Connections between Microlabels, Identity, and OCs by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
Connections between Microlabels, Identity, and OCs
Alternate title: My Generation is Obsessed with Trait Attribution
The simplistic thing is to say my generation is obsessed with identity.
I would say they're obsessed more with traits. This is more broad because it can include fictional personalities as well. For example, it's not a coincidence that my generation is the one that constantly creates original characters (called OCs, if you're out of touch).
Almost everyone my age or younger says they're working on a story at some point, whether it be a book, a comic, or just in their head. I say "says" because for the most part, they're really not. They're just creating characters. And they d
Stop Writing Awful Girl Characters by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
Stop Writing Awful Girl Characters
There seems to be some confusion (from liberals and conservatives alike) about what girls are and aren’t. I’m not a feminist, but there is one thing that I think is actually sexist. It’s one issue I do have some sympathy for, and it’s that:
The way girls are portrayed in media is extremely alienating and tedious and looking at our culture, I think it did cause a lot of problems.
I’m bringing this up because it (1. Is bad writing (2. legitimately causes some problems in our culture. I mean that sometimes people believe the superficial stereotypes are girly instead of actual girly things and I’m sick of it.
Hazbin Hotel Review (ignorant and sick series) by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
Hazbin Hotel Review (ignorant and sick series)
Yes, this post is going to say some things that are negative. Some will dislike it solely on that basis. I only care about saying what needs to be said.
Before continuing, I want to clarify that Vivziepop is an extremely talented animator who deserves a lot of credit as do all those involved with producing her cartoon. This review has nothing to do with her as a person, and I wish her the best no matter how harsh I might sound about other things.
That said, we can’t be afraid to tell the truth just because someone is fun or nice or put a lot of work into something. With the internet, sometimes it’s hard for us to separate the cre
The 'It's Just My Style' Myth by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
The 'It's Just My Style' Myth
Saying "it's just my style," is an excuse. It's a thought terminating cliche, which is completely meaningless and should be thrown in the trash.
There are reasons we make choices. If you can't explain your reasons, you don't know what you're doing.
There are rules in every type of art. Here are some examples:
Drawing: color theory, composition, lighting, anatomy, perspective, etc.
Writing: Grammar, structure, character development, etc.
A real style either conforms to these rules or breaks them purposefully. Someone can't break rules purposefully if they don't understand them. It's obvious when an artist isn't achieving that for which they
Tolstoy vs. Tolkien by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
Tolstoy vs. Tolkien
Disclaimer: this isn't a fully edited essay. It's more of an unfinished compilation of notes. I have no conclusion on this topic, only observation.
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You can contrast Tolkien and Tolstoy in a few useful ways. At the risk of exaggerating or simplifying it’s interesting to look at their differences as a contrast between:
Humanism vs. Fantasy
Universal vs. Particular
Archetype vs. Stereotype
Empathy vs. Sympathy
The Tolstoyan narrator is very objective and does not give his opinion to be quirky or whimsical. Things are how they are. He is also very honest and does not skate around some mean parts of life.
Old Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus review by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
Old Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus review
This is a book I enjoy, but don't highly respect.
I'm in a predicament. There seem to be two types of books these days.
On one hand, there are the sort that are ethically and logically fulfilling, but fail to inspire for lack of character.
On the other hand, we have those that aim to shock and impress us, but are all character, and have no foundation.
Aristotle said that in a story pity is inspired by unmerited misfortune to a man like ourselves.
On this note, I believe we ought to be able to relate to the situation; at the same time, I think we need something worth relating to.
In my art class, the teacher makes us draw gestures before
Why People Hate Rainbow Ponies by MakingFunOfStuff, literature
Literature
Why People Hate Rainbow Ponies
or
In Defense of the Word 'Cringey'
This isn't a contradiction of the popular argument against bullying individual artists. It's an elaboration on why the issue is more complicated.
Let's get passed the "live and let live" formalities, and admit some people have negative opinions. Not everybody agrees certain types of art are harmless. This is an explanation of why the sides exist, so we can get to the root of the matter and admit it's not about rainbow ponies. I don't support attacking individuals. I do support posting general criticism against specific trends or tropes. I believe in objectivity.
This is a war of personal philosophies, n
Modern storytelling might be summed up as all bones and no meat. We fail to realize the reasons types of stories originated and are content to reproduce shells in long want of souls. We imitate mistakes for nostalgia's sake, but the time has come to stop and think about what we're not doing.
The first step is to distinguish between different aspects of our stories, which are frequently blurred together and put under blanket terms. For instance when we describe a story as sarcastic we might be attributing that adjective to any aspect of the story, and not all sarcastic stories are the same. There's a difference between a story that has sarcas