#lack of a sense of autonomy and connection

[turtlesandfrogs]

I'm taking this free online class from Yale on the Science of Well-Being,

and it's free, so I'm gonna share the extremely short notes about what I'm learning. Why does well-being and happiness matter? Because people have more energy and more capacity to effect change if they are doing well mentally.

And because I think American culture in general is structured in a way that ignores human needs and leads to increased suffering in all sorts of ways.

#like in so many ways #sleep deprivation #lack of physical activity #lack of a sense of autonomy and connection #excessive alcohol use being normalized #etc

[ghostlyferrettarot]

🖤🌗Lilith in the Signs🌓🖤

❗️All the observations in this post are based on personal experience and research, it's completely fine if it doesn't resonate with everyone❗️

✨️Paid Services ✨️ (Natal charts and tarot readings) Open.

🖤If you like my work you can support me through Ko-fi. Thank you!🖤

🌟Masterlist🌟

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Aries: the native may feel more of a desire to be independent, to stand up for things he believes in, to cherish individualism, to argue persuasively for his opinions, and to be more sensual and straightforward when in love. The issue is that this can make relationships a little more challenging, encouraging more rejection or the tendency to look for flaws in a spouse since it's hard to commit. Those who were born with this alignment in their birth chart might have gone through periods of rejection.If Lilith is in Aries, don't be scared to look ahead; what vibrates will remain, and if not, don't be afraid to let it go for good.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Taurus: Lilit in Taurus indicates a stronger sense of tenacity along with an increased attraction to all things sensual and lovely. Additionally, it may increase emotional activity to the point that you look for greater security in relationships. Furthermore, this comfort isn't necessarily purely emotional; you might want to look for individuals who are stable financially, for instance. This particular dependency on tangible, safe things might occasionally cause discomfort and disrupt your emotional balance. Lilith, who stands for feminine power, narrates how the family's ladies acquired strength and empowerment so Lilith is in Taurus could be a clan women who came to power by making excellent use of their resources and handling their finances and belongings with diligence.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Gemini: It can induce a greater search for independence and make the native particularly interested in intellectual or communicative areas, such as literature and public relations. This position can also suppress emotions a little or make the native more rational. With this placement it is important to understand that what kills or what hurts the native is not the physical offense, but the negative use of other people's words. With Lilith in Gemini this people may be afraid to connect with their environment for fear of rejection Or it could be the opposite, someone who is very good at social communication, who is friendly and fun and connects with everyone.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Cancer: Lilith in Cancer has a great capacity to intuit emotionally charged issues, perhaps about the past, childhood, lack of protection during childhood, or during a moment of great vulnerability. She encourages the native to reflect on the concepts of family. This movement also speaks of emotions that are gestated in the primordial energy of Creation. The desire to establish emotional ties is intense and these people may obsessively seek to start a family.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Leo: In general, it brings a greater desire to have fun, increases the desire to participate in parties and perhaps be the center of attention. It increases the chance of convincing and seducing people and slightly increases the chances of being a notable person. Self-knowledge is very important for you to find your true identity and eliminate any type of narcissism and overvaluation of your shape or physical beauty. When seeking recognition and attention, you must be careful not to do so in an exaggerated way. Lilith in Leo represents the energetic vibration of rebellion, uniqueness and creativity. This energy has the quality of helping those with this position.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Virgo: They have a character that is not afraid of loneliness, they are independent and do not sacrifice their autonomy for some company. They are very selective with their friends and partners and do not dedicate time to the bonds that do not find meaning in the shared moments. This positioning of Lilit can make objectivity in details a little difficult, influencing the native to criticize things or people at first glance. Her analytical and psychological abilities tend to increase and they may have very strong intuition. The problem is that they may not be exactly aware of these abilities or, out of modesty, may not admit them.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Libra: Lilith in Libra can intensify the thirst for justice, this position indicates a constant search for equality and beauty and at the same time a great need for symmetry in relationships. The challenge of this displacement is that natives often face scenarios where independence is threatened. with Lilith in Libra you may have difficulty establishing healthy boundaries in your social connections. This is because Lilith represents our darkest side.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Scorpio: Lilith in Scorpio can generate a tendency towards self-destruction or an overwhelming need to go against what is established. People born under this sign have an intense and magnetic energy that can attract others to them. In addition, they are very passionate and deep people, which allows them to connect with their darkest part and have the ability to face fears and internal traumas. In addition, it can speak of people with a strong and defiant character who do not follow conventional social norms. People with this position may be curious about issues associated with sexuality, power, and individual and social transformation.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Sagittarius: Here this native has the opportunity to unite intellect and spirituality, in addition, he suggests an influence that gives rise to a greater desire for knowledge and adventure. He usually contacts other people in search of more experience, always with good intentions. Also, he can talk about detached people, who feel that they cannot dedicate themselves to a single person, who need to adventure, travel and discover other cultures. This individuals must be careful from those who try to take advantage of their generosity as well as they must avoid nurturing vices.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Capricorn: It tends to slightly intensify the desire for status or to obtain a prominent position, it induces the native to be a little more indifferent or demanding with others, but sometimes it is important to make concessions. On the other hand, it can increase the sense of discipline and duty, basic things to achieve a prestigious position. It is important to keep in mind that those born with Lilith in this Earth sign can express themselves in a harsh way emotionally, and their own limitation makes it difficult to expression of others. They treat the people they love with somewhat authoritarian dynamics and expect them to respond in a certain way.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Aquarius: Lilith in Aquarius can intensify intuition, the desire for adventure, and a bolder attitude. She can stimulate independence or rebellion. Lilith in this Air sign, by not respecting what is established, they can adopt a permanent attitude of being contrary and testing everything around her. Their biggest urge is to cut ties and be totally autonomous, which can cause discomfort with others. These natives may feel that they do not match their family, they feel like the black sheep or the oddball of the clan. Then, they leave the blood network in search of a group to which they belong.

🐈‍⬛Lilith in Pisces: This positioning can cause the person to intensify themes, such as imagination, fantasy, artistic sense and inspiration. It may also stimulate a greater inclination to help people or an appreciation for social work. However, such influence can cause one to neglect oneself and fail to meet one's own needs. You must be careful not to get caught in illusions. Your spirituality or creative imagination can bear good material fruits, and it is necessary to deepen your knowledge and self-knowledge to unlock good ideas. You should always think about how to develop your spirituality and intuition to get a good idea of everything that happens around you.

#astrology placements #astro community #zodiac #astro blog #astro notes #astrology moodboard #astro news #astro observations #tarot cards #tarot and astrology #astrology planets #astro chart #astro content #Lilith in signs #tarot reading #astrology #lilith in aries #lilith in taurus #lilith in cancer #lilith in gemini #lilith in leo #lilith in virgo #lilith in libra #lilith in scorpio #lilith in sagittarius #lilith in capricorn #lilith in aquarius #natal chart reading #kpop astrology #jennie

[starqueensthings]

Episode 12 open discussion under the cut 👇🏼 BEWARE SPOILERS.

The loss of Crosshair’s helmet is so significant. The fact that he didn’t even bother to look for it, even more so.

The animators have always used helmets to represent a dichotomy. Pre Order-66, it was a symbol of a soldier’s individualism, as most troopers opted to paint their helmet to their liking; something to make them easily distinguishable from their brothers. Post Order-66, helmet-wear was used to signify the loss of a soldier’s autonomy. Yes, obviously for cranial protection as well (keep the melon safe during battle, you know), but once Order 66 was issued, aside from Batch members, seeing a clone trooper without their helmet on was a very rare sight.

In Season 1 Episode 1, Crosshair opted to keep his helmet on during the flight back to Kamino after Order-66 on Kaller, and through the halls of Tipoca city until they reached their barracks. I think the writers and animators were trying to symbolize that he had lost a large portion of his control.

Through the rest of the first season, Crosshair was largely hidden behind his new imperial helmet; one that was completely lacking resemblance or connection to his past as a member of CF-99. I think his Imp helmet was something that, at least in the beginning, he wore proudly; it was a symbol of his new role, his new rank, his future, his new ideology.

But in The Solitary Clone (S2 E3), after a poignant discussion with Cody, we see Crosshair look at his helmet with implied contempt, regret, and even possibly, repulsion. This was new.

In the first minutes of Season 2 Episode 12, we see him reprimanded by an imperial superior officer for not wearing it, which I found interesting. Keep in mind, Crosshair was also helmet-less when he met with Cody before their mission to Desix. Same scenario: waiting by the ship for a debrief from his commander before leaving for the mission. But this time, the writers opted to emphasize that his face was exposed.

Now, his helmet is completely gone. In a mission gone sour, it was eaten by an avalanche. And I found it very interesting that Crosshair’s first thought after emerging from the snow, was to find and save Mayday, a reg commander who he’d met only hours previously, and who took all of Crosshair’s imperial ideology and challenged it. He carefully puts Mayday’s helmet back on him, but doesn’t even spare a thought for his own.

In the final minutes of E12, we see Crosshair, and his face in all its glory, shoot his Lieutenant. An angry murder noodle move, yes... but also a desperate, frustrated one.

The presence of Imperial Crosshair feels diminished. The reemergence of Bad Batch Crosshair feels imminent.

*pls note that I used the term “reg” to reference Crosshair’s previous intolerance for regular clones, and was not meant in any derogatory sense*

#these are just my initial thoughts and opinions #there are flaws in this logic for sure #I’m interested to hear what you guys think! #the bad batch #tbb #tbb spoilers #tbb season 2 #bad batch #the bad batch spoilers #bad batch season 2 #bad batch spoilers #tbb crosshair #Crosshair tbb #bad batch Crosshair

[crystalsenergy]

Ascendant - Saturn aspects (differences) | Asc +🪐

Ascendant Quincunx Saturn

A quincunx is an aspect of 150 degrees, signifying a lack of connection or understanding between the planets involved. In this case, the Ascendant represents the person's outward personality and self-image, while Saturn represents structure, responsibility, and authority.

Individuals with the Ascendant quincunx Saturn may develop adaptive behaviors as a coping mechanism. They might switch between being assertive and conforming, depending on the situation. This adaptability can sometimes lead to a chameleon-like quality, where they adjust their behavior to fit in or meet expectations.

Individuals with this aspect may experience a conflict between their sense of identity (Ascendant) and external authority figures, rules, or societal expectations (Saturn). They might struggle to reconcile their own self-expression with the demands and restrictions imposed by external sources.

They tend to approach life with caution and prudence, weighing the potential consequences of their actions. This can make them careful decision-makers, but it may also lead to hesitancy in taking risks.

This aspect can bring self-doubt and insecurity regarding one's capabilities and self-worth. The individual may question their ability to meet expectations or fulfill responsibilities, leading to a sense of inadequacy.

