twelve [written/action] | Saturday at a less silly time

[imatreenow]

[It isn't easy, having your eyes pried open and forced to look at a truth you never wanted to see. A few days have passed since Martel looked straight at him and explained that what he had done was wrong, and each minute since then as crawled by slowly, weighed down with tension. Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong... The word echoes off the walls of Mithos's gutted heart. He doesn't know what to do or how to feel or what to think. He has spent the past four thousand years trying to organize his world according to strict formulas - it's the only way to get by without being crushed underneath the weight of reality. If it is a human, it can never be trusted; if someone disagrees with him, he lashes out against them; etc. This is where he stumbles. He can't hate his sister. He can't be angry with her. He just can't...it defies everything he knows. So he's left with nowhere to go.

The only coherent thought he can piece together is that he has to prove himself right. Then everything will fall back into place, and Martel will agree with him, like she is supposed to... He also has his own ridiculous uncertainties to finally quell. He opens his journal, pen poised. With his left hand, he covers the journal's camera; no picture will appear with this transmission, only darkness.]

[WRITTEN | filtered away from Yuan; Raine and Lloyd's other groupies; and, as a bizarre afterthought, Martel - 100%]

With this being one world composed from many different ones, it is inevitable that there exists a high level of diversity. Even in each world, different races and groups of people inhabit the land, and predictably, prejudices rise up across groups. Discrimination follows on its heels.

I find myself curious: how would you paint the situation in your own world?

What are your own thoughts toward those who are different from yourself? What are your personal experiences with discrimination and prejudice?

[ACTION]

[And later, Mithos quietly slips outside; he can't stay cooped up in the house much longer. His confusion is suffocating. Martel feels so far away even though she's under the same roof, and it just hurts. He sticks to the edges of town, hoping to avoid anyone and everyone. Doesn't mean he'll have any luck with that, though.]

Comments

[Written]

[memoryboxes]

[Oh what a coincidence that she replies to this very thing. But she's getting rather fidgety, today; this means lots of talking. :|]

I'm not sure what the situation in my world is... nor what races may live there...

[Hmmm, she leans her pen to her chin for a moment. Tap, tap.]

Though I'd like to think people are good to each other.

[Written] 1/2

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[His hand hesitates over the page. Of all people... She's the reason for those preposterous doubts; the person whose face and voice haven't left him alone for months. He almost doesn't reply, not knowing what to expect with her. Not wanting to risk treading back to everything he felt that morning...]

[Written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[No, there can be no doubts. Everything needs to be set straight, including this.]

What would make you think that?

[mallbabe.livejournal.com]

[ this is a downer note to come home to. ]

There's a lot of discrimination back home. Where I'm from, if you look different or can do something special you're not going to be too well liked. They call those people us mutants.

But I think that we can change that? Already there have been a lot of people changing their minds about things. It's mostly just fear because they're getting all their information from the sort of bozos who want to keep everyone else down.

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

['Mutants'...that's one he hasn't heard. But special abilities, physical appearances...yes, it's the same.]

People have always feared and rejected those who are different, especially when power is involved. The group that has claimed to be the standard needs an excuse to keep themselves above the others, and they resort to hatred as their weapon.

Do you honestly believe you can trust people who have claimed to change? It is easy to fabricate lies and deceit.

voice

[risingwinds.livejournal.com]

I never had a problem with discrimination. I've met all kinds of people. Talking mice and ducks, aliens, princesses and fairies. They're all my friends.

[A beat.]

The way I see it, it doesn't matter what you are; it's who you are that counts.

written

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[...This response makes him want to punch something. So ignorant it's sickening, really.]

Don't be so naive. People are so blinded by their prejudices that they don't bother to look any deeper.

[Written]

[shadedsunlight]

There's a fair bit of discrimination in my world; classism, sexism, racism, homophobia. You name it, there's probably someone against it.

But for all the people out there who hate someone else for whatever reason, there's all the people who accept others regardless of their race, sexual orientation, or where they come from.

I've had my fair share of discrimination. It hurts, but I've learned to shrug it off. Some people don't change. Others just need to learn a little.

[Written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

Acceptance is an illusion. Some just like to think they are above the pettiness of intolerance.

Change, too, is a naive impossibility. What evidence do you have that people are capable of learning? [because he's seen thousands of years tick by without any improvement]

[action]

[shiningbinds.livejournal.com]

[action] 1/2 woo hoo

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[He's mostly trying not to think, because every thought that finds its way into his head is one he hates. Focus on his own footsteps, the sky, the clouds, the trees, anything--

The presence of mana.

Mithos stops. Because while this strong presence is one with which he is very familiar, it is also one he has not felt in a while.]

[action]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[His eyes dart, landing on exactly who he expected. Exactly who he doesn't want to see here. Does Martel know? Why didn't she warn-- ...No, he's better off not asking himself those questions. He might not want to know the answers. It might start hurting all over again.

He doesn't say anything, nor does he move any closer. It isn't necessary to address a worthless traitor with anything more than a glare.]

