka are good kids, but having an actual (albeit former) bad Yuu as an MC gives a chance for an unlikable protagonist who actually grows through the story even if it's just in one manga.

For this Yuu, I actually prefer if they're a female for a few reasons. One, because Yuu can be any gender, and two, I just really want a really bad bitch. I've seen so many good girl Yuu in the fandom, so why not a former bad girl Yuu. And just, really, I want to see a woman make mistake and actually own it unlike many modern 'strong female characters'.

Scarabia Arc

Same as the previous section, someone sent an ask to my friend that they (the asker) want a hijabi Yuu. However, once again there's nothing wrong with this request, like before, what does this bring to the narrative? What does Hijabi Yuu bring to the table other than representation (and possibly pandering wokeness)? Also, Najma doesn't wear a hijab, so why not Yuu too?

When we talk about hijabi, we often connect it with religion. But Scarabia Arc is never about religion. Scarabia Arc is about rebellion and freedom, of a servant challenging his fate and authority, to topple down he who basically owns you. What can Hijabi Yuu challenge from this?

But there is another, more disgusting, way. That Hijabi Yuu is struggling with their religion, thus wanting to break free just like Jamil. I sincerely hope that this is not the route they're taking. Going down this route feels like you're mocking us. While I'm not a Muslim myself, growing up in the country with the largest Muslim population, I know how important religion and tradition are for us. My friends are not oppressed by their religion. They are proud and this is their act of being fateful to God.

The bottom line, like Overweight Yuu, I don’t want Hijabi Yuu to be there just for representation brownie points, but has a bigger role. We can still have Hijabi Yuu, but their hijab or being Muslim is not their main trait.

Going back to Scarabia Arc, I think we can play around with the idea of freedom. Technically, we're not challenging Jamil's concept of freedom directly but opening another window. However, I do admit that this is a tricky arc to tackle. So, I kinda offer two routes.

Going down the classic route, the first one is the Rich Kid Yuu.

Listen. I'm not a rich kid myself, so I can get this wrong.

I actually imagine Rich Kid Yuu is born into a prestigious family, maybe even a billionaire. Rich Kid Yuu is the heir of this company thus they're raised to be the next leader. They attend the best school, has many tutors, and is living to their parent's expectation. However, the stress finally caught up to them and they realized that "Wait, when can I take a break?" and seeing other kids their age they wondered why can't they be free like them with no rules and responsibility. Going to Twisted Wonderland is their escapism and dream come true.

Yes, this is similar to Riddle's story, but that's why it might work. If Jamil wants to be free from being under Kalim's shadow while Rich Kid Yuu is freed from their family ties. They understand where Jamil is coming from for while they don't share the same background, the longing for freedom is mutual. However, I also imagine Jamil sees Rich Kid Yuu the same as Kalim, albeit less annoying. So how do we challenge Jamil?

I think it might be more efficient if Jamil meets someone from the same level. That's when the second option is here. Coming from the opposite spectrum is Poor Kid Yuu.

Now, this is closer to home. While I myself is not living in poverty, my family once went through some financial trouble. But I might get this wrong as well.

Poor Kid Yuu might be similar to Azul but at least they're not doing it out of spite. Poor Kid Yuu was born into a poor family or a working-class or family with lots of debt, thus money became sacred to them. They're the type who would count their blessing and a hard worker in school, the top of the class because they're aiming for the scholarship. I think they might be the ones who would actually panic and try to find their own way out of Twisted Wonderland, every day wondering what's their family's fate.

This is where Jamil got challenged. Jamil is tied to his role as a servant while Poor Kid Yuu is tied to their financial problem. Both want to be free from that, but Jamil picks the rebellion road while Poor Kid Yuu picks the peaceful hard work road. Maybe, instead of Jamil being challenged, Poor Kid Yuu is the one getting their ideal challenged. With force, Jamil can secure a brief victory while the years Yuu has spent these years and no result in escaping poverty. Being a good guy, Poor Kid Yuu proves their resolve, choosing the long hard yet truthful way than cheating their way to success.

For this one, any gender is fine. Actually, it might be stronger if we have a female Yuu for the Rich Kid Yuu. Mostly I want the "girlboss who actually does girlboss stuff and deserves the recognition" representation.

Pomefiore Arc

Outside of Octavinelle and Scarabia Arc, I haven't really seen any hardcore speculation for Pomefiore Arc. I think the first choice would be a manager since we're entering the idol/school festival arc. I actually agree with this one. Having a Manager Yuu might actually give Yuu a chance to participate the practice even more than in canon. Like Vil giving Yuu the responsibility in the schedule, their diet, and the accommodation. Which means, we'll be getting a Yuu who is more mature than the rest, someone who has the skill and experience in group management.

But let's also see what Pomefiore Arc is about. Outside the school festival, I'll be taking one of the main elements, which is looking for (social) validation. Like, comment, subscribe, kudos, bookmark, and reblog. Everything us content creator is, like it or not, striving for. Our relationship with our followers is precious to us. But it can backstab you. You'll be looking for their validation and the parasocial relationship will grow. At least that's what I went through. Vil is also the same. He needs social validation, he needs that beauty rank to see what's his worth. The thing is, he knows his skill, he knows what he's capable of, but what is the use if nobody is there to support you? We often say that we draw/write/create content because we love it, but we also want to be recognized so it doesn't feel like we're talking to a brick wall.

I want to offer two Yuus. The first one is the Struggling Content Creator Yuu or maybe just CC Yuu for short.

This Yuu can either be an artist, a writer, a YouTuber, a Twitch streamer, a vlogger, a blogger, anything. They are a content creator on the internet. But note the 'struggling' part. Before going to Twisted Wonderland, CC Yuu is hitting rock bottom in their craft, like having a writer blog, a burnout, declining subscribers, anything. Or the opposite, they're striving in their craft and they're the internet darling, to the point of parasocial relationship with their follower and want to please them. Basically, Yuu is your young content creator. But, I'm going down the rock bottom CC Yuu.

Basically, CC Yuu has been wrung dry. They have no more content and the thing they used to love feels like a chore. Maybe they didn't get much like or reblog, making them feel like they're talentless. And going to Twisted Wonderland just make that feeling worse, because not only do you have a real celebrity like Vil, who seemingly can do anything perfectly, as the only magicless kid in this goddamn school, they're useless.

I imagine CC Yuu as someone who is bitter and jealous (once again going down the Yuu not being the best kid route), who looks down on themselves and wants to quit. This might be the only Yuu in the list who I think might actively hate a character, in this case, Vil, for a personal reason when Vil doesn't do anything wrong. Just standing next to him cause irritation in them because he's oh so perfect. I mean, don't we all when we first play TWST? Don’t we all hate Vil because he’s a mean girl?

The overblot was a slap for them, showing that Vil also went through the same struggles. Maybe post-Overblot, CC Yuu and Vil can have a talk and CC Yuu just vent and Vil understand them, maybe contacting people he knows that might help boost. CC Yuu is clearly not cures from their burnout, but the feeling is starting to grow. Maybe they could grab the pen again when they go home...

I know this is not every content creator’s struggle, but you can’t really just pull every artist problems and put it in a character. That’s why I’m more focusing of the burnout from the lack of follower response and jealousy of Vil who looks perfect.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have the classic Theater Kid Yuu.

This Yuu is very loud, very obnoxious, sometimes overconfident, has an infectious laugh, looks like a goofball, and you'll either like them or hate them. Theater Kid Yuu stands in the spotlight and likes to be at the center of attention. The theater has been a large part of their life, maybe to the point it's his basic personality. Their goal is to make everyone smile, to leave a lasting impression, so nobody forgets about them.

But I also imagine Theater Kid Yuu being the kindest of them all. Being in the theater can develop one’s attention to detail, especially subtle gestures. They could decipher when someone is sad, angry, or happy. If irritation appears on people's faces when they're around, then Yuu would slowly pull themselves away.

They're also very open to criticism since that's a way to grow in their craft. However, that would also mean they would also take hateful comments. Theater Kid Yuu would still take it with a smile. They will take those into their self-reflective moment and try to find a way to make the bonds less hurtful.

With this, I feel like Theater Kid Yuu will be the first one to notice Vil's struggle. Being in the entertainment industry is almost the same as theater, thus they vaguely know the routine. They would notice Vil keeps asking Mira and Vil first crumbles when Neige performs. Theater Kid Yuu will try to be friends with Vil, because they are kind and no actor can perform without their crew, thus Vil should have someone as well.

For these Yuu, I don’t have a preferable gender. I’m more used with male for Theater Kid Yuu, but anything is fine.

Ignihyde & Diasomnia Arc

Now you must be wondering why I lump these two arcs together. Well, not only because Diasomnia Arc is still ongoing, most of the Yuu that I pick for these arcs can somehow be switched around. One of the themes I decided to pick for these two arcs is the concept of time and family. Both Idia and Malleus struggle with the loss of (or in the process of losing) someone they are close. Idia lost his brother and to this day still being haunted by his death. Malleus is in the process of losing Lilia, who had been with him since he was a kid, and Yuu, while their meeting was brief left an impact on them. There's also the concept of time with Idia losing the time of being with human Ortho and Malleus racing against Lilia and Yuu's time. Because of these elements I'm focusing on, I'll combine the choices of Yuu I want.

Starting with the easy ones, we have Orphan Yuu.