People with this aspect often face a lifelong balancing act between their need to assert their identity and autonomy (Ascendant) and the necessity to conform or adhere to societal norms (Saturn). Striking this balance can be challenging.

Interactions with others may be complicated. The person may find it challenging to present themselves confidently to the world (Ascendant) while navigating social hierarchies or power dynamics (Saturn). This can lead to social "awkwardness" or a tendency to be overly self-conscious.

The aspect can manifest as tension and conflicts in career aspirations. There may be a desire to achieve personal goals (Ascendant) but feeling weighed down by the expectations and responsibilities associated with their chosen path or authority figures (Saturn).

These individuals may need to adapt to change and overcome obstacles more frequently than others. The quincunx aspect often requires adjustments and flexibility to cope with the disparities between the Ascendant and Saturn.

Over time, these individuals work on finding a balance between asserting their own identity and recognizing the importance of complying with societal expectations. They seek to harmonize the two aspects of their personality to live a more fulfilling life.

These individuals may have a complicated relationship with authority figures. They may resist conforming to external rules and expectations, which can result in friction with authority figures, including bosses, teachers, or parents.

Individuals with this aspect are inclined to engage in self-improvement efforts. They may seek personal development, therapy, or self-help resources to overcome self-doubt and enhance their self-confidence.

Despite the challenges, the Ascendant quincunx Saturn aspect can lead to significant personal growth. Over time, individuals may develop the skills needed to navigate the tension between their identity and external expectations. They can learn to assert themselves while accepting their responsibilities.

Ascendant Trine Saturn:

The trine aspect signifies a natural flow of energy between your outward personality (Ascendant) and the planet of discipline and structure (Saturn). You are likely to have a stable and disciplined approach to life, which can help you achieve your goals.

You tend to approach situations in a practical and grounded manner. You are not one to take unnecessary risks but rather prefer to plan and organize your life carefully.

You have good self-control and are able to manage your emotions and impulses effectively. This can make you appear composed and level-headed to others.

This aspect typically indicates a harmonious and constructive relationship between the Ascendant and Saturn.

Individuals with this aspect may have a natural ability to project a responsible and disciplined image to the world.

They often come across as composed, reliable, and practical.

These individuals have a good balance between their personal identity (Ascendant) and their sense of duty and responsibility (Saturn).

Saturn's influence may enhance your career prospects. You are likely to be ambitious and willing to put in the necessary effort and hard work to achieve success in your chosen field.

This aspect often indicates a certain level of maturity and wisdom in your approach to life, even from a young age. You tend to make sensible and well-thought-out decisions.

They are likely to be disciplined in pursuing their goals and tend to make steady progress in life.

Ascendant Sextile Saturn:

This aspect suggests a supportive and constructive connection between the Ascendant and Saturn.

Individuals with this aspect may exhibit qualities of determination, patience, and practicality.

They can easily blend their personal identity with a strong sense of responsibility.

These individuals are likely to set realistic goals and work steadily towards achieving them.

They may have a natural ability to adapt to challenges and find practical solutions to problems.

Individuals with this aspect often display a certain level of maturity and wisdom, even at a young age. You approach life with a sense of responsibility and prudence.

You have the ability to endure challenges and setbacks with patience and determination. You are not easily discouraged and can persist in the face of adversity.

You often prefer structure and organization in your daily life. You are comfortable with routines and may excel in roles or professions that require systematic planning and attention to detail.

You tend to be stable and reliable in your actions and interactions. Others may see you as a steady and dependable presence in their lives.

Individuals with this aspect often have a practical and down-to-earth approach to life. You are realistic and prefer to deal with situations in a sensible and methodical manner.

Ascendant Conjunct Saturn:

This aspect indicates a close and intense connection between the Ascendant and Saturn.

Individuals with this aspect tend to project a serious and reserved demeanor to the outside world. You may appear cautious and reserved when interacting with others, especially in unfamiliar situations.

Individuals with this aspect often take their responsibilities and self-image very seriously.

They may come across as reserved, cautious, and focused on their goals.

These individuals may have a strong sense of duty and may be driven by a desire for achievement and recognition.

They can sometimes be seen as a bit stern, but they are also dependable and committed.

Expressing emotions and personal thoughts may not come naturally to them. They may be cautious about revealing their innermost feelings and prefer to keep their emotions under control.

Saturn's influence can boost their ambition and drive for success. They set high standards for themselves and are willing to work diligently to achieve their goals, especially in career.

They may have a deep respect for tradition, authority, and established norms. They value the wisdom of the past and may incorporate traditional values into their life.

Ascendant Square Saturn:

This aspect suggests tension and challenges between the Ascendant and Saturn.

Individuals with this aspect may struggle to balance their personal identity and their sense of duty.

Saturn's influence can lead to a preference for authority and a desire for control. They have to be careful with authoritarism.

They may have strong opinions about how things should be done.

These individuals may have a tendency to be overly critical of themselves. They often set high standards and may feel a constant pressure to meet those standards, leading to self-doubt.

Expressing emotions openly can be a challenge. They may struggle to share their feelings with others and may come across as reserved or emotionally distant.

There can be a deep-seated sense of insecurity, especially in social situations. They may feel self-conscious and fear rejection or judgment from others.

Forming and maintaining close relationships can be difficult. Trust issues and a reluctance to let others in may hinder their ability to connect with others on a deeper level.

They may rely heavily on themselves and may hesitate to ask for help or support from others. This can lead to a sense of isolation at times.

They may be resistant to change and prefer stability and predictability in their lives. This can make it challenging for them to adapt to new circumstances.

They may have insecurities or self-doubt that hinder their self-expression.

These individuals may encounter obstacles and delays in their personal development or public image.

Despite the challenges, they often have a strong work ethic and a commitment to their responsibilities. They are willing to put in the effort to achieve their goals.

However, overcoming these challenges can lead to personal growth and increased resilience.

Ascendant Opposition Saturn:

This aspect indicates a polarized relationship between the Ascendant and Saturn.

Individuals with this aspect may feel torn between their personal desires and external responsibilities.

They may attract experiences that require them to find a balance between self-expression and societal expectations.

There is often a fear of judgment or criticism from others, which can affect their willingness to express themselves openly or take risks. They are often overly concerned about what others think of them.

There can be a tendency to project authority figures or restrictive influences onto others.

Finding harmony between their personal identity and obligations may be a lifelong journey for these individuals

They may experience inner conflict and tension between their outward personality (Ascendant) and the restrictions and challenges represented by Saturn. This can lead to a feeling of being pulled in different directions.

This aspect can lead to a reserved or shy demeanor, particularly in social situations. They may feel uncomfortable drawing attention to themselves and prefer to remain in the background.

Interpersonal relationships can be challenging for them, as they may struggle with issues related to trust, intimacy, and vulnerability. They often have difficulty letting others get close to them.

They often struggle with self-doubt and insecurity in various aspects of life, especially in situations that require self-expression or assertiveness. Saturn's influence can create self-imposed limitations and a fear of failure.

They may have a deep desire for recognition and approval from authority figures or society at large.

While this aspect can bring difficulties, it can also lead to personal growth through the process of confronting and overcoming challenges. Over time, they may learn to navigate the tension between their Ascendant and Saturn more effectively.

#astrology #ascendant #ascendant-saturn #saturn-ascendant #saturn conjunct ascendant #saturn sextile ascendant #saturn trine ascendant #saturn opposite ascendant #saturn square ascendant #saturn quincunx ascendant #ascendant quincunx saturn

[blueberry-macaron]

Didn‘t want to make a salt post about the finale bc I just want to be done with canon but also I have thoughts especially now that I‘ve went through some fan discourse

So Adrien wasn‘t involved in the finale and an argument for this are that the what-if episodes show that Adrien would not be able to handle the truth, be akumatized as a result and end up destroying the world. And I understand because the messed up things Gabriel did are a lot to take in so Adrien being overwhelmed and anything but okay does make sense. However that makes me wonder

Why is Adrien even a permanent hero who wields one of the two most important miraculouses if him fighting Monarch is not only completely unhelpful but ultimately a guarantee for the heroes to loose?

If literally anyone else who didn‘t have this connection to Gabriel was the cat, this wouldn‘t be a problem at all! All of Marinette‘s friends are either indifferent towards Gabe or hate him. Of course they would have a moment of shock but most likely not to an extent where they‘d be akumatized into world destroyer, so Adrien being replaced as the cat would actually be beneficial.

Or the writers could‘ve given Adrien actual relevant character developement outside of his relationship with Mari and have him realize his dad isn‘t really a great person and have him find out before the finale what Gabe has been up to so that he has a little time to deal with everything before he tells Lb and they plan their final attack. Like there are ways to write him as a compelling and interesting character who overcomes the control his dad has over him, metaphorically and literally, which would actually be an inspiring character arc for him to get his autonomy he severely lacks.

But no, the writers think of Adrien as a little weakling who will never be able to handle anything that doesn‘t fit his world view bc god forbid he ever feels overwhelmed about anything so he needs to be coddled by Marinette and the narrative and everyone.

The way they‘ve set this up, Adrien is literally the worst choice for the black cat.

#ml salt #writers salt #adrien salt #ml spoilers #what even was the point? #and I don‘t mean it in a ‚why did Fu pick Adrien‘ way #but like narratively

[hajimedics]

On Puppets, Agency, and Fate

I’ve been writing this thinkpiece for around a week while looking further into Welcome Home’s symbolism through queer/neurodivergent lenses; strengthening my belief that its themes of freedom and fate cannot be separated from the struggles the characters face as queer/neurodivergent folks.

This writing is going to be a mix of canonical content and my personal interpretation as I make many connections to various readings. Not to mention that the story is very far from done according to the words of the creator himself, so please take the things I say with a grain of salt.

You can view this thinkpiece in Google Docs format here.

CW: mentions/discussions of homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and abuse

I've always adored explorations of humanity and their deteriorating, fluctuating psyche through characters constantly challenged by the narrative (example: Phos from Land of the L*strous, Kris from D*ltarune, Guts from B*rserk, Mae from N*ght in the W*ods) and how they struggle to find their place in the world and freedom. To progress, humanity has always desire freedom. Freedom of expression. Freedom to think. Freedom to honestly, unapologetically be who one wants to be. Humans and humanity are not always synonymous. Welcome Home is a case of this too, its ensemble cast consisting of puppets.

Clown has stated that themes of being queer/neurodivergent are very integral to the story in many aspects, from the characters to the metanarrative. I want to talk about the things I've noticed, the analogies they carry, and how every character's identity contributes to the themes or the story.

First off, the neighborhood.