[written] - i need an edit button

[sketchingideals]

Well... sometimes people get bullied where I'm from, but for a lot of different reasons. I like to think most of the bullies grow out of it...

I guess the biggest example of specific discrimination I've personally seen is against people who can use elemental-based powers. Even though there's not a lot of it, it always upsets me. I really don't understand what's so different about any of us. I think there's a lot more important things people should be worried about than differences between us that aren't even that big!

[written] /pets

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

People have never been adept in looking past differences and seeing the larger picture. They see only what their fear allows them to see, what they can exploit to boost themselves higher.

[Voice]

[blessedbyfarore]

[The sounds of the carnival can be heard behind Link - he's taking a quick breather.]

There's lots of different types of people in Hyrule, and I think everyone gets on well. [They don't - but Link has never actually seen that. Have the fluffy version.] The Gorons even accepted me as an honourary brother even though I'm a Hylian!

And I really like seeing all sorts of people here.

[written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[There's something familiar about this person; Mithos is sure they've spoken before. ...Yes...yes, he remembers your naivety.]

How do you know the Gorons won't betray you when it serves them best?

[ voice ]

[lunas]

Hmm.. It really depends on what you think that people who are 'different from yourself' are, but I don't think there's any reason to treat those people differently as well!

[ A pause as she seems to think about it. ] Everyone should deserve equal chances at least, right?

[written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

There is a vast gap between what "should" be and what actually is. People find reasons to treat others differently, based on nothing more than fear and suspicions.

written - LJ IS BEING A BUTT AND I THINK I MAY HAVE TRIPLE-POSTED this is the actual thing sob

[antlioncyclone.livejournal.com]

[...This deserves a nice, long, thought-out response.]

In my own world, there are humans and Pokemon. Humans use their intelligence to create things, and that is how they survive. Pokemon naturally have powers which they use to fight other creatures, and that is how they survive. Humans and Pokemon apart may live out their lives entirely, but that is not how my world is. Pokemon trust humans to guide them in growing stronger and fulfilling their potential, and humans trust Pokemon to help them do what they cannot on their own.

Where there is power, someone will try to control it. Many Pokemon suffer at the hands of humans who exploit them and their abilities. Powerful, legendary Pokemon are hunted down by the undeserving to be used as "ultimate weapons".

The whole of nature is indifferent. Humans must do what they can to fight for themselves, or be wiped out carelessly. Their society must obey the whims of Pokemon so it will not be destroyed.

There are always some who see the truth, human and Pokemon. Pokemon of the wilds guard villages and whole regions, and are revered, respected, and cared for. Humans despise the abusers and exploiters of Pokemon among them, and treat them as they would treat murderers. For every offense, there will be more who do everything possible to mend the trust between humans and Pokemon, so that they continue to thrive together.

That is how my world is.

[....filtered]

I am a Pokemon, and I would have been used by humans to destroy cities and spread fear if things had gone just a bit differently. As it is, I must keep myself hidden to prevent those same humans from finding me again. But I have human allies who I put my full trust in, who are the most kind and most honorable creatures I have ever met.

written | filtered - haha no worries :)

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[He certainly remembers you. Poring over this with great interest, looking for what he expects to see, eyeing some parts with sharp dubiousness. Especially that filtered part - for ease he locks the entire response against others.]

On what basis do you trust these human allies? They could easily turn on you as other humans have done before. Perhaps your power is the only reason they keep you around at all. You even admitted yourself, humans will always flock to power and try to harness it to their own advantage. It would seem foolish to place trust in the very same beings.

[Voice]

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

Discrimination will always exist as long as there's fear; that's just how it is. Some people can rise above it and not fall into the trap, others cannot. And, it can be argued, in some cases, it could be justified, depending on the actions of the group or individual being discriminated against. Certainly, if they're a danger to the group that fears them, then it's within their best survival instincts to encourage distrust and an urge to keep away.

By the same token, as an individual, people should be able to discern the difference between a healthy fear and blind hatred of anything resembling what causes the fear. In the first, you learn to avoid, and possibly also to accept the exceptions to the rule. In the second, you'll simply lash out if you cannot escape, which can cause a lot of unnecessary fear, hurt, new hatred and destruction.

Personally, I take people as they come; the exception to this is a type of monster on my own world, which preys on my species with no regard and with little restraint. It's my job to go after these monsters, and so I do. By the same token, I've met variations of the species here in Luceti from other worlds, who don't have the same...disregard for anything other than their own kind. And so I leave them alone when I meet them.

[written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

Rules exist in order to make sense of the world. If there are glaring exceptions, what purpose does the rule serve? If distrust serves to protect against those who are a danger, would it not be foolish to assume that exceptions exist and risk storing trust in an individual?

[...hmm] If variations of one particular species exist here, do you think it possible that variations of others could exist as well? [troubling; he wants things to be simplified, clarified, not complicated.]

1/2 voice. because mun can definitely read words definitely.

