endsthegame: (Default)
endsthegame ([personal profile] endsthegame) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2013-07-15 12:37 pm

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?"
myownface: (Up Close)

Re: Talk to the TA

[personal profile] myownface 2013-07-16 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
"This is my penance for being a lying, thieving sack of shit back in Toronto," Sparkle replied with an easy shrug of his shoulders. "Lewis, the guy that runs the group home I'm currently under the care of, was at wit's end. Decided, hey, if I'm at some boarding school in America, they probably have... I dunno, a better way to keep their eye on problem students like me."

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."
spin_kick_snap: Kang Min Kyung as Kathy/Banzai (Hair Tuck Ear 2 (Thoughtful))

Re: Talk to the TA

[personal profile] spin_kick_snap 2013-07-16 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
Kathy didn't quite follow the transition from trouble to employment, but she nodded anyway. "Okay, sooo...what's stopping you from mending your ways and going back? Like, you're Mr. Wiggin's TA. That should probably impress your, umm, group home runner?"

She had no idea what Lewis's title would be.
myownface: (Ah.)

Re: Talk to the TA

[personal profile] myownface 2013-07-16 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
"I've kept my nose clean, so far as everything's legally concerned, for like a year," Sparkle replied, wrinkling his nose. "The worst I got for trying to steal anything is a detention. I had to run around in the mud for most of a Saturday. Lewis is pleased with how much progress I'm making. Figures this stupid island is better for me. Plus..."

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."
spin_kick_snap: Kang Min Kyung as Kathy/Banzai (Hair Tuck Ear 3 (Solemn))

Re: Talk to the TA

[personal profile] spin_kick_snap 2013-07-16 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
"At least you're not crazy," Kathy said. "Glad to see that there's at least one other person here who thinks that this island is just as messed up as it seems."
myownface: (Eyeroll)

Re: Talk to the TA

[personal profile] myownface 2013-07-16 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, trust me," Sparkle intoned, hauling Ulrik back into his lap again, "I've seen how messed up it can be, first-hand. I would like nothing more than to get the hell out of here before it kills me or breaks me in, but getting outta here isn't as simple as calling home to cry to Lew."