The neighborhood in general

From the perspective of Welcome Home Puppet Show’s creators, the neighborhood is the idea of a perfect, idyllic community through the lens of cisheteronormavity from the 70s. It is something out of a children’s dream with the colorful imagery, the peaceful yet eventful neighborhood filled with fun activities where everyone in the neighborhood is happy and there are no realistic problems like capitalism, oppression, relationship problems, sickness, and death. Of course, it’s the given obvious because this is a puppet show we’re talking about. A show aimed at kids.

Everyone has a role to play in the neighborhood – the shopkeeper, the mailman, the baker, the bug nerd – they all fit the traditional, stereotypical, cartoonish American mold of what the dream urban life is like in the 70s (and it still is in my small hometown, in Indonesia! We’re quite traditional in a sense) especially with the lack of serious overarching threats of aforementioned human problems.

Welcome Home first aired on 1969 and abruptly ended on 1974. A possible theory is that they cannot keep up with the competitor shows at the time (Sesame Street started on 1969 and The Muppet Show started on 1974, fun fact!), but seeing the amount of merchandise they put out and the way it stood out from various angles, this theory can be thrown out the window. The “about” page for WHPS also describes the show as well acclaimed and doing well during its runtime.

Another one is that the sentience of the puppets (and their desire to have autonomy over their own lives) have possibly impacted the writing of the story, given how they have their own identity outside of the one given by WHPS’s writers to them. Even more when you take into consideration that WHPS is produced during the era when LGBT history in America is at a major turning point. As cited from The Atlantic:

“Those years that followed, the decade of the 1970s, represent a remarkable period of transformation for gays and lesbians, particularly those living in America's coastal cities. At its core, that transformation was about visibility. During those years, there was the first gay television movie (That Certain Summer); a sexy on-screen kiss between two men in Sunday, Blood Sunday; and the release of Cabaret, which has been hailed as the first movie that "really celebrated homosexuality.

There were gains in politics too: Edward Koch, then serving in Congress, "became one of the first elected officials to publicly lobby on behalf of the homosexuals of Greenwich Village," Kaiser writes. Gay Pride Week was established. Perhaps most significantly: In December of 1973, the board of the American Psychiatric Association* voted 13-0 "to remove homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders."

The laws that no longer criminalizes or dehumanizes queer folks are being written. Changes are made. Even when LGBT movement was going on a fairly optimistic path, oppression and bigotry towards the community was still rampant. After all, oppressors just can’t change their views in a whim! Their hatred comes from their own thoughts and not because the higher ups told them so.

I won’t turn this into a writing about queer history instead of focusing on Welcome Home. Though, I think it's all worth mentioning given the things I'm going to discuss here and how Clown stated that these themes will become prevalent throughout the story. I decide to write this thinkpiece as an outlet for my thoughts and how I connected many of the story's aspects to the themes of freedom – both from their status as puppets and their identity.

Now that the overview is out of the way, time to bring in the big guns.

The neighborhood and Playfellow Workshop

If we take Playfellow Workshop's involvement in the characters' lives outside of episode recordings, Welcome Home becomes a huge transgender allegory, wrapped in a neat colorful package called "being puppets whose view on the world is much more narrow and simple in which they are controlled by beings above their comprehension".

Playfellow Workshop is the company that creates WHPS and owns its characters. They act as the "parents" to the "children" – WHPS' characters – in this comparison. They house the characters, have them as their responsibilities and assets, and, as any show production goes, they most definitely have staff that takes care of the puppets to see if there are any rips or tears in their bodies, making sure they are fit for the show production. It's just like how parents house their children when they cannot afford housing or live on their own, taking care of (or rather monitor) them, giving them shelter and food.

They are controlled both literally and figuratively by Playfellow Workshop – former because they're hand puppets made for children's entertainment and latter because of their status binding them to their duties. Just like how a parent has authority over their children under the guise of “you live under my roof, you live under my rules.” The rules in questions are the episodes which are produced on story scripts, and the puppets follow said scripts. 

Playfellow Workshop is extremely important to the puppets, whether the company is taking a positive role, a neutral role, or an antagonistic role. If the puppets were to break free from their grasp, who would take care of them? Who will place them onto their cases, or fix their rips and tears, or make sure they're in good shape? Playfellow Workshop may have taken a toll on the puppets, but no one can take care of the puppets better than Playfellow Workshop. 

You might be wondering, “But Senja, this can be read as a typical controlling parent and clueless children dynamic. Why so specific about it being a trans experience?”

It can be read like the former! I made more connections and thus thought "Hm. This is so true to my trans experience". 

There are multiple transgender characters in the story such as Frank, Poppy, and Julie. I was struggling on how to put my thoughts into words about the ways the producers of WHPS (could it be that they thought about the puppets not being cis?) can write in trans characters in WHPS, but I believe Clown himself and the wikipedia page for Gonzo from The Muppets said it best. 

A similar case for the puppets can be applied to the trans characters of Welcome Home! Still, the way the puppets present themselves to the audience is also ultimately a decision made by Playfellow Workshop, especially during episode recordings. Clown also said that they won’t reveal much about it since he doesn’t want to give out spoilers. Perhaps regarding to the nature of Playfellow Workshop, too?

The puppets and the scripts can also be a stand-in for how trans folks who still live with authoritative adult figures (especially those that don't accept them or begrudgingly does) are handling autonomy over their own bodies and actions. Although not shown for now, I predict there’s going to be an eventual identity dissonance between who the puppets truly are and who the puppets are according to WHPS’ writers.  It reminds me of my experience of when I was much younger, being a closeted trans person who often struggles with disassociation, looking into the mirror and feeling like me and my body are not one. Not myself. It's like they're two separate beings, "me" who is what I truly am, and "my body" that is dictated and dressed up by my parents. As much as I love my body, little me wanted to claw out and break free if it means I can have a semblance of independence over my life. (Things are much better these past few years, though!)

Again, I don’t like accusing Playfellow Workshop of purposefully mistreating the puppets or even taking pleasure in hurting them because we are just getting started; getting to know the personalities and character dynamics between each character. Authoritative parents won't exactly be abusive to their children. Maybe Playfellow Workshop is just doing their job. They take care of the puppets because if they're damaged, the show won't go on. They act indifferent towards the puppets because well, they're just puppets. No personal feelings. That's just how business goes.

We do know that Playfellow Workshop is a big problem regarding the WHPS’ cancellation and the puppets’ worrying fates.

Playfellow Workshop aside, what about the community regarding the puppets?

The neighborhood is a small town consisting of nine residents. Everyone knows each other, and it’s hard to keep secrets from one another with just how tight-knit everyone is; the experience of living in a small town rings true to mine. Almost everyone in my quaint hometown knows many details about each other and their families because our community strongly believes in the importance of bonds and our culture is built on the word "family".

The neighborhood is a family that does not fit the general criteria of what the traditional structure of a family is. There is no concrete "father" or "mother" or "siblings" assigned here – they're also not the typical found family where they meet one another by chance. They are placed inside the set by the creators of the WHPS, lives already decided by its writers (like a traditional family), but they find solace in each other, having their lives intertwined with one another through bonds that they also take part in building, even outside of the show's production (like a found family, as seen in the "answer" pages). They are friends. They are family. Not to mention how the neighborhood is called "Home", a place where a family lives.

But they also cannot get out – as in get out of WHPS instead of just the neighborhood. I will be covering connections to freedom for each character later on (Sally falling from the sky, Poppy as a flightless bird, Howdy as an adult caterpillar) but the way their existence is bound by the colorful stage sets and rainbow props can also be seen as a small analogy that traditional families are expected to always stick with each other no matter how bad things are. 

Themes of family aside, I’ll talk about how the so-called “long lost and unknown of number” episodes. WHPS’ episodes start with Wally leading the viewers through the cacophony of the neighborhood. Then other characters join in, with many of them having notable activity segments. The episodes then end with Wally, who has finished journeying with the viewer, when the day has ended. It is most peculiar and harrowing that the agency of the puppets regarding the show is dependent on Wally and the time of the day. Wally plays the central figure of the story, first being placed in the position as the protagonist and most important character in WHPS, then having to act as their savior because he is the only puppet thus far that has contact with the restoration team and you, the viewer. He is akin to a child who has to take the lead as the head of the family even though he is not prepared for it.

Nobody remembers Welcome Home. Nobody remembers who the puppets are. At the time, the puppets only have themselves and each other to rely on for support. Then again, it’s not even clear if they are with each other when they went missing or scattered around.

Now that I've covered the connections I've made regarding the neighborhood as a whole, I’d like to analyze its residences one by one.

Wally Darling

Wally is a very complex character and by far the most – ironically – human out of everyone in the cast. The word "freedom" is written all over him and the word "love" is sewn into every inch of his body.

Wally is shown to show little to no interest in romance or dating. He allowed his friends to get touchy-feely with him (examples being sleeping with Barnaby and getting hugged by Eddie) and doesn’t hesitate to show his affections to them, but it’s been said that he never found them romantic. Wally’s lack of interest in romance gives me the impression that he is in the AroAce spectrum. Clown even mentioned that he doesn’t know what to do if someone confesses their love to him. Wally knows what romance is, he knows what romantic love is, he just doesn't see himself finding a partner anytime soon.

Wally's view on love not only ties into his queerness, but also his neurodiversity – his autism. He is not good at reading social cues or acting "as accordingly" to the situations presented to him. Clown also suggested that Wally cannot process emotions “the way humans do”. They also entertain the idea that Wally is “emotionless”; but I’d rather interpret it as Wally having low empathy and possibly alexithymia, traits shared by many autistic folks (including me).

He expresses his love in a way that accommodates his neurodiversity: real actions.

Wally has been shown from time to time as someone who absolutely, truly loves his friends. The way he loves others cannot be categorized into simple boxes such as “romantic” or “platonic” or “familial”. Wally loves his friends dearly and it is deep and true, simple as that. He also loves you, the viewer, and a hidden page in the Welcome Home page says that "Wally is your best friend". When he was communicating with you, it read to me more like fascination, curiosity, and cries of help instead of macabre obsession as I normally would expect in psychological stories such as Welcome Home.

All of this makes the struggles he faced after WHPS' cancellation and getting separated from his friends more tragic.

Having the world that he knows ripped away from him must've been traumatizing to him. The world that he has always known is gone. The people that he knew and met everyday are scattered everywhere. Although there are many image file names that suggest he has contact with some of his friends, he doesn’t know if everyone is fine. He’s now left to pick up the pieces and try to stick them back together. He has so much to think about, too much to think about, and so he decides to reach out to you.

When you take into consideration that autistic folks often rely on self-made sets of rules, Wally's situation turns from sad to depressing. Autistic folks rely on schedules and routines (also seen through Frank) to give them a sense of control over their lives and help them ground themselves in reality. When Wally's "routine" is ripped away from him, he has to immediately make sense of his situation and make himself accustomed to a life full of uncertainty. His adaptation to change isn't simply about comfort – it's about surviving. His struggles don't only stop there. 

