Tag: Anonymous

This may seem kinda weird, but do you have or know of any sources about how Problematic Things™ in fiction and fanfiction will not neccesarily normalize those things in real life? I’m having a discussion about censorship with some people and trying to build an argument about why fiction should never be policed or censored.

Thanks! 😊 The discussion specifically started between the shipping of Deadpool and Tom Holland’s Spiderman. So I guess the Problematic Thing initially started as age differences in relationships. It’s kind of expanded from there. I’m just trying to say that fiction shouldn’t be policed, and the idea that it “affects reality” isn’t a good reason to control content. Thanks for the blog rec, I’ll check it out!

I’m sorry it’s taken me so long, anon. I’ve been super busy this week and I haven’t really had the time to actually sit down and find things for you. I hope that this helps, though. 

Cool! Gotcha! (I’m sorry I’m going to be presumptuous and assume you’re American for this one b/c I know American legal stuff and I’m gonna be throwing some supreme court stuff at you.) 

So it’s kind of tough to actually give you sources on this topic. A lot of what I’ve found revolves around “media” in general and not fiction specifically. On top of that, things that do study specific media tend to zero in on specific topics (violent video games, romance novels with abusive or borderline abusive male leads, ect) so it’s difficult to actually approach this holistically. Fanfiction on it’s own isn’t really studied as much as I feel it should be, either, so we don’t actually have much in terms of how Problematic topics in fanfic affect those who read them. We don’t actually know how and what about fanfic might influence readers, or in what way, and all we really have at this point in anecdotal evidence which doesn’t really help if you want real sources. 

I will say, as just a bit of advice, if you’re arguing with folks on tumblr there’s probably nothing you can say to them that will change their minds if they already have a strong opinion. It doesn’t matter what ship it is, how you write it, or why you write it, if someone is really determined that some kinds of fiction just shouldn’t exist and they’re willing to throw around the “affects reality” argument in order to convince you you’re wrong, they don’t care. A lot of the arguments on tumblr aren’t actually about principles, they’re about ship wars and there’s not a damn thing you can do when it comes to someone’s OTP. It’s worth keeping in mind, too, that anti-censorship is more of a principle than anything else. 

First, normalization. If you don’t have a definition of normalization already, here’s a link to the wikipedia article that gives a brief definition of what the term means in a sociological context. It’s important to note, too, that normalization isn’t something that’s done through just one channel, nor is it completely the same in every group that has it’s own culture. (For certain groups of fans it’s considered “normal” to talk about sex and sexuality as honestly and openly as one wants to. This isn’t necessarily “normal” for other groups in other contexts, however.) Normalization is a process. 

Second, fiction in general can contribute to normalization of any given thing but it’s not the sole factor. It’s difficult to find sources on this that aren’t either behind a pay wall or very small sample-size wise for just plan fiction. This link might be helpful in illustrating that, while there could be a link between violent media and aggressive behavior, the extent to which violent media actually causes violent behavior is unknown and possibly more complex than we’re equipped to study currently. It also has references to other things that might be helpful to read. Here’s an article on psychology today about the lack of a link between violent video games and violence IRL. Here’s a HuffPo article specifically about whether or not pornography leads to sexual violence (the answer is no according to the article and the study they cite). Because let’s be honest, the folks you’re going to run into are often more concerned about the sexual content of the fanfic and fiction they’re railing against. This article talks about the potential reason we’re drawn to violent media; we like the thrill without the danger. 

That psych today article on violent video games includes reference to a Supreme Court decision where the court struck down a California law that barred the sale and rental of violent video games to anyone under 18. I suggest you read the majority opinion on that case because it specifically deals with whether or not limitations should be put on whether or not children should be allowed access to violent media. I would also take a look at the US obscenity laws here .  Obscenity laws are more helpful for arguing principles than they are for the normalization arguments because that third clause in the test for whether a piece violates US law specifically takes into account literary, artistic, and political merit. This means that we can often find things absolutely repugnant, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t exist. These laws make the standard in favor of expression and not disgust. 

