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Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Talk Nobody Talks

When a writer writes, the urge comes from within. Whether it is because it is their story or a story that needs to be told, the story doesn't choose the person. It speaks volumes on what the writer has experienced. There are many stories out there. Some are interesting; some are adventurous; some are fiction; and some are real. So real, the story itself sounds unbelievable at first. Much like how people disbelieve ghost stories and other horrors, but they are horribly real. Writing a book takes more than simply typing on the computer all day. It is a journey itself. A writer writes because they feel the need to tell a story. Any story they know that might matter to someone. Someone who has been to hell and back, or need guidance to prevent from venturing off to that hell. Their characters are just as human as the people around them. The writer sends their characters off on a journey, no matter what it is. They have just as much opportunities as we do, but that doesn't mean they get a happy ending.
People do want their own happy endings. Some do truly believe they deserve the best out of everything they have accomplished. Of course, some do, but not everyone can get what they ask for. Not even for the simplest of wishes. No character can truly be laid off the hook without something happening them. There has to be a reason why there is a story. Otherwise, why write one when nothing happens? There has to be some sort of conflict. Without conflict, there wouldn't be any lesson to learn from. How can people identify characters if there isn't any difference? What are some characteristics that people should avoid, or that the person can relate to? What values should people have and shouldn't have? How do people get their own beliefs? It is something to think about. Especially when some books has been banned over the years.
I'm not here to lecture on how important some of those books are (which they are), but I am here to talk about some of the things I've seen and heard. I love movies. I love television shows. I have read quite a few books, but I have never seen the danger of any of them. They all tell a story. They teach people a lesson. No matter how fictional the story is, the most realistic feature they all contain are the characters. They have their own strengths, weaknesses, and conflicts. They have their own personalities and values. They have their own thoughts and actions. With these certain type of characters, the story deserves to be told.
Although, some of those stories are unforgiving. Some people can be sensitive about certain subjects, which they might believe that those certain subjects should be taught by a parent or guardian or someone close. It is okay to learn right at home, but sometimes people aren't exactly around or available to teach those subjects. And these are some of the most important subjects to be taught: rape, suicide, and mental disorders. There is one show I thought was interesting and original. I never really read the book at all, but I know that I have seen it laying around the house before. I am surprised that I never read it during middle school or high school. The show I am referring to is 13 Reasons Why. The Netflix original series that had people talking for some time. Some of the articles I would see, basically, dismantled the overall story. I watched it with my older sister, who read the book, and we did talk about those subjects for a moment. However, what the articles have said struck my nerves. I kept it all to myself until now.
When thinking back on this show, there were brutal visual depictions of these subjects taking place within the show. I didn't mind the show's direction. The story was phenomenal. There are different characters with entirely different personalities and beliefs. It is everything a story needs. Unfortunately, there are people who criticized the show for being too graphic and realistic. One article saying that the show "glorifies" suicide. I may not have those sources at hand, but please hear me out.
When I started watching this show, never have I seen anything relating to glorifying suicide. Suicide is not something to joke about. It is a serious matter that needs to be addressed. There has been awareness to this subject, but who actually delivers the message? Who actually teaches this? If only the parents and guardians are the only ones to teach this subject, then what would happen to the children who doesn't have the same opportunities? Especially when people talk about rape. Rape happens on a regular bases. It is unspeakable for men, women, and children. It can happen to anyone at any given time, and place. This is hard for me to say this because it is the terrible truth. Rape is still a major problem. It doesn't matter what you wear; what you say; what you do. Anyone can be a victim. There is no easy way to explain how dark this subject can be, but it is extremely important to know what to look for to avoid that conflict. Even then, who knows what might really happen. I do not want to say that people should accept the way things are, let it happen, and get it over with. That is not how I want the world to become. Situations like that should not be acceptable in any way, shape, or form. It is hard enough to live life to the fullest when there are many obstacles ahead. Rape may be indescribable and painful to relive it when speaking out, but no one else should be a victim. Mental disorders, too, should be taught so that people can get help. People should have a better understanding and be open-minded when meeting other people with mental disabilities. I never met anyone who has been affected by depression or suicidal thoughts until my junior year of high school. I never saw scarring like I had seen on this person. My older sister had scars, but she grooms dogs. So of course I thought that this person got clawed by a cat or dog. I can't even describe how awkward our interaction went. I was stunned. I couldn't say anything to avoid getting her sad. She told me the short summary of what happened, including what was going on at the time. I didn't mean to involve myself into her life and her problems. It was something I wasn't familiar with, nor had any experience being in that situation.
It's books like 13 Reasons Why I wish people should allow to let these stories be told. The effects they could have on people can change their perspectives on these types of situations. Some books can save lives, and some can give people a better understanding what it feels to be these specific types of characters. Overall, it is the lesson people ought to learn about. It's one of the most important mechanisms of what writing is about.

