notfireheart

[notfireheart]

Since one cannot enter the shadow & bone tag without being bombarded with shipping discourse and vitriol, I've decided to share my two cents of it:

All three of Alina's love interests are problematic and bad in their own way. If you attack one while blindly defending and not even acknowledging the flaws in the other, you are just being a hypocrite and making allowances to the characters you like :)

#shadow and bone #none of them should have been endgame #none #and this is only going to get worse as the dhoe approaches #I'm SO looking forward to ir #not

[notfireheart]

Today, I awoke to very sad and to be perfectly honest, infuriating news.

I've always detested the Portuguese translation of SJM's books. Everyone and their mother who has talked to me about it knows that I think it is awkward, inaccurate, stilted and just done poorly. Nevermind the lousy choices to translate some nicknames/titles (I'm never getting over Wyvern and Wing Leader).

But this thread is not about my personal feelings on the matter, although it does concern the translation. It has come to my attention that the Brazilian publisher who does the translation — Galera Record, one of the largest in the country — has routinely white-washed characters in their translations. Changed things around so they're straight, too (I'm sorry, I've no idea if there's a proper term to this).

It was so bad with HoEaB that it went to trending topics and they promised to fix it in the next edition but that does not solve the issue. SJM's isn't the only one this happened too. Other big name authors, like Cassie Clara and VE Schwab have had the same issue with their books.

This isn't about if the books are diverse or no, this is another discussion. This is about the diversity they do have being deliberately changed in the translation. Its absurd, infuriating and it must stop.

This is the original thread posted on twitter. There are other things that thread touches upon, but this is not my concern.

Please if you can read retweet the thread, reblog this post, make your own. But please don't let this subject be ignored.

#anti sjm #important! #quite glad i don't give them money lmao

[notfireheart]

The SJ/M Fans here on Tumblr (likely on other platforms too but I'm only here) and the household names in the fandom who are still active and producing content for it are fierce defenders that the Illyrians and Rice are meant to be read as PoC. And yes, they will call people out for whitewashing.

@crescentcitysux nailed the logic in her post: SJ/M retconned the rep, it's badly done rep, but it's rep nonetheless and therefore the they believe they should be portrayed as such. It's better to portray them as PoC— even if poorly done and ambiguous and unclear as it can be— than whitewash them.

I just saw an sj/m fan get an ask that said they had rbed an edit that whitewashed riceman??????? is he not white wtf

He’s described in varying ways. The basics are: he’s described as ‘pale’ under the mountain and ‘tan’ at best in ac0maf and ac0war. If you’re a poc, you can’t get very “pale” even if you stay out of sunlight. But then we have the Illyrians who’re described to be ‘tan’ and ‘golden-brown’, I think? So that does imply that that the Illyrians are people of colour. 

BUT, Illyrians are an actual race from the Albanian region, iirc, and while they’re darker than white people, they’re still white from what I’ve heard ( @bumfuzzlingqueer can explain the Illyrian part better, if you’re interested), so it’s sorta confusing that she named people of colour after a group of people who’re white.

So I really don’t know what to think of the Riceman situation - going by just ac0tar, he’s definitely white. But given that his mother was an Illyrian - and according to ac0maf and ac0war, thus a woman of colour - he’s not white.

I guess I would side with the person who sent the ask because s/jm basically retconned the rep later in the book. It’s badly done rep, but it’s rep nonetheless. 

At least, that’s my take on it. Feel free to let me know what your thoughts on the subject are.

#anti sjm #there was an argument about this another dau

[notfireheart]

I think it should be said that the reason the anti SJM community exists in the first place is because stans won’t allow for healthy discourse in their own tags. Y’all force people out and that’s usually why they join us over here. Y’all are so sensitive to any kind of criticism and some of you are just straight up bigots and flat out disrespect marginialized folx who speak out against what possibly made them uncomfortable.

If y’all allowed for people to talk and actually listened instead of pulling that patronizing bs of “I’m listening sweetie, but let me tell you why you’re wrong!!” Then this community probably wouldn’t exist or at least be as big as it is.

#this is EXACTLY why i created this side-blog #it's not sjms fans unfortunately

[notfireheart]

What I got from reading this was that the first part of this paragraph is Hunt's general conclusion on Ember's appearance and her similarity to Bruce's, rather than a part of Randall's description proper.

It's probably not the best way to place it, or word it since it generates confusion, but I'm fairly sure that sentence was meant to refer to her mother.