So now here’s the tricky thing – fiction can and does impact the real world. We can be inspired by art to make changes in our world. Seeing someone who looks like you or struggles with the same issues as you do in a fictional world can mean a lot for a lot of people. It can be inspiring or completely disheartening. Fiction can make us more empathetic, too. So yes, fiction does have an impact on us. I mean, we’ve only been telling ourselves stories for as long as we’ve been human so I don’t think it can be stated enough that it’s really a part of who we are as a species. It shapes us and we shape it. The question in my mind, though, is whether art reflects life or life reflects art. I’m of the opinion that it’s both, but we don’t tend to write or depict “problematic” things in our art out of nowhere. A lot of the things folks get bent out of shape about in fanfic happens in real life and they’re worried that somehow fic is going to make it seem “okay” if it’s a) not properly demonized or b) written about at all. (No one really complains that depicting dragons razing villages is going to cause more arson, you know?) However, the evidence doesn’t really seem to support the idea that depicting abnormal or immoral things will encourage abnormal or immoral behavior. 

I hope this helped, anon. And I hope you get many hours of enjoyment out of spideypool! Sorry for taking so long, lol. 

Hi! Wow, I missed talking to you! At a professional level? Do you write for a living? I’m a subpar writer at best myself, I’ve been trying to work on a book since my junior year in high school. I’m now in my third year of college, ah. Lol. I took a few piano classes in high school, and I know a few songs, and remember the notes and such, but I’m certainly not great at playing. Do you play any instruments? Also, side note, I really love driving at night, because I love seeing all the lights. -R

Eeep. Goodness I’m sorry I didn’t respond to this earlier. I’ve been kinda on and off of tumblr. But I’m very glad you’re back! 

I’m not currently at the professional level with my writing. I’d love to be, but actually getting published is difficult and kinda lonely. I’ve been published once, though. It was a short story in an online publication. Submitting for things like print mags and journals is always a pain in the ass though. It takes a long time to hear back and then it’s usually “no, thanks” so after a while it gets frustrating. I haven’t managed to write a full novel yet (unless you count fanfic) but I would like to. Right now I’m enjoying fanfic and the interaction I get from that. It makes writing less lonely. 

What is your novel about? And what are you studying in college? 

I used to play flute and piano, back when I was in middle and high school. I’ve always enjoyed piano, but I wasn’t very good at it either, lol. 

And I don’t know if you’ve taken them already or not but in case you haven’t good luck on your finals! 

(Another few asks coming your way, we should riot) Thank you for giving me the link to your ao3, I saw that you have something written for Meg and Abaddon and I’m trying not to scream. Wow, I’m so excited to read it. I honestly love Meg so much, she honestly could step on me. (Ah, sorry some times I can get a bit carried away.) – R (1)

Anyways, I’m so excited for your Sastiel fic, I know I’m going to absolutely love it! I know I say it a lot but, wow, your writing is just A+. Also their dynamic just honestly ruins me and I wish they would have more screen time. Okay but on a serious note, I’m honestly just so happy for you though. I’m so glad you’re getting back into writing, it seems like it really makes you happy, and I’m just so proud of you. – R (2)

Fruit by the foot is very sweet, but I have a bit of a sweet tooth some times, lol. I can understand why driving could stress you out it is very stressful some times, especially when you are stuck in traffic and suddenly you need to get three lanes over, (Ah freeways, my dear friend.) but I just like the freedom of it and it helps clear my head, especially night drives, when there are just so few people on the road. – R (3)

But, hmm, enough of my rambling, (I’ve already turned this into fours asks, omg I’m sorry) on to my music taste, it ranges quite dramatically. Though I tend to favor hip hop and rap, it all really just depends on my mood. I could also just listen to piano pieces on Spotify as well, lol, or get down with some pop music. I used to be a huge fan of Kpop, but now i only keep up with BTS. Another question, when did you start writing? – R (4)

Hey, friend, never worry about getting carried away. It’s fandom, it’s kind of what we do here lol. God, I love Meg. Like, so much you don’t even know. She was one of my favorite female characters on the show. I still try to include her in things when I can. And I definitely agree with you about Sam and Cas. They’re so supportive of each other and they really care and I just… I want more Sam and Cas nerd action. Like just the two of them reading ancient texts or writing their own references about the supernatural. I love it. 

Night driving can be fun. When I was a kid we used to visit family a lot and we used to have to drive through long stretches of highway in the middle of the night. It was cool but also really spooky. It felt like you could have been out there for hours or days or weeks for all you know because it all looks the exact same. I always loved it because it was a little creepy. In a way I almost think driving through nowhere is less scary than driving through the city at night. 