Orphan Yuu is someone who had lost a family, usually parents. They're living with some relatives or are adopted. Maybe they have a younger sibling who is still alive and they take the role of the main caretaker. With this premise, Orphan Yuu is a kind, loving person who will take care of many they hold dear to their heart. They can cook and clean, a perfect house husband/wife. Their strength is their kindness.

When they're transported to Twisted Wonderland, their first thought is "is my family going to be okay?" Similar to Poor Kid Yuu, Orphan Yuu is one who will do anything to get back home, but they're conflicted. After many overblot, they realized that maybe these kids need a friend who will take care of them. So, they become their safe shelter, opening Ramshackle's door for the weary souls.

Orphan Yuu understand Idia's grief and Malleus' fear. They might be the only one willing to be on Malleus side, even during overblot, but will try to save him as well. They adores Ortho and scolds Idia for his "not so big brother actions". They dote over Grim and is furious to the point of nearly punching Idia when he was taken, only to be stopped by Rook and Epel. "I don't want to lose him too," Orphan Yuu said and Idia gets it.

While there's no preferable gender, I'm leaning toward male for this one, mostly because I really like the kind big brother archetype. And come on, we need at least one very pure guy in this school of villains.

The next one is the classic Sick and Dying Yuu but let's just call it Ill Yuu.

This is actually kinda tricky so I'll keep it short. Mostly because this is also connected to the world-building of Twisted Wonderland. We know that Riddle's mom is a doctor, but can she cure an otherworld common cold? This can open a chance for exploration in in-universe healthcare. But, let's just say, they're no cure for whatever illness Ill Yuu and, as previously said, they're dying. Thus, I can see Ill Yuu as someone who cherishes every second of their life. They want to do everything they can before they die, especially in this other world. They're kind to others because they want to be remembered dearly. They never use their illness as an excuse for every inconvenience but takes full responsibility for their wrong action, making them a very admirable kid.

Ill Yuu might be more effective for Diasomnia Arc, but I don't know if we combine it with Lilia losing his magic, it'll be too repetitive for the plot. For Idia, maybe he can see Ill Yuu and think back to Ortho and his sudden death. Maybe Idia can help in granting Yuu's wishes and make sure Ortho become close to them because nobody should leave the world without anybody holding their hand and whispering "goodbye". Idia won't go through a painful loss again. At least this time, he can prepare in losing a friend. The grief can come later.

No preferable gender for this one.

Now the last two types are even trickier to pull off and can honestly make or break a story.

The third Yuu for this is Apathetic Yuu.

Now this is actually pretty tricky to pull. There are many 'calm, cool, and collected' anime characters, we even have some in TWST in the form of Silver and Malleus. When I say it's tricky because I don't really want a badass Yuu. I want a Yuu who has a straight face. No witty comment, no secretly a genius, no manipulative attitude. They're just there, existing but without any emotion. Apathetic Yuu is struggling in finding their feeling again that once died. No hobbies, no interest (or maybe they have a special interest but they don't look like they're smiling). It's like they're an empty shell who is somehow still alive.

So, why put this type in a story where family love is strong? Well, like Former Bully Yuu and CC Yuu, this can be Apathetic Yuu's journey in emotional growth. Seeing how Idia and Malleus are willing to do everything to keep their family alive might stir something in them. Maybe the moment when Grim was taken and Ace and Deuce got hurt was the first time Apathetic Yuu ever widened their eyes in shock. At first, maybe they felt scared by this sudden emotion, but with reassurance from Lilia, since he's the most mature, Apathetic Yuu learns more. I don't have any preferable gender for this type since we can pull blank-stare characters in anime.

The last one is actually a type I'm actually excited about. I'll be calling it Desconstruction Otome View Yuu or Otome Yuu for short.

Okay. Hear me out.

You know about the whole "many people think that TWST is an otome game" and we often joke how "characters forget that they're not in an otome game"? Let's take all of those and put them in Otome Yuu.

This Yuu is ecstatic to be in Twisted Wonderland, especially for the hot boys. For every interaction they have with the boys, they take it as a romantic gesture. They're sighing and blushing. They're treating this as an otome game, knowing all the strategies and sweet actions. Heck, maybe make them an otaku, but I doubt Idia dares to get close to someone as forward as Otome Yuu. But really, they're just very naive and innocent. They mean no harm but can come off as annoying.

So, where does the deconstruction happens? Well, I can only see this work in Diasomnia. With Malleus being the poster boy, thus the main "love interest", Otome Yuu pursued him the hardest. It'll depend on Malleus whether he's comfortable or not. And when the a quarter way has passed, Otome Yuu (and maybe Malleus) think that love might solve their problem. So, they kiss...but nothing happens. Malleus is not cured of whatever crisis he's having. Lilia is not no longer dying. Everything is still a mess. And that's when Otome Yuu's rose color glasses started to slip off.

Like Former Bully Yuu, CC Yuu, and Apathetic Yuu, Otome Yuu has a chance to grow. To learn to read the situation and don't just carelessly see this as a romance game. Not everything can be solved through the power of love. I feel like they might get into an identity crisis and have heavy self-reflection. Looking back to many of their- interactions with the other boys and point out whether they are times when the boys are uncomfortable with them. Otome Yuu started to respect them, not as romanceable characters or potential boyfriends but as actual people who have a life outside of them. They become humble, more understanding, and less naive. And when Malleus goes overblot, Otome Yuu is there not to save him as the climax in their romance route, but as a friend who is ready to risk their life for him.

That's the deconstruction. The otome route is my biggest fear when Yuuka arrives. But at least at first glance, she doesn't seem to be someone who is overly romantic. So, if we ever have an MC who is very romantic, I kinda want to see them not getting the boy of the chapter. Again, TWST is not an otome game, so why are we treating it as one?

This Yuu has to be 100% female. While I don't mind male Yuu and taking the hopelessly romantic gay route, but as I said, this is a deconstruction of the otome genre, thus I'm leaning toward the female Yuu. But also, I really want to see a male-female friendship that doesn't end with romance.

Conclusion:

Like many, I have a wish list of what I kinda want for future Yuu in the manga adaptation. A lot of you probably won't agree with this list, but that's the point of a wish list. It is something I kinda want to see, but I'm not sad if they don't come true. I'll be looking forward to Yuuken, Yuuka, and any future Yuu in the next installments. Remember, all Yuu matters.

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #twst #twisted wonderland manga #twst manga #twisted wonderland yuu #twst yuu #twisted wonderland mc #twst mc #the captain's rambling

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lordelmelloi2 · 1 month

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a lot of work that was done for feminist media analysis in the 90s-2010s was thrown out the window thanks to modern "fandom" etiquette and stuff that just boiled down to "muh ships" and a lot of the mindset that resulted in this shift is outright rooted in racism per the "fiction has no bearing on reality/you should know the difference". I really think honestly its a very privileged & white mindset to have to believe "it's fictional/pretend/private so I don't have to think about if it affects anyone". if you are against racism you should know the impact of media on reality, black feminists and civil rights activists have been pointing out the effects of propaganda and also representation of groups on the social consciousness forever; And I think quite honestly for the whole "well it's common sense to not treat someone a certain way just because you enjoy media that depicts it being shown!" argument, the minute you learn about the history of Minstrels and the Mammy stereotype or the Sapphire stereotype or etc. It should become blatantly clear to you how depictions of anything affect how people act in real life. This in turn also relates to media showing children as sexual objects, incestuous relationships as being funny/desirable/normal, rape as being "tough love", all of these are things that feminists have been doing work to try to combat for YEARS, and right now because of the whole ""pro ship"" BS it's kind of going out the window because people value their own personal comfort over making any meaningful changes. It's not like you get a manual stating when you turn 18 "here's all the crazy stuff you should unlearn so you can help break cycles of abuse and normalization of abuse", but people seem to have given up on trying to understand anymore. Nothing is exempt from criticism, we don't live in a vacuum, media has and historically has impact on reality, social attitudes, normalizing abuse. It's... obvious. Like its blatantly obvious. If you've cared about anything, ever, if you've ever been like "ugh. I hate how (animal movie) made people go out and buy (animal) as pets even though they're not meant for domestication!" you understand already how media impacts reality and people's behaviors, you're just choosing to pick and choose which ones you personally feel are valid.

And I think that when there's epidemics of children being groomed and an abuse and mental health epidemic that's because of rampant pedophilia, incest and rape we need to be more aware of the ways that media feeds these messages to you about what is and what isn't acceptable to do to another person. I don't believe in Neutering media to Never Show it, but I do think people are very stupid and despite saying they don't believe in condoning stuff "in real life" I think there's a wild amount of people who truthfully have no idea what boundaries are acceptable anymore and will gratefully allow the messages to permeate their brain without stopping to think like what the director or author is trying to say or what overall message they're trying to convey. I don't enjoy the discussions being held about "media literacy" in fan communities anymore but there is kind of a shocking lack of discussion about trying to understand the overall point of a story. The big picture. Overarching narrative meanings. Messages communicated. Themes and what they mean and how they tie into the narrative. Idk. There's better ways of writing all this up and I have to get ready for work

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angelicsaggie · 2 years

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Saturn Retrograde 2022

If you thought Mercury Retrograde was scary then you have not seen anything yet! Saturn has a salty representation, perhaps it formed during his early portrayals or offspring dinner meals. Anyhow, Saturn plays a major role in our lives by influencing our structure, karma, boundaries, time management, public image, restrictions, honor, fears, organization, and maturity. If your Saturn is weakened by a lack of wanted growth then Saturn will not mind kicking your back until you get off your arse and attain responsibility.

