Sleepaway Camp(1983)

“Sleepaway Camp is an American slasher film franchise consisting of five films, one of which was not fully completed. The franchise primarily focuses on serial killer Angela Baker and the murders she commits, largely at summer camps.”

This is a cult classic that is rarely talked about due to the controversy of a child “trans” killer. I put trans in quotes because I am still unsure if that would be the correct term to use due to what happens to Angela prior to their killing spree. I’m torn about that. I understand why that’s the common take but, I don’t know. Something about the abuse is making me not want to use that term for them.

Anyway, this 1983 film has it all. Corny vintage dialog and graphics,pedo death, boys having a water balloon fight on a roof, family ties, bitter bitches that act like a 45 year old divorcée, inappropriate flirtation between a teen and a 50+ year old man, a drawn out baseball scene, a vintage style hetero bully dressed like a 2020 twink, bees, a mentally ill auntie, a horrifying final scene and 4 other movies that follow it but, in my opinion, 2-3 aren’t canon.

None of the other 4 films match the old campy energy you want when it comes to vintage slashers. Worse scripts and Angela’s character pops off too quickly on people compared to the first movie(and also played by another person in 2-3).

Is it problematic? I think so.

Would I recommend other people watch it? I have already.

If you like older campy slashers and want to see what the controversy is about, then by all means, watch it. There is rewatchability to it. Especially if you’re introducing it to someone who’s never seen it. Or just want to pick it apart.

I’d give it 7/10 red flags lol

The begining of the end for Peter Parker!

Disclaimer: We are not in the industry at any level, though many of us are avid read of the MM romance genre since its early days.

In light of recent scandals in the MM romance genre and the toxic reputation the community has gained it’s time to talk about the all but absent professional boundary between content providers and consumers. It’s something that has been present in the genre since the beginning.  

Many early authors published online for free for years, even decades. In the days of LJ communities, the line dividing fan from author was very thin. As they began to publish for pay, authors built a brand out of their personalities to draw a larger audience. These authors also did not have the benefit of agents or publishers to inform them of appropriate author behaviour online.

As a result of this early history, authors and readers now commonly interact on a friendly personal level. This solidarity is a definite selling feature of the genre. Yet that very transparency between author and reader can lead to an exploitative dynamic.

It can lead to authors publicly humiliating reviewers. It can lead to reviewers giving undeservedly low ratings. It fosters inner circles versus outer circles. It allows authors to publicly air their grievances with others in the industry. It empowers fans to attack others on their author’s behalf. Publishers, agents, and editors of the genre are complicit in this.

This is not to say an interactive relationship is inherently unethical. Most authors maintain healthy relationships with their readers. But the repetition of similar SH cases tells us that something about our community attracts this breed of predator. It is not really possible to prevent another SH as these predators are master manipulators. It is possible to change our environment to make it more difficult for the next SH, and to detect the next SH earlier at lesser cost to the future victims. The question becomes, how do we preserve the positives of our genre’s roots while inhibiting the ability of bad faith actors to manipulate and exploit?

The current state of affairs has consumer confidence at a low. Already, we see people dividing authors and reviewers into “good” and “bad” based on perceived moral virtue, informed by how they respond to the current situation. The problems with this approach are many and varied, not the least of which being further abuse and questions of sincerity. Compounding the matter is that some readers still believe in the myth that SH misrepresented themselves to be, and continue to attack others on SH’s behalf. None of this alters the root factors that allowed SH to flourish.

The community needs to change. An option is to adopt the code of conduct used by many other content providers. For an author, this means not publicly engaging with a bad review. It means not directing abuse at others in the community, and encouraging fans to do the same. This is even more important for publishers, editors, and agents, because they are also representing their company. In turn, fans need to reconsider the wisdom of attacking others to support an author. They should also understand that they are only entitled to what an author chooses to reveal. However, once that information is revealed, the author has given implicit permission for the consumer to ask further questions or discuss the subject. 

MM genre’s environment of cliques was a direct contributor to the long-term exploitation SH enacted upon countless victims. Further, this environment prevented victims’ stories from being believed for far too long. Finally, it made it possible for SH to launch a near-successful counterattack against their detractors. 

We have seen SH face the consequences of being dropped by their publishers and have their books refunded en masse. We have also seen readers turn against other industry professionals for their bad faith actions, and consumer confidence drop. To their credit, some of those in the wrong have worked to rectify themselves in various ways. In the end, this storm will blow over one way or another. Yet knowing that this is just another iteration in a long line of hauntingly similar stories, we acknowledge that something is broken here.

Hai già le coordinate,

ricava gli elementi.

19:00.

