#and now we're dealing with all this discourse I hope you're happy

[makeste]

regarding Best Jeanist, Dabi, and all of that

@kaleswagdragon​ I hope you don’t mind me posting this comment and my response as its own post, seeing as it quickly got out of hand and sort of morphed into a whole entire essay.

anyway, so! you say that it’s a mischaracterization, but it’s really not, though. I mean, props for bringing up the cultural context of Japan, in which the honne-tatemae culture of covering up anything that might lead to any sort of conflict -- even if it means harming an innocent victim in the process -- is a very real issue. so given that, I understand why so many people are interpreting Jeanist’s statement in a “how dare you bring this family shame to light” sort of way. and Caleb’s “dirty laundry” translation doesn’t help, given the “we’re more embarrassed than actually concerned about this” feel of that particular phrase, which he apparently chose just because of the clothing pun without really giving much thought to any other implications.

but in the actual Japanese, the meaning/context is somewhat different. here’s a link to a twitter thread clarifying the original spoiler translation, and breaking down the actual Japanese dialogue.

I think the meaning here is very clearly “you waited until the public’s faith in heroes was already wavering to bring this down on them as a final blow.” if he was simply criticizing Dabi for publicizing the Todoroki family drama, he would have stopped with that first sentence. the two sentences afterward (“you waited until everyone’s faith in heroes was wavering, when the damage would be too great to handle”) make it clear that what he’s actually calling Dabi out for is the way that he basically weaponizes his story into the perfect political tool to finally take down the heroes. which is an observation that we as the readers can verify for ourselves as being true. look at how he so carefully edited the footage of Twice’s death. look at the contrast between the way he acts in the video, compared with the homicidal glee we see from the actual Dabi in real time.

Jeanist is notably the only one who is able to get the same perspective as the readers here, since he’s the only person who’s physically present in Jakku with the real Dabi, but is also able to hear the video being broadcast. meaning that he’s able to hear both video!Dabi’s calm, prerecorded “I’m just a concerned citizen trying to look out for a society being taken advantage of by the ones charged with protecting it” speech, and actual!Dabi’s “hahaha fuck you Endeavor I’m bringing the whole country down even as we speak, well anyway time to kill you all” reality. he alone can see that stark contrast between the concerned whistleblower act Dabi is putting onscreen, versus his true attitude of “I don’t actually give a fuck, I just want to eradicate the heroes and make my dad suffer.” basically, Jeanist is the only one who can see that juxtaposition, and see Dabi’s reveal for what it really is, seeing as Dabi literally spelled it out for Endeavor and the others. and so he’s calling him out on that.

and he’s not wrong to do so. it’s clear that a lot of fans vehemently disagree with this, but being an abuse survivor doesn’t excuse you from having the same obligation as every other human being on the planet to try your best to be a decent person, which at minimum means not going out of your way to hurt other people. I say this as someone who’s experienced abuse, which shouldn’t need to be a disclaimer honestly, but I guess that’s how it is these days. anyways, though, I have, and I know a lot of other people who have as well. it’s a terrible, awful, exceptionally shitty thing to experience, and it affects everyone in different ways. and every single person who goes through something like that deserves help and support and time to heal, and it’s a tragedy and an injustice that Dabi, from what we have seen, never got any of that.

but that doesn’t excuse him from still being held to the same basic standard of “hurting other people is shitty” as everyone else. it doesn’t mean he gets a free pass. it doesn’t mean that anyone who says “hey, Dabi using his trauma as an excuse to murder people is kind of fucked up” is an abuse apologist. and it doesn’t mean Horikoshi is an abuse apologist for writing him that way, for that matter, because guess what? sometimes people who are abused grow up to become abusers. that’s just a fucked-up thing that happens sometimes. and pretending like it doesn’t is ironically not all that different from that whole “sweeping things under the rug” concept you mentioned earlier. it does happen, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that, because acknowledging it is one of the necessary steps to take in fixing it.

