Take care. Social distance. Wash your hands at every chance. Stay at home. Stay safe.
You will literally save lives by doing this.
Take it all seriously. Sooner rather than later. Wait it out. The sooner and most persevered the response, the better.
It will get worse before it gets better.
And I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, REALLY fucking hate rich people.
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Saturday, 21 March 2020
Book Review - 'All the Bad Apples' by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
2023 REREAD: I sadly wasn't as invested or interested this time round. This was especially true of the letters, the flashback chapters. Not to mention there is the rushed, stupid, unrealistic and nonsensical character motivations and actions. Like, what supposedly smart person would just drop everything to travel aimlessly with no set time or goal in sight with someone they literally just met? Magic and destiny won't cut it for me this time. For a book where not much really happens, the pacing is so fast! (The ending is rushed, unrealistic and a little tone-deaf, too.)
Many of the characters I couldn't connect to; a few side players never really rise above tokenism, and they needed more page time. Though I like the sisterhood/motherhood angle and bond being the central focus.
I also couldn't understand how these spur-of-the-moment Scooby gang idiots didn't connect the dots right from the start and realise the obvious right in front of their faces - some of the mysteries are barely mysteries. Then there's the nothing that was the main romance.
Still, I'm glad I read and got to know 'All the Bad Apples'. It is an important book on many levels, and everyone should read it at least once. Feminism, and protection and respect for all women, all the way.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
I was apprehensive about this book at first. Throughout reading, I worried a little that it would disappoint me like so many asserted "feminist" YA titles of the past. It took me a while to really get into it. The writing is quick, to the point, and wonderful, but how will the mystery, the themes and the characters progress? Will Moïra Fowley-Doyle's latest YA novel be as predictable, trite and eye roll inducing as I'd thought? The magical realism aspect too weird, nonsensical and unengaging?
But like any tree, any blossom, any flower, any seed, its growth is slow building, and you're never sure how it will turn out once it reaches full bloom - reaches its cliff peak, its end of the world, as it were. And once it finally gets there, your patience is rewarded, your anxieties are diminished, and you're left feeling fuller and as beautiful and enlightened as the golden, sumptuous tree that you have just read and cared for. Its roots take a subtle and gentle hold on your psyche, its apples are tasty, fulfilling and satiable.
You and the tree - the book - are one; after an uncertain journey, full of twisting branches and potential stumps.
There exists rotten apples. But no bad apples.
In actuality, there are no bad women on any family tree. Only women. Only human beings. It is often the men who intend to inflict hurt on the women who are the evil, rotten cores of the tree - spreading their poison, their toxic legacy, throughout history, seemingly impossible to cure now. Any tree could be a plant - a symbol - of natural beauty and love, when given the chance to take root and grow in any circumstances.
'All the Bad Apples' is about freedom for all women. Women from all times.
It has banshees; a bull; open LBGTQA rep (in many characters, not just the protagonist, and one woman character is vaguely implied to be asexual); a lesbian protagonist who is plump and also uses an inhaler; the only male lead being biracial and bisexual; the freedom of choice for women to have abortions in the face of misinformation, financial difficulties, distance, and stigma; freedom for all women in the face of any shame (for doing anything, in fact, for none of them are safe no matter how hard they try to be "good girls"); past monstrosities, cruelty and abuse thrown at women being unearthed; other issues such as rape and rape by incest; a Scooby-Doo gang-like mystery; madness (with a hint of an unreliable narrator); sister bonds; mother bonds; and yeah, the book exposes rape culture and slut shaming, takes them back to their roots, so to speak.
It's all about misogyny. Most if not all family trees, cultures and societies have a root in it.
It's about keeping women in place - keeping them small, docile, helpless, hopeless, unassuming, chaste, virginal, passionless, seen but not heard, and as cattle for marriage and breeding stock for men; to exist only for men's benefit.
It's about relying on the silence of women and girls. Make no mistake.
'All the Bad Apples' doesn't release its full power until the end, but I think that was the intent. Caring for a tree, caring for a person, beating the patriarchy - it's a slow growth and it takes time. But it'll get there, and once it does, it will be glorious.
The screams of countless women throughout the ages will at last be heard, and listened to and respected.
The book could have used trans and/or nonbinary rep, however.
Shattering the silence is magical. No longer hiding in fear and shame is magical. Freedom is magical. Women are magical. We are all witches. We are all bad apples.
