Oh, dear god, y'all! First things first, not everyone objecting to the casting of the live-action Ariel are doing it for racist reasons. At least, not that they're aware of. Some people just don't like change and would be complaining if ANYONE but a blue eyed ginger got the role. (Personally, I'm just upset that Divine can't play Ursula.) Put on your thinking caps, y'all, we're going in.
POINT: In the original tale, the mermaid is described as having skin "like a rose leaf". So she was green? The mermaid also dies at the end, so there's that....
POINT: Disney named their mermaid after a male character in Shakespeare's The Tempest. They gave her red hair for artistic reasons - something about wanting not-a-blond and brunette being hard to animate underwater, if I recall correctly. There's also something about her being the only redhead in her family, but I'm not sure what version of the tale this came from. Disney changed the ending. Ariel is not, and never was, the original.
POINT: In historical sightings - and yes, I have a book here to back me up - merfolk have been described as follows: Roaring. Scaled even in the human section. Having green hair. Long green hair. Having purple blood. Mossy hair. Black or tawny skin. Different colors on belly and back. Gray.
I've listed only the descriptions that differ from the European-based archetype. One description even says they are "frequently taken for Indian women bathing" until the tail is seen.
POINT: We're talking about nearly universal folklore. Cultures all over the world have mermaids, sirens, lorelei, naiads, ri... I could go on but you get the idea. Merfolk come in all the same colors as humans. And a few others if you believe the reported sightings.
POINT: Ariel is a Disney character and they can change her up any way they want.
I personally won't be seeing the live action movie. I just don't care for live action versions of classic cartoons. The only live action Disney remake I've seen was Beauty and the Beast. I only watched it because I wanted to see how it was possible to make it any more obvious Lefou was in love with Gaston.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Bugs
It seems that every day I see at least one post on my social media about "This place has bugs! Don't go there!" I'm actually a little jealous of the ignorance of those posting such things. Yes, it is possible that the place has an infestation, but there is no need to engage in possible slander and/or libel, especially if the situation has been handled. Restaurants in particular go through periodic inspections and any sign of infestation is dealt with ASAP or the Board of Health will close them down.
I can't tell you how many times I've been told not to eat "there" because someone saw a roach there once. Never mind the excellent reports the Board of Health gives the place, the apparent cleanliness, and the fact that I personally have seen no evidence of critters. Never mind that the manager of the place either was not informed or dealt with the situation appropriately. Just don't eat there ever because someone may or may not have seen a roach there.
A roach can climb into the bag of a schoolchild, ride to school in comfort, crawl out later. From there, it gets into someone else's bag. That person stops at the store on the way home, the roach crawls across the floor, up a cart, and into yet another bag. Shopper stops at a local diner for a quick bite and the roach is now in a restaurant. Probably gonna die soon, though, because public buildings and businesses use pest control. That bug was in a home, a school, a grocery, and a restaurant - all in one day. They get around, is what I'm saying. All insects do.
Then there's the question of identification. I was once shown a "bed bug" that looked nothing like a bed bug. The person who identified this horribly deformed bed bug proceeded to tell anyone who would listen all about it. Don't go there, she said, they got bed bugs. Even after the place was cleared by pest control professionals. (I'm pretty sure the bug in question was actually a mayfly.)
Oh, and every red bump that appears on you after being in a public place isn't a bed bug bite.
Fraud is always fun. I could use a stock photo of some sort of vermin and claim I took it in my hotel room (the white background is the sheet or wall). I could falsely claim the management laughed in my face when I showed them the horrible infestation. I could go all over social media making these claims and even people who do not know me, who have never even heard of me, are telling folks about the Hotel Filth.
I have no doubt many of those sharing these things have good intent. Just please, everyone, stop and think before you hit share. Are you sure this isn't an over-reaction? A mistake? An outright lie? You could be ruining someones reputation, even their livelihood. What if the accuser was talking about your workplace, your school, your home?