this attitude of “if someone was abused they should be absolved of responsibility for their actions” that I’ve seen in some posts is taking the concept of “abuse often has a profound impact on people’s mental health, and that should be taken into consideration before judging them too harshly for behavior that they can’t always necessarily control”, and twisting it into this nice little loophole that people can use to duck accountability whenever it’s convenient. but being abused doesn’t give you the right to abuse other people, is my point. nothing gives somebody the right to do that.

and Dabi is hurting other people. he waited ten years to tell his story specifically because he wanted to use it to make others suffer. and, putting aside the part where he’s trying to engineer the downfall of society as a precursor to the mass destruction he and his pals have planned, he also broadcast the story nationwide without the consent of the other abused parties involved. which I’m not saying he didn’t have the right to do, mind you, because it’s his story as well as theirs, and he has the right to tell it. and the right to make his abuser’s crimes as public as he wants, if that’s what he decides. but it also ignores the question of what his mother and siblings might want, and the fact is that they’re also survivors, and so in theory should have the same right as Dabi to choose their own healing process, and decide exactly how they want their abuser, who like so many abusers is also a close family member, to be held accountable. anyway, but all of that is obviously very, very complicated and I don’t think there’s a clear right or wrong side as far as this part of it all. it’s not a situation where everyone can be happy, which unfortunately is often how it goes.

anyway, I’ve kind of meandered pretty far from my original point now, so my bad. my points are, basically,

(a) I think the linked explanation does show that Jeanist is chiding Dabi for using his trauma in this specifically scheming and destructive way, as opposed to saying “shame on you for not being a good little victim and staying quiet”, which would be a ridiculous thing for Horikoshi, who’s explored the topic of abuse more thoughtfully than any other mangaka I’ve read, to randomly have one of his protagonists say.

and (b) the people calling Dabi out on his shit aren’t all smug victim-blamers who have no sympathy for what he has been through. the latter point (and a lot of this post, actually) isn’t particularly directed at you btw; it’s more of just a general statement brought on by some of the discussion that’s been going on these past few days.

anyways, I actually like that the fandom is talking about all of this! I just think it’s a very complex subject, and an even more complex situation currently in the manga. and ideally, people would try to acknowledge that complexity when discussing it, rather than simply picking a side and doubling down on it no matter what, or shooting down the whole thing as problematic writing just because isn’t a neat and tidy situation where you can simply say “oh, person A is right and person B is wrong, that’s it, end of story.” it’s not, unfortunately. it’s a messy clusterfuck of a topic that’s only going to get messier as this plot continues, so hopefully we can all just sort of brace ourselves for that lol. this is really just the tip of the iceberg, I think.

#bnha 292 #best jeanist #dabi #todoroki touya #bnha meta #bnha #boku no hero academia #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #bnha manga spoilers #makeste reads bnha #long post #I mean we always knew the todoroki plot was going to be like this though #and jeanist had to go and open his big mouth #you brought this on yourself really my man #and now we're dealing with all this discourse I hope you're happy #do us a favor and find out kacchan's hero name for us asap so we can put this all behind us and move on to new discourse my denim friend

[bluewinnerangel]

I'm the drama anon (I think? I dunno if you meant me specifically) and I swear, I didn't mean it as a bad thing! It's just, you guys come up with such strange stuff and then it kinda becomes a chaotic trend in the fandom and everyone freak out over it and I'm sitting here like "I was here when this took form at three in the morning so randomly that you'd wake up the next morning and go 'nah, it must've been a fever dream' and now it's so big". Anddso randomly that you'd wake up the next morning and go 'nah, it must've been a fever dream' and now it's so big".