Saturn Through the Signs

In simple terms, Saturn does not play around and neither should you. Unfortunately, I do not have any sugar to sugarcoat Saturn's unconventional behavior, but I can say that Saturn is not an entirely irksome planet. Saturn is the strict professor that wants the best for you. He is the father of the zodiac that thrives on spoiling his children, but only if they work towards their goals and aspirations. Saturn rests next to Jupiter, thus Saturn's rewards, morals, and ethics relate to its neighboring planet. Research your Saturn's placements (the house and sign.) If you do not work on your Saturn energies during this retrograde then Saturn will force you into intense, unexpected scenarios that will give wisdoms. However, if you choose to begin your new routines on your own, then Saturn will feel more inclined to make your lessons easier, hopefully.

—

Aries ♈️ (1st House)

Saturn is urging you to reflect on your inner and outer self. Since Libra is the opposite sign of Aries, it can be easy for you to lose track of your independence and focus on the wrongdoing of others. Instead of focusing on those energies, take note of your own behavior and obtain accountability. This accountability relates to your physical body, mental comprehension, communication, and personal responsibility.

Taurus ♉️ (2nd House)

Venus is a lover of materials, art, and beauty which can make Taurus overindulge in material areas, and Saturn does not find that amusing. Be cautious what you are feeding your mind because not all art is good for your mental health. Your social media, music, and environment influences your story and can create negative themes. To avoid this result, re-evaluate the beauty in your life by tunning into nature, losing your dependent streak with materials, working on your mental health, going out for a walk, meditating, cleansing your energies, journaling your emotions, and humbling yourself.

Gemini ♊️ (3rd House)

Communication is a major factor in the life of a Gemini, even though your sun sign is most likely in a different sign, you are still a Gemini in a Saturnian way. If this placement is imbalanced, your communication style might be too harsh, gossipy, or weak, but do not fret because you can master your speech. Communication is not solely verbal, you also communicate by your hands, gestures, letters, phone calls, text messages, telepathic abilities, dreams, and facial expressions. Use this retrograde to improve your many communication styles.

Cancer ♋️ (4th House)

When Saturn rests in Cancer, it can cause the individual to rely on themselves as the glue to their workplace and home. It is great to be the glue, but this can cause the native to be overloaded in their mental health and emotions. Work on giving yourself room to breathe and not being the controlling mother to all of your family and friends. You deserve a break. However, if you have been selfish and doing the complete opposite then perhaps it is time for you to begin working in your Cancer energy. Check up on your family and friends, show more empathy, and work on attaining more responsibility.

Leo ♌️ (5th House)

Leo adds a sense of fun and flair to the native's workplace and nature. You usually have many hobbies, interests, and talents that need to be presented in the public eye. Saturn is the dullish, slow moving planet that drives Leo wild with boredom. As a result, you might throw your talents into a closet, but this behavior should be avoided because your gifts need to be worked on so you can master them. Do not allow this restriction to stop your goals because great things take time and the rewards will be impeccable. When you master your talents, you can easily create businesses out of them. These talents can also be presented on podcasts, public events, and YouTube videos.

Virgo ♍️ (6th House)

You are highly attracted to details which is beautiful, but it can also lead towards nervous energy and paying too much attention to unnecessary details for long periods of time. During this retrograde, take a break from your negative characteristics of being too harsh, nit-picky, and overexertion. The 6th house is all about healing the mind, body, and spirit, so heal yourself and others with your actions and words. This could be done from your community, home, and workplace.

Libra ♎️ (7th House)

Unions are Libra's favorite song, but just like its counterpart Aries, relationships can cause you to focus too much on others and not on your own well-being. Take time to reflect on your emotions and heal. This self-discovery will allow you to heighten your intuition and realign the relationship that you need to develop within yourself.

Scorpio ♏️ (8th House)

Scorpio has a similar story to Libra this retrograde, but the difference between the scorpion and the scales is that Scorpio enjoys unions so much that it intensely merges with it, but what about merging with the self? Scorpio energy has the ability to manipulate the waters in their life to manifest any desire, so use this retrograde to restructure your life by letting go of things you cannot control and attracting, instead of chasing.

Sagittarius ♐️ (9th House)

Did anyone say flight 123 is ready for take off? This Saturn retrograde could include a lot of short and long distance travels. Wherever you go, make sure that you leave space for learning and teaching. It is important to remember that being a student is not bad and can increase your intelligence. In addition, change is humming towards your life rather it is from your routine, environment, or job. The changes might be unsettling in the beginning but things will soon fall into place.

Capricorn ♑️ (10th House)

When Capricorn is in Saturn, it works all of the time even though it is in its home placement. If you have this placement and you have been lacking structure and routine then Saturn wants you to step it up a notch by creating a new routine and working on your goals. But, if you have been a workaholic or too serious then take a chill pill every now and then. At the end of your life, none of these materials will travel with you to the spiritual realm, and you do not want to be in your final days thinking, "I spent so much time trying to achieve and flaunt materials. Was it worth it to throw away precious time that could have been spent with my loved ones and mental health?"

Aquarius ♒️ (11th House)

What untraditional values do you want to spread to the public? Saturn loves hard work, even when it is based on originality and changes. If you pay close attention to neighboring signs and houses like Saturn and Uranus (the planets that both rule Aquarius) they slightly influence each another. However, structure is important if you want to put your ideals into the world. For example: If you want to be a model then you have to create a plan, build a portfolio, and learn how to deal with the public. It is great to be eccentric but since we live on modern-day Earth, we must follow a few societal norms, so take this time to balance your humanitarian skills, structure, and originality without losing your independence.

Pisces ♓️ (12th House)

Self-transformation is needed for your growth this retrograde. Whenever a placement is in Pisces, it can make the individual too passive, afraid of confrontation, or overly aggressive (due to it being the opposite trait of Pisces.) Your opinions and feelings are important and should be talked about when you feel an idea and discomfort. During this retrograde, work on balancing your feminine and masculine energies. In return, you will be able to speak up for yourself, create your preferred reality, and heal the world.

—

Class of Saturn (Aries 10th)

Saturn’s Day

Balancing femininity

Finding femininity

June Horoscope

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grrrlsoverdramas · 2 years

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Here with my semi-annual brain dump about global perspectives vs culturally-informed criticism!!

So, my main perspective on Autistic rep in Extraordinary Attorney Woo is informed by being a teacher in Korea for 2 years + having friends who worked with students with developmental differences there for longer than me and then being a teacher in the US for many years who has worked with a number of students with Autism.

Which is to say I don’t get to decide if something is good or right, but here some things I consider when thinking about the representation here (or elsewhere) in Kdramas. Most of this sort of applies broadly to how I think of rep of any type of difference, not just developmental differences:

You might be interested in this scholarship review on ASD in Korean children to see where I’m coming from. It’s outdated (from 2013) but that’s how such things work.

Be aware of when you are thinking about global representation vs. kdrama representation. When it comes to representation, I am a big proponent of the idea that more representation is better than “good” representation. The more characters with xyz difference, the more opportunity there is for characters to be diverse, specific, and interesting, and the less important it is for them to be “accurate.” (I know it’s not THAT simple -- like there are things that ARE just wrong... my Big Thing as the granddaughter of someone with schizophrenia is media ALWAYSSS confusing it with DID... so the “diversity” of schizophrenic characters is just a bunch of characters who aren’t schizophrenic -- check out a beautiful mind or, surprisingly, criminal minds for the only portrayals I personally like) You might look at this drama and feel like it’s all been done before or it’s leaning into tired tropes, but are those *GLOBAL* tropes or things you’ve seen a million times in kdramas? I’m not saying one way of looking at it is better, but I always think it’s important to be aware of the fact that even a netflix kdrama that is meant to be “global” is also being made by Korean people with a Korean audience in mind. Just as an example, many people who watch this show will hear the Korean term for echolalia for the first time. Even if they might have seen it in other foreign-language media, I think that sort of thing is valuable if we’re thinking exclusively about representation as a societal device for good.

Developmental differences and disabilities are treated very differently in Korea than where I live in the US. Schools don’t have inclusion programs, for instance. At one of my schools in Korea, a student who needed a lot of extra academic support was lucky if a public service military officer happened to be assigned to the school. He would sit next to them and “help” - but obviously wasn’t a teacher and didn’t know what he was doing. Of course this show isn’t about her childhood, and I’m NOT saying that Western/American special ed is good for all students all places or even most students in most places, but it’s just an example of the fact that things are different, how society works is different.

Korean culture is its own thing and how someone with social communication differences interacts in that culture feels VERY hard to compare to American/Western culture. Like, if you read the above scholarship review, there is a difference in themes of pretend play for anglo-american children and korean-american children! Wild! I’m interested in how much this portrayal is driven by actual input from or research into Korean Autistic people and how much is driven by portrayals of Autism in Western media. For instance, they showed Young-woo being uncomfortable with a handshake, but handshakes are RARE in Korea, even when being introduced to people! Korea also has MANY more social RULES. Meaning, you don’t need to use subtle social cues to determine how to interact with someone. You are taught at a young age how to greet people, when to use honorifics, how to refer to people. In fact, according to the above scholarship review, a child’s difficulty to use honorifics correctly is one way to help form a diagnosis. All of this is to say that trying to read characters in kdramas based on expected Western behaviors or values will always be flawed, and that continues to be true in this context!