That's a damn good thing.
Final Score: 4/5
Many of the characters I couldn't connect to; a few side players never really rise above tokenism, and they needed more page time. Though I like the sisterhood/motherhood angle and bond being the central focus.
I also couldn't understand how these spur-of-the-moment Scooby gang idiots didn't connect the dots right from the start and realise the obvious right in front of their faces - some of the mysteries are barely mysteries. Then there's the nothing that was the main romance.
Still, I'm glad I read and got to know 'All the Bad Apples'. It is an important book on many levels, and everyone should read it at least once. Feminism, and protection and respect for all women, all the way.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
I was apprehensive about this book at first. Throughout reading, I worried a little that it would disappoint me like so many asserted "feminist" YA titles of the past. It took me a while to really get into it. The writing is quick, to the point, and wonderful, but how will the mystery, the themes and the characters progress? Will Moïra Fowley-Doyle's latest YA novel be as predictable, trite and eye roll inducing as I'd thought? The magical realism aspect too weird, nonsensical and unengaging?
But like any tree, any blossom, any flower, any seed, its growth is slow building, and you're never sure how it will turn out once it reaches full bloom - reaches its cliff peak, its end of the world, as it were. And once it finally gets there, your patience is rewarded, your anxieties are diminished, and you're left feeling fuller and as beautiful and enlightened as the golden, sumptuous tree that you have just read and cared for. Its roots take a subtle and gentle hold on your psyche, its apples are tasty, fulfilling and satiable.
You and the tree - the book - are one; after an uncertain journey, full of twisting branches and potential stumps.
There exists rotten apples. But no bad apples.
In actuality, there are no bad women on any family tree. Only women. Only human beings. It is often the men who intend to inflict hurt on the women who are the evil, rotten cores of the tree - spreading their poison, their toxic legacy, throughout history, seemingly impossible to cure now. Any tree could be a plant - a symbol - of natural beauty and love, when given the chance to take root and grow in any circumstances.
'All the Bad Apples' is about freedom for all women. Women from all times.
It has banshees; a bull; open LBGTQA rep (in many characters, not just the protagonist, and one woman character is vaguely implied to be asexual); a lesbian protagonist who is plump and also uses an inhaler; the only male lead being biracial and bisexual; the freedom of choice for women to have abortions in the face of misinformation, financial difficulties, distance, and stigma; freedom for all women in the face of any shame (for doing anything, in fact, for none of them are safe no matter how hard they try to be "good girls"); past monstrosities, cruelty and abuse thrown at women being unearthed; other issues such as rape and rape by incest; a Scooby-Doo gang-like mystery; madness (with a hint of an unreliable narrator); sister bonds; mother bonds; and yeah, the book exposes rape culture and slut shaming, takes them back to their roots, so to speak.
It's all about misogyny. Most if not all family trees, cultures and societies have a root in it.
It's about keeping women in place - keeping them small, docile, helpless, hopeless, unassuming, chaste, virginal, passionless, seen but not heard, and as cattle for marriage and breeding stock for men; to exist only for men's benefit.
It's about relying on the silence of women and girls. Make no mistake.
'All the Bad Apples' doesn't release its full power until the end, but I think that was the intent. Caring for a tree, caring for a person, beating the patriarchy - it's a slow growth and it takes time. But it'll get there, and once it does, it will be glorious.
The screams of countless women throughout the ages will at last be heard, and listened to and respected.
The book could have used trans and/or nonbinary rep, however.
Shattering the silence is magical. No longer hiding in fear and shame is magical. Freedom is magical. Women are magical. We are all witches. We are all bad apples.
That's a damn good thing.
Final Score: 4/5
Saturday, 14 March 2020
Manga Review - 'Amazing Agent Luna' by Nunzio DeFilippis (Writer), Christina Weir (Writer), Shiei (Artist)
Reporting my thoughts on the manga series as a whole:
'Amazing Agent Luna' - I have now read all five omnibuses, which can be consumed in one day.
I was so enthralled.
I can confidently say that 'Amazing Agent Luna' is one of the most charming, likeable, sweet, dramatic, and clever manga that I have come across in a long time. I am genuinely sad that it seems to be over - this almost never happens to me with anything I read or watch nowadays - and that I would have to say goodbye to these characters.
It SHOULD be an animated show - it was made for it. Heck, if it was a nineties video game it would join the ranks of kids' nostalgic classics such as 'Mega Man', but with a female protagonist, and with a subtle feminist twist.