Wally's intentions are read wrongly, some people interpreting him as "creepy" or "malicious" instead of just "awkward" or "desperate". Interestingly, this flanderization and misconception of his character comes from the internet's view on him instead of from the audience/staff in-universe. His autistic traits that cannot be deemed "cute" enough (the way he stares, his mannerism, how he talks slowly, or his fixation on the viewer) is considered creepy in a way that appeals to the fandom and thus extrapolated into something more extreme; him being a lovesick obsessive love interest, him being a religious cult leader, or him being the overarching villain of the story. The way that people outside his universe are the ones demonizing him is poetic in a way – reflective of the world that we live in where ableism towards autistics are so embedded even in the way we view tragic characters with low empathy.

Maybe Wally’s mannerisms are written that way because it’s to add more mystery, but knowing that Clown likes to play with secrets and says that neurodivergency plays a huge part in the story makes me think it’s also the other way around. His behavior as an autistic and traumatized character is what makes people believe that he's the villain. It’s unintentional on his part, but people who fail to read between the lines can think otherwise. It reminds me that when autistic folks cannot express emotions "correctly” or act a certain way that is expected regarding certain social situations, neurotypicals immediately jump into bad, unsavory conclusions about their intentions.

In reality, Wally is a desperate person who just wants the viewer to know and realize his presence and (assumedly) save his friends. Sure, he isn't straightforward in his words when communicating to us through hidden audio files, but his intentions are getting more clear to me. He’s thrust into a situation where he now acts as the guardian for his friends instead of Playfellow Workshop. He wants to get in. He's not a saint. He's not a villain. He's a struggler.

Sally Starlet

Sally! Her name is a fun one. She’s a star. She’s also an actress/play writer, related to the phrase “star of the show”.

So far, Clown hasn’t confirmed anything regarding her sexuality or gender identity, but the interactions she has with other characters from various audio files gave me some clues.

Her interactions with male characters are comedic or bossy in a comical sense, definitely stays true to her bombastic personality. She's not particularly fond of having Barnaby or Howdy star in her plays – the former not taking it seriously while the latter advertising his products in the middle of her plays. She also likes bossing Eddie around as shown in Eddie's Big Lift and is entertained by his antics, from him calling her "ma'am" to him not being able to refuse any of her commands. 

Sally is noticeably more mellow around women like Julie and Poppy, notably the latter. Despite getting tired of Julie messing up the script of her plays, she isn’t annoyed with her and thinks of her antics as amusing rather than annoying. She is also patient with Poppy, not getting deterred by her always worrying nature and talks to her calmly. She encourages her ideas, help her to be more confident in herself and is very supportive of her! Their personalities bounce off one another really well, and she is just so sweet. Sally also endearingly calls Julie “Juliet” and Poppy “dear” and “darling”, something she doesn’t do with the male characters.

She gives me the impression of being a lesbian. She reminds me a lot of Lady D from RE VIII who’s a canon lesbian, calls Evan “manthing”, and speaks/acts in the same sophisticated manner as Sally, haha!

Besides her queerness, I found an interesting connection to freedom from her backstory. Sally was originally a star from space that falls to earth in order to pursue her interest in acting. She fell from a place that is vast and endless to a place surrounded by trees and predetermined fates. Also her working with play scripts… the show running on episode scripts… hm…

A falling star has a close definition to a meteor, burning brightly due to the pressure but then losing its spark and mass during its journey, ultimately burning into nothingness. Possibly just a coincidence, but the symbolism when related to Sally is sad.

Frank Frankly

Amidst the cheerful technicolor citizens of the neighborhood, Frank stood out the most by having grey skin and a constant frown on his face. He’s the bookworm character archetype of the show and is described as “arguably the smartest person in the neighborhood”. He’s also one of the handful characters that doesn’t have any information regarding where he was before he came to the neighborhood.

Frank is autistic. As I’ve mentioned in Wally’s part of this thinkpiece, Frank relies on routines and familiarity to give himself a sense of agency and control over his life. He likes arranging things in the order they’re supposed to go, he has a keen eye on organization and structure, and he wants things to be done right in his own ways. “This is the way things should be done, not that way.”

There are drawings Clown made depicting him stimming and infodumping about his special interests, those being entomology and insects. 

Frank and Julie are paired together in many Welcome Home-related content. They are best friends who does things together and spends time playing together. They perform a comedy duo; Frank is the "straight man" to Julie's "funny man". His friendship with Julie is very important to both the show and the overarching story. They are something more than simple friends, something less than lovers, and something just right and deep for the both of them. Not that Playfellow Workshop thinks much about that. 

The animation cells for “Julie-rella” has given me a very thin theory that themes of cisheteronormavity will be at play as the story goes. Frank is the prince charming, while Julie is Cinderella – fated to be together when the story ends. Well, maybe it’s just Sally, being her over-the-top self and her reenacting a classic fairy tale with her personal spin, but I just can’t help but think harder about the implications of it. Frank is not a cishet man, and Julie is not a cishet woman. I have talked about it in this short writing I made about Eddie and Frank.

Frank is canonically nonbinary and gay. He and Eddie are each other's love interests, something that isn’t outright shown. One can argue that they don’t exactly “act” like a typical couple from what we’ve seen, and their interactions in WHPS’ audios and merchandises gives off the feeling that they’re amicable at best (referring to the link I embedded above). They are noticeably closer in the “answer” page, though. It is not certain that their relationship at the time WHPS was still going and before Welcome Home Restoration Project’s involvement was already established or they’re just starting to get to know each other  – though many audios in the WHRP website leans more towards the latter. Either way, it reminds me of the way some queer people have to hide their relationships in public to avoid getting hate or persecution.

You know that one art of a terrified Frank with a bright red rectangle and many appendages surrounding him that can be found in the staff-only page? Regarding his status as the bookworm character, I have a feeling that the phrase “ignorance is bliss” will come at play here, subverting his character. 

Poppy Partridge

This sweet, poor bird who is always shaken by everything around her. Poppy grew up in a nest with her family, though growing up to become the biggest bird out of everyone, eventually leaving the nest and moving into the neighborhood, living inside a barn and rarely leaving it because of her anxiety. Poppy is described to not be based on just one bird, as Clown said. She is said to be a mix of “flamingo from father’s side, hen from mother’s side”, fitting with how unique everyone is in the neighborhood.

It is heartwarming that she is surrounded by people who are understanding of her anxiety. Nobody makes fun of her fretfulness or forces her to be “more social”, Howdy brings her groceries to her barn, and she even has her own baking business! She’s not the greatest at the things she likes doing, but it’s nice to see that she founds joy in them.

Poppy is canonically a trans lesbian. She’s very close with Sally, whose personality is a stark contrast to hers. Poppy feels like she can trust Sally with handling the jobs she’s supposed to do and Sally encourages her to be more true to herself. Poppy feels at ease whenever she’s around Sally and even seems to act more flustered around her – a possible love interest between the two. It’s also cute that Sally likes to drag Poppy in her antics, with the latter not being too bothered about it. They trust each other very much. Also their dynamic is also just really good, y’know?

Connected to themes of freedom in this story, Poppy is a flightless bird, yet another symbol of her state of freedom as a puppet to Playfellow Workshop. Many birds have the ability to spread their wings and fly away to the places that they desire while Poppy cannot. Like the rest of the cast, her world is limited by the trees around the neighborhood. She also left her nest not because she has big dreams like Sally or ambitions like Howdy, but because of the circumstances she cannot control on her own.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, Poppy grew up to be the biggest bird out of her family and it became the reason why she left for the neighborhood. And when she got there, she prefers being inside her own barn instead of going around and socializing with everyone.

Howdy Pillar

Ohhh my god. This guy. He originates from an apple as a teensy little caterpillar, then leaving the place where he was raised in because of his dreams (similar to Sally, different to Poppy). He is shown to be very proud and confident in himself, having a clear ambition on opening his very own shop and takes great pride in what he does. He’s a great talker and can easily convince even the proudest people in the neighborhood to purchase his wares, and his character gives me the impression that he prefers being around people that understands his dreams.

I cannot find any notable queer readings regarding Howdy, but his interactions with Barnaby gives me the impression that they’re close to one another. Howdy considers Barnaby his favorite customer, and is seemingly happy that Barnaby is willing to listen to him ramble about his family gossips.

I do find connections between his physical appearance and the story’s themes of freedom.

In a caterpillar’s life, when they’re about to reach their adult stage and move on from their juvenile stage, they turn into butterflies. Not the case with Howdy. He’s an adult caterpillar whose family are a bunch of butterflies. Like Poppy, whose symbolism of lack of freedom is the same as Howdy's, he cannot turn into a butterfly and fly away from the grasp of Playfellow Workshop – outside the neighborhood, outside the town surrounded by colorful trees and dictated by scripts.

Unlike Poppy however, Clown mentioned that Howdy has the possibility of turning into a butterfly someday. Poppy is also an adult bird, the last stage of her life cycle, while Howdy is an adult caterpillar, the beginning stage of his life cycle. A possible foreshadowing for his fate regarding freedom later on…? Or maybe just a fun little trivia.

Barnaby B. Beagle

Barnaby, the comedic relief who's the most emotionally intelligent. The jokester who knows that something is amiss when the situation calls for it, the comedian who can be honest and straightforward in what he finds amusing and not, the humorist whose appearance is always met with cheers, claps, and boos, as if he’s the main character of a very long winded sitcom.

As far as I’ve noticed, there aren’t as many connections to themes of freedom regarding Barnaby as there is on other characters. Though I can say that Barnaby can stand his ground more than Eddie, another character who is usually put in situations where he gets the boot to the head and usually lets people do as they please. I cannot put these into concrete words, but Barnaby has an air of professionalism to him despite his character archetype being the comedic relief. 

Barnaby is close with Howdy (see the writing regarding his character above!), sharing jokes and puns with him. Barnaby is also considered Howdy’s greatest customer, always making the latter crack up and their personalities bounce off one another really well.

Another resident that Barnaby shares a close bond with – closer even – is Wally. Barnaby is very close to Wally. They are best friends, and many art for Welcome Home depicts them together a lot of the time. Barnaby includes Wally in the things he does like getting hotdogs together or sharing jokes. Besides Home, Barnaby knows Wally the best. He is also quick to notice changes in Wally’s demeanor, getting concerned about him when he doesn’t react to his words the way Wally always does in the last “answer audio”. 

Clown also said that in any universe, Barnaby and Wally will always become best friends. They are the definition of soulmates. Platonic, romantic, whatever you call it – but like I’ve said earlier, the puppets’ view on love are not as complicated as humans’, and I can say that they love each other deeply, simple and true as that. Like someone once said, they’ll find each other in any universe. This makes me fear for their relationship even more, given that Wally and Barnaby are most likely not near each other when WHPS ended.