I can't tell you how many times I've been told not to eat "there" because someone saw a roach there once. Never mind the excellent reports the Board of Health gives the place, the apparent cleanliness, and the fact that I personally have seen no evidence of critters. Never mind that the manager of the place either was not informed or dealt with the situation appropriately. Just don't eat there ever because someone may or may not have seen a roach there.
A roach can climb into the bag of a schoolchild, ride to school in comfort, crawl out later. From there, it gets into someone else's bag. That person stops at the store on the way home, the roach crawls across the floor, up a cart, and into yet another bag. Shopper stops at a local diner for a quick bite and the roach is now in a restaurant. Probably gonna die soon, though, because public buildings and businesses use pest control. That bug was in a home, a school, a grocery, and a restaurant - all in one day. They get around, is what I'm saying. All insects do.
Then there's the question of identification. I was once shown a "bed bug" that looked nothing like a bed bug. The person who identified this horribly deformed bed bug proceeded to tell anyone who would listen all about it. Don't go there, she said, they got bed bugs. Even after the place was cleared by pest control professionals. (I'm pretty sure the bug in question was actually a mayfly.)
Oh, and every red bump that appears on you after being in a public place isn't a bed bug bite.
Fraud is always fun. I could use a stock photo of some sort of vermin and claim I took it in my hotel room (the white background is the sheet or wall). I could falsely claim the management laughed in my face when I showed them the horrible infestation. I could go all over social media making these claims and even people who do not know me, who have never even heard of me, are telling folks about the Hotel Filth.
I have no doubt many of those sharing these things have good intent. Just please, everyone, stop and think before you hit share. Are you sure this isn't an over-reaction? A mistake? An outright lie? You could be ruining someones reputation, even their livelihood. What if the accuser was talking about your workplace, your school, your home?
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Invisible Issues
I saw an article - if you could call it that - titled something like "Five Things I Do When People Say I Don't Look Sick". I don't know if it was meant to be funny or if this writer was legitimately complaining, but the thing made me angry on behalf of those who say "you don't look sick". The things this writer does when people say that? Eye roll, heavy sigh, etc.
If someone is honestly surprised to find out I'm ill, that's a compliment. It means I'm doing a good job of coping. An appropriate response would be "Thank you." Not an eye roll. Not a heavy sigh. Not an etc.
I have actually had the following exchange: "Why are you on Disability?" "I'm crazy." "You don't look crazy." My response was not to get mad at him, but to chuckle and make a joke. Something about leaving my straitjacket at home. My lack of eye rolls and heavy sighs led to a respectful discussion of Dysthymia.
Granted, my use of the word crazy is hyperbole. It's a throwback to the early days of my diagnosis, when mental illness still carried a huge stigma. I dealt with the stigma through hyperbole and humor. One job I had, my co-workers nicknamed me the Psycho Dish Lady. (I was a dishwasher.) They also felt comfortable coming to me with questions about mental health issues.
Yes, sometimes people are attacking when they say "you don't look sick" or "you don't look disabled". I'm not claiming that never happens. But ignorance is not malice. If I get mad or even just annoyed, I'm closing down lines of communication. This can be a teaching moment, if I handle it well.
When dealing with the ignorant - and we're all ignorant about something - the worst course of action is to put them on the defense. Even the jerks can be reached if handled well.
This doesn't just apply here, either, but in any area. I've been called a racist because I said or did something in ignorance. I've been called a homophobe for joking with my gay friends. I've even been asked to sign a petition banning a T-shirt that I owned. Those who assume the worst about me, especially repeatedly, are no longer in my life. And it's their loss.
Eye rolls, heavy sighs, etc, are counterproductive. All they do is insult the well-intentioned. Kindness and humor work a lot better and open the lines of communication. The writer of this piece isn't helping any one's situation.
If someone is honestly surprised to find out I'm ill, that's a compliment. It means I'm doing a good job of coping. An appropriate response would be "Thank you." Not an eye roll. Not a heavy sigh. Not an etc.
I have actually had the following exchange: "Why are you on Disability?" "I'm crazy." "You don't look crazy." My response was not to get mad at him, but to chuckle and make a joke. Something about leaving my straitjacket at home. My lack of eye rolls and heavy sighs led to a respectful discussion of Dysthymia.
