endsthegame (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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fandomhigh2013-07-15 12:37 pm
endsthegame) wrote in fandomhigh2013-07-15 12:37 pm
Entry tags:
Practical Philosophy, Monday
It was downright balmy out today, which frankly was a first for Ender's class - he was more used to having to watch the skies for sudden attacks of rainstorms or the like. Not that that ever stopped him, but still: it was nice not to have to worry about.
He walked in and sat down when everyone had settled, putting the bag of sandwiches down in the middle of the group. "So," he said. "Last Friday, most of us encountered an old Fandom classic - bursting into song whether we like it or not. Usually not."
He stretched out his legs. "Now there's a lot of discussion about art, expression, of which music is a part. Many have argued that a well-developed civilization needs art, to get people to better themselves - the paternalistic approach - or because expression is a fundamental part of human nature. It is, I suppose: we all express ourselves in our own ways, whether it be through song or painting or macaroni sculptures."
Ender paused, looking wry. "Of course," he said, "You could argue that what happened last Friday was more a 'spewing forth', an unpleasant regurgitation of your or someone else's expression that you didn't intend and didn't ask for. Is it still self-expression when it's done at metaphorical gunpoint? And something that I wondered about - is there a point to doing it, voluntarily or not, in front of someone you've already shared yourself with? Or is it freeing to just... sing out what's on your mind, without social filters, but with an easy excuse to blame it on?"
He walked in and sat down when everyone had settled, putting the bag of sandwiches down in the middle of the group. "So," he said. "Last Friday, most of us encountered an old Fandom classic - bursting into song whether we like it or not. Usually not."
He stretched out his legs. "Now there's a lot of discussion about art, expression, of which music is a part. Many have argued that a well-developed civilization needs art, to get people to better themselves - the paternalistic approach - or because expression is a fundamental part of human nature. It is, I suppose: we all express ourselves in our own ways, whether it be through song or painting or macaroni sculptures."
Ender paused, looking wry. "Of course," he said, "You could argue that what happened last Friday was more a 'spewing forth', an unpleasant regurgitation of your or someone else's expression that you didn't intend and didn't ask for. Is it still self-expression when it's done at metaphorical gunpoint? And something that I wondered about - is there a point to doing it, voluntarily or not, in front of someone you've already shared yourself with? Or is it freeing to just... sing out what's on your mind, without social filters, but with an easy excuse to blame it on?"
Re: Talk to the TA
Would it be rude to ask what drugs Sparkle was on?
Re: Talk to the TA
"So, the same island that makes you randomly burst into freaking song? The same one that dumps rainbow ducks on your head and shit like that? Also sometimes turns people into animals. It isn't permanent, but it's still a pain in the ass."
He gave her a brilliant sort of grin, the kind that made it altogether unclear as to whether he was telling the truth or not.
"I spent a few weeks as a dog last month. That was a good time."
Re: Talk to the TA
"...I have absolutely no idea whether or not you're messing with me right now."
Re: Talk to the TA
Remember, kids: Friends don't eat friends' pets!
"I wanna say you get used to this kind of shit, too. Some people do. I fucking hate it."
Re: Talk to the TA
Vic had done the same during the picnic.
"My two options are that either a human being turned into a lion cub with, like, magic or something, or that you're allowed to have an endangered and really expensive animal kept in your dorm room. Neither of these options make a ton of sense!"
Re: Talk to the TA
"I wasn't taking it was a slur," he replied. "You said yourself you didn't know if I was messing with you, that's kinda personal, sweetheart. What I was saying is that I do fuck with people. All the time. For shits and giggles. You'll get used to that. Or you won't."
See? Wasn't it good to have it clarified?
"So, for all you know, I could totally be fucking with your head right now. Or this place is completely fucked up. There are your options."
Re: Talk to the TA
Now, though, with him freely admitting he liked to mess with people's heads, it was a little more personal.
"Normally, I'd be saying that you had to be fucking with me, but then, I spent Friday singing against my will. So I don't even know anymore."
Re: Talk to the TA
He'd totally filched things from the common rooms, though.
"There are days when this place is even mostly normal. And then there are days where your roommate turns into a fucking lion cub, or the phones get all screwed up and everyone's voicemails go the wrong way, or whatever. I'll be happy to go back to the home if it means I don't have to be here, even if some of the weird shit apparently follows you wherever you go."
Re: Talk to the TA
"So, why don't you go home?" she asked. "What's keeping you here?"
Re: Talk to the TA
He reached out and hauled Ulrik back as the little guy made another bid for freedom.
"He was half right. It's hard as hell to get in trouble around here, I should know, I've tried. But people hand out employment around here like bubblegum cards. I don't get it."
Re: Talk to the TA
She had no idea what Lewis's title would be.
Re: Talk to the TA
He shrugged his shoulders.
"It's one less mouth to feed, one less kid to keep an eye on, and things get complicated when I'm around." In ways he wasn't going to discuss here, with anyone. "I'm stuck for it."
Re: Talk to the TA
Re: Talk to the TA