I don’t know much about Kpop but I have heard of BTS. A few of the folks I follow blog about them and they seem to have a lot of fun doing it. I love piano music, though. Have you ever played the piano or any other instrument? 

As to your question, I’ve pretty much always been writing. Before I could actually spell I used to draw “comics” and staple them together so I’ve pretty much always done it. When I was still in college my major was English with a concentration in Creative Writing, so that’s when I really got serious about doing it at a professional level but I’ve pretty much always done it. I’ve been writing fanfic since 2016.

Sadly, I’m going have to respond in more than one ask, tumblr and their silly ask limit is impeding on my response, Ah, I’m shaking my fist at you tumblr! Anyways, do you mind me asking for who your WIP is for? I’m sure it will do great on your blog, but it’s completely up to you with whatever you want to do. But I am going to have to make my way over to your ao3, by the way, to read more of your work, I’ve so far only seen what you have posted on tumblr. I’m very excited though. -R (1)

I found your blog on accident, but I stayed mainly for your Supernatural content, (But I do love most of your other posts to be honest.) You write for two of my favorite ships, Destiel and Sastiel, and Sastiel is such a rarity to come by, so I always like finding others who like them, regardless if it’s romantic or purely platonic. – R (2)

Hmm, my favorite color is probably a burgundy red. My favorite snack? It’s probably fruit by the foot, mainly because they remind me of my childhood and because I don’t eat them very often any more. Three things I can’t live without? I would have to say music, something to read, and my car. (I honestly love driving around.) What about yourself? Regarding the same three questions, but I’ll throw one in myself. What kind of music do you like? (Sorry about how many asks I sent, ah) – R (3)

Stupid tumblr lol! 

My latest WIP is called Bound and Tide. It’s a reylo selkie AU. It may or may not be what you’re expecting depending on what you’re expecting lol. I’ll probably wind up doing a picture thingy whatever you call it for the fic in a few weeks to promote it. 

I’m glad you’re interested in sastiel and destiel, though, because I do have a sastiel fic I’m going to be posting this month. It’s for the sastiel bb and my lovely artist @trisscar368 and I have been working on it for a few months. There’s also a DCJ fic I’m probably going to wind up posting this month as well, which is exciting. I haven’t really posted a lot this year and I’m happy to get back in the game. Sastiel is pretty rare, unfortunately, because I do love their dynamic. Platonic or romantic or something else entirely, I love Sam and Cas together. (Here’s a quick link to my ao3 btw) 

I used to love fruit by the foot as a kid. It’s a little too sweet for me now but it’s still a fun snack imo. And also, I’m glad you like driving! I’m really not a fan. I’d much rather catch rides or take the bus lol. It stresses me out. 

My favorite color is purple, my favorite snack is pretzel sticks, and I wouldn’t want to be without something to write on, Dr. Pepper, and my handy little fidget cube. As for you question, my musical tastes are all over the place. Spotify calls what I tend to listen to Nu-Modern and Folk, so idk what that amounts to (a lot of banjo is what it amounts to lol). Same question back at yuo, what do you like to listen to? 

Hello! That’s very nice of you to take your brother places, but I’m glad you got to relax that one day. I’m so happy to hear you got some writing done too! I bet it’s beautiful, whatever it is. Also, sorry I went MIA and didn’t answer back, I fell kind of into a rough spot, but I’m better now, and plan on talking to you more, if that’s alright. You seem really nice and I just really like your blog and writing- and oh I’m rambling, haha. -R

Thank you! I might wind up promoting it on my blog. It didn’t do as well as I would’ve liked but… that’s life right? It’s also a WIP so those are always unpredictable. I still like it though, so we’ll see what happens. 

It’s okay, anon. I’m sorry you had a rough spot and I’m glad to hear you’re doing better. I’m definitely up for chatting with you! You’re very sweet and I love getting to know new people. 🙂 

I am curious, though, which fandom are you following me for? Also, if you don’t mind, tell me some stuff about you? What’s your favorite color? Favorite snack food? Three things you don’t ever want to be without? 

I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better, that makes me happy. :) How was your day today, if you don’t mind me asking? (Hopefully I’m not bothering you, sorry if I am!) -R

You’re not bothering me at all, anon. No worries. 

I had a pretty good day. I got some writing done and didn’t have to *be* anywhere all day. (I’ve had to go places for like the past three weeks. Back and forth to pick my brother up from rehearsal and show nights, mostly.) It was nice. 🙂 

How was your day?