Granted, my use of the word crazy is hyperbole. It's a throwback to the early days of my diagnosis, when mental illness still carried a huge stigma. I dealt with the stigma through hyperbole and humor. One job I had, my co-workers nicknamed me the Psycho Dish Lady. (I was a dishwasher.) They also felt comfortable coming to me with questions about mental health issues.
Yes, sometimes people are attacking when they say "you don't look sick" or "you don't look disabled". I'm not claiming that never happens. But ignorance is not malice. If I get mad or even just annoyed, I'm closing down lines of communication. This can be a teaching moment, if I handle it well.
When dealing with the ignorant - and we're all ignorant about something - the worst course of action is to put them on the defense. Even the jerks can be reached if handled well.
This doesn't just apply here, either, but in any area. I've been called a racist because I said or did something in ignorance. I've been called a homophobe for joking with my gay friends. I've even been asked to sign a petition banning a T-shirt that I owned. Those who assume the worst about me, especially repeatedly, are no longer in my life. And it's their loss.
Eye rolls, heavy sighs, etc, are counterproductive. All they do is insult the well-intentioned. Kindness and humor work a lot better and open the lines of communication. The writer of this piece isn't helping any one's situation.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Abortion
Yep, I'm going there. The narrative on this subject is driving me even crazier than I already am.
My personal feeling about the subject? Those days are behind me now, but the only way I would have even considered abortion would be if the Grim Reaper is involved with or without the procedure. For any other circumstance, I much prefer the other options.
"What about a girl that's been raped or in the case of incest?" Personally, I'd see the former as a blessing in disguise, but I understand that many women would not, could not. Generally speaking, a child of incest will be healthy, unless it's multi-generational. (See pretty much any royal family in history for examples.) In either of those cases, if the mother can't or won't keep the child, I'd recommend adoption.
"The Bible says..." First things first, what any holy book says has no bearing on the law in the USA. But I will refer you to Leviticus 27:3-7 and Exodus 21:22-25 (a child's life has little or no value) and to Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4, and Ezekiel 37:5-6 (life begins at the first breath). If it's a sin, that's between her and God.
"Science has proven life begins at conception." No, it has not. It's proven that your DNA sequence is human at conception. Everyone in the graveyard has a human DNA sequence, but we're under no delusion that they are alive. No one can definitely say when abortion becomes murder.
"What if it was you, or your daughter?" I've had pregnancy scares. I've seen some of my friends and minions (admittedly not daughters) through pregnancy scares. Only once did I accept abortion as a option, since her life was endangered. But ultimately it isn't my call. It's the pregnant person's call, and federal law has already supported her right to an abortion (Roe vs Wade).
"Women don't want babies, they should keep their legs together". That's just laughable. Rape aside, I'm willing to bet very few abortions are performed on women who never used contraception.
"She should put it up for adoption if she don't want it." I agree. But I'm not the law. If I was the law, and was arrogant enough to outlaw everything I disapprove of, you wouldn't be happy. Trust me on this.
And on a final note: To the best of my knowledge, none of these "bans" are actual bans. A 12 year old who got gang raped at a family reunion probably can get an abortion. Since they are state laws, none of them affect the entire nation. Know what you're talking about before getting all up in my face.
My personal feeling about the subject? Those days are behind me now, but the only way I would have even considered abortion would be if the Grim Reaper is involved with or without the procedure. For any other circumstance, I much prefer the other options.
"What about a girl that's been raped or in the case of incest?" Personally, I'd see the former as a blessing in disguise, but I understand that many women would not, could not. Generally speaking, a child of incest will be healthy, unless it's multi-generational. (See pretty much any royal family in history for examples.) In either of those cases, if the mother can't or won't keep the child, I'd recommend adoption.
"The Bible says..." First things first, what any holy book says has no bearing on the law in the USA. But I will refer you to Leviticus 27:3-7 and Exodus 21:22-25 (a child's life has little or no value) and to Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4, and Ezekiel 37:5-6 (life begins at the first breath). If it's a sin, that's between her and God.