Eddie Dear

Eddie! Neighborhood’s creative, kind, and hardworking mailman. He has a good eye on arts and craft, and is more than delighted to lead the viewers of the show with the things he wants to create.

As Clown have stated, Eddie is a gay man. I’ve covered most of the things I’ve said regarding their (blooming) romantic relationship in Frank’s section of this thinkpiece however, so I implore you to go back there if you don’t want me to rewrite the whole thing all over again here, haha!

A recurring trope with him is that despite his adherence to work ethics and schedules, Eddie tends to forget a lot of things. The Welcome Home website says that he hails from a town far away from the neighborhood, but he always gets the name of the town wrong and oftentimes mentions names of places that doesn’t exist. He talks to inanimate objects to aid his forgetfulness (also for endearing character traits) and Frank once suggested that he ties strings to the things he doesn’t want to forget, but this doesn’t always work. Eddie also doesn’t remember where he came from and his character profile says that he and the post office appeared out of nowhere one day.

Eddie is also accident-prone, always getting himself into situations (a bug landing on his paper chains, getting chased by Barnaby) and is mainly depicted as the unwilling comedian. Many of his character aspects are depicted as a source of comedy, even by himself. Eddie also has tendencies of prioritizing what others want before himself because of his even-tempered nature. So far, Eddie doesn’t express any serious frustration over this, but with the themes of agency recurring in this story, I’m afraid that it’s going to be a matter of time before we see Eddie express discomfort over this.

Throwback to what I have said: Frank is a smart person who constantly searches for logical answers to things, while Eddie is more laid back and isn’t very focused on finding the right answer and just wanting problems to be handled. This contrast on their personalities and how their backstories are foils of each other (Frank coming from unclear origins, Eddie not knowing the name of the place he’s from) make me think: Is ignorance bliss to Eddie? 

Julie Joyful

The sunshine of the neighborhood! The bringer of rainbows in Welcome Home! Julie stays true to her surname, always depicted with a bright smile on her face. She is the one that can turn Frank’s frown upside down. She is the one that can bring a tinge of comedy in Sally’s tragic dramas. 

Julie joins the side of the neighborhood that has clear origins. She once lived inside a cave with her siblings, but ultimately leaves under her own volition to find life for herself. Regardless, she is a character that is known for her constant interactions with other neighbors, notably Frank, her best friend.

Her friendship with Frank is extremely special for both of them – if you want to read about it, you should go to Frank's section of this thinkpiece as I've covered most of my thoughts about Frank and Julie's friendship there, but I want to add a few more things.

She is the "funny man" to Frank's "straight man", forming the neighborhood’s comedic duo. She drags him into her shenanigans, like the time they played “Business Woman In The Big City”. They’re also quite competitive when participating in the games that Julie conducts. She brings out the best in Frank, always making sure he feels included and happy in any activity they do. Julie is the “spontaneity” to Frank’s “routinity”. Julie is the “fun” to Frank’s “frown”. They’re inseparable from one another, like Barnaby with Wally.

As stated by Clown, Julie is genderfluid and bisexual. She doesn’t have a love interest set for her, but what’s important is that her character is emphasized with her connections with others. When Frank couldn’t play with her, she plays with Sally and enjoys spending time with her and even stars as the main character in many of the latter’s plays. There are lots of love inside her, after all! She is also said to be quite touchy with her friends, often hugging them and encouraging them to go through with the things they want to do. It doesn’t always have to be seen as “romantic”, like I’ve said before.

Onto her status as a puppet for Playfellow Workshop. Something funny is that Julie has a tendency to go off-script as shown from her interaction with Sally while practicing for a play. She has issues getting into the mood of her plays, making scenes that are supposed to be emotional… comedical, instead.

Is this supposed to symbolize something further? Is this habit of hers pointing towards how she’s going to express her unwillingness to be a mere cog in the big machine? The puppets are very much sentient, but I am not sure if they are aware if their actions in the WHPS episodes are controlled by the script. Time will tell, and perhaps, Julie too.

Home

Finally, we get to the last but one of the most important characters in this story – Home.

Home is the ninth residence of the neighborhood, though it’s not a puppet but a stationery character. It houses Wally, the main character of this story. Unlike the rest of the cast, Home talks in onomatopeias, like creaking its doors or opening its windows to produce sound as means of communication. Its eyes are very expressive and is constantly moving. Unlike other houses in the neighborhood, they’re very expressive.

Their importance isn’t only limited to being Wally’s house or being the only character in Welcome Home that cannot walk or talk.

The mobile characters of Welcome Home never expressed annoyance for Home’s non-verbal trait and instead put in effort to understand them and include them in their activities. They accommodate for Home, making sure they feel comfortable, wanted, and not left out. Home feels… at home around them.

Wally writes for Home to help it communicate and makes his canvas face Home whenever he’s painting, Julie teaches it how to hula hoop, Eddie makes small talk with Home, Barnaby makes jokes and laughs with Home, Frank tries to include home in games of chess, and so on! Home isn’t just a building like the rest of the cast’s houses. They are part of the family. It makes me so happy to see that their existence isn’t considered a burden or an annoyance or have their traits be seen as sources of comedy. It hits close to home for me as a physically disabled person.

Regarding the overarching story outside of WHPS, Home is a character that plays a significant part in Wally's journey. Wally loves Home dearly. He takes care of Home and makes sure he is in great condition. He is the caretaker for Home and becomes its communicator when the situation calls for it. In return, Home makes sure Wally is safe and sound inside their cavity and expresses their love for Wally through communication from creaking noises and even lightly squishing him between their door and door frame. Home is also quick to notice changes in Wally’s behavior and shows their concern for him, signifying just how deep their relationship is.

As I’ve mentioned many times before, their closeness cannot be boxed into the usual types of love humans are used to. You just know they are extremely linked to one another and that their relationship is not only important in WHPS, but also the story as a whole.

Home and Wally are inseparable from one another. They have their separate personalities and are distinguishable from one another, but ultimately they will always be one. Home is Wally’s fortress. Home is the shield to Wally’s sword. Home is the pericardium to Wally’s heart. After all, “Home is where the heart is”, right?

Afterwords

Yay! Whew! Congrats on making it to the afterwords! I’ve spent more than a week writing this whole thing and having my friend @rxveriecaeli proofread this thinkpiece (Morfe if you’re reading this I love you bestie). Huge HUGE shoutout to them because I’d be lost without them giving the finishing touches! 

I know, some people will say that I’m reaching or thinking too much about this story, but hey! That’s why it’s called a thinkpiece and not a theory or concrete proof of X or Y. I cannot say that I’m 100% sure about where the story is heading or what Clown has in mind for certain characters, but I just want to think and love making connections and my brain just keeps producing questions after questions after questions. Are the feelings they have with each other theirs and not the byproduct of the script commanding them? I believe so. 

What if Poppy is a flightless bird because she's based on Big Bird and not because it's an analogy for her not being able to fly freely away? What if Howdy is an adult caterpillar because he just IS and not because it's an analogy for not being able to turn into a butterfly that can fly? These options might be so, but even if Clown someday confirm that their design choices are simply because they're inspired by other puppet characters, I'm just happy that I manage to find symbolism that I can connect to their character designs.

I think it's too early to assume that the puppets are surely seeking freedom. At most, they just want to be saved from the tragic states they’re in, and Wally is on the lead. I mean, the show's canceled and they no longer live by following the scripts made for them! We don't even know the true fates of them aside from being nearly forgotten to time. And even if the puppets do achieve freedom, what will be of them? The producers aren't around anymore, the employees that treat them as toys but also take care of them aren't there anymore, and they have to fend for themselves in the big world.

I am not a native English speaker and I cannot put some of my thoughts into words both because of my language barrier and my ADHD. I do not intend on expressing malicious or harmful subtext through this writing, but do tell me if I had worded anything incorrectly and I will fix it. I would love to hear your thoughts about this thinkpiece too, so don’t hesitate to leave comments or tags in the reblogs (though please be patient with me!). Not that I will tolerate hateful or bigoted comments, however!

Please do not start accusing me of spreading the rhetoric that “being queer/neurodivergent is painful and constantly suffering and if you don’t suffer you are not part of those groups”! Being queer is fun and liberating. Being neurodivergent or disabled is something to take pride in. I’m proud of who I am and I encourage others to be so too. The experiences of queer/neurodivergent won’t always be easy, though, and I made this analysis and the correlating connections based on my own experience as a queer, autistic, and physically disabled person. 

That being said, thank you for reading!

Fun little trivia! The characters' favorite colors form a rainbow when put in respective order, just like the colors of the original pride flag :]

#LONG POST AHEAD!!! #welcome home #welcome home puppet show #wally darling #sally starlet #frank frankly #poppy partridge #howdy pillar #barnaby b beagle #eddie dear #julie joyful #home #senja writing

[glacierclear]

im sorry i need to dump all my thoughts about ada x leon somewhere for personal fulfillment reasons,

big disclaimer: resident evil canon/lore is inconsistent and my feelings/thoughts on all this is NOT me stating it as fact. It's 99% speculation and me interpreting context. I'm just having fun!

it's really wild that i started my resident evil experience hating Ada. I did not understand her character and the way she's portrayed is very inconsistent and confusing (probably on purpose) and, like many others, I assumed the choices she made and the pain she inflicted on others was malicious and intentional.

But something clicked recently,,,I understand now that she didn't choose this life. She doesn't WANT to be a spy. She doesn't WANT to be a mercenary. Everything she was and everything she had was taken and stripped from her. She doesn't even have a real name anymore. I think seeing the small insight of her backstory in the biohazard manga really put all the pieces together and brain blasted me with understanding. Her entire character (to me, at least!) revolves around survival and self-preservation. She is a SELFISH character, not because of ego or power, but because of a LACK of power. She no longer has autonomy over her life in a way that matters and so the only thing left for her is to stay alive.

And I just think that ties so beautifully with Leon's struggles. Both of them being forced into this life where they have to live and die at the hands of the people who control them. And, listen...listen...it's overdramatic as fuck and a VERY idealistic/romanticized interpretation of their relationship, but honestly it makes me hella emotional thinking about Leon potentially being one of the few things in life Ada wants to live for other than herself. Him being the only person in the entire series who has ever shown her genuine, selfless kindness and care,,, and the fact that her circumstance and the trappings of her life forced her to betray him and she has to live with that guilt and has to come to terms with the fact that she will never genuinely connect with people because who even is she anymore? She has no sense of self.