Monday, July 10, 2017

First Impressions

There are times when a writer needs to write; to type; to rant. The majority of the time they need to release their energy. Some of that energy has been accumulated over a significant amount of time, but has no where to be released. Some writers hide their words from the world; from their friends; from their families. Sometimes it is best to not be criticized, nor raise conflicts between certain parties. However, sometimes the best safe havens are the ones that can connect with the world to solve problems. Well, maybe not the entire world, but with certain people who do have those connections. I never would have thought to write anything online like any "normal" person would do. Since I feared of being criticized, and to eventually see what painful words strangers might say. Sometimes a leap of faith is needed. Taking this giant step is nerve-wrecking. I wanted to do this for a long time, but my fear kept me from moving forward. But how long will I realize there is nothing to fear?
First impressions are always important. There are people who do not reveal themselves entirely to others. They don't want to be judged right away as someone they're not, or be mistaken as being one person than who they truly identify as. I remember being distant from strangers. I have always kept to myself until it was finally time for me to be myself. I was weird, there's no denying it, but not enough that people would run away from me. Weird enough to be mysterious, I guess. I'm not quite sure what people thought of me, not absolutely. I was the one who would listen, give advice if needed, and cared for others. I was the one who befriended anyone who were bullied or shoved off to the side. I am still the person who wants to help people. Sure there are institutions and organizations that are supposed to help those in need, and there is a government system to serve the people, but it's not enough.
The humanitarians of this world are truly remarkable. The willingness to go out of their way to help each other for the greater good is outstanding. Just knowing of what they've done to help, I imagine they get that feeling when they've done something good and it melts their heart and sends chills throughout their body. It only takes one person to make a difference. If one person helps another, there are going to be others who are willing to help others as well. Sometimes I wonder how the world would be if people truly care for one another, and how can something like that be possible. A world of peace may be just a fantasy that everyone dreams of, but I believe such things are possible. Yes, there are many reasons why this shouldn't be, why it may never come to that, and the consequences that follow. It doesn't mean we shouldn't try to make it work. It's not like there is a law or a death sentence that prevents us from being helpful.
Despite everything good that comes to this world, there are far more sinister things that lurks beneath. I prefer to stay on the positive side of certain aspects when ranting on to strangers, but most of everything I know about this world are the negatives. Corruption; abuse; neglect; crime; ignorance; selfishness; war; and others are all the reasons why this world sucks. Even though there are more good things to look forward to in life, but these aren't forgiving. Everyone has an opinion, and there are people who does want to fix these things. Others, not so much. Again, this is partly why I haven't really said anything. I rather not have people slash each other with vile, vicious words. Not to me and not to anyone. I don't want to cause problems, nor should anyone start causing problems. There are enough problems in the world, neither me or anyone reading this should be one. We all should be solving problems, not causing them. Yes, one problem can multiply into several other problems just as much as resolutions can cause problems. It's a never ending cycle. Nothing can be as stable as we want it to be. The world was founded on chaos. Everything in its nature is just as beautiful as it is dangerous.
It's hard for me to figure out what I want to do with my life because of these situations. I want to be there for my family, friends, and future co-workers. I want to help out with whatever I can and give to those in need. However, how can I help those in need when I can't help myself? I may be caring and a loyal friend, but my mind is a terrible gift. My heart and soul may be blessed with everything I have, it is just my own thoughts working against me. Some days are more stressful than others, and some days are full of sunshine and rainbows. There is nowhere in between. Not to mention that there are those half-days when it's all good, then it goes straight to disaster. The majority of the time I can make any situation complicated than it needs to be. 
I am my own enemy. I am who I am because the world allows it to influence me in ways nobody can imagine. The people and all the incoming information allows me to be open-minded and skeptical. I love learning new things, whether it enhances my understanding of people and their culture or helps me to accept the ways of the human race. I love the arts and their messages. I love the passion and determination people go through. I love that there are people still fighting for what is right for the good of the people. Strangely, I love this life I live. It may not be the fantasy I once dream of, but it is the one I have and it is probably the only one I will ever have. I don't know the exact words that I can describe as to how I really feel about my life. I may never know how to explain myself in ways people could understand. But, isn't that what writing is about? Trying to explain your own story even if it is difficult to explain? All of those metaphors; symbols; foreshadowing; are all techniques to visually explain certain situations. How else could people explain the war inside of them without using the terms "depression" or "anxiety?" How else could they make people understand and visualize what is going on? Despite every struggle, there are stories out there that are far beyond the word "incredible." Every story deserves to be heard. Every story should be told. Every story isn't just a story. Stories are started with a drop of ink.