#meta #my thoughts #extraordinary attorney woo

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lesbow · 2 years

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my issue with The Sea Beast

so i recently watched The Sea Beast and really loved it. a lot of the visuals were stunning (i was absolutely wow-ed during that one scene of drops of water hitting the deck during a battle). i love the pirate atmosphere and the “world of beasts” concept always calls for interesting designs, such as the Giant Crab.

i also loved Maisie. as a black woman, she was the biggest reason i was drawn to the film. i was so excited to see what kind of journey she’d go on, and seeing how many women in general are given roles in the story was pretty great. Sarah, the red head sailor, the laid back carriage driver, etc. not to mention that found family is always a good plot. the movie just checked boxes all around lol!

i just have two issues. one minor and one… pretty major:

the issues

i would’ve had it where in the beginning of the movie after Maisie breaks out of the orphanage, as she goes through town it’s shown that she’s highly loved by the townsfolk. maybe it’s cause she’s been there the longest and knows many of them first hand, or the others find her curiosity abt things to be endearing, or for any other reasons, idk. i’d just put this tweak in bc personally, all the townsfolk siding with her in the end felt a bit rushed. i knew Maisie was spitting, but i definitely thought “omg no one’s gonna believe her :(“ bc how would they? but the townsfolk just immediately do so lol. by having it where we know she’s already highly respected/admired, their unanimous support would feel more natural.

now this is the “pretty major one”. it was a concern i had before i watched, one that unfortunately stayed with me while watching, but that was kinda sorta not really but kinda pacified by the ending? my issue is with Maisie and Jacob’s dynamic.

(no more numbered points bc we’re abt to go into an essay)

going into the movie, i was worried Jacob’s character would overshadow Maisie’s. i already knew most fans would obnoxiously view them in that way, but i was hoping the movie itself wouldn’t and would give them equal development. unfortunately, up until the finale, that hope of mine was crushed.

a compliment i saw that was given to TSB is that it lets Maisie be a child. but i disagree, i think the story throws child!Maisie out the window pretty quickly. after they get shipwrecked, i found myself constantly wondering exactly how old Maisie was supposed to be, as more often than not she was more mature than grown adult Jacob.

let me put this in perspective:

about 80% of the film is Maisie, a young black girl, having to prevent, teach, and beg Jacob, an adult white man, to not be violent and aggressive. do yall see how this kind of arc could be a little disturbing, to say the least?

i am not saying that Maisie was in danger when with Jacob, im merely pointing out how ridiculous it is that the whole plot revolves around it being a young black girl’s job to educate a grown white man on no longer being violent.

but ofc this kind of narrative isnt specific to The Sea Beast. this is the standard in most “young person schools the older generation on how to do better” stories. Coco, HTTYD, Encanto, Moana, the list goes on. but in the case of TSB, it’s an issue bc it largely overlooks the characters’ racial identities when thats just not smthg that can be ignored. and no i am not saying TSB should’ve been a cultural movie, it having an anti-imperialist narrative is fine. great even! but if you’re going to have a diverse cast, then at bare minimum you need diverse writing to match.

representation in media, especially children’s media, is desperately needed and TSB is a decent example of progress. but it is by no means perfect. when it comes to representing marginalized communities, how many times does it need to be said that some things (tropes, archetypes, themes, etc.) aren’t a One Size Fits All?

comparisons

i’m going to compare two movies that come to mind. a lot of ppl compare TSB to HTTYD, but i think it has much more in common with Moana than anything else. it shares similarities with Treasure Planet as well.

Treasure Planet and Moana also have the theme of a younger person having an older one learn and grow alongside them. John Silver develops as much as Jim Hawkins and Maui as much as Moana, but it is still clear it’s Jim and Moana’s stories as we get more time and focus on their characters than their counterparts.

in Moana, Maui starts the film already wrong and committing an injustice as he stole Te Fiti’s heart and caused her to turn into the dangerous and violent Te Kā. Moana journeys with Maui with the hopes of making a difference and helps him grow into a better person along the way (sound familiar?) Moana’s arc is to find herself and save her home. Maui’s arc is learning he has value not because of but despite his abilities, and to not put others down for one’s own glory. they both have their own arcs, but not once does Moana waste time to sit Maui down at a classroom desk and desperately try to teach him selflessness. her goal is bigger than him. as Jim’s journey in Treasure Planet is bigger than John.

but in TSB, Maisie sits Jacob down and tries to “educate” him several times on how to have sympathy. sadly, her development takes a significant backseat to Jacob’s, and what little she does have is rushed as all hell. Maisie realizes Red is a friend 5 seconds after meeting her. she gets over her parents’ image as “heroes” and comes to the conclusion that they were flawed 5 seconds after that. and then at the end, she realizes all of it is the fault of The Crown after a 3-second book searching scene! ffs let her grow slowly! the film makes it a point to say she has the right to speak, but doesnt allow her arc the right to take up too much time in the narrative.

WHY does Maisie have to speed run her own progress and spend the remainder of the time helping a white man through his?! let them develop naturally alongside one another instead of constantly playing teacher and student. i saw someone say “it’s funny how it’s like Maisie adopted Jacob instead of the other way around” and that person was joking ofc but that’s literally how the plot comes across. TSB does NOT let Maisie be a child and it was so disappointing to see.

possible solutions?

some ways this could’ve been rectified:

switch Sarah and Jacob. this could’ve added the subplot of Maisie having always admired Sarah in particular and wanting to become exactly like her someday. then as the truth about the beasts unfolds, Maisie realizes that the hunters aren’t as great as she thought and that instead of following in somebody else’s footsteps, she should make her own. this would make her standalone speech at the end hit even more than it already does. it also would’ve been interesting for Sarah herself, who is known for being “the most loyal 2nd in command ever”, to over time lose her loyalty the more she learns abt the beasts.

if the main pairing had to be interracial, why did Jacob have to be white? for some reason whenever this type of bond is brought up, most ppl’s first go to is a white person being involved. i promise, they are not a requirement for interracial themes.

and include more scenes about Maisie’s own development! we have way more than enough about her parents as heroes, but what abt her actual relationship with them? she talks abt them as if theyre nothing but symbolic figures. were they close? and if not, have her address that too. how was her time in the orphanage? the kids all seemed to like her, but when she meets up with Jacob, its like hes the only family shes ever known in years. slow down her turn from “hunters are cool” to “hunters are wrong” and make it develop over time instead of it being a lightning quick arc. and maybe, besides beasts, have her and Jacob have a side hobby/interest in common so that we can have some clue what theyre going to be doing after they give up hunting for good.

conclusion

with all that said, i did like Maisie and her speech at the end was beautiful. kudos to the script writers and Zaris-Angel’s VAing bc her words abt the The Crown being the one at fault were very impactful. i was so proud of her! if only the story allowed Maisie to be more of a person and less of a mouthpiece, then i probably would’ve even cried.

#the sea beast #babbles #m: the sea beast #maisie brumble #summary: i love maisie and she deserves better

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eeriesnow · 8 months

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Ok now YOU tell me your 5 most annoyingly fucked up tropes/themes

THIS'LL BE FUN I have a varied mix here

5. This one is niche I suppose but when fiction tries to tackle various political ideologies and then proceeds to completely misrepresent said ideologies, yeah that bothers me. Cause it's typically a thing where they misrepresent them in a way that makes them look unreasonable/childish and then only engage with them on that front. Sometimes it's intentional and sometimes it just seems like a lack of knowledge. Truly, it is my personal hell as someone who is an actual anarchist to have to witness media that depicts anarchism's only tenets as "hehe chaos and murder". I guess it's partially related to how I myself really like tackling politics in my own writing and seeing such dishonest take downs wears at me

4. Blease No More Good VS Evil for your "X vs Y narrative". no not even when it's for children. nobody chooses the side of evil that's fucking stupid. Please do the bare minimum and have your Evil Dudes or whatever at least think they're doing something good, or acting out of survival, or think there is no good path. Legitimately if your narrative is just flat good vs evil it isn't a good story by default there is nothing to engage with. evil characters are fun but if they say shit like "I am choosing the side of evil" i am going to cartwheel into a brick wall

3. Kinda specific but sexism in a dark fantasy setting (or just general fantasy sometimes). Typically it goes for a setting that resembles medieval europe or whatever, and has sexist attitudes (and also violence towards women) that resemble it. What usually ends up happening is that female characters are just victims of the worst shit the entire time and either have their entire arc revolve around "wrow woman" and the struggles with a sexist world or they're just given a minimal role in the narrative, which actually ends up sidelining them in the way the story may be trying to critique! Like in a world where there exists really awful sexism and such your female characters can have more going on than being a victim of it or fighting against it. This also goes for really any other group that gets this kind of treatment, it's just one that comes up very often.

2. It's really easy to put abusive parents into a character's backstory but frankly the rarity of it being properly explored and integrated into a character is disappointing. Also like it's the same thing every single time which is to make a parent maniacally evil and usually only show a character when they themself have accepted that their parent abused them. Like no it's 1. more interesting and 2. more accurate when a character has yet to realize they've been abused and also for the parent to me much more of a mixed bag. It also kinda makes people think abuse from parents only looks like the absolute worst it can get which makes it hard for real people to identify abuse!

SHAKING YOUR HAND ON THE PTSD THING. Also there really isn't very good writing on CPTSD that distinguishes it (as someone that has both I think there needs to be more awareness on the difference!) Plus from an artsy perspective it's hard to find representations of what having an episode really feels like which honestly is a shame cause shit's wild.