And her entire campaign in RE6 resonates me in such a weirdly poignant and impactful way. RE6 has some WONKED UP writing and it's so silly and stupid; but I think if it was tweaked a little bit it would be a genuinely moving story about a woman losing her agency and bodily autonomy to a violent man who wants to own her and her fighting with his fabricated, demented vision of her. It's a manifestation of his greed and possession...and then she kills her clone and immediately after she sees Leon again and his first immediate instinct is to protect her and sacrifice himself again for her and throw himself into MORE bullets for her even after the betrayal of RE2 ........ and then after that she finally snaps and FINALLY chooses to fight for HER morals and HER justice by killing Simmons' bioweapon.

Like, listen, I hate the trope of "woman traumatized being saved by a man" in most cases, but something about the way I see Leon and Ada just makes SENSE man.

The fact that she specifically goes out of her way COUNTLESS times to protect him and save him and none of it is enough to get him to forgive her. None of it will ever be enough but she keeps trying anyways. Like, damn, his entire mission is Spain is only possible because Ada saved his ass like...four times??? And you can make reasonable arguments that she doesn't care about him he's only important for her mission, and to be honest I think that interpretation is also valid, but for me personally I just think she cares about him so much but it's in his best interest to continue believing she doesn't care.

And I just want them to be happy. But it will probably never work out between them, just due to everything...they can't escape their lives. They're both kept alive by two opposing morality systems. Leon's guilt and unyielding need to fight for truth and innocence and to protect everyone he's lost and everyone who depends on him. And Ada to hold onto herself and what whittling remains of self-identity and independence she still has when it was all taken from her, even to the point of someone making a damn clone out of her.

Man I just love them so much I'M SO EMOTIONAL!!!!!!!

#shut up glacier

[clockworkmidnight]

Karl Heisenberg headcanons and thoughts.

So, Heisenberg is one of the most impactful characters in any form of media that has ever affected my psyche. I have a few ideas about him and theories that just make too much sense to me so i decided to share them.

First off, I think he respects the dead he made into soldaten. It's shown that he keep records for his experiments but i think it's more than scientific. He knows details about them and notes them even though they add nothing to his analysis. I think he wants them remembered. He knows what it's like to be a cog in a machine with barely any autonomy. There might even be a chance he feels sympathy for those that he works on for them also having their freedom stolen from them.

Next look at his outfit, he works in a furnace of a factory but has a lot of layers on. I think that's because it grounds him and makes him feel safe. Same with his necklaces, precious belongings kept close to provide comfort. Next his glasses, dark shades. You can't tell that he never looks you in the eye, he's nervous and doesn't want you to see that.

I also think he's the kind of man to practice his lines and act in front of a mirror or something. That persona of confident showman just seems like an act in of itself to me to me.

What I think we are looking at is a very anxious and hopeful person who wants nothing more than to find his freedom but at the same time belong. To feel safe and accepted. He wants a connection, someone out there to see him, know him and save him.

Some people see Karl as a smarmy, confident asshole but I see a poor, tortured man who only wanted his freedom and to be loved.

I also think he was kidnapped as a child. Yes, i know it's never stated but think about it. Rose is a child and if Heis is the youngest lord (again a headcanon of mine) then as the most successful experiment he might have been the inspiration for Miranda looking for another child or infant thinking the megamycete would bond with a youth better. He also exhibits childish tendencies such as anger outbursts and a severe lack of social skill meaning he never had a secure childhood. I also think he hates Miranda making him call her mother even more because she took him from his real mother at a young age.

I also headcanon that if this man ever got free he wouldn't try to control or destroy anyone. He would only want peace, knowledge and to find a place he belonged.

I also believe that that stutter is canon and i will die on that hill.

Capcom, thank you for creating him but I hate that you took him from us without giving him a chance.

#karl heisenberg #fan theory #headcanon #resident evil village

[grimmbitty]

Here is a new Shazam design for my version of the story!! ⚡️

My idea was to have the adult Shazam look a lot more like his child-counterpart. I think this will help both characters seem like the same person, with the same internal struggles. Because Shazam isn’t Shazam without Billy Batson, ya know?

That baggage from his past, and his struggles in the foster care system breeds empathy within the character, and I think that empathy is a good way to keep a hero motivated to do good.

I was thinking on how I was gonna write the connection Between Shazam and Billy. So far what I’ve been thinking is Billy’s internal struggle in the story is that he’s worried that he is unlovable and he will never find a place where he truly belongs. That’s kinda why he has so much urgency to find his birth mother, because he’s craving that support system he had for the first few years of his life…

( writing continues below… 📝)

These feelings of worry,shame,guilt and overall just kinda feeling like a burden accumulates within him over the years as he grows up in the system. Being passed on from house to house with pretty much all of the adults in his life stripping him of any personal autonomy he had. Like the adults in his life don’t really care about his wants, and they never listen to his concerns. They just keep passing him around his entire childhood.

That lack of stability, and that lack of autonomy really make him feel isolated and sad.

Billy is in distress that he pretty much has no say in where he lives, who’s in his life, or even the amount of personal items he gets to own. And he feels kinda helpless that his fate is kinda being locked in this cycle until he turns 18. Because every time he runs off, he gets caught. Then he’s back at square one.

Then this connects to Shazam because once he receives the wizard’s powers he becomes an adult. Then in that moment he realizes he does have a lot of power he never had before, both in the sense of flight and super strength, but more importantly the power to make his own decisions.

However, since he is a child he does kinda turn towards the more reckless side of things. Like how we see in the 2019 movie. Using his powers to ditch school, test his abilities, finding ways to get money, and then learning how to buy things he wants. He kinda leans heavy into these habits at first because he’s never been presented with an opportunity to make his own decisions before. He’s never really had the opportunity to do what he wants.

Then over the course of the story shows Billy starting to navigate all the freedom he’s been given. Watching him learn to use his powers for more selfless acts of heroism instead of only for his own self interests.

Having his background be one of a kid growing up with no control in his life, knowing those feelings of isolation and helplessness makes him more empathetic. He’s an “adult” that’s a lot more empathetic towards children and the less fortunate because he understands them.

He’s more willing to stop and listen to their concerns.

He’s more willing to help them solve their issues, because he is one of them.

#billy batson #captain marvel #captain marvel dc #dc comics #digital art #digital illustration #fawcett comics #shazam #shazam 2019 #artists on tumblr #shazam: fury of the gods #Shazam:CoBL

[nanomooselet]

Little but Fierce II

Sorry, sorry, I changed my mind - first up I'll explain Milly's absence, and why that's important. (Thus no pictures, sorry. Also this is extremely long.)

Stampede definitely skews toward an older demographic than the ‘98 anime; shounen this is not, not even a little. I remember the director (I think?) saying Cowboy Bebop was an influence, and I do see it. Structurally they're both very musically-driven - each episode explores a variation on the theme until the climax. But there's some thematic similarities too, sort of, mostly around the way the Bebop crew related to each other. It's a found family, yes. But found inevitably first means having lost. And there's a few ways to lose a family, but the one in this post might be the most common.

Stampede talks about fighting to grow up - moving from the security of childhood to the freedom of adulthood, and what inevitably gets left behind.

Under good circumstances, childhood is certain and safe. You're provided everything you need and your caregivers will protect you. You're not held responsible for anything, since you're still learning the shape of the world, and not expected to perform, achieve, or provide. It's the job of your caregivers to do those for you while you acquire practical and social skills, support your body's healthy development, and form a stable sense of self and an identity of your own. Under ideal circumstances, you'll get the opportunity to make plenty of mistakes but face no permanent consequences, just an explanation of how you went wrong you can learn from - since mistakes are how you learn. This is how you build your confidence and in general become better at the whole "human being" business, which believe me does actually take practice and is not inherent. Not everyone figures it out, either.

On the other hand, you also don't really have choices or power, and your reality is confined, any edges rounded. Without consequences there also isn't change. Your identity isn't your own. You are a child of your parents or the ward of your caregivers - you belong to them, in a sense are part of them, because you're their responsibility. Many experiences are gated from you until you mature. In general the world is a simple place and your feelings feel very big, but lack complexity. You're sad, happy, or angry from head to toe, but only one at a time and not over much. It feels important, but that's because kids can't have perspective. It's always the most important thing to them because they haven't experienced anything more important yet.

Adulthood is less safe but more free - you have to fulfil your own desires and defend yourself. Social connections are yours to try to form. You will likely have to work to provide for yourself, and perhaps others - it's no longer anyone's job to do that for you. You are accountable, you are responsible, your actions have consequences that rebound not only on you but upon others, good or bad. Outcomes are also more uncertain, and mistakes can be proportionately harder to recover from.

But you have autonomy - selfhood, identity are yours to claim. Choices are your own to make. There are downsides but also advantages, opportunities for greater happiness but also inevitable pain, and in general more subtle, complex emotions and situations. It can be very hard. But it can also be very beautiful.

Inevitably, humans being mammals and having such utterly helpless infants, there'll be at one point in your life you play the role of child to a caregiver. Odds are fairly good you'll also be caregiver to a child at least once (or something like one). Think how many of us have pets. Or even an older sibling to a younger. Teacher to a student. Such relationships always shape us, whichever role you occupy. There's a common archetype in folklore of the "mother of death", because whoever you were before becoming a parent has to die, at least a little, to make room for the vast responsibility of parenthood - think of giving up a career to raise a family, for example. And creating a life means inevitably you have invoked a death. All that lives, in time, will die.

Got all that?

So Stampede and arguably Trigun as a whole is about what happens when you fuck with it.

Good circumstances, yeah, you aren't going to find those. Let's see how hard people try anyway. Let's see what happens when care of a child is suddenly assumed by someone unprepared - or when a child is forced to assume a caregiving role. Or when a child never receives a childhood before being unmade, destroyed, but still surviving to claim the freedom of adulthood. What do they become?

(Am I talking about Wolfwood? Legato? You tell me.)

Are the Plants here to take care of us or ours to take care of? Can we only take from them or is there some way to give back? Can it be mutual? Or must we pick a side?

We don't have Milly yet because Milly resolves the argument. She's someone who sees no reason to pick a side. She's a very caring, protective person who also has no problem with being taken care of - she's happy to defer to Meryl, whom she has great respect for. And Meryl has respect for her too. It's a very good working relationship! Which, uh, unfortunately doesn't leave a lot of room for exploration of the main conflict, and might have been why they faded out a bit in the later volumes.

The purpose of switching Milly with Roberto was to create that conflict. There are a lot of mothers in Stampede but not many places for dads. And one thing I very much have come to appreciate is that both were afforded equal flaws, redemption and sympathy. There's no bumbling useless fathers, or blandly nice mothers (even Rem, who comes the closest, had terrible regrets, and I get the feeling we haven't seen the last of her. Really, around this point in the story in the older tellings a lot of people still thought she was Vash's dead girlfriend, so let's not hasten to judge). Rosa is a hard woman and she turns on Vash, but she has her reasons and Knives punishes her far too cruelly. Brad's kind of an asshole, but it's because he cares so deeply and doesn't know how to talk about it.