I used to have too much to say.  Lately I have had nothing to say.  Now I just say fuck it. This industry is in the shitter.  I really mean that.  This industry is about to implode and I can’t say that I’m not happy about it.  Here is my 2 cents for what it is worth. Between all of the accusations in the film industry of all of these producers making female actors do all sorts of crazy things to…

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Sin and Virtue: The Internet’s Secret Code

Okay, so not long ago, I put out a post (written in November, actually…) about the internet getting meaner. Since then, I’ve been wracking my brain about why it’s happening.

Then I developed a theory that made it all snap into place.

What makes someone end up as the main character on Twitter for a particular day?

It might be a subculture issue — for example, tabletop roleplay game (TTRPG) Twitter is pretty mad at Critical Role right now because their opening credits feature arguably colonialist imagery/fantasies, and some have argued that its Marquet setting is supporting/pushing orientalism. (Orientalism is the term for the Western artistic fascination with “The East,” conflating a whole mess of cultures that include everything from Anatolians and Turks to Egyptians and Iranians, all the way to to Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese cultural elements, and more.)

I can’t really debate this argument because I’m not a SWANA (South-West Asian and/or North African) or SEA (South-East Asian) person, but I would say that there’s only so much any particular work of media can do to unpack the entire legacy of colonialism. Change is always going to be incremental; even revolutions leave a lot of paperwork in their wake.

However, there is something interesting about a good-faith effort being taken as cynical, false, and ill-willed. It’s not the first time I’ve watched something like that happen, either — particularly on Twitter,which thrives on anger,because its algorithm says it has to.

So — just posting on Twitter to vent or be angry is kind of inherently dangerous on that basis alone — it’s more likely that you might go viral just when you’re vulnerable. Add in a mixture of people interacting in bad faith, and the recipe for conflict is already spicy. But what about people who see themselves as inherently just, or fighting for the right cause? Surely we’ve all been that person, who signal-boosted a conflict because it seemed important, or weighed in with their two cents. Sometimes, or frequently, the target of that ire may be a person or group with whom we usually would agree — except for this time, or a few other times, of course…

But why would we treat each other badly?

To survive in a system hostile to our existence, many marginalized people have to learn the art of reading subtext. People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and those who have survived trauma and/or abuse also tend to be members of marginalized groups — and reading the subtle tells of people acting abusively tends to train in hypersensitivity. Unfortunately, that hypersensitivity and the rampant lack of mental health care and resources means that many marginalised people are extremely jumpy, even around each other. The casual abuses of the world around us trains us to default to paranoid readings of the words and writing of mainstream culture. After all, being openly homophobic/queerphobic, openly racist, or openly discriminatory in other ways is punished socially, or at least awkward — but passive-aggression or more subtle jabs abound. Not noticing these things can be harmful to us, so unfortunately, we tend to default to paranoid readings of situations — even when creators, content makers, or other internet strangers are acting in good faith.

Good intentions, bad chemistry

Speaking of abusive or discriminatory environments, it’s also true that a lot of leftists in North America have come from culturally Christian backgrounds. Even if we’ve moved away from that lifestyle and religion, the logic and classification system remains in our minds — the moral hierarchy of goodness and badness, of evil and moral rightness. And unfortunately, that system is pretty lopsided and badly balanced. After all, we’re talking about the system of beliefs wherein — particularly for evangelical Christianity — anal sex is about on par with sexual assault; robbery with being overly proud of yourself; and murder, on par with masturbation.

“Wait, that’s not right!”

Well — that’s a complex topic, but technically, they’re all sins. Sure, some admit that not all sins are equally bad — but they’re all considered sinful. There’s more to it than that, sure, but from a lay-Christian perspective, the sin thing is persistent. We are all sinners before God, and ultimately, only He can forgive us — so the rhetoric goes.

Now substitute in “problematic” for the word “sinful.” Suddenly, certain behavioural patterns make an uncomfortable amount of sense. There is also no God-figure or representational stand-in, such as a priest or pastor, to act as a forgiver or mediator of transgressions for those of us in the social justice sphere. There is the crowd — whose reactions are cherry-picked by the algorithm to show their worst side — and that’s about it. Thus, we may turn to the crowd in hopes of forgiveness, but without leaders (or even a belief in leadership), that just results in a wall of diverse opinions.

So what comes next? Do we need secular forgiveness-priests?

I’m not saying we need leaders or arbiters of forgiveness, because that’s inherently a system of power that seems both ineffective and dangerous, but it’s worth being conscious of our roots so that we can understand the flaws in our own rhetoric and belief structures.

And hey, it’s a lot easier to be less suspicious of others when we understand the flaws and dangers of our own perspectives — and the way our mental health issues and backgrounds colour our perspective. Slowing down and giving others the benefit of the doubt takes time, practice, and discipline — but once the habit is created, life becomes so much more relaxing.