"Science has proven life begins at conception." No, it has not. It's proven that your DNA sequence is human at conception. Everyone in the graveyard has a human DNA sequence, but we're under no delusion that they are alive. No one can definitely say when abortion becomes murder.
"What if it was you, or your daughter?" I've had pregnancy scares. I've seen some of my friends and minions (admittedly not daughters) through pregnancy scares. Only once did I accept abortion as a option, since her life was endangered. But ultimately it isn't my call. It's the pregnant person's call, and federal law has already supported her right to an abortion (Roe vs Wade).
"Women don't want babies, they should keep their legs together". That's just laughable. Rape aside, I'm willing to bet very few abortions are performed on women who never used contraception.
"She should put it up for adoption if she don't want it." I agree. But I'm not the law. If I was the law, and was arrogant enough to outlaw everything I disapprove of, you wouldn't be happy. Trust me on this.
And on a final note: To the best of my knowledge, none of these "bans" are actual bans. A 12 year old who got gang raped at a family reunion probably can get an abortion. Since they are state laws, none of them affect the entire nation. Know what you're talking about before getting all up in my face.
Friday, April 12, 2019
The Single Life
People act like being single is the worst fate imaginable. I see them plunging into relationship after relationship, pining desperately in between. I see them staying with partners who mistreat them, even to the point of actual abuse. And I try not to judge. I used to be one of them.
As a single person, I have no one telling me my partner is cheating on me because he hugged some lady at Red Lobster. I don't get accused of cheating. I don't get accused of being stupid enough to be tricked into cheating. Nobody gets upset if I'm not "in the mood". Best part - nobody cheats on me.
As a single person, I can pursue my own interests. I no longer feel the need to pretend to be someone I'm not. I see a lot of men and women losing themselves for the sake of a relationship.
As a single person, I don't live in fear of being beaten. I did always draw the line at physical abuse, but a lot of people seem to prefer it to being single.
A healthy relationship is a fantastic thing. One with mutual respect and good communication and lots of sex if you're so inclined. But far too many of us are not holding out for that. There are worse things than being single.
And no, I do not want you to set me up with your cousin Bob.
As a single person, I have no one telling me my partner is cheating on me because he hugged some lady at Red Lobster. I don't get accused of cheating. I don't get accused of being stupid enough to be tricked into cheating. Nobody gets upset if I'm not "in the mood". Best part - nobody cheats on me.
As a single person, I can pursue my own interests. I no longer feel the need to pretend to be someone I'm not. I see a lot of men and women losing themselves for the sake of a relationship.
As a single person, I don't live in fear of being beaten. I did always draw the line at physical abuse, but a lot of people seem to prefer it to being single.
A healthy relationship is a fantastic thing. One with mutual respect and good communication and lots of sex if you're so inclined. But far too many of us are not holding out for that. There are worse things than being single.
And no, I do not want you to set me up with your cousin Bob.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Blind Boxes
I keep seeing these toys that, when you buy them, you have no idea which you'll get or what bits and pieces they will come with. They remind me of the trading cards my brothers used to collect. Get a double, trade with your buddy, no big deal. Usually they just came in an envelope or a tiny box. I like the "World's Smallest Toys" because they're good for the dollhouse.
Blind boxes have exploded in popularity and now you can buy a thing the size of your head (or bigger) that has a whole bunch of things in it. Again, if that's what floats your boat, go for it. But once all is said and done, in most cases, you end up with maybe enough toys to fill a cereal bowl and enough trash to fill a stew pot.
With some of them, the packaging is meant to be used as a play set or display, but even with those there are: Cellophane-type wrapping on the entire thing, a collector's guide, cardboard boxes or compartment doors for each item, and plastic envelopes for each item.
Since so many are dolls, I see unboxing and review videos, and every time, I'm more impressed by the amount of waste than by the toys. Yes, reuse and recycle is a thing, but so is reduce.
UPDATE: I found another one I like. Five Surprise Mini Brands. Dollhouse scale, realistic looking, toy versions of actual products. Minimal waste if you're into the reuse thing.