Roberto is jaded, but he takes his responsibility seriously and he's a good teacher to Meryl. He isn't just a vehicle for exposition.

Nor does he treat her badly in any way. Meryl feels perfectly safe snatching away his booze and talking back to him. They become fond of and comfortable around each other so quickly because they both decent and clever people, fundamentally similar. It's built on mutual respect, trust and communication.

Compare to how Knives interacts with Vash, how long the pauses are in their reunion in the diner. Knives is trying to be gentle, but Vash is so terrified he can't finish a sentence, can hardly speak at all, his voice is shaking so badly. Knives sneers when Vash doesn't instantly react with affection. Which is… insane considering this is exactly how it was the last time they met: Knives gruesomely murders someone, smearing the walls and floor with blood, and then expects Vash to be grateful or impressed. Their relationship is one in the process of slowly but violently shattering.

Meryl is very young in Stampede. She's got some significant character flaws. But it's hard for her not to do better than that.

Part I

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VII

Part VIII

Part IX

#trigun stampede #trigun meta #tristampparty #roberto de niro #milly thompson #meryl stryfe #i swear i will talk directly about HER in the next post #i really am too gay for meryl to function help #or possibly happy to talk more shit about knives #terrible terrible plant man #meta: little but fierce

[our-outherly-experience]

I know a lot of people have question about the different between the different outherine genders/qualities, so I'm making this post to explain them as much as I can:

Aporinity

[PT: Aporinity]

A quality for genders defined as being separate from male, female, and anything in between, while still being a strong and specific gendered feeling.

It can be both a specific quality or an umbrella term for qualities that are comgender and abinary.

It is not:

Feminine, masculine, epicene, femmuline or androgynous

A lack of gender

Beyond the concept of gender

Aporagender can be:

Comgender neutral (and when it's purely neutral is not outherine)

Relative to neutrality and other non-outherine abinary qualities

relative or comparable to femininity, masculinity, etc

Born of the combination of a brand new quality and a neutrality or of one of those with one of the main qualities.

Some specifically aporine genders are:

aporagender

Aporaique

Aproxora

Maverinity

[PT: Maverinity]

A quality for genders, like maverique (from which is derived) characterised by:

Gender autonomy

A strong sense of gender

The lack of any kind of connection to pre-existent qualities

It's not:

Xenine

Beyond the concept of gender

The lack of gender

A combination of genders

Derived from pre-existent midbinary or abinary concepts

Some maverine genders are:

Maverique

Gendermaverick

Maveresque

Mavraen

Proxveri

Autonominity or gender autonomy

[PT: Autonominity or gender autonomy]

This quality refers to genders characterised by:

Independent.

Self-determination.

Being defined by oneself, without the imposition of outside structures and authorities.

The re-definition of pre-existent qualities, gender and roles through a personal, individual lens.

In this last point lies the difference between this quality and maverinity; while maverinity is only itherine, autonominity/gender autonomy can be umbine or preterine too.

This can also be used as an umbrella term for all the qualities charaterised by autonomy, including maverine genders.

Some autonomine genders are:

Autonomique

Egogenders (autonine)

Maverine genders

Alithix (As it's defined by personal authenticity)

Ilyaginity

[PT: ilyaginity]

It refers to genders, like ilyagender (from which is based) with:

A tangible presence of gender

Fully disconnected from pre-existent qualities/concepts

Some ilyagine genders are:

Ilyagender

Proxilya

Ilyaen

Autoninity

[PT: Autoninity]

It referse to qualities an genders characterised by being exclusive of an individual person (or system)-

These genders are collectively called egogenders and are characterised by:

Complete autonomy from pre-existent concepts

Individuality and personal autheticity

Relation to one's personhood or systemhood.

Self-determination

Perainity

[PT: perainity]

A quality for genders characterised by:

A complete disconnection to the fem/masc/neu trinary

The presence of gender

The lack of confusion or apathy regarding one's gender.

It's not:

Feminine, masculine, neutral or any combination between them.

Agender or quoigender.

Some peraine genders are:

Péra or Peragender

Peraique

Proxpera

Atraeninity

[Pt: Atraeninity]

This quality exist in relation to both masculinity and femininity, but rather than existing in between or as a combination of them, as it's the case of androgyny, epicenity, effemininity or femmulinity; it exists in opposition and confrontation to/with them, as if forming a triangle.

Here a quick graphic I made visually explaining the relation between femininity, masculinity, androgyny, epicenity and altraeninity:

Altraeninity is characterised by:

Being midbinary.

Being described by a sense of "pure androgyny

A feeling that your gender "matches" femininity and masculinity or male and female, while not being derived in any way from them

A sense of gender

There are also qualities, like Ambiguity/ambiguinity, pandrogyny, ainulinity, aineminity, etc that can be considered ouherine or not. I'll put them in a different post.

Part two

#outherine #maverique #aporagender #ilyagender #autonomique #egogender #peragender #daen

[ramshackledtrickster]

Tuning in on the family stuff with Miguel. Are we even sure that he used to have a family in his own dimension? Because the way he talked about his past made it sound like he might’ve not even had that. So either he might’ve had a family before and experienced twice the loss. Or did he just have a very shitty life, which made it easier for him to go somewhere where he has someone to personally love & care for. Also, when he left his dimension, wouldn’t that mean things went down the pits there?

Maybe !! Again, there’s tons of possibilities since the backstory is so vague so far, and you’re hitting all the right possible marks

I personally subscribe to him having a family before (or at least having Gabriella before), since it makes more sense for his choice to jump worlds that way since that want is so so so much more potent if he had experienced that positive experience before.

Under the cut, mentions of domestic abuse, neglect, suicidality, getting drugged

His life really is. Shitty. In the comics. He lacked a lot of stability growing up, his step-father being verbally and physically abusive while his mother was traumatized as a result (but coped with it unhealthily by later on neglecting Miguel, and projecting her hatred for his real father (Tyler Stone, Alchemax CEO) onto him growing up. His brother became completely jealous of him and tried to kill him, his love life is tumultuous and he has had outbursts that cost him that which he regrets deeply, and a lot of his own bodily autonomy was taken away from him at work since his spider-man origins revolve around Tyler drugging him with an extremely addictive substance (Rapture) that he could only get out through a gene splicer machine (and his co worker tried to kill him using spider DNA in that process). He is frequently shown as being suicidal and had a pretty in depth fantasy with that… it’s really hard to read and shocking tbh

So it makes total sense why he would jump at the opportunity to find somewhere where everything is better— even more so, if Gabriella was basically his only ray of sunshine in his own world, lost her, and would do anything to get back to her.

Maybe in his dimension, everything turned out for the worse too. His family dead (yeah his mom gets a redemption but gets killed off in a poorly done way— ,maybe Gabriel died too, or they ended on such bad terms they just never see each other again), partner dead, and the one person he had consistent positive connection to (his daughter) is dead or gone… he’ll, maybe his reputation as Spider-Man has take a turn for the worst and he can’t take being public enemy number one anymore. It would be hard to resist the temptation to go elsewhere, and part of it being to give himself a second chance and redeem himself since he fucked up a lot of his relationships himself. He’s remorseful, and heavily driven by guilt, and painfully aware of his shortcomings and his toxic traits that he has internalized over the years.

So yeah personally I can see your takes as being an ‘all the above’ type thing in my interpretation based on the comics :))

I guess my personal summation of it is,, no family (anymore— dead or cut off), but had one and wanted to hold onto that with Gabriella, his choice was absolutely influenced by his personal trauma and upbringing and guilt complex, and maybe he left his dimension since he felt he had nothing left to lose. Maybe during the period he left his own dimension, things stayed relatively/negatively the same? Since it’s a universe run by Alchemax (in the comics) and maybe he started feeling helpless since there’s not enough that could be done to stop it, and he lost so much motivation over time despite wishing he could do more to change it?

#across the spider verse spoilers #miguel o'hara #spiderman 2099 #spoilers #child abuse cw #suicidal cw #drugging cw #ask to tag

[explosionshark]

my favorite Miorine thing is that she's so laser focused on suletta to an almost comical degree. prospera reveals that she wants to ruin delling's life (like, her dad, who is dying at the hospital) and miorine goes "ok but leave suletta out of this!". near the end prospera goes on a tirade about eri and miorine, pissed out of her mind, says "you have another daugher! suletta, remember??". i love her.

LIKE. YEAH.

I think the show does a really good job acknowledging that 1) Suletta and Miorine both have REALLY different methods of parsing their emotions and expressing themselves and 2) holy shit they're fucking IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER FOR REAL

You really cannot meaningfully analyze these characters and the decisions they make and the way they relate to each other without keeping their toxic relationships with their parents in mind. There's SO much projection going on - Miorine project herself onto Suletta and Suletta projects her mother onto Miorine.

When we meet Miorine she's isolated and miserable and her only concern is to spite her father and secure her own future. She feels at once dismissed by Delling and also oppressed and controlled by him. Suletta and, subsequently, Earth House are the only real connections she's made with other people. It doesn't take very long for her priorities to shift from getting herself away from her father to providing for her groom and gund-arm.

By late S1 she's undergone this massive shift - she's in charge of a project she chose, working with people she cares about. She's got two things she never had before: autonomy and support.

When Miorine hurts Suletta's feelings by trying to take greenhouse duties away from her, by endorsing her spending time with Elan, she is trying to give Suletta the most important thing she can think to give: autonomy. Freedom to choose how she spends her time and with who. It's a great conflict because it's such a revealing miscommunication. By projecting her own feelings and trauma onto Suletta, Miorine misses what Suletta actually needs. And it beautifully foreshadows the conflict in s2.

Bc the turn in s2 is that Miorine needs to reconcile the version of Suletta that she has come to know and care so much about with the Suletta she was confronted with at plant Quetta. Correctly, Miorine identifies that Suletta is being manipulated and controlled by Prospera. But she takes it further - she overlays her own parental trauma onto Suletta. Miorine sees herself and her father in Prospera's control over Suletta. Worse even: to her father, Miorine was a chess piece in reserve. But Prospera isn't holding Suletta back from anything to preserve her though: she's putting her on the front lines. She's using her as a weapon. And Suletta lacks the perspective to see it.

Suletta is, it seems, incapable of conflict. She can't stick up for herself. We see this all the time but especially in the whole lunch fiasco when she decides everyone hates her because she's too sad to ask for food. Miorine, on the other hand, actually has an easier time expressing conflict and disapproval than she does vulnerability. Calling out Prospera for the way she dominates Suletta makes perfect sense because Miorine has been calling her own dad out for the same things pretty much her whole life.

So, ultimately, Miorine deciding that she has the moral right and authority to make decisions on Suletta's behalf is a great piece of character work. The thing she spent her whole life resenting her father for becomes exactly what she does to Suletta.