And then there's this stray feeling that Tumblr is being watched? I mean, I dunno, I'm not saying it actually happens or larry has burner accs, but some stuff happen that just... It's a tumblr thing, why is this getting something like a confirmation from them? Like the other day I saw the invert thing during lights up and ??? It doesn't prove anything, heck maybe it doesn't even mean anything, but it's just... Weird. Everything here is weird, even I'm weird and I'm making zero sense but I wanted to make sure that you like, didn't misunderstand me, I love your blog, and you're such a nice person, but like... The general crackhead energy around here (I love it). Like what's the deal with that series you keep making book covers for (it's literally a random anon and you genuinely take the time, no hate to that anon, they write good, but what I wanna say is that you're so kind for actually humouring that? Is that the right word? Or the arm thing? The hare thing? What?!?) It literally came out of nowhere, and it's a thing now. I dunno. For ppl who figure out the most cryptic stuff, on free days we're just... So random and odd, I guess. That's what I meant. In a nice way God this is long and awkward I'm so sorry I love you <3

I'm actually cracking up over this. I honestly feel you're mostly talking about that wholeass Cars thing we had going on a month (already wtf !?!?!) ago bc that was an absolute furious feverdream but also that didn't really take off unless you were just watching me like it took off for me bro it did like the end of Grease that TOOK OFF. But then it's in the context of drama? And being watched? Help. Where does this come from where does this go cotton eyed joe just all over the place asdasd

But I guess about this space I just post whatever I think is funny and I have fun making and sometimes that means just less theories or larrie discourse and more utter nonsensical relevant-to-this-and-this-post-only-deepfried-childrens-book-covers and way too extensive arm collections or detailed ask game answers, because it makes me happy and even happier when it makes someone else happy too. Whatever makes you laugh bro, with me or at me (hi antis hope you're having a great day).

Then as for the confirmation thing, it's not impossible they actually for real lurk here and respond to it with subtle shit, but I hope the fuck not because bros you're celebs I'm sure you have better ways to spend your time pls, I think 9/10 things that get "confirmed" aka things that some blogs JUST talked about and then it just... comes back (we make a shitty little laurel masterpost and suddenly laurel clothing are back, a pink floyd x harry post is birthed and next thing the AFH poster has PF links and bap harry shows up in PF shirt, we make hare stylist puns and then harry makes hare stylist puns, theres all things must pass x louis fan art and bap harry wears all things must pass merch, the list just goes on and honestly the things I just mentioned are mostly Leo, Meg, and me with our 2 gay british boybander voodoo dolls that we dress up in things we just referenced on our silly little bloggies so we can bring it back for clout and that's because people already picked up on it already being a pattern (the inverted colors for one), or already knowing it's within their personalities and behavior to do/reference/pun that way, and so your "prediction" or whatever gets reaffirmed when they continue to be... themselves. This is also why I think it can look like they're referencing fan fics, because those fics are already based on accurate observations of them and what they would and wouldn't surround themselves with. Then there's other bits where I am like well at the very least his ass knows what he's doing because the whole WHOLE fandom freaked over it and there's no way he didn't get notified if he didn't already lurk himself and that's Louis wearing the H shirt AGAIN or Harry bringing all the blue bandana's back to the yard. I mean they do know we know, but, different scales, I guess. Like there's a difference between niche tumblr things getting "confirmation" and fandom wide phenomenon's. That said Harry, grandma wants 2 croissants ok that's my sentence that's my brand if you ever reference 2 croissants I know your ass is reading into things on a chaos blog alright thank you very much.

[kawaiikatanabushi]

Hakuouki Okichi Belated Fictober 2019

November Latetober Fictober day 5 "I might just kiss you."

Fandom: Hakuouki

Pairing: Okichi

Triggers: none

Just a cute little window into the relationship between Souji and Chizuru after marriage.

Chizuru was on her way to take down the laundry, cicadas chirping as a cool breeze passed by and the aroma of flowers surrounded her. She smiled happily to herself, the oncoming nighttime allowing her a moment's reverie. Her husband Souji was in bed after a great deal of convincing. She had insisted he turn in early after he had reluctantly admitted he wasn't feeling so well. She dearly hoped it wasn't a relapse of his illness and shook her head to clear her mind. He had been so healthy and well since their recovery from ochimizu. It was almost as if he was healed. The thought brought a smile to her face once again and just as she could see the sheets hanging in the yard, an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back around the corner, successfully dropping her basket and smothering her scream at once.

