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So I’m sure we are all aware that “Mary Sue” is something to be avoided in writing: the character who is too perfect, too beloved, without real flaws, and just all around breaks believability. There are other definitions, because Mary Sue is a much contested concept, but let’s leave that for a different post.

Let’s instead talk about the people who seem, in real life, to fit that definition. Everyone’s got one. That person you know that just seems to excel at everything they touch, that gets all the breaks in life, that has everything line up for them, but also they work hard and are incredibly sweet so you can’t even get mad at them. How do you write that into a story and still be believable?

UNFOLLOW  POTUS AND FLOTUS WHITE HOUSE  ACCOUNTS

AND FOLLOW THE OBAMA’S PERSONAL ACCOUNTS INSTEAD.

Most of us know it when we see it, but I figure any discussion about fandom antis and how to respond to them would benefit from having a solid answer to “what even is an anti, anyway?” Laying out the exact characteristics that distinguish anti wank from every other kind of wank also helps clarify what, exactly, is going on here, why it’s appalling, and also why it’s appealing to those who engage in it.

I’m going to define it as a behavior rather than a particular type of person. The anti movement is:

1. A form of intra-community aggression within fandom, that 2. Seeks, as its primary goal, to designate out-groups who are fair game for social brutality, by 3. Categorically declaring certain forms of fan engagement (ships, characters, fic genres, fanart styles, video game mods…) to be intrinsically morally wrong and in need of stamping out, regardless of how or why one engages with them, and 4. Justifies this by claiming a causal relationship between the targeted activities and some form of (usually SJ-flavored) real-world harm that they allegedly promote.

The order is important, because it goes from most to least essential. 1 is fundamental context, 2 is ultimate purpose, 3 is the mechanism used to accomplish that purpose, 4 is the justification for using that mechanism.

Let’s take it number by number.

Let’s agree this year has been a total mess full of tragic events that got us all thinking “Can we have a damn break?”. Sadly all the bad stuff tends to bring us all so down that we forget about the good stuff. However, I want to remind you all of the incredible things that happened this year.

Diversity was the night’s winner at SAG Awards in pointed counter to Oscars.

The US Justice Department sued Ferguson to force the city to adopt police reforms negotiated with the federal government.

Beyoncé told us to get in Formation.

“Formation” is more than just a music video, it’s a siren call, a hymn that addresses discrimination and racism. 

Jay Z’s Tidal donated $1.5 million to Black Lives Matter and other non-profit organizations.

The funds were raised during the October 2015 Tidal X concert at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. Performers included Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Usher.

Beyoncé killed it at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show…

…and then blessed us with Lemonade…

…which introduced Leah Chase who is also the prototype of Tiana from “The Princess and The Frog”.

Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther stole the show in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and his character got his own movie that will be coming out in 2018.

Rihanna announced the launch of the Clara Lionel Foundation which will provide scholarship to international students that plan to continue their education in the US.

She said: “To be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor. Higher education will help provide perspective, opportunities and learning to a group of kids who really deserve it. I am thrilled to be able to do this.”

Actress and playwright Danai Gurira won the Black Girls Rock Star Power Award.

Jesse Williams was presented a Humanitarian award at the BET Awards and delivered the most powerful speech.

Dark skin beauty pageant titleholder and lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve Deshauna Barber became Miss USA 2016.

Black teens continuously made us proud!

As well as Black women 👑

Imran Yousuf saved dozens of lives at the Pulse night club.

Now this is still making my heart ache, I don’t think anyone will ever get over what happened that night. But I think we need to honor Imran again, he is a true hero.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced that Harriet Tubman will appear on face of the $20 bill.

We witnessed the blackening of CNN’s Don Lemon.

Colin Kaepernick took a knee during national anthem…

…and reminded us of our rights at the Know Your Rights Camp.

Ben & Jerry’s declared support for Black Lives Matter.

Solange blessed us with ‘A Seat At The Table’

8-year-old Jalen Bailey set up his own baking company to buy a house for his mother.

Black athletes made US history at the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Ava DuVernay has become the first African American woman to ever direct a film with a budget over $100 million.

The US Army Corps of Engineers announced it won’t grant easement to cross Lake Oahe for DAPL.

Three Victoria’s Secret models of color went short and natural for the fashion show.

Honey Bun Baby.

Cicely Tyson, Diana Ross, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan were awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The confirmed cast of the upcoming Black Panther is lit.

And lastly just a huge shout out to Black Twitter and just Black people everywhere for coming up with the funniest jokes and memes even though you are not credited enough!

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I mean seriously