Suletta projecting her mother onto Miorine is definitely another part of the dynamic. Again, it's something we see most in s2. Right before the sabotaged duel, we see this moment of total cognitive dissonance in Suletta's thinking. Miorine and Prospera come to hold fully oppositional places of importance in Suletta's world. She ascribes basically an equal level of authority to them.

She loves her mom > her mom loves her > her mom would never make choices against Suletta's best interests > whatever her mom says must be right > if it hurts or if it feels wrong, it's because Suletta has to be more mature. And at the same time she loves Miorine > Miorine is smart and capable > Miorine wouldn't make a wrong decision > if she hurts Suletta, it's Suletta's own fault.

After she loses to Guel, Suletta copes by blaming me herself. She doesn't know how to be angry at someone she loves, but she does know how to feel shame for not being good enough. She wasn't the victim of a cruel betrayal, because her love for Miorine means she CANNOT be capable of doing something that bad. It becomes instead a failure of Suletta's - if she has been better, Miorine wouldn't have abandoned her. It's her own fault for losing and for wanting more than she should have in the first place.

It's the exact kind of broken, warped thinking she applies to Prospera. And it's why Prospera is exactly right when she tells Miorine that she too could get anything she wants from Suletta.

This is why I love the reunion so much. It's so explicitly about owning your own actions and allowing the person you love the space and freedom to decide how to respond. Suletta extends her hand. Miorine decides to meet her there.

Suletta chooses to risk herself in the Calibarn. Miorine alone respects her choice enough to raise the permet score, even if she breaks down immediately after.

Anyway wow I'm fully brainsick about these two. Sorry for that long ass rambling reply but oh my god I'm in a chokehold atm

#the witch from mercury #the witch from mercury spoilers #WOOOOOOO

[schizoidvision]

5 Psychological Pleasures Schizoids May Enjoy Despite Anhedonia

Anhedonia, the diminished ability to experience pleasure from engaging in physical activities, impacts the lives of many people who experience schizoid personality dynamics. However, this doesn't mean that schizoids are devoid of any form of enjoyment. This article explores 5 psychological pleasures that schizoid individuals may still find stimulating, despite experiencing anhedonia.

1. Deep Intellectual Engagement: Many schizoid individuals gain pleasurable stimulation from their intellectual pursuits. This can range from engaging with complex theoretical concepts to exploring vast areas of knowledge. The act of learning and understanding can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, acting as a buffer against the general lack of pleasure in everyday activities.

2. Rich Inner Fantasies: A hallmark of some schizoid personalities is the presence of a vivid and rich inner world. These fantasies can offer an escape from the mundaneness of reality, allowing individuals to experience a range of emotions and scenarios that they might not encounter in their real life. This inner world can be a source of comfort and even joy.

3. Creative Expression: For those schizoid individuals who lean towards creativity, activities like writing, painting, or music can be deeply fulfilling. The act of creating something can be intrinsically rewarding, providing a sense of purpose and self-expression that may not be found in social interactions.

4. Solitary Activities and Hobbies: Engaging in solitary hobbies or activities can be another source of pleasure. This could include anything from reading, to gaming, to gardening. These activities allow for a sense of control and mastery, which can be particularly satisfying for those who find social interactions challenging.

5. Cognitive and Emotional Autonomy: There is a unique pleasure in the sense of autonomy and independence that many schizoid individuals experience. This autonomy can create a sense of freedom from the chains and constraints of societal thinking. Exploring their inner thoughts, especially philosophically, or connecting with spiritual beliefs in a way that brings clarity or increased perspective holds the potential to bring some degree of pleasure.

In summary, while anhedonia can make it challenging for individuals with schizoid dynamics to enjoy what many activities that people 'typically' consider to be pleasurable, it's important to recognize that they may still find fulfillment in other, less conventional ways.

Video From My YouTube Channel: 4 Types of Anhedonia Schizoids Experience

#schizoid #schizoid adaptations #schizoid dynamics #schizoid pd #schizoid personality disorder #schizoid vision #cluster a #szpd #anhedonia

[jubileemon]

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Ending: Shinji's Happy Ending?

It's great to hear that the ending of "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" provides fans with a long-awaited sense of closure and happiness. The resolution, with Shinji creating a new world, free from the conflicts of Angels and EVAs, and finding stability and happiness with Mari, represents a significant departure from the darker and more complex themes of the series. Though it seems completely out of left field that Shinji would end up with Mari, it actually works out.

Shinji and Rei

Though Rei is good to Shinji and is affectionate toward him, this is mixed in with her being created from his mother's DNA and her lack of autonomy. The genetic connection between Rei and Yui brings an inherent familial bond. If romantic feelings were to develop between Shinji and Rei, it could be interpreted as having incestuous undertones, as Rei essentially shares genetic material with Shinji's mother.

Opting for a platonic or sibling-like relationship helps navigate the potential uncomfortable implications of the genetic connection, contributing to a more emotionally stable and healthier friendship between them in the context.

Shinji and Asuka

As Neon Genesis Evangelion is meant as a deconstruction of anime tropes, so is Asuka and Shinji's relationship a darker take on tsundere romance stories.

Asuka's blunt and abrasive demeanor serves as a defense mechanism, masking her own insecurities and traumas. This can make it challenging for Shinji or anyone else to easily discern her true feelings, creating a barrier to establishing a healthy relationship.

Asuka's pride serves as a defense mechanism, shielding her from potential emotional pain. By projecting confidence and superiority, she attempts to avoid vulnerability and rejection. This can be seen in her reluctance to open up to others and her tendency to mask her true feelings.

Shinji is totally unable to give Asuka affection on the terms she wants ("You won't even hold me!") and only goes to her to assuage his own pain. Likewise, Asuka is only ever able to give Shinji tough love (Shinji: "Doesn't everyone hate me?" Asuka: "You idiot, you've just gotten that in your head by yourself!").

Shinji and Kaworu

Kaworu, though wanting to make Shinji happy, does so at the cost of his own happiness. Their relationship becomes a focal point, as Kaworu becomes the first person to genuinely understand and accept Shinji without judgment. However, the complexity arises due to Kaworu's true nature as an Angel and his ultimate mission conflicting with Shinji's role as an EVA pilot.

Though it's admirable that he's willing to help Shinji through his problems and even teach him how to play a piano, his self-sacrificing nature and his Shinji-centric matyrdom would make any relationship beyond the platonic self-destructive in the long run. A romantic relationship with Shinji would be overshadowed by the knowledge of Kaworu's eventual sacrifice, introducing an inevitable and heartbreaking element.

Why Mari Would Be The Best Choice For Shinji's Future?

Rei's true nature means she and Shinji can't be together. Shinji and Asuka confess their feelings but decide they've hurt each other too much and grown too far apart for a relationship. Kaworu realizes he threw himself so far into trying to help Shinji, he forgot himself along the way. In contrast, Mari represents hope for a new life in a new world, as her relationship with Shinji will be unburdened by the past.

This choice in the narrative may reflect the film's theme of moving forward and finding happiness, as Mari is portrayed as a character with less emotional baggage from the series' past. Her energetic and eccentric personality contrasts with Shinji's introverted nature. Their dynamic could bring a positive and lively influence into Shinji's life, potentially helping him break free from his emotional struggles.

Ultimately, the choice of Mari as Shinji's future companion reflects the film's thematic emphasis on moving forward and finding happiness. While interpretations may vary, Hideaki Anno's decision to set Shinji with Mari offers a unique perspective on how characters can evolve and find solace in new relationships.

#anime and manga #hideaki anno #neon genesis evangelion #rebuild of evangelion #evangelion asuka #mari illustrious makinami #shinji ikari #shinji x asuka #shinji x kaworu #neon genesis asuka #neon genesis rei #neon genesis kaworu #anime theory #anime thoughts #relationship #anime couple #character analysis #analysis #film analysis #anime review

[seraphic-saturn]

Synastry Observations

Pluto square Sun: Indicates power struggles and potential control issues within the relationship. This aspect may lead to conflicts and challenges related to personal expression and autonomy. It can manifest as a battle for dominance and a struggle to maintain a sense of individuality within the partnership.

Pluto opposite Mars: Signifies intense power dynamics and potential conflicts, leading to arguments, emotional volatility, and struggles for dominance and control within the relationship. This aspect can trigger a series of confrontations, fueled by deep-seated emotions and a relentless drive to assert one's desires at the expense of the other's.

Neptune square Mercury: Implies communication challenges and misunderstandings, leading to confusion, deception, and a lack of clarity in verbal and intellectual exchanges within the relationship. This aspect may result in frequent misinterpretations, miscommunications, and an overall feeling of being misunderstood, which can strain the emotional connection.

Neptune opposite Venus: Suggests illusions and unrealistic expectations in love, leading to disappointment, idealization, and a lack of groundedness in romantic connections. This aspect can create an atmosphere of emotional confusion, unmet needs, and a sense of dissatisfaction, as partners grapple with the stark disparity between their idealized vision of love and the reality of their relationship.

Saturn square Moon: Indicates emotional constraints and inhibitions, leading to feelings of emotional distance, restriction, and potential challenges in nurturing and expressing feelings within the relationship. This aspect may create an emotional barrier, inhibiting the natural ebb and flow of emotions and hindering the development of a deep emotional bond.

Saturn opposite Venus: Implies challenges and restrictions in love and affection, leading to a sense of emotional detachment, unfulfilled desires, and potential difficulties in forming and maintaining intimate connections. This aspect may manifest as emotional coldness, a lack of warmth and tenderness, and an underlying feeling of inadequacy or dissatisfaction within the partnership.

Uranus square Sun: Signifies conflicts and potential clashes in individual identities and self-expression, leading to a lack of understanding, independence, and potential unpredictability within the relationship. This aspect may result in frequent disagreements, a struggle for autonomy, and a constant push-and-pull dynamic, as both partners assert their individuality and strive for independence.

Uranus opposite Moon: Indicates emotional turbulence and potential instability, leading to sudden changes, emotional upheavals, and a lack of emotional security and stability within the relationship. This aspect can create an atmosphere of unpredictability and emotional volatility, as partners grapple with sudden shifts in mood, needs, and desires, leading to a sense of insecurity and uncertainty.

Mars square Venus: Suggests conflicts and potential tensions in romantic and sexual dynamics, leading to disagreements, power struggles, and challenges in finding common ground and harmony in matters of love and desire. This aspect may result in a constant push-and-pull dynamic, as differing needs and desires create a source of friction and discord within the relationship.

Mars opposite Jupiter: Implies conflicts in action and belief systems, leading to disagreements, overexertion, and potential clashes in pursuing goals and ambitions within the relationship. This aspect may manifest as a clash of values and a struggle to align actions and aspirations, creating a sense of competition and a perpetual need to assert one's beliefs and desires over the other's.

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