Every single character to grace 'Amazing Agent Luna' with their presence is distinguishable, interesting, well developed, and super endearing - no one stays in the exact same point from their introduction. Every plot thread moves forward very well; nearly every one of them concludes, in my opinion, in a satisfying manner. People are joined together in a happy family, even if they are separated.
The American manga is very well written, and can be read by anyone of any age, and they'll enjoy it considerably. It has something for everyone - it's a wonderfully balanced mixture of spy mystery thriller/drama, science fiction, action, comedy (oh the comedy is excellent), and relationship soap opera. Yeah, there are love triangles, a trope which I loathe in every medium, but I still love this series because, if nothing else, they happen briefly and don't take over everything in the story, including the action packed, secret agent mystery plot. Where there are a lot of secrets, and not everyone is who they appear to be. Each element is written competently; 'Amazing Agent Luna' is smart and respectful to its audience. Thankfully nothing about it is lazy, cliched, overly contrived, or cringeworthy; even if it might appear so at first.
(Great message, too, about distrusting or at least questioning authority, governments and bureaucracies; and that rulers, good and bad, should be scrutinised and second guessed.)
And as 'Amazing Agent Luna' goes on and reaches its beautiful conclusion (the last two volumes are the best in my opinion), the reader will realise that it isn't only about Luna, our lovely spy girl protag. It's as much Control Agent Jennifer Kajiwara's story, if not more so. She might be the best, most well developed character here. I practically never see an arc like hers be given to a female - an adult female - character. Without going too far into spoiler territory, I'll say that she starts off as a cold, emotionless and obedient tool of the government; then she ends her emotional journey overthrowing the patriarchy. She has many, many talents, as well as layers. She is not to be underestimated in any field, and she will be rewarded for all of her efforts by trying to make a fairer, less violent bureaucracy. Don't let her questionably drawn breasts fool you; Jennifer is a figure of female empowerment. She is not a fanservice prop. The story wouldn't exist - much less thrive - without her, end of discussion.
I can't wait to pick up the prequel series, 'Amazing Agent Jennifer', despite my hatred of prequels. She is as amazing as Luna, with no genetic enhancements.
I strongly recommend all of 'Amazing Agent Luna'. It's highly underrated and I wish to give it more attention, even now nearly twenty years since it originated. Its themes of family, friendships, and love coming first are timeless. Female friendships are valued as much as male friendships; perhaps given a bigger focus than the romances (most of the players are paired up with someone by the end, which, because they are so likeable, is cute instead of annoying and eye roll inducing). Platonic relationships are shown to be important, too. How subversive and insightful - and stealthily understated, making it all the more profound.
What fun times to be had with 'Amazing Agent Luna' and its colourful cast!
For a less vague and rambling review, read my thoughts on Amazing Agent Luna Vol 1 here, which started my obsession.
This has been Artemis Crescent, with my non spoiler overview of 'Amazing Agent Luna', over and out.
Final Score: 4/5
'Amazing Agent Luna' - I have now read all five omnibuses, which can be consumed in one day.
I was so enthralled.
I can confidently say that 'Amazing Agent Luna' is one of the most charming, likeable, sweet, dramatic, and clever manga that I have come across in a long time. I am genuinely sad that it seems to be over - this almost never happens to me with anything I read or watch nowadays - and that I would have to say goodbye to these characters.
It SHOULD be an animated show - it was made for it. Heck, if it was a nineties video game it would join the ranks of kids' nostalgic classics such as 'Mega Man', but with a female protagonist, and with a subtle feminist twist.
Every single character to grace 'Amazing Agent Luna' with their presence is distinguishable, interesting, well developed, and super endearing - no one stays in the exact same point from their introduction. Every plot thread moves forward very well; nearly every one of them concludes, in my opinion, in a satisfying manner. People are joined together in a happy family, even if they are separated.
The American manga is very well written, and can be read by anyone of any age, and they'll enjoy it considerably. It has something for everyone - it's a wonderfully balanced mixture of spy mystery thriller/drama, science fiction, action, comedy (oh the comedy is excellent), and relationship soap opera. Yeah, there are love triangles, a trope which I loathe in every medium, but I still love this series because, if nothing else, they happen briefly and don't take over everything in the story, including the action packed, secret agent mystery plot. Where there are a lot of secrets, and not everyone is who they appear to be. Each element is written competently; 'Amazing Agent Luna' is smart and respectful to its audience. Thankfully nothing about it is lazy, cliched, overly contrived, or cringeworthy; even if it might appear so at first.