[one-green-eye.livejournal.com]

[The filter is noted with interest; the question even more so. He observes a few answers, before adding his own. The sentiment of the anonymous stranger is a very familiar one, and always worth answering if there's a chance it's not an inflexible one.]
Most living creatures are afraid of things that are different-- human or otherwise. Wild animals and usually rational people will often behave the same way, confronted by something they don't understand. Something different or confusing might threaten instability, and in cases like that fear often turns to anger, or violence.

[a sigh, and smoke mixed with it] Seldom for a good end.

2/2 ....and nothing of value was lost.

[one-green-eye.livejournal.com]

[his tone grows a little more pointed-- but if it's because he's imagining visions of the demon of rage in Moro's world-- or a bruised woman in a room full of shattered glass-- that's his business]

But Luceti is different. Here the same race that might have been the persecutor in one world, might be the persecuted of another. And in some cases, that same race might come from some rare place where prejudice and violence are completely unfamiliar.

[a pause, another thread of smoke exhaled] So maybe our personal experiences don't amount to much here, at all.

[Written]

[honorthecode.livejournal.com]

My family, myself and one other are the only mutants on our world. The rest of the population are humans. We're seen as monsters or aliens, having to hide from them. Two alien invasions haven't helped our situation.

Despite this. We do have a few friends at home that are human. Despite this, we always helped any humans that were in need.

[Written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

['Mutants' again. Interesting.] What would compel you to help humans who think so lowly of you?

[action]

[falenandawn]

[Sometime while Mithos is out and about, he might spot Frey heading into community building 4, of all places, with a bag bulging with... stuffed toys.]

[action]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[He's coming out of the woods near the front of the building when he sees Frey slip through the doors. Mithos knows which building this is - he's been there before, that time Kaori was sick and he had kept her company. His eyes narrow as a dozen suspicions arise immediately. But he hesitates.

He's hurt and confused, and the confusion aggravates his bitterness. A part of him would gladly trade Kaori's understanding if it meant that Martel could see eye to eye with him. That she could see what his own sister could not... Of course he doesn't resent Kaori, he resents...he isn't sure what exactly. Maybe that's the problem: there's nowhere to put all the resentment he feels. ...He can't let her get hurt, though. He's sure of that. She's been hurt enough, and if he can do something to prevent it, then he will.

So he silently follows Frey inside.]

[Written]

[whatdeheckisdat]

[Guess who isn't one of Lloyd's groupies?]

My world consists entirely of a single sentient race, and so discrimination by species is not a problem. But there will always be those who choose to discriminate using other criteria, such as income or social class.

I have, however, been to worlds where people of differing races despise and distrust each other, and no amount of time seems to change it. Perhaps it is merely the ridiculous scope of their existence among worlds, but humanity in particular seems to be notorious for its inability to accept those who differ from themselves.

[Look at all that. Mithos has actually caused Dhaos to think about this.]

[Written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[...He hadn't thought about you. He'll have to be careful, to avoid making his identity obvious. He can't be sure of how much Dhaos knows about him.]

I am from one such world. The humans there like to think themselves better than all others. They have declared their own race to be the standard, while all others are abnormal and therefore inferior.

[He stares long and hard at the first part, though. A single race - angels, of course. The Derris-Kharlan of the future is a close replication of the world he had attempted to bring into existence on Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. There shouldn't be discrimination of any sort...] Elaborate on the discrimination you see in your own world.

[Written]

[tsuntrader]

[...Normally, he isn't one to respond to these and can settle on just browsing through the comments, but... Hm. He'll at least obscure his little image with a glove. No need to let his face identify his opinion in a place with a bunch of dangerous individuals of all kinds of unknown shapes, sizes, powers, and mentalities.]

Any living being can help or hurt any other living being, regardless of species.

[Written]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[...How clever, for the responder to obscure his own picture. It takes away some of the comfort that comes with knowing precisely to whom he's speaking while knowing his own identity is secure, but...no matter.]

Would you care to elaborate?

[Action]

[knightofratatosk]

[Perhaps unfortunately for Mithos, Emil is out taking his chimera for a walk when he spots the other boy. He's hesitant to call out to him after their last few encounters, but Sial makes that choice for him by bounding over to say hello.]

[Action]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[Very unfortunately for Mithos. He all but ignores the creature bounding at his heels, glancing down only to give it an annoyed look. But-- Handy thing, the ability to sense mana is. He focuses to pinpoint the strange presence nearby, realizing he's felt it before. It's not difficult to remember, with so few from his own world here. But he gives no acknowledgement, nor does he stop in spite of the eager chimera following along.]

[Action]

[lezareno_prez]

[How ironic, that Regal should encounter Mithos not long after discussing the entire situation with Sheena. Not that he'll let any of that on, of course, but it does make him more wary than he would be otherwise, and thus he's remaining on heightened guard as he gives a nod of greeting to the other. Still, he'll be pleasant, at least for the time being.]

It's been a while.

[Action]

[imatreenow.livejournal.com]

[He had taken note of the other's presence, and, having no desire to meet with one of them (especially now, of all times), attempted to change routes. No such luck, when Regal greets him. His footsteps halt. He gives a stony glare, hand already straying to the weapon at his side.]

What do you want?