It hurts my heart to think that there’s so much negative self-talk and so few avenues for human interaction available to humans, regardless of age. Misanthropy toward oneself invariably leads to the same hate projected onto others.

Misogyny has developed into something of a sport in the current frame. There are so many forms of misogyny that it’s getting difficult to keep track:

• “how dare they seek equal status as men” — in educational, economical, or authoritative power.

• “how dare the deny a man access” — for ogling, groping, or raping.

• “how dare they speak among men” — communicating, captivating, and commanding in the domain of ideas.

• “how dare they take control” — of their own bodies, of their own thoughts and feelings, and of their own roles in society.

• “how dare they make any demand” — for justice, for peace, for sustainability, or for care in the community.

• “how dare they corrupt our culture” — one that relegated women to the nursery, the laundry, the kitchen, and the boudoir in service of men.

Some people immerse themselves in hate and are, primarily, driven by the motivating clarity of hate. The statistics bear it out. It is primarily men who violently inflict hate.

Sure, there’s therapy, but what sense is there in having one, 50 minute safe space per week or month — for those who can afford it — against a relentless tide of destructive ideation? In the chauvinistic “West,” advertisers, marketers, television executives, filmmakers, pornographers, and politicians all drive the singular narrative — be better. You still won’t be good enough. People have limitless access to shit that will make them feel worse and few outlets to make them feel better. For some youth, the Incel subculture is going to get pretty crowded. The world is often a sickening, imbalanced, thoughtless, and uncaring place.

It is also a place capable of inspiring wonder, exhibiting grace, and delivering monumental challenges. The ability to see the world differently is governed, often, by the other ideas and perspectives we encounter. Isolation is the enemy.

If you are a person who has a man such as this in your circle, if you uncover this type of torment, or if you see a pattern of behaviour forming, and — most importantly — if you are yourself resources enough to do so, intervene. Be a friend, a neighbour, a confidant, a coffee companion, a gaming buddy — build positive relations. Help that person to short circuit the destructive pathways. Show them another way is possible.

Inequivocal yes! Grew up with Batman:TAS.

Legit question. Wasn’t that episode 1?

e. Indeed, it was, and Newsweek was talking about last New Year’s.

I have never ridden a horse.

Does the work you do, if you still work for a living, follow you home? And, if you have children, are any of them still in need of your assistance for feeding, bathing, and/or toileting?

I’m really looking forward to being in my mid-50s. My youngest will be approaching 10. By then, I should be able to reintroduce video games to my life at that point.

That my parents knew what they were doing, made good choices, and were reasonable people.

No, no, … and no.

That I’d grow up to eat candy, collect baseball cards, play video games, and read comic books.

No (type II diabetes runs in my family), no (wtf is a baseball card anyway), no (video games were replaced with homework permanently), and — well, actually — yes.

I love a good comic book, graphic novel, and/or animated series.

Here is the full text of the letter that Obama left 45. I’d never thought to read it.

Dear Mr. President -

Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and allof us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.

This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years.

First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It’s up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that’s willing to work hard.

Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It’s up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend.

Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions – like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties – that our forebears fought and bled for. Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.

And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.

Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.

Good luck and Godspeed,

BO

A few notes:

Obama forecast 45s disregard for “rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties”. He KNEW 45 would fuck that up.

The role all Presidents, since Reagan, have played in “sustain[ing] the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend” is a warning about fomenting or courting instability. It is also a tacit admission of the Military-Industrial complex and its attendant supports in entertainment, energy, and finance that projects American values and superiority worldwide. He KNEW 45 would fuck that up, too.

Finally, and from the start of the letter, “we’ve both been blessed… Not everyone is so lucky” is a reminder that the office is meant to support the less fortunate. We all KNEW 45 would fuck that up.

I can see what you were going for there. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.

I remember it having an English language, targeted at North Americans vibe. I could be wrong.

Also, have I posted this request incorrectly? I still count myself as new to the Fediverse. I don’t know how to access other instances. Any guidance is probably already posted online, and I would have to go looking for it. I haven’t.

My parents took us to see The Passion of the Christ. That sucked a lot.

But, my actual answer to this is watching A History of Violence with my aunt and uncle at their house. It was their choice. I knew what was coming, and I didn’t strategically exit the room before the staircase scene.

It was a cycle for me:

Not swearing led to swearing.

Swearing led to learning to swear in other languages.

Learning to swear in other languages served me well as I moved out of North America to teach.

Being out of North American led to me being more humble and less the brash North American. Also, I spent a lot of time with children.

Being less brash and speaking in other languages led me to think more about what I say before saying it.

Thinking about my speech led to downgrading swearing to make a point. I’ll swear, depending on the audience.

Specifically — like L-Boogie said — “I’ll add a MFer so you ign’ant ****s hear me.” (Fugees, The Score, “Zealots”) If I’m cursing, it’s prolly because there’s some ignorance in my area.

I admit, sometimes it’s mine.

Also, the irony is not lost on me that L fell off not too long after this rhyme. Celebrity culture can be a scene full of ignorance. I don’t blame her. I blame the industry.

Loose Change comes to mind.

IYKYK.

I read this book while commuting on the subway and hour each way, every day. The 117 chapters were originally published as a serial story in a French publication in 18 parts “from 28 August 1844 to 15 January 1846.” (Wikipedia) That’s why it is so readable. It is written to keep readers coming back for more.

Seriously… Tissues and a blanket. Required.

If you need to talk after, we’ll be here.

I DO love Baraka. One day, I’ll get to see a 70mm print of it.

Agreed. As a trope, it is well worn territory.

As a child: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

As a university student: Heat, Léon, 2001

As an adult, before kids: Sicario, Brick

As an adult, after kids: Cars

What I wish my answer was: Koyaanisqatsi

The “Lucky Earther” mini documentary in S06 of the Expanse.

As far as other media within Rick & Morty, the Second Life-like “Roy” is something that I wish could exist. Immersive gameplay, accelerated time, tangible experiences, and endless possibilities.

And instrumentals.