(Great message, too, about distrusting or at least questioning authority, governments and bureaucracies; and that rulers, good and bad, should be scrutinised and second guessed.)
And as 'Amazing Agent Luna' goes on and reaches its beautiful conclusion (the last two volumes are the best in my opinion), the reader will realise that it isn't only about Luna, our lovely spy girl protag. It's as much Control Agent Jennifer Kajiwara's story, if not more so. She might be the best, most well developed character here. I practically never see an arc like hers be given to a female - an adult female - character. Without going too far into spoiler territory, I'll say that she starts off as a cold, emotionless and obedient tool of the government; then she ends her emotional journey overthrowing the patriarchy. She has many, many talents, as well as layers. She is not to be underestimated in any field, and she will be rewarded for all of her efforts by trying to make a fairer, less violent bureaucracy. Don't let her questionably drawn breasts fool you; Jennifer is a figure of female empowerment. She is not a fanservice prop. The story wouldn't exist - much less thrive - without her, end of discussion.
I can't wait to pick up the prequel series, 'Amazing Agent Jennifer', despite my hatred of prequels. She is as amazing as Luna, with no genetic enhancements.
I strongly recommend all of 'Amazing Agent Luna'. It's highly underrated and I wish to give it more attention, even now nearly twenty years since it originated. Its themes of family, friendships, and love coming first are timeless. Female friendships are valued as much as male friendships; perhaps given a bigger focus than the romances (most of the players are paired up with someone by the end, which, because they are so likeable, is cute instead of annoying and eye roll inducing). Platonic relationships are shown to be important, too. How subversive and insightful - and stealthily understated, making it all the more profound.
What fun times to be had with 'Amazing Agent Luna' and its colourful cast!
For a less vague and rambling review, read my thoughts on Amazing Agent Luna Vol 1 here, which started my obsession.
This has been Artemis Crescent, with my non spoiler overview of 'Amazing Agent Luna', over and out.
Final Score: 4/5
Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Graphic Novel Review - 'Stage Dreams' by Melanie Gillman
Dedication: "To our queer and trans ancestors. Far too many of your stories were lost, but we remember you." - Melanie Gillman.
Come one, come all:
It's 'Stage Dreams'!
It's an LBGTQ wild wild west graphic novel, starring a queer Latinx cowgirl outlaw, Flor, and a white transwoman runaway, Grace, and their budding romance.
I'm not usually into western adventure stories; I tend to find them very boring. But if they were as fun, colourful, charming, truthful, and diverse as 'Stage Dreams', then I would have favoured them hard. The pastel colours art of the book is also beyond lovely and well done.
'Stage Dreams' is erased history come back to life; it is educational, feminist, and adorable yet unwavering in the face of brutality, colonialism, territorial takeovers, white men's wars, the patriarchy, rape culture and setting boundaries, and other issues.
There are hawks, heists and a highwaywoman! Plenty of dresses and tailoring too. If only it didn't end so soon and was a finished story, then I would have rewarded it all of the stars!
Read and fall for 'Stage Dreams' by Melanie Gillman: Learn what history classes don't teach you (that queer people have always existed, to name a few lessons), and have great fun along the highway!
Final Score: 4/5
Come one, come all:
It's 'Stage Dreams'!
It's an LBGTQ wild wild west graphic novel, starring a queer Latinx cowgirl outlaw, Flor, and a white transwoman runaway, Grace, and their budding romance.
I'm not usually into western adventure stories; I tend to find them very boring. But if they were as fun, colourful, charming, truthful, and diverse as 'Stage Dreams', then I would have favoured them hard. The pastel colours art of the book is also beyond lovely and well done.
'Stage Dreams' is erased history come back to life; it is educational, feminist, and adorable yet unwavering in the face of brutality, colonialism, territorial takeovers, white men's wars, the patriarchy, rape culture and setting boundaries, and other issues.
There are hawks, heists and a highwaywoman! Plenty of dresses and tailoring too. If only it didn't end so soon and was a finished story, then I would have rewarded it all of the stars!
Read and fall for 'Stage Dreams' by Melanie Gillman: Learn what history classes don't teach you (that queer people have always existed, to name a few lessons), and have great fun along the highway!