"It was Bryce’s face—the coloring was just different." Isn't he her stepdad?

mmhmm your guess is as good as mine when it comes to this quote’s meaning

#anti ccity #idk it might be just me

[notfireheart]

Ok, so. I am reading Aco/tar in spanish at the same time I listen to the audiobook in English. I am in actual pain, the translation is actually better than the stuff SJ/M wrote (SO MUCH LESS DASHES) But a think that the only thing that bothers me out of the thing is that in the spanish version the faeries are called Inmortales (immortals).

Inmortales might've been the most accurate word--the only alternatives I can think of off the top of my head are hadas or duendes, which have a completely different connotation than SJ/M's "fae," imo. But it's also interesting that the translation is better. Maybe the translator took their job more seriously than the editor and the author? 🤔🤔

#this whole thread makes me want to give ACoTaR's portuguese translation another shot #i was kinda put out by how they translated some terms #like the court names #and high lords

[notfireheart]

What I hate most about is the hypocrisy of stans. They'll excuse their favourites anything, even what should not be excused, and then turn around and criticize the same problems they refuse to recognize in other books. They only recognize or point out problematic aspects when it's convenient for them.

They don't accept that different people interpret the same thing differently, and that their opinion is not absolute. It's especially galling when they dismiss vey valid arguments from PoC and other minorities. t's infuriating.

Standom culture is so toxic,,, it’s funny how people expect you to explain yourself just because you don’t like a very popular book.

#will i ever shut up about this? #no #i detest stan culture #sorry if i wenr off #i was talking about this to a friend yesterday #and here we are

[notfireheart]

Another thing for me is that she has some interesting ideas/concepts that could pretty good if handled properly, and I want to see if finally she will. It's as you said: she knows how to play you to keep on reading to see what she does with it— and then disappoints because of how she glorifies the characters and uses these concepts to just... Prop them up, would that be the term? Anyway, to glorify and put them on a pedestal even further, at the expanse of everything else.

When I’m reading SJM books, I’m entertained and enjoy it, but as soon as I stop reading them, I have a lot of problems. I think it’s because she is so good at manipulating the tone to suit her story that I dismiss problematic elements or don’t notice them until I’m not actively reading the books. I’ve read her series twice and both times this phenomenon has occurred. I think it has to do with the way she characterizes things in such an extreme sense. When things are constantly characterized as perfect, it’s hard to see them any other way until you have distance from the material. 

Submission: @whattheelizabeth

________________________________________

Yep, S/jm is notorious for manipulating her characters and plot lines to serve her narrative. It’s very noticeable especially with how N/esta’s trauma is handled (she’s abused) versus F/eyre’s trauma (she’s coddled). She also goes out of her way to g/lorify actions that characters should never be excused for (an example being that c/assian destroying a building in the summer court for fun is treated as a joke and not a serious thing).

#anti sjm

[notfireheart]

I'm coming out of a forced hiatus now, but I've been an active part of the fandom since ac0maf came out, making content for it, and from my own personal experience and observation, I'd say that the fandom is a far cry from what it once was. I don't think it'll ever die because Sarah writes for that specific and loyal audience that will read anything she puts out and defend it beyond reason, though.

HOWEVER. It definitely has shrunk from the heyday that was Ac0maf. It was everywhere, people were discussing, posting edits, art; it was simply bustling with activity. The T0G fandom up to EoS still had many discussions about what was going to happen, many meta to read and edits, too.

K0A and T0D had by comparison a MUCH quieter response, and one of them was t0g big ending! The metas that really went into detail grew rarer. Nowadays, even the notes one gets for edits have declined. I'm not sure if that's related to tumblr in general or a specific, but it has been going on for a while.

Many of my friends who were big on SJ/M's have since moved on to other books and stories. Do they still like it? Yes, an they occasionally edit for it but some of them have been downright hesitant or won't read her latest books and recognize that ac0fas was ... horrible. Most of them enjoy the books, but do no shy away from criticizing it.

Again, this is for my own personal experience, so take it with a grain. It might be that I don't really follow the new fans, or something like that.

Does anyone else feel like the S///JM fandom is slowly dying or is gaining more hype instead?

I talk to former stans and they were fans that read her books when they first came out. I feel like the newer fans are people who’ve recently discovered her books (like me).

#anti sjm

[notfireheart]

In a group chat I'm in, someone posted a photo of a little Rice toy with his head and wings off (someone broke) and they went "Oh no, what's going to happen for Fayrug now?"