#ask

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tragediaandcomedia · 11 months

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Where are my bitches in the Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur fandom?? That shows 20x better than the owl house ever was but the fandoms tiny! More people absolutely need to watch it tbh its so progressive and powerful, with such fun and unique characters and well written relationships, its a visual treat and the soundtrack is incredible and just. Mwah! Chefs kiss best Disney show since Ducktales (2017) ended.

I am not a person of colour nor would i ever claim to be an expert on the issues and hardships faced by people of colour, but i hold personally deeply socialist views having been raised in predominantly "lower class" poor suburban areas a majority of my life while intermingling with the comfortably rich in my education, and as such this show speaks to me and my voice in a way not many others have, by landing expressly on the side of the people and in particular the repressed and minority. Its a show about black voices, queer voices, religious voices, female voices, neurodivergent voices,latin-american voices and pride in community and lifestyles, its a show about the importance of community, and its all in a god damn marvel show. Its so unlike anything to have come out in years, all while being fun, with fantastically choreographed action scenes and incredible visuals, its bright and colourful and yet knows when to pull its punches, slow down and convey the importance of the themes and messages of the episodes.

So many episodes as well speak to issues that i have never faced in my life, and yet the show and its characters are so charming, and so expressive and fun that anyone can come to understand and empathise with the issues it presents. A highlight to me is the episode on black hair, again as someone whiter than the milk in your coffee i have never experienced the struggles and discrimination associated with black hair, and yet. The episode inspired me to learn about it, all the gorgeous ways it can be styled, the different hair types, which has not only been huge for my creative character designs but inspired an even deeper appreciation than before for a form of art i didn't even know existed (and trust me. Hair styling is an art form when done well). The show introduces new [most likely, predominantly white] audiences to these facets of black life and culture that previous childrens media never quite tackled before, while equally remaining relatable and friendly towards the People of Colour who watch these shows two, never talking down to them about black issues but rather treating them as the experts and authorities, its honestly incredible and i just cant go back to watching most other shows with how respectful and mature Moongirl is, its brilliant.

Overall, i know im just one silly little guy, rambling about a show he thinks deserves far more love than its getting, but in a post Owl House disney TV world, i really think Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur deserves equally as much love and attention as that show got, perhaps even more for just having relatively better POC representation (from what i understand hearing from other voices, anyway, if I've gotten that wrong please feel free to correct!)

In conclusion. Go watch Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur or I'll lick your doorknobs /lhj/nsrs/nf/pos

#moongirl and devil dinosaur #disney #marvel #disney tv shows #cartoon #marvel cartoons #superheroes #better than TOH imo #black voices #black tv shows #progressive media #genuinely incredible

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championashley · 2 years

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The Owl House: Hunter and Trans Allegory

What does it mean to build your own identity? How do you exist in an environment that is both unwelcoming, and openly hostile to who you are? And how do you deal with the trauma that comes from suppression and the crippling expectations from living in that toxic environment?

The Owl House on Disney Channel/Disney+ has been breaking not only conventions for what is possible in fantasy stories but also queerness in children’s media. Many have already praised the show for its casual yet masterful representation of queer relationships and characters: Luz & Amity, Raine, and many others all provide ample representation to both the children and adults watching. But what if I told you there was more to this, and that in fact, there is another queer story being told not through pure text, but through allegory?

The story of Hunter, Like many recent bad guy, turned good guy characters such as Catra and Zuko, is a story of familial abuse and trauma. About characters who learn to break away from their toxic mindsets, and relationships to help the heroes save the world. Where Hunter’s story diverges from Catra’s and Zuko’s however, is in the theme of identity. Catra and Zuko had to rebuild their identities in response to their childhood trauma, while Hunter’s story is about coming to terms with and accepting you’re already existing identity, in an environment where that identity is discouraged and outright prohibited.

To put it succinctly, Hunter’s story is an allegory of what it is like to be a trans person, raised by a radicalized Christian dictator, who learns to break away from that dictator and begins to embrace his true identity. I am going to explain how, by studying each step in Hunter’s journey and how each of them relate to themes of suppression, trauma, and eventually, liberation.

DISCLAIMER(S):

I am not trans myself, so I am automatically NOT as qualified to discuss this topic as many others may potentially be. I am writing this analysis off of the stories of trans people I have met and seen online and the stories they themselves have written like The Matrix, along with my personal observations while watching the episodes for the first time. If there are any mistakes/potential tidbits to add in this analysis, please do not be afraid to let me know via replies so I can edit appropriately.

If you are sensitive to the word queer, you’ll want to keep scrolling. I myself am a queer person and I use the word ‘queer’ as an umbrella term. I won’t be mean to you if you do not like it, but this analysis will be filled with it, so I am only extending fair warning.

I want to make it clear that I am NOT imposing this interpretation onto others. There can be multiple different readings of a character and/or a story. If you still read Hunter’s story as exclusively about familial trauma and abuse, then that is an entirely valid reading supported by the text. I also believe there is a valid reading of the text where Hunter’s story is also about the struggle of a trans teen. Both can co-exist because multiple interpretations can exist simultaneously. That’s what makes literary analysis fun.

A “Purifying” Environment

At the heart of Hunter’s story lies the question of identity, and who you are in relation to other people. Hunter is in a constant state of instability throughout the series about who or what he is, both to himself and to others. And a majority of that instability arises from the toxic relationship between him and his uncle, Emperor Belos, aka Phillip Wittebane. So to understand the allegory, we need to understand his relationship to Belos, and why he treats Hunter so terribly.

Belos is Hunter’s creator and parental figure but the reason why he created him can be traced back to his broken view of the world and how that worldview ultimately destroyed his relationship with his brother, Caleb.

Phillip and Caleb Wittebane grew up in 1600s Connecticut and thus have an extremely outdated and harmful opinion on the idea of non-conformity. During this time in America, the Salem Witch Trials (a movement circulated by Puritan Christians that branded many women as outsiders and unnatural), was circulating, an ideology that both Phillip and Caleb were indoctrinated into. That “Witch Hunters” were protecting humanity and that witches, the poster children of non-normality, needed to be destroyed.

Yet when the two grew up, and eventually encountered a real witch, Caleb embraced them, while Phillip did not. And this growing rift between the two brothers reached a boiling point when Phillip discovered Caleb and the witch had fallen in love. Phillip, thinking that he was doing the right thing, kills Caleb and flees, vowing to destroy the Boiling Isles and all witches that inhabit it.

What Phillip learned in the fallout of their relationship were two things: one, that different peoples need to be kept segregated, a lesson already instilled by his Puritan upbringing. We see this clearly in Belos’ changes to the Boiling Isles: the outlawing of wild magic, and the separation of magic into different schools. Emperor Belos’ rhetoric about “The Titan’s Will” and how he’s “saving humanity from evil'' obviously alludes to the preaching's and ideas of any religion but especially Christianity. Emperor Belos is the representation of many religious leaders today, trying to destroy queer identity, and trying to keep trans people specifically from expressing their true selves.

And two, that love, connection/closeness to others, is a weakness, one that can be exploited by anyone. Belos takes full advantage of this lesson, most notably at the end of Season 1, leveraging Eda and Lilith’s strained relationship to capture her and even using Luz’s connection with Eda to force her into giving him information.

These two lessons are at the core of his and Hunter’s relationship. Belos constantly manipulates and gaslights him into suppressing his own natural identity, his trans identity, and keeps him under his thumb by weaponizing his desperate need for support and love, keeping this confused, traumatized child from leaving him like he should. When we meet Hunter in the series, he’s been fed a mental diet of blatant lies and gaslighting, disguised as his uncle “helping him achieve his potential”, which is manifested into his public identity, The Golden Guard.

Dishonest Performance

The beginning of Hunter’s story is all about what being closeted looks like for this character. Hunter, or The Golden Guard as he’s known in this episode, is performing the preferred identity given to him by Belos. The first anecdote we hear about him is from Lilith who describes him in a very negative light:

“Did you know him in the Coven, Lilith?”

“Unfortunately, I did. He always got special treatment because he was “genius teen prodigy”. But he’s really just a brat.”

The exaggerated line by Lilith, referring to Hunter’s apparent favoritism with Belos, exposes the immediate issue in regards to Hunter’s status in the Emperor’s Coven. We know now with the full context that this supposed “favoritism” doesn’t equate to privilege, just as it doesn’t in real life. Belos has made sure that Hunter has stayed on his leash by bombarding him with only the highest expectations. These high expectations then combine with his lack of consistent love and support to give the poor child a perfectionist mindset. He’s expected to work just as hard as the adults in the Coven, despite being only 16 years old. And if he doesn’t follow through on them…

“The emperor is not a merciful man.”

“Come back with results, or else…”

Hunter has to stay silent, to be obedient, to be “perfect”. Which greatly relates to trans men and women having to either consistently perform the gender they are not comfortable with for others’ comfort, or overly perform the gender they are comfortable with, to “properly read” as that gender. Both of which have the same end-product: an inauthentic expression of one’s self.

I may be reaching here a bit, but it’s even in his name: Hunter. A Wittebane child who hunts witches, and doesn’t side with witches. Like anti-trans people, continually deadnaming, trying to impose who they believe trans people actually are, and not respecting their true selves. The name Belos has given him is completely antithetical to who Hunter is on the inside, as is his Golden Guard persona. He’s cold, calculating, ruthless, and completely devoted to Belos’ cause. Hunter hasn’t yet been given a chance to exist outside of The Emperor’s Coven, and as such, doesn’t yet know how to properly express himself. But give him time.