Final Score: 4/5
Monday, 9 March 2020
Graphic Novel Review - 'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls (Gotham Girls #1-5)' by Paul D. Storrie (Writer), Jennifer Graves (Penciller), J. Bone (Inker)
What a step back in time!
'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls' is a five issue miniseries based on 'Batman: The Animated Series' from the nineties, about Catwoman, Batgirl, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Renee Montoya. Despite the title of this specific trade collection, Harley is not the primary star and lead - that's done to cash in on the 2020 'Birds of Prey' movie. These comic issues are from the early 2000s, and they are very retro, very all-ages cartoony, and they bring Harley back to her original roots.
How I missed seeing her in her actual harlequin clown costume! How fun it is to see these DC women in action! They serve no man and they need no help from man.
I love all the Gotham girls - each with their own style, skill set, and pizzazz! Each are competent at what they do; in their own unique fields.
Batgirl is young, confident, quirky, jokey, clever, and never gives up. Renee is a Latina Gotham police detective making her mark in an all-white, all-male force. Police brutality against people of colour is an issue that's touched on - fantastic to see in a children's comic from 2002-2003. Despite idiotic, patronising men and the glass ceiling, Renee never gives up, either, and is fiercely determined, both to do good (undeterred by not being a caped superhero) and to prove herself to her family and colleagues. And while not stated, she is canonically a lesbian.
Renee and Batgirl/Barbara Gordon working together on a case is a brilliant idea. In spite of their disagreements, they work off of and reflect (plus compliment) each other in a way that's suitable and inevitable. They both wish to prove themselves and their independence in a frustrating man's world.
Harley perhaps suffers the most in terms of characterisation in this story. She is a fun and entertaining comic relief villain, but that's the most of what she is here. She is a ditz who slept and cheated her way into getting a psychology degree for fame and fortune, she is still in love with the Joker (not present, thankfully), and is Ivy's hapless lackey. There are hints of a caring partnership between the two, but it is abusive; which is acknowledged in the narrative, when Harley compares Ivy to the Joker, but it doesn't really go anywhere.
Maybe in light of Harley Quinn's recent and more serious and three dimensional development ('Harleen' by Stjepan Šejić comes to mind - a polar whiplash in contrast to this kiddie comic), this earlier portrayal threw me a bit. I can't not be relieved to see that costume again after so many years, however. I also missed seeing Harley and Ivy working together in any capacity.
Additionally, out of all the Gotham Girls, Poison Ivy is the only one with metahuman powers. They are all human, regardless - another thing they share in commonality.
'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls' - the title of this collection is misleading, but the Gotham Girls part is truthful. Reading it is like being a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons again. The plot is a stolen plant formula hunt, going back and forth, a silly caper in Gotham: and that's okay. The women are at the center, they drive the action, they are the action. That is glorious.
In the end, the criminal and crime fighting women of Gotham don't need to prove anything to anyone. They are themselves, individual and awesome.
Final Score: 4/5
'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls' is a five issue miniseries based on 'Batman: The Animated Series' from the nineties, about Catwoman, Batgirl, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Renee Montoya. Despite the title of this specific trade collection, Harley is not the primary star and lead - that's done to cash in on the 2020 'Birds of Prey' movie. These comic issues are from the early 2000s, and they are very retro, very all-ages cartoony, and they bring Harley back to her original roots.
How I missed seeing her in her actual harlequin clown costume! How fun it is to see these DC women in action! They serve no man and they need no help from man.
I love all the Gotham girls - each with their own style, skill set, and pizzazz! Each are competent at what they do; in their own unique fields.
Batgirl is young, confident, quirky, jokey, clever, and never gives up. Renee is a Latina Gotham police detective making her mark in an all-white, all-male force. Police brutality against people of colour is an issue that's touched on - fantastic to see in a children's comic from 2002-2003. Despite idiotic, patronising men and the glass ceiling, Renee never gives up, either, and is fiercely determined, both to do good (undeterred by not being a caped superhero) and to prove herself to her family and colleagues. And while not stated, she is canonically a lesbian.
Renee and Batgirl/Barbara Gordon working together on a case is a brilliant idea. In spite of their disagreements, they work off of and reflect (plus compliment) each other in a way that's suitable and inevitable. They both wish to prove themselves and their independence in a frustrating man's world.