***

Michelle Browne is a sci fi/fantasy writer and editor. She lives in Lethbridge, AB with her partners-in-crime and their cats. Her days revolve around freelance editing, knitting, jewelry, and learning too much. She is currently working on other people’s manuscripts, the next books in her series, and drinking as much tea as humanly possible.

Find her all over the internet: * OG Blog*Mailing list*Magpie Editing*Amazon*Medium*Twitter*Instagram*Facebook*Tumblr*Paypal.me*Ko-fi

I’m going to dispense a bunch of advice that I wish both I had heard when I was younger and on the internet, and that I think younguns on the internet could benefit from hearing.

It costs nothing to mind your own damn business.

Why do men?

That’s it. That’s the question.

BIGGEST KINK: being given reassurance without asking for it.

Like fuck, let me just open my legs real quick.

It’s 2020 boys. Almost 2021.

Eather out under the desk while she’s having a business call.

Lether sit on your face while she plays video games with her friends online.

That pleasure isn’t just for you. We want it too.

Just a friendly reminder for newcomers:

• Misogyny/misogynistic behavior IS NOT allowed on this page. I will not tolerate it.
• IWILL NOT allow racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, etc.
• I will not tolerate disrespect against myself or other mutuals. Fuck off.
• No slut shaming is allowed. You will be blocked.
• Absolutely no body shaming on this page. I WILL NOT stand for it.
• No patriotic bigots allowed. You can all fuck off royally.
• DO NOT message me asking for nudes. I’m not giving up the goods so see your way out.
• DO NOT SEND ME UNSOLICITED DICK PICS. I WILL BLOCK YOU.
• I will not allow disrespect against other religions and life decisions on my page. You’re entitled to your opinion, yes but you’re also just as entitled to shut the fuck up as well. Keep the second half of that sentence in mind.
• My inbox is always open! If you need someone to talk to or if you want help with something you can just inbox me anonymously or publicly (your choice). I’m always down to answer questions for those who are curious about who I am. Wishing everyone love, peace and happiness! Stay healthy and stay safe. Love you guys!

Damned If You Don’t, Damned If You Do

“Because when you give a damn, the damn will eventually damn you.”

— written by @lustfulawakenings (me) ✨

Pandemic

“This was the year of death. It knocked on doors of loved ones, leaving their homes hollow and cold as gravestones.”

— written by @lustfulawakenings (me) ✨

Fake Love

“Love is fake. Just ask my parents.”

— written by @lustfulawakenings (me) ✨

So much beauty and grace in all different shades, shapes, sizes and style in one video. I love seeing my people flourishing and just being simply magical all the time ✨. I want to see this all the time with my people and everyone else of color. Embrace your magic.

Good Girls

Good girls like me

go to hell because

we dance with demons

who wear charming smiles

and have persuasive hands

— written by @lustfulawakenings (me) ✨

Important Things To Remember:

• Do not stay where you are not welcomed.
• Don’t drain yourself to appease others.
• Taking care of yourself is NOT SELFISH.
• Don’t let them make you feel bad about something you are happy/excited about.
• Stop doubting yourself. People notice when you do and some will feed off of your insecurities and gamble with them. DO NOT give them that power. Even if you have to fake it, walk with confidence and make your words firm (even if you might be wrong. If you say it with strength, some will start to believe you too). Eye contact is hard for a lot of people but keeping a decent amount of eye contact can intimidate some people very easily. Use that to your advantage (I do it a lot). Fake it till you make it.
• It’sYOUR BODY do whatever the fuck you want with it. No matter your gender or sexuality. It’s not about them, it’s about you.
• Do not let them silence you. If you have to scream at the top of your lungs to be heard when you are forced to be silent then do it!
• Breathe. Yes, you read that right. Remember to breathe. In through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s okay.
• Love yourself first before loving someone else.
• Don’t try to find happiness in other people. You’ll only hurt yourself in the end. You have every right to be happy. Don’t ruin that chance by depending on others for your happiness. They’re not responsible for that. Hurts to hear for some people but I promise, it’s the truth.
• NO ONE IS WORTH THE TEARS OR PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPIRITUAL PAIN. GET RID OF THE BAD ENERGY IMMEDIATELY EVEN IF ITS HARD, IT WILL BE WELL WORTH IT IN THE END!!!
• Protect you inner peace. Misery loves company. Don’t accept that invitation. Do not give them that satisfaction of seeing you crack under pressure. You’re better than that.

P. S.

— love you guys and thank you so much for all the likes and reblogs on my pinned post. I’m glad I could have so many of you relate to it and share it with others. Take care of yourselves and stay hydrated! Get plenty of rest or at least TRY to. ❤️