Discovery of The Other

The Next stage of Hunter’s journey is all about the beginning signs of questioning one’s reality, and attempting to push back against the oppressive systems one is trapped in. After Belos’ outburst due to the curse, Hunter tries to help by suggesting potential solutions but is very quickly shot down. Throughout the episode, there are instances of Hunter beginning to speak enthusiastically about his passions but reflexively stops himself from continuing. This is obviously learned behavior, a byproduct of frequently either being ignored or actively silenced in the Emperor’s Coven. Trans people often are similarly silenced, with many places outright prohibiting discussion of trans topics like the recent legislation in Texas about anti-trans laws.

Hunter then tries to prove himself to Belos by capturing the Palisman, which is interrupted by Luz. Meeting Luz is probably the biggest change in Hunter’s life thus far because she finally gives him what he desperately needs: an example of the other side. Someone his age who shares his passion for magic, who listens intently to what he believes is his past, and who trusts him with the staff when he isn’t sure. It’s this mutual connection that allows Hunter to start letting down some of his walls. He shares his past with her and his name.

“At least you have your future figured out now.”

“At least you can figure out you’re own.”

And it’s that vulnerability that draws Flapjack to him. Flapjack is the symbol of Hunter’s transness because not only is he a product of wild magic, which according to Belos is forbidden making it an analogy for queerness, but he also knew Caleb, and thus knows Hunter‘s natural identity. A living conduit between who he is now, and who he is truly meant to be. In fact, it may be likely that Caleb shared Hunter’s feelings of isolation, feeling just as pressured by his Christian upbringing. It’s not a coincidence that in the brief moments Hunter voiced his frustration with being unable to control his future, Flapjack began to warm up to him. The Bat Queen explicitly stated that:

“[The Palismen] want to feel a connection. State your deepest wish, and your likeminded partner will find you.”

Flapjack recognized the desire for freedom that Caleb also felt when he was alive. And in choosing him, Hunter now begins to question himself. “Before I could only do magic because of Belos, now a wild magic creature has chosen me. But people who use wild magic are different, shunned. So what does that make me now?”

Choosing Familiarity Over Honesty

But one instance of vulnerability isn’t enough to break the years of toxic conditioning. In Eclipse Lake, Hunter is introduced by his attempts to hide Flapjack from Belos, his symbol for nonconformity. He’s discovered a new path in life, yet he’s not certain or ready to walk it. He met someone at least somewhat similar to him (a fellow queer person) and is now beginning to question himself, but he’s not certain of what it means yet. And this divisiveness is worsened by Belos giving him a rare moment of genuine affection, telling him about rain in the human realm and reassuring him that:

“Everyone has a use, Hunter. Kikimora has her intricate little plans, the scouts carry out orders, and you well…The Titan has big plans for you. It would be such a hassle to find a replacement.”

So naturally, when Belos refuses to give him another chance, Hunter immediately goes against his orders to find the Titan’s Blood. Belos doesn’t need to tell Hunter he’s given him another chance because he already knows Hunter will do anything to get his approval, so by refusing, he’s offering Hunter the opportunity to surprise him. He’s giving Hunter incentive to stay trapped in the inauthentic identity, despite his growing discomfort with that identity.

Despite starting to let his true self out, Belos reels him back in with the promise of affirmation and love. And see, that’s the thing. Right now, Hunter is at his “Crossroads of Destiny” moment throughout the episode, to borrow a phrase of from Avatar: The Last Airbender. He’s still carrying out Belos’ word, but at the same time is followed by Flapjack, and he even allows himself to be honest to Amity.

“We have a lot in common, Blight. We’re both trying to show what we can bring to the table. And we can’t fail. ‘Cause, there’s nothing worse than disappointing someone who thinks you’re special.”

Because of this openness, He's given a choice by Amity reaching out to help him: either accept Amity’s offer, accept his trans identity and head into a completely new and unfamiliar chapter of his life, or refuse and return to the environment that while suffocating him is a place he knows. See, to come out is not a linear process, it’s not just flipping a switch or one single life-defining decision. You have to navigate many different pitfalls of accepting the new you, telling your loved ones, and having to figure out how to present yourself to society as a whole. It’s a lot to deal with, especially for a teenager, living in a highly abusive and bigoted household. And with Belos’ approval seemingly just one successful mission out of his reach, it’s easier to accept that than to leave behind all that you knew for practically strangers. So unsurprisingly, when Hunter sees that Amity has the key, he sees a chance to reclaim the safety and affirmation Belos dangled in front of him. And yet despite his mistake, Flapjack is still there for him. He didn’t choose to come out yet, but his natural identity is still there, just waiting to have a chance to be expressed without judgment or expectations.

“But there are people out there who won’t make you feel worthless. You just…have to let yourself meet them.”

Finding Community and Identity

“Any Sport in A Storm” is, I'd argue, one of the most important episodes in Hunter’s arc both in trans allegory and just plain change from bad guy to good guy. Before now Hunter had been extremely isolated, and even after meeting Flapjack and Luz, Hunter still has to deal with being looked down on in the castle. He’s expected to play the part of “The Golden Guard”, and yet in the opening, we see that there is no reward for playing a role that is antithetical to who Hunter really is.

Hunter, by returning in Eclipse Lake, has once again trapped himself in an identity that he subconsciously doesn’t want, and no one else other than Belos gives him reward or praise for doing so. But then Darius gives him an idea. Darius who has seen the expectations of the Golden Guard up close, who had formed a mentorship and possibly a friendship with this previous Grimwalker. It’s debatable how much Darius actually knows about what Hunter is, but it ultimately doesn’t matter. Darius has seen before what suppression of your identity can do to someone, and he doesn’t want it to happen again.

So like Luz, Darius (a character that follows tropes of queercoded Disney villains) gives Hunter something to do: look for people his age, and make friendships. I want to emphasize this particularly, because finding mutuals is such an important part of navigating trans identity. In a world that is seemingly becoming more and more dangerous to trans people, both psychologically and physically, finding others like you is very important. To have support, people to talk to. And Darius disguises it as a mission, framing it as a way to prove himself like Belos would, but for a goal that is for the self, and not community.

“I didn’t have a space to meet people like me, especially not of my own age – that, I think is the important thing to take away from these experiences which left me floating around to various queer spaces where I didn’t entirely fit in. I found these to be mostly dominated by queer men, and even events like Pride are not entirely different.” -Meenakshi, Being Trans and Feeling Lonely, pg. 2

So Hunter, without the suffocating eyes of Belos bearing down on him and desperate to prove himself, goes to Hexside and meets Willow and Gus. It’s with them that he gives himself a new name: Caleb. A name suggested by Flapjack, the symbol of Hunter’s trans identity. Willow, being her naturally kind and empathetic self immediately takes him in. But despite being welcomed in with open arms, the wounds from his past are still raw. Hunter still can’t separate his Golden Guard identity from his new one, because he’s spent all of his life only knowing himself by that one identity.

“Where I come from, even chances have to be earned. Especially if you’re considered half a witch like me.”

The camera angle here is most interesting, in that it shows Hunter’s reflection in the window, because he’s right now, of two different identities. There’s two sides to him, one of the Golden Guard that is causing friction with Willow, and one of Caleb, trapped in the reflection, with the window framing him behind bars. This motif of mirrors or reflections is also a common motif throughout trans cinema shown in stories like The Matrix.

Yet despite this internal crisis, Willow is able to push past the self-defense reactions drilled into him and is able to make him work together with the rest of the team, which leads to the team’s victory. This victory is important to Hunter, he feels like he’s managed to accomplish his mission and so the Golden Guard persona rears its head again. He thinks this is what he wanted, but when asked this, he falters.

“I can wear this proudly now, right?”

“Can you?”

Hunter doesn’t respond because on a subconscious level, he already knows he can’t. He constructed an identity that allowed him to express his authentic self, and that identity gained him approval and love from Willow, Gus, and the team. Without the toxic set of expectations or conditions Belos always imposed on him. He let his true self out, for long enough to where putting it back in the closet doesn’t feel right anymore.

“Steve is beginning to regret his choices.”

“...I think Hunter is too.”

So for the first time in his life, Hunter actively stands up to authority, rescuing the team and defending them from Darius. He gives up his supposed chance at being The Golden Guard, his familiar identity, and chooses his marginalized one. And he does so expecting consequences, But Darius proves him wrong. Again, it’s unclear how much of the true history of the Golden Guard Darius really knows about, but to me, I think he knows that the Golden Guard position is just a role Belos uses to manipulate those who have it and instead wants Hunter to break away from that toxic mindset, and become his own person. He gives him the Scroll, keeps Flapjack secret, and gives him approval for standing up to him.

Hunter has now crossed a threshold, and while he may not have chosen to explicitly go against Belos, he is at the very least a bit more connected to his true self. As previously discussed, coming out can be a long, difficult and even dangerous process, which is why support from others is so important. Now Hunter can start to more freely express himself knowing that there are others who care about HIM. Caleb, and not The Golden Guard. Which is shown with him sending photos of Flapjack to an undisclosed someone (my money’s on Willow btw). He’s gained a small semblance of stability. But then…”Hollow Mind”.

Losing Stability

Hunter by this point has already grown a lot. He’s become more open, has made friends, and by now has defied the orders he once took extremely seriously on multiple occasions. He’s begun to embrace his trans self, but “Hollow Mind” cuts Hunter to his core because everything he has known to be true is practically thrown out and stomped on. That the man he so desperately craved his approval of, destroyed lives for his own benefit, and that he, Hunter was not just used for that end, but he was specifically CREATED to be a warped “fixed” version of his dead brother. Belos specifically engineered, conditioned, and brainwashed each Grimwalker he made (including Hunter) to be in his mind, a perfected Caleb. Phillip saw Caleb falling in love with a witch as something inherently wrong with him, and in creating Grimwalkers as his way to “fix” him. A kind of twisted conversion therapy imposed on The Grimwalkers to remove the identity they were born with, which again, is something many religious people have advocated for in regards to queer people, especially trans people.