And I, having none of it: "She dead too.", was what I said.

"Remember, dumb and fucking irresponsible 'ooh I don't want to live in this world without you!! pact", was what I wished I had said but the topic of conversation changed.

... I can't with stans in this group, they all are so blindly worshipping of Sa/rah whenever the subject of books and her come up.

#anti sjm #anti ACoTaR

[notfireheart]

Tagged by @sanktaalinaa​! Thank you :)

[SOFT.] baby pink | iridescent | glitter is always a good option | no bra | minimalistic tattoos | cherry patterns | sweet scented perfumes | wearing generous amounts of blush | doodling hearts | getting excited to pet an animal | fun nails | rewatching old barbie movies | hair sticking to glossed lips | heart shaped sunglasses | taking pictures of the sunset or sunrise | stuffed animals | protecting nature | stickers everywhere | teen movies | the light rain that falls from a clear sky at the beginning of the night |

[DARK ACADEMIA.] neutral tones | masculine outfits | studying languages | worn down copy of books | grey skies | turtleneck sweaters | loose fitting pants | hair tied with a silk ribbon | trying to remember a cool difficult word you read somewhere to use in a convo | thick belts | minimal makeup | windows fogged by rain | vintage jewelry | blouses with cuffed sleeves | reading a murder mystery and trying to solve it | oxford style shoes | sweater vests | subtitled old movies in a language you don’t speak | leaves crackling as you walk | annotating books to express your emotions about the story |

[EDGY.] closet full of dark clothes | fishnet tights | makeup sweating off | neon signs | searching for unknown songs | chokers | band tees | doodling on old converses | finding smoking aesthetically pleasing but not doing it | weird humor | accidentally very dramatic | dim lights | layered outfits | chain belts | chipped nail polish | messy hair | low quality pics | piercings | combat boots | scribbling on desks |

[70s.] colorful wardrobe | doodling flowers | wearing short shorts | using a bikini top or bra as a normal top | listening to ABBA | flowers in your hair | DIYing everything | jamming to songs alone in your room | drunkenly telling your friends you love them | patterned bandanas | mid heeled shoes | messy braids | flared sleeves | walking barefoot on grass or sand | bold sunglasses | the good kind of tired you get after doing something you enjoy for hours | feeding stray animals | fun patterned socks | room decorated with succulents and other plants | likes to go roller skating or skateboarding |

[PREPPY CASUAL.] collared clothes | drinking juice out of a champagne glass | getting excited to see the met gala looks | thick headbands | small pastel cardigans | making your friends take your ootd pics | plaid mini skirts | tweed two pieces | watching reality tv to pass time | frilly tops | watching old hollywood movies | academically driven | long manicured nails | new year’s eve fireworks | colourful tights | layered golden jewelry | yearns for luxury brand items | decorating your room with fairylights | cursive and neat handwriting | lace details |

#other:me #other:tag games

[notfireheart]

Sharing my own personal opinion as someone who started off just mad at War, but yes. I never felt comfortable discussing Sarah's most problematic aspects in the main tags, with the stans because of the gratuitous hate people got for pointing out flaws. It says a lot that the anti community is more welcoming and open to debate.

There's a difference between a fandom and a standom. Janet fans belong to the second category.

Absolutely, it’s an incredibly toxic, hostile environment for anyone who doesn’t implicitly agree with sj///m and the big name stans. I’ve spend some years in this fandom and I wouldn’t return if you paid me like naaa thx satan.

#anti sjm #I hate stans

[notfireheart]

Someone please tell this Stan that Orion is a constellation. Not a star. Also their research SEEMS VERY superficial but I'm too tired to go into that.

Didn't Aidas flat out say that Bruce's Starlight was the same as Theia, the ancient Starborn Fae Queen? Mother of the legendary hero, I think? To be honest, I got the impression the Starborn Fae =/= Asteri, and that Bruce would become something else, something different, to challenge them.

It makes me wonder if this entire star-lore and star-beings are going to be related, with the Asteri denounced as "fake stars" while Bruce rises as the "true" one to oust them. It would also play into Sarah's habit of the Fae the centre of everything.

And now I put on my tinfoil hat and present another take: if Haunt's father is the Prince of the Pit and he was the one who ate the Seventh Asteri, the Prince absorbed something of her power, too. A mighty raw power that his son inherited in the shape of his lightning. You could even tie lighting with the whole light and star aesthetic.

hmm. taken from a stan insta...what say you?