Harley perhaps suffers the most in terms of characterisation in this story. She is a fun and entertaining comic relief villain, but that's the most of what she is here. She is a ditz who slept and cheated her way into getting a psychology degree for fame and fortune, she is still in love with the Joker (not present, thankfully), and is Ivy's hapless lackey. There are hints of a caring partnership between the two, but it is abusive; which is acknowledged in the narrative, when Harley compares Ivy to the Joker, but it doesn't really go anywhere.
Maybe in light of Harley Quinn's recent and more serious and three dimensional development ('Harleen' by Stjepan Šejić comes to mind - a polar whiplash in contrast to this kiddie comic), this earlier portrayal threw me a bit. I can't not be relieved to see that costume again after so many years, however. I also missed seeing Harley and Ivy working together in any capacity.
Additionally, out of all the Gotham Girls, Poison Ivy is the only one with metahuman powers. They are all human, regardless - another thing they share in commonality.
'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls' - the title of this collection is misleading, but the Gotham Girls part is truthful. Reading it is like being a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons again. The plot is a stolen plant formula hunt, going back and forth, a silly caper in Gotham: and that's okay. The women are at the center, they drive the action, they are the action. That is glorious.
In the end, the criminal and crime fighting women of Gotham don't need to prove anything to anyone. They are themselves, individual and awesome.
Final Score: 4/5
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' by Greta Thunberg
This is not a review, not a proper one. I know that, considering the ongoing, serious issue of climate change, and the young activist, anything I write will be dated. It risks irrelevance.
But I felt I had to say something.
I will mention just how scared a lot of people are of Greta Thunberg. There are a number of awful discreditors, sceptics, nitpickers, trolls, politicians, world leaders, and plain lazy and privileged people - caring more about money than making the planet liveable for future generations - who are scared of a child. That should bring home, more than anything, just how pathetic they truly are. However, since Greta is also female and receiving attention, those facts alone are enough to make her an easy target. Look how desperate certain powerful people are to stamp down and silence her loud voice. Her being on the autism spectrum is an added bonus for trolls and bullies.
Greta Thunberg is an inspiration. She must be doing something right if she is making politicians listen (or giving them a reason to fear her, and to fear for their money), and is trying to steer us towards listening to her as she raises awareness about climate change. She is not letting adult cynicism, ignorance, laziness, and threats to her life get in her way. She wanted to do what she's doing, for her generation's sake as well as ours. She cares. There can't be any doubt that she genuinely cares about our planet. She is out there doing something about saving the world - what the hell were you doing when you were fifteen and sixteen?
She wants us to listen, and care. She urges us to listen to scientists and experts, whose job is the tell the truth and to help us, like she's doing with her awareness spreading around the globe.
It is because Greta cares a great deal - and is no nonsense and not "nice" about it in her speeches - and wants to upend the failing, decaying economical and political system, that she is feared and therefore mocked and slandered so much. She is a child, a girl at that, who is really up against conglomerate giants the world over, who don't care and won't stand for other people caring. They hate activists because they make them uncomfortable, and that's a good thing; they should listen and learn from them. It can't hurt them any more than they are already harming the earth.
Greta can't do her activism crusade alone.
We have to help. To listen. To teach. To learn from the younger generation who are passionate, open minded, empathetic, and have their heads screwed on right.
Greta Thunberg is a voice for that generation. She is a beacon of hope for millennials-and-younger everywhere.
Cut the bullshit about the youth being spoiled, selfish, entitled, out of touch and lazy - that's an apt description of the older generations more than anything. Greta is a testament to that.
Some of the reasons for her backlash don't really have anything to do with how young (meaning driven) she is. It comes right down to, as Elizabeth May says in her short story, 'Why They Watch Us Burn':
"You understand the truth [...] The most terrifying thing in the world is a girl with power. That's why they watch us burn."
"Here's how to fulfill a prophecy: you are a woman, you speak the truth, and the world makes you into a liar."
Never stop fighting for us hopeless slobs, Greta Thunberg. Me and others won't stop fighting for and supporting you. I too am scared for the future of our earth. I too care for our planet (it's the only one we've got) and our children. I too hope that no one in a position of power, wealth and change who seriously doesn't care (with all the evidence and facts it's impossible to deny and disbelieve now) about climate change and global warming, is evil.
'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' is a step in the right direction, if nothing else. A start, an inspiring manual of speeches. From one young girl.