"He's...a better version of an old friend."

And when Hunter begins to question this, hoping against all hope that Belos is not the monster he really is, Belos says this:

“Out of all the Grimwalkers, you look the most like him.”

It’s framed as a statement, but knowing the full context, we can tell it’s a death sentence. Belos has intrinsically linked Hunter questioning his authority to Caleb rebelling against what they had been taught as children; choosing self-expression and one’s marginalized identity over the collective community. And to Belos, the Puritan psychopath, there is no greater crime against humanity than that. So like all the “failures” before him, Belos immediately goes for the throat, not even trying to convince Hunter to stay at his side, and opting to just kill him. And what makes this even worse, is that Hunter doesn’t even understand WHY Belos does it. He doesn’t know what a Grimwalker even is, nor that it was his acts of self-expression that caused Belos to throw him away. He hasn’t yet realized that these acts and feelings mean something important, that he’s trans.

Because of that, when he and Luz return from the mindscape, Hunter goes into an immediate panic attack. That familiar environment that he thought he had, is now gone. He no longer has anything to rely on, either an identity he hasn’t fully developed, or an identity he can no longer be. It’s different to earlier when he rejected the Golden Guard role to protect his friends because it was his choice to do so. Here, the choice was ripped away from him, leaving him with no firm ground to stand on. This is what causes Hunter to spiral, refusing Eda’s attempt to comfort him, throwing away the Golden Guard cloak that he cared about so much, and running away in terror. He doesn’t go to Darius or anyone else because right now, Hunter can’t trust anyone to help him. If Belos, the man he put his entire trust and self-worth into, had been lying to him his entire life, then that means anybody could be lying.

This, sadly, is extremely common for trans teenagers, as in the United States, 1 out of 4 trans kids who come out are kicked out of their homes by transphobic parents as early as 17 years old, and forced to live in shared rooming houses and emergency shelters. All because their parents couldn’t rectify who their kids were, and who they feel comfortable as. But even then, some trans people actively avoid this outcome as not many trans people feel safe in these shelters, with so many strangers around them with no guarantee of non-discrimination. Now, obviously, we know that neither Darius nor Eda would ever even think of harming Hunter, but in the unstable, panicked state he was in, Hunter’s trust in anyone, even himself, practically evaporated. He was forced out of his own home, by the man he believed in, for something apparently “wrong” with him. He’s lost everything, and he doesn’t understand why.

Tentative Steps To The Future

We see Hunter again in “Labyrinth Runners” where it’s revealed he’s hiding out at Hexside. Instead of the Emperor’s Castle, or The Owl House, Hexside was the only place he could feel comfortable in because it was the place where he met Willow, Gus, and the team. The place where he made his first positive memories. It’s also at Hexside where we see Hunter has been researching Grimwalkers, what they are and why they’re extinct. I’ve always found this part very interesting because it feels very similar to finding out you’re queer. The research, the “am I queer?” quizzes, trying to figure out who you are, realizing you’re different.

And all of this serves to heighten Hunter’s vulnerability, which is causing him to revert to old defense mechanisms. He tries to act tough and stoic, refusing the explain to Gus why he ran away from The Emperor’s Coven. He’s returning to old behaviors, not because they’re good, but because they’re familiar. They’re the only thing Hunter can rely on at this moment due to everything else being new, confusing, and terrifying. But like Luz and Willow before him, Gus is able to get through Hunter’s barriers by offering him a helping hand. Showing him that he’s not alone and that there are people who can and want to help him. And in doing so, Hunter finally chooses to let out his true self, returning Gus’ kindness by comforting him and protecting him, the same way a brother would. Just like Caleb.

Yet despite beginning to act on it, he’s still not ready to come out yet, forcing Luz to not tell them the truth in the next episode “Clouds on the Horizon” with their conversation certainly paralleling conversation between a closeted person and an accepting close friend:

“Don’t you dare mention that thing around them!”

“What thing? That you’re a Grimwalker-”

“SHH! Listen, I don’t know if I’m a witch…or a human. All I know is that I’m a copy of someone Belos made disappear.”

“I don’t know what you three went through, but they seem to like you.”

“So I shouldn’t worry how they’d react, right? If that’s the case, then you told them about helping Phillip?...Yeah, I overheard everything. Don’t tell them…please.”

After this point the team including Luz and Amity take on Belos, and Belos and Hunter for the first time since “Hollow Mind” come face to face. Belos, even after nearly killing him, and now trying to kill his friends and himself with the Draining Spell, still makes a pathetic attempt to sway him back to his side, claiming that he “only wanted to help you”. He’s repeating the same toxic mindset he used against Caleb, the same ideology he even showed to Luz; witches are inherently evil and The Boiling Isles need to be destroyed:

“I do pity you. These monsters have warped your sense of reality.”

“I don’t want to see another human life destroyed by this place.”

The exact same mindset so many transphobic parents still carry to this day, that they are “saving their children” from trans people, that they need to be “sorted out” by therapists. And when Hunter calls him out, Belos sees Flapjack, he says “Caleb!” and attacks. Belos sees Flapjack, Hunter’s trans identity, and instantly recognizes it as the same one that Caleb, who also abandoned society’s expectations, had. And to him, this act of using that identity, especially against him, is irreversible damage. Hunter is too far gone in his mind, so the only option left is to destroy him. And this is the last time, as of yet, they speak to each other. At the end of the episode Hunter, along with Willow, Gus, Amity and Luz are trapped within the human world. With no current solution on how to get back.

A New Path

The path of finding yourself, amidst the prejudices, social expectations, and otherwise, is often a very difficult, and for many, traumatic experience. You have to not only figure out who you are to yourself and others but also contend with long-held beliefs by systems designed to separate people into binaries. Loyal or traitor, perfect or failure, male or female.

While Hunter’s story is not explicitly about a trans child coming to terms with his abusive upbringing, the themes of suppression of the natural identity, rebellion from the status quo, and found family all speak to trans experience. And that is just as valid and important. Trans children will watch The Owl House, and may see themselves in Hunter, helping them get their feet in the door regarding their own identities.

EXTRA TIDBITS I DIDN’T KNOW WHERE TO INCLUDE BUT FIND REALLY INTERESTING:

One of the ingredients required to make a Grimwalker is Selkidommus Scales, based on the legend of Selkies in Scotland, shapeshifters who change from seals to women. a clear take on the mermaid legend.

“The little mermaid - both the mermaid symbol and the story most identified with her - have deeper meaning for queer and transgender individuals. As a symbol, the mermaid is non-binary in its essence: she defies binaries and dichotomies by living on sea and above it, being both human and animal and having a human identity but no human genitalia - an identity not dependent on sex organs.” -Mermaids and Drag Queens: A Queer Look at Mermaiding by Yuval Avrami

Flapjack being a Cardinal also connects to trans struggle: Cardinals symbolize rebirth in ancient Egypt and Greece as they considered it a phoenix bird, being “reborn” in a new gender.

Sources:

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/148/2/e2020016907/179762/Disparities-in-Childhood-Abuse-Between-Transgender?autologincheck=redirected

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/sites/psychiatry/files/talen_wright_blog_2020_07_28.pdf

https://www.suicideinfo.ca/resource/transgender-people-suicide/

https://lesley.edu/article/the-cost-of-coming-out-lgbt-youth-homelessness

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/apr/06/transgender-and-homeless-the-young-people-who-cant-get-the-support-they-need

https://www.ipublishing.co.in/see-a-cardinal-meaning-symbolism#Western_Tradition_Beliefs

https://www.caringcardinals.com/spiritual-symbolism#:~:text=Cardinals%20represent%20devotion%2C%20loving%20relationships,fortune%20and%20sun%20with%20them.

#text #meta writing #the owl house #toh #toh hunter #analysis #lgbtq #transgender #trans hunter #tw: transphobia #emperor belos #phillip wittebane #caleb wittebane #tw: abuse

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originalwinnercheesecake · 11 months

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Steven Universe Characters as Pokemon Trainers

Okay so a little background about me: I have never really liked S.U’s fandom, and I quit the show some years ago, before its finale season. I do not watch it anymore, and my general opinion on the show’s execution is that it was that it would have been a much better show if it a.) had been shown from multiple povs instead of always being through Steven’s eyes, and b.) had been able to focus its themes and stories more. It also should have been shorter. I think, as seasons progressed, that it got to focused on trying to be a show about everything (every genera and every topic) and that the quality in how it handled situations was hurt by the choice of quantity.

All of this does not mean I see the show as without praises. The art style and colors are very fun. A lot of the songs were great. Characters could be really unique and cool at times. A lot of the issues I have with it I can tell are the result of CN imposing restrictions and not allowing Rebeca Sugar to write the show how she wanted/envisioned it. This brings me to one finale trait of he show that I will always praise it for: It was front-line in showing networks LGBT+ characters and relationships, not just hinting coded ones but making them explicit parts of the show, did not mean have to mean that the show could no longer be watched or enjoyed by kids. We would not have the present day representation we do in children’s media without Steven Universe paving its way.