#Anti sjm #anti ccity #i need to leave Tumblr and sleep Honestly

[notfireheart]

First off, I'd advise against tagging any post of this type as"Anti SJM", as a matter of common Tumblr courtesy between the antis and the stans. I’m aware you’re addressing a “common anti behaviour”, but regardless... Don’t. Doing so will avoid pointless arguments and hostility. Stans don't like anti posts in the main tags,and  the feeling is mutual. I don't think you had bad intentions, but please take this as a friendly advice.

Now on to the topic. There's a difference between an author's intent and how a scene/passage/anything comes off in writing (or in any form of media). This is the quote from ac0fas, under the cut because of the sexual:

And when my mind could form words, when I could again feel his essence around me, his body still moving in my own, I sent him that image one last time, into the dark and stars—my gift. Perhaps our gift, one day.  Rhy/s spilled into me with a roar, his wings splaying wide.

Do I believe S/JM had the intention of protraying Rhys— as you put it— an incestuous pedophile? No, I don't. But it's just after this sight of the future that he’s sent over the edge. This juxtaposition here does not work, it is cringe worthy and yes, it can come with unfortunate implications. Are they true? That’s up to interpretation, but this is the kind controversial passage that should have been edited and dare I say would have been if editors still had any power over her books.

Not liking Rhysand is a thing, is your personal opinion and, even if someone doesn't agree with you, should be respected

But saying that in ACOFAS he c*mmed thinking about his kid - while he was thinking about Feyre and their future together, their kids being part of it (and so... like... he had to c*m to have one... since he was even having sex...) - is horrible and stupid and disgusting

Not liking Sarah's works or writing, too, is your personal opinion, but assuming her character is an incestuous pedophile IS NOT- YOU'RE BEING DISRESPECTUFUL AND GROSS

(I sincerely hope this this thing isn't happening on Tumblr, but on Twitter a lot of people keep saying Rhys c*mmed thinking of his kid and I'm disgusted, really)

#anti sjm

[notfireheart]

Compared to what it was before, yeah. The fandom peaked around ACOMAF and it has been declining ever since here on tumblr. You have the occasional edit for some loyal stans, but compared to how afitve it was back then, with all the edits and meta? It has shrunk. Or at least that's what I noticed from my dash feed.

Do they still like the books? Oh yes they do, but have moved on to other things.

As for moving to Reylo... I can tell you some are anti reylo while ALSO thinking there's nothing wrong with Maas books. Nothing at all. They'll excuse her anything while criticizing the same stuff in other works. It's baffling.

And now I'm wondering that this might have been a retoric question so I'm gonna bury my head somewhere.

Are people still stanning SJM? In this day and age? Or have they all moved on to Reylo?

#anti sjm

[notfireheart]

^^ that’s what I got from it too, obsidian salt being the darkest, nastiest type of summoning salt, like a super-purified and effective and rare subtype of black salt.

I have been wrong before and will accept any information on the subject, but like. Obsidian salt? Obsidian is not a mineral obsidian is literally GLASS. It is LITERALLY MELTED SAND.

Am I being too pedantic? Could she mean, like, salt mixed with obsidian? Is it just a name for the salt?

#anti sjm #anti ccity

[notfireheart]

I think in this world bullets can only protect you to a point. I’m sure they’re helpful, but there are beings against who gun or not might be pointless. Outside shooting, Bryce doesn’t seem to have the magic or the hand-to-hand-fighting-skills required to defend herself against these big threats (idk, i’m not that far into the book). So not completely helpless, but AT THIS POINT fairly outclassed. 

“[Jesiba’s] gray glittering eyes roved over her face. “Then keep Athalar close.”

Bryce bristled. As if she were some little female in need of a big, strong warrior to guard her.

Even if it was partially true. Mostly true.

Totally and definitely true, if that demon was being summoned again.” (Pg 149, hardcover)

This feels like a dare to comment that I don’t like that Bryce has to rely on a dude.

But like. The book keeps telling us she’s utterly outclassed in the fighty fight and magicky magic departments, so it’s true.

So really the person I’m mad at is Sarah Janet for deciding to make it that way so I have to think Bryce is being stupid for not wanting to be protected by The Strong Male. This is her book. For whatever reason, she specifically designed her society and her characters this way. I wish I could believe it was in order to make effective commentary, but since all her other women have been The Most Badass Except For Whoever Their Current Male Love Interest Is, I do not have much faith.

#anti ccity #anti sjm