There are many, many inspiring young girls everywhere and throughout history. Never underestimate them. They're the bravest, most caring superheroes.
Final Score: 4/5
But I felt I had to say something.
I will mention just how scared a lot of people are of Greta Thunberg. There are a number of awful discreditors, sceptics, nitpickers, trolls, politicians, world leaders, and plain lazy and privileged people - caring more about money than making the planet liveable for future generations - who are scared of a child. That should bring home, more than anything, just how pathetic they truly are. However, since Greta is also female and receiving attention, those facts alone are enough to make her an easy target. Look how desperate certain powerful people are to stamp down and silence her loud voice. Her being on the autism spectrum is an added bonus for trolls and bullies.
Greta Thunberg is an inspiration. She must be doing something right if she is making politicians listen (or giving them a reason to fear her, and to fear for their money), and is trying to steer us towards listening to her as she raises awareness about climate change. She is not letting adult cynicism, ignorance, laziness, and threats to her life get in her way. She wanted to do what she's doing, for her generation's sake as well as ours. She cares. There can't be any doubt that she genuinely cares about our planet. She is out there doing something about saving the world - what the hell were you doing when you were fifteen and sixteen?
She wants us to listen, and care. She urges us to listen to scientists and experts, whose job is the tell the truth and to help us, like she's doing with her awareness spreading around the globe.
It is because Greta cares a great deal - and is no nonsense and not "nice" about it in her speeches - and wants to upend the failing, decaying economical and political system, that she is feared and therefore mocked and slandered so much. She is a child, a girl at that, who is really up against conglomerate giants the world over, who don't care and won't stand for other people caring. They hate activists because they make them uncomfortable, and that's a good thing; they should listen and learn from them. It can't hurt them any more than they are already harming the earth.
Greta can't do her activism crusade alone.
We have to help. To listen. To teach. To learn from the younger generation who are passionate, open minded, empathetic, and have their heads screwed on right.
Greta Thunberg is a voice for that generation. She is a beacon of hope for millennials-and-younger everywhere.
Cut the bullshit about the youth being spoiled, selfish, entitled, out of touch and lazy - that's an apt description of the older generations more than anything. Greta is a testament to that.
Some of the reasons for her backlash don't really have anything to do with how young (meaning driven) she is. It comes right down to, as Elizabeth May says in her short story, 'Why They Watch Us Burn':
"You understand the truth [...] The most terrifying thing in the world is a girl with power. That's why they watch us burn."
"Here's how to fulfill a prophecy: you are a woman, you speak the truth, and the world makes you into a liar."
Never stop fighting for us hopeless slobs, Greta Thunberg. Me and others won't stop fighting for and supporting you. I too am scared for the future of our earth. I too care for our planet (it's the only one we've got) and our children. I too hope that no one in a position of power, wealth and change who seriously doesn't care (with all the evidence and facts it's impossible to deny and disbelieve now) about climate change and global warming, is evil.
'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' is a step in the right direction, if nothing else. A start, an inspiring manual of speeches. From one young girl.
There are many, many inspiring young girls everywhere and throughout history. Never underestimate them. They're the bravest, most caring superheroes.
Final Score: 4/5
Sunday, 8 March 2020
March 2020 Update
Well, the number of TV (and web) series' that I have seen so far and can say are not for me are:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as I've said before: it's uncomfortably dated and overrated, and the scum Joss Whedon can go screw himself), Veronica Mars (URRRGH!!!), My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Orphan Black, Firefly (same as previous Whedon criticism), Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Supergirl (lost interest), Jessica Jones (same, plus the white heroine literally has to step over the bodies of POC people on her journey), Agent Carter, Wynonna Earp, Daria, Killing Eve, RWBY (read here for more), Parks and Recreation (gave up at season 3), and Carmilla (that series finale threw me and not in a good way. Absolutely exhausting).
I never watch much television anyway. I haven't really seen new anime in years, either, aside from Sailor Moon Crystal and Yuri!!! on Ice. I don't trust long running shows, and shows that don't know when to stop. Short and sweet are my jam. They're less likely to waste my time and investment. It's why I prefer British sitcoms and series' to American ones.
(I'll also still watch the recent Doctor Who)
These last few months have been full of disappointments and upsets so far. For the sake of my health and state of mind, I'm avoiding more politics, news, social media, and media criticism. I've been spending less, and buying only what I need (though today I bought three pairs of slippers on eBay, but if anything that proves I'm in a positive mood). I'm rereading books, and cutting down on my reading in general.