"Is that any way to greet your husband?" His voice purred in her ear as he lowered his hand from her mouth.

She covered a hand over her heart, letting out a relieved sigh. Sometimes, she almost forgot she had married a mischief. She craned her neck to meet his gaze, his eyes sparkling with fun and attraction. He looked rather handsome for an escaped patient.

"Aren't you supposed to be asleep?" She asked playfully, nuzzling her nose to his, "I remember tucking you in,"

"I got lonely and couldn't sleep," Souji made a display of pouting, "My wife didn't kiss me goodnight,"

"I remember kissing your forehead," she answered in mock innocence, "That wasn't enough?"

"Hardly," he breathed into her ear, giving the rim of it a nibble.

"What could you possibly want, Souji?" She laughed, closing her eyes against the affection, "I have laundry that needs brought in,"

"You always do this and it's maddening," he huffed, his arms going lax in their grip about her, "Do you know what I was thinking, Chizuru, as I was staring up at the rafters all alone?"

"What were you thinking, Souji?" She willingly followed the discourse.

"It gets quiet out here just being the two of us. Market day is great and all, but it's not as if we're setting out to make friends with the locals. Sometimes this house can feel so empty, especially when I'm awake in bed without you," His tone had become serious, as he looked levelly in her eyes, "I love you. I know I don't say it enough, but I do. You are my world and I would give you anything you ask for,"

"I don't need anything, just you," Chizuru replied sweetly, placing a peck on his chin.

"Not even a baby?" He whispered it so quietly, she thought she had misheard.

Her eyes went wide, searching his face as if to check she had hear him correctly. The laundry swayed in another breeze, completely forgotten as she stared hopefully into his eyes.

"Want to make that family I owe you?" He questioned softly, eyes radiant with a tenderness that left her knees weak.

"Right now?" She asked, stunned.

He nodded with a small smile, nuzzling his nose to hers. She turned in his embrace to face him, her eyes tearing up. She was about to ask after his health, but stopped short of the query. Souji wouldn't be asking if he thought he wasn't up to the task. He always aimed to please and she was so wholly in love with him.

"What would you say if I said, 'yes?'" She asked, trying to remain flirtatious even as her voice broke.

"I might just kiss you," he responded deviously and did exactly as he had teased.

He wove arms about her, one arm hooking under her rear to hoist her against his chest and allow her to rest aloft in his embrace. She sat side-saddle in his arms, her lips still planted against his own. The laundry basket lay all but forgotten as husband and wife reveled in that deep mystery of soulful connection. With expert precision, Souji carried her into the house and pulled loose the tie of her obi, retaining their connection as he cracked an eye open every so often to steer in the right direction. Chizuru plunged her fingers into his hair, humming happily against him. She hardly cared as the obi belt hit the floor. If Souji hadn't been so tall, she would have tried the removal of his. Her heart swelled with love and she wanted Souji to receive every ounce she could give to him. There was no question he felt the same.

The closer they approached the bedroom, the more she began to run tender kisses along his jawline and chest in her anticipation.

"Chizuru..." he sighed out, halting for an instant, "You keep doing that here and I'm going to drop you. You're making me so weak..."

"Hurry us to bed, then," she begged against his lips and drew a chaste one from him, "I missed you today,"

The proper incentive set, he toted her to the room between kiss after tender kiss. He had made her an offer he intended to keep. He was nothing, if not a man of his word. Besides, he wanted his wife to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he loved her and nothing made him more happy than spending a night in her arms.

#hakuouki #hakuoki #okichi #belated fictober 2019 #fictober 2019 #fluff #okita souji #yukimura chizuru #might visit this more and revise it #we shall see #kawaiikatanabushi #my writing