Blind boxes have exploded in popularity and now you can buy a thing the size of your head (or bigger) that has a whole bunch of things in it. Again, if that's what floats your boat, go for it. But once all is said and done, in most cases, you end up with maybe enough toys to fill a cereal bowl and enough trash to fill a stew pot.
With some of them, the packaging is meant to be used as a play set or display, but even with those there are: Cellophane-type wrapping on the entire thing, a collector's guide, cardboard boxes or compartment doors for each item, and plastic envelopes for each item.
Since so many are dolls, I see unboxing and review videos, and every time, I'm more impressed by the amount of waste than by the toys. Yes, reuse and recycle is a thing, but so is reduce.
UPDATE: I found another one I like. Five Surprise Mini Brands. Dollhouse scale, realistic looking, toy versions of actual products. Minimal waste if you're into the reuse thing.
Saturday, March 2, 2019
On The Fringes
I'm going to start this blog with a little background information. Bear with me, readers who already know this stuff. I am a middle aged woman, never married, never had children of my own. I come from a large family - seven siblings, all of whom have gifted me with at least one minion. I became The Aunt. You know, the one all families used to have: She babysat for free and caused a kid stampede every time she showed up, but she wasn't part of the nuclear family. She lived on the fringes and was okay with it.
Several years ago, I moved in with a nephew. The fringes I lived on got a lot shorter. He and his wife said things like "I've got two kids. A six year old and a forty year old." They were in their late twenties/early thirties, so that was always good for a giggle.
Fast forward a little over a decade. We didn't fight, not any more than any family would. They didn't throw me out. I didn't leave in a fit of rage. I was simply ready to return to adulthood, which frankly had not been kind to me the first time around.
Determining the new length of the fringes I live on, though... WOW. We treat it rather like I'm their grown child, gone off to college or something. I do holidays with them. His wife and I frequently run errands together. I do laundry at their house and keep the boy overnight on a regular basis.
Some things have taken a little getting used to on all sides. For most of the boy's life, it was the norm that Jeanie was going along on vacation or that he'd stay with Jeanie during one of Mom and Dad's weekend runaways. Mom "stealing Jeanie's truck" is no longer a given. He's had to do the most adjusting, but even the extended family gets tangled in those changeable fringes.
My mental illness complicates things further. Despite my meds and all the coping methods, that demon is still whispering constantly. Despite the fact that my last major episode was fifteen years ago, those around me are concerned about my fragility. I have to be very careful to make sure people know I'm okay with these changes, that I know they are healthy and sometimes even necessary.
All I can say it that it's a good thing I developed what little fashion sense I have in the early seventies. I love fringes. They're fun, if sometimes problematic.
Several years ago, I moved in with a nephew. The fringes I lived on got a lot shorter. He and his wife said things like "I've got two kids. A six year old and a forty year old." They were in their late twenties/early thirties, so that was always good for a giggle.
Fast forward a little over a decade. We didn't fight, not any more than any family would. They didn't throw me out. I didn't leave in a fit of rage. I was simply ready to return to adulthood, which frankly had not been kind to me the first time around.
Determining the new length of the fringes I live on, though... WOW. We treat it rather like I'm their grown child, gone off to college or something. I do holidays with them. His wife and I frequently run errands together. I do laundry at their house and keep the boy overnight on a regular basis.
Some things have taken a little getting used to on all sides. For most of the boy's life, it was the norm that Jeanie was going along on vacation or that he'd stay with Jeanie during one of Mom and Dad's weekend runaways. Mom "stealing Jeanie's truck" is no longer a given. He's had to do the most adjusting, but even the extended family gets tangled in those changeable fringes.
My mental illness complicates things further. Despite my meds and all the coping methods, that demon is still whispering constantly. Despite the fact that my last major episode was fifteen years ago, those around me are concerned about my fragility. I have to be very careful to make sure people know I'm okay with these changes, that I know they are healthy and sometimes even necessary.
All I can say it that it's a good thing I developed what little fashion sense I have in the early seventies. I love fringes. They're fun, if sometimes problematic.
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