On a semi unrelated note I have been getting back into Pokemon lately, and have been imagining characters from cartoons I have watched from Disney as trainers (I have like 7 previous posts with those teams by he way if anyone would like to check those out too). After I finished doing Disney shows I thought of cartoon Network, and even though I have long since stopped watching SU the question “what pokemon would Garnet have?” popped into my head and I ran with it until I had done her and seven more characters. In honor of Pride Month I am posting it now.

Garnet

I will start with the Leader, and the one who I started this train of thought with.

Flareon (was originally just Ruby’s) and Glaceon (Originally just Sapphire’s): because they have different fire and ice types, but are from the same branch evolution

Mawile (was originally just Ruby’s) and sabbleye (was originally just Sapphire’s): So I was looking up pokemon pairs and found out that these two were both version exclusives to the ruby and sapphire. That they can also both mega evolve is adds their perfection.

Slowking (has always belonged to Garnet): I had to give Garnet Slowking. Slowking is when Slowpoke and shellders fusion becomes so close they go from being two pokemon attached at the tale/mouth to one pokemon

Hariyama (has always belonged to Garnet): Garnet needed a boxer to match her style of fighting. I was originally going her Hitmonchan, but it just looked so small against some of the titans on Amythyst’s team, and Garnet is supposed to be hands down the strongest Crystal Gem. So I had to swap it for a bigger, heavier, hitter.

Amethyst

Ditto: an obvious choice for Amethyst whom shape shifting was a favorite game and method of expression for.

Ganger: It’s both a tough fighter and the ultimate prankster. Gangar and Amethyst together are a manse to all things decent and orderly (Or at least that is something Pearl likes to say when they try to have fun with her)

Machamp: They are both wrestlers

Snorelax: Another pokemon that I remember being a pretty powerful member of Ash’s team, but its also really laid back and prefers to eat and sleep. Amethyst can chill with Snorelax. Plus I just have this image of her in her bouncy ball form bouncing up and down on its jiggly stomach while it wither sleeps or genitally tries to bounce her.

Turbbish: I looked up what the messiest pokemon was, since Amethyst was pretty much a slob if I remember correctly, and Turbbish is what I got. It enjoys needling Pearl’s miccino. The two seem to have a feud going on, but are friends regardless. This one could also tie into Amethysts self worth arc. Turbbish is trash which is how Amethyst saw herself. But it is still a valued member of her team, just like how Amethyst has always been a valued member of the crystal gems.

Wishmur: hugable plush, and a little boom box. Amythyst can party with Wishmur,

Pearl

Clampearl: I had to. Its based off her gem, so of curse I absolutely had to. I feel like sh would be more likely to evolve it into Gorabis than Huntail, its more inline with her style.

Minccino: It is listed on wiki as being one of the cleanliest pokemon and as we all know Pearl is a neurotic neat freak. Minccino enjoys making jabs at Amethysts Turbissh. The two seem to have a feud going on but are friends regardless.

A Hisuian Lillligant: Now Here is a pokemon I feel really represents Pearl, how the worls is meant to precieve her and how she see’s herself. Lilligant is thin, lightweight, feminine, and completely unintimidating. It looks like nothing more than a graceful dancer. But picked the Hisuian version specifically because in addition to being a grass type it is also a fighting type. Pearl may not look like a fighter on the outside, but she definitely is one.

Primaria: This would be one of if not the strongest pokemon on her team. Dance style is important in SU as it’s how the characters draw forth weapons and fuse. Pearl’s style always seemed akin to ballet to me and Primaria is what I got when I googled Ballerina pokemon.

Marowak: the way it wields bones reminds me of the way pearl wielded her weapon arsenal

Escavalier: Sam reasoning as with Marowak, adding to it that Escavlier is clearly based of a mid-evil knight, and Pearl could easily be considered a knight to Rose/Steven’s round table

Steven Universe

Ralts: I got tired of using the Chancey line for any character with medical talent/healing abilities so I looked up what other pokemon could use heal. I picked Ralts because like Steven it is kind of girly, and also because its evolution line is madly powerful.

Chatot: Greg gave it to him. The universes are a musical family so they would have t have musical pokemon. i gave most of them to Greg. but Chatot due to its size and cutness, seems really well suited to Steven. Also adding that Parrots are really loving compainions to their owners, and I bet Steven could teach his Chatot to sing.

Male Pyroar: For Lion. Would it also be considered a gift/inheritance from his Mom?

Bronzo: For his shield powers and desire to defend what he loves. It has a close friendship with Connie’s honedge.

Vanillish: First episode “I can summon my shield by eating ice cream”. Yes I know that wasn’t actually true, but you cannot tell me Steven wouldn’t love this pokemon.

Larvitar: In no way was I going to get away with not giving this male queen of the rock people a rock type pokemon. I went with Larvitar because baby dinosaur

Connie Maheswaran

For some of these I originally intended to give her the next evolved form. Then I noticed her team had a lot more higher evolution's than Steven’s, and decided it would be better to keep them about equal, since they train and fight together (Steveonnie).

Honedge: Because Connie is the sword to Steven’s shield. It has a close friendship with Steven’s Bronzo.

Kricketune: She plays the violin and it is violin based

Vulpix: neither her team, nor Stevens has had a fire type yet, and at least one of them should have one. Vulpix, and its evolution Ninetales are both Fire types I consider to be very smart, and I could see it making a strong member of onnies team.I like to think it would be buddies with Stevens Vanilish

unown letter “M”: I gave both Dipper and Amity unknowns on my Disney lists (deserving so) and tried to make them the only ones, since I know its a very rare pokemon. But SU was on a different channel and I had to give Connie one. In addition to being extremely intelligent and loving to read, Connie basically stepped herself into the unown when she decided to become the first human soldier in the Crystal Gems. I gave her the letter “M” for her last name, and because if it turns upside down it would be a “W” for warrior.

Spoink:So originally I had it as a gruntpig and I was going to say that Connie did sports with it, then I had to de evolve it, then I found another pokemon for to be Connie’s primary sports buddy. But I decided to keep Spoink on her team because it is a good psychic type pokemon and its great at balance. Connie balances so many extracurricular activities on top of being an honor roll student.

Nozleaf: Connie’s primary Sports buddy. The pair are great at playing Tennis, pokemon ping-pong, and sparing together.

Greg Universe

Warturtle and Cyndiquail: So most of his pokemon are music based (they are a band) but I did want to give him a Warturtle to to help him out at the car wash; and a Cyndiquail to help him grill food and keep warm in the winter.

on to his music pokemon.

Ludicolo: Both are big, goofy, and fun.

Chimeco: Both are chill, relaxed, and a soothing presence

Toxtricity: Rockstar pokemon.

Meloetta: This is a more OP pokemon than I would usually give someone, and I am not sure if it stays with Greg all the time or (more likely) lives on its own and just frequently visits him . But we all know that mythical space goddesses adore Greg Universe.

Lapis Lazuli

Her pokemon are all water and flying types for obviuos reasons.

Cramorant: So did anyone else ever read that comic where, before pumpkin, Peridot and Lapis adopt an abandoned baby bird and Steven decides to help them take care of it? But Lapis winds up doing pretty much all the actual work because Steven and Peridot do not really understand how to take care of it? But Lapis is able to feed it and teach it to fly? Well the point is she is actually really good with Birds so I am giving her a couple of them, like Cramorant and

Mukrow: So since I watching the show before it ended I know that Lapis comes back from space, but I have no idea if her and Peridot ever got back together. But they were that cool artsy couple for at least a few seasons and I wanted to give them both artsy pokemon. Turns out the only art based Pokemon is Smeagle.WTF? Smeagle doesn’t really work for either of them since its a pinter and they were sculpters. So I did some out of the box thinking and decided they should both get pokemon that like to collect *cough steal cough* cool, and shiny objects, that they could use to create meep-morps. Lapis’s is Mukrow.

Slowpoke: This is not meant to show any tie or similarity between her and Garnet, who has its finale evolution. This choice honestly does not really have any deep reason to it. Slowpoke is just a really dopey water pokemon and given Lapis’s sense of humor she might find it funny to have.

Omanyte: a water type pokemon that has a shell it peeks/craws out from sometimes. Lots of symbolism for Lapis’s arc in this one.

Poliwrath: Wasn’t it a common part of her fighting style to knock any gem she wanted away from her flying with water fists? Poliwrath helps with that.

Gyaradgyos: I want you to look me in the eye and try telling me that Lapis Lazuli could not handle a Gyaradgyos. Yeah do not even try that lie with me.

Peridot

Magneton: Peridot’s ace pokemon. I picked it out due to her magnetic powers and technical intelligence.

Pachirisu: Not only do I see electric and then electric and grass pokemon as being Peridots favorite types, but Pachirisu also happens to be small, adorable, hyperactive, and keeps on form all its life. Pachirisu is basically the pokemon equivalent of Peridot as it is.

Egylem: Peridot was the first Homeworld gem to be shown landing on earth. I picked Egylem first for its whole “little body, big headed, space alien” vibe. Also according to Bulbapedia it typically has a personality that is similar to Peridot’s.

Zigzaggoon: Peridot’s little meep-morp helper. It was close with Lapis’s Mukrow, and the pair would go on scavenger hunts together to find supplies for their masters sculpting hobby.

Pumpkaboo: For Pumpkin. Vegetable Farming was hinted to have originally been Peridot’s idea, and she is the one who kept Pumpkin in her and Lapis’s split.

Sunflora: Again she loves gardening, and growing/tending to flowers was one thing she started doing as a therapy exercise after the split.

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