I just need a break, ya know? And a change, socially.
Try to be happy, positive and hopeful. Be there for your friends and family
🌈🎕🌞🌻🎂🥮👧🛊💃💓💌🤟💗😻💜🐱😸🐈🦋🌹🍨🍦🍧✨💖🎇🌟🤩⭐🌠☪
Have a lovely day.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as I've said before: it's uncomfortably dated and overrated, and the scum Joss Whedon can go screw himself), Veronica Mars (URRRGH!!!), My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Orphan Black, Firefly (same as previous Whedon criticism), Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Supergirl (lost interest), Jessica Jones (same, plus the white heroine literally has to step over the bodies of POC people on her journey), Agent Carter, Wynonna Earp, Daria, Killing Eve, RWBY (read here for more), Parks and Recreation (gave up at season 3), and Carmilla (that series finale threw me and not in a good way. Absolutely exhausting).
I never watch much television anyway. I haven't really seen new anime in years, either, aside from Sailor Moon Crystal and Yuri!!! on Ice. I don't trust long running shows, and shows that don't know when to stop. Short and sweet are my jam. They're less likely to waste my time and investment. It's why I prefer British sitcoms and series' to American ones.
(I'll also still watch the recent Doctor Who)
These last few months have been full of disappointments and upsets so far. For the sake of my health and state of mind, I'm avoiding more politics, news, social media, and media criticism. I've been spending less, and buying only what I need (though today I bought three pairs of slippers on eBay, but if anything that proves I'm in a positive mood). I'm rereading books, and cutting down on my reading in general.
I just need a break, ya know? And a change, socially.
Try to be happy, positive and hopeful. Be there for your friends and family
🌈🎕🌞🌻🎂🥮👧🛊💃💓💌🤟💗😻💜🐱😸🐈🦋🌹🍨🍦🍧✨💖🎇🌟🤩⭐🌠☪
Have a lovely day.
International Women's Day 2020
Happy International Women's Day!
Where we are still debating whether women are people.
(To my moral, ethical, logical, genetic, down to earth and common sense core, I cannot fathom why over half of the people of the world, in 2020, still think that women are unsuited for leadership roles. And roughly the same number still think that it's okay for men to beat up their wives.
The system is failing us, and we know it. It's killing us. It's long overdue for us to think, and do something about it. Please never stop caring about what is right and what is wrong for us as a species.)
My definition of feminism is not being treated like shit because of my gender, and apparently that's too much to ask - Me, 2020
Where we are still debating whether women are people.
(To my moral, ethical, logical, genetic, down to earth and common sense core, I cannot fathom why over half of the people of the world, in 2020, still think that women are unsuited for leadership roles. And roughly the same number still think that it's okay for men to beat up their wives.
The system is failing us, and we know it. It's killing us. It's long overdue for us to think, and do something about it. Please never stop caring about what is right and what is wrong for us as a species.)
My definition of feminism is not being treated like shit because of my gender, and apparently that's too much to ask - Me, 2020
Scribble #113
Insult/Comeback: "Why don't you staple your dick to your scrotum? No one will notice it, even when you have an erection. It'll be harder to jerk off in inappropriate places and to put it where it's not wanted. It'll solve all the world's problems!"
"Rat faeces" is also a good insult.
How crude!
I dream of menus at restaurants that smell of strawberries. Menus that are multicoloured, with multichoice smells. Subliminal and profitable!
But mostly I dream of fluffy slippers and marshmallows in cream and hot chocolate. And kittens.
"Rat faeces" is also a good insult.
How crude!
I dream of menus at restaurants that smell of strawberries. Menus that are multicoloured, with multichoice smells. Subliminal and profitable!
But mostly I dream of fluffy slippers and marshmallows in cream and hot chocolate. And kittens.
Tuesday, 3 March 2020
Book Review - 'Little Miss Sparkle (Mr. Men and Little Miss)' by Roger Hargreaves (Creator), Adam Hargreaves (Writer)
Cute, sparkly, and about depression. And friendship and support.
Because we all have bad days, right? Even bad weeks?
One day you will find your inner sparkle.
'Little Miss Sparkle' - Let's dance!
Final Score: 4/5
Because we all have bad days, right? Even bad weeks?
One day you will find your inner sparkle.
'Little Miss Sparkle' - Let's dance!
Final Score: 4/5
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