Chicken Nugget

That's exactly what's supposed to happen. People wish they could be activists, but they can't because they have to work in order to survive, so they make sure their children can be the activists.

Also, you're absolutely right that this is what privilege looks like. But for the 1,000,012th time, the word "privilege" is not an insult. Having privilege doesn't automatically make you a bad person, but it does make you more likely to have opportunities to be a bad person. It's also possible to use your privilege for good.

ahhhh thank you!! i love your art as well! your adam parrish 🤩

and for my lineart, i even it all out to a mauve/light brown colour and then set it to linear burn mode because that’s the way ive been liking my lineart lately. i customise it in certain places accordingly after

In my AP Art class, there was a girl who was just starting to experiment with mixed media. At this point she was still playing around, trying to decide what direction she wanted to go with her portfolio. So one critique day, she brought in an abstract canvas with some rhinestone highlights and painted and real peacock feathers. She loved sparkles and peacock feathers so she thought she’d try introducing them a *little*. And after everyone had given some input, the teacher gave her his advice, VERY roughly paraphrased here:

“So here’s the thing… I do not like this style. These are just elements that do not speak to me personally, but I see that you like them, and you’re doing interesting things with them.

“My biggest critique is, I only merely *dislike* this piece. I want you to make me HATE it. Go crazy with the things that you like. Don’t hold back trying to make it palatable to people like me. Because I am NEVER going to like it. And if the audience does not like it, it should drive them crazy seeing how much YOU love it.”

Her portfolio was chock full of neon colors and glitter and rhinestones and splashes of peacock feathers and it was a delight. Our teacher despised every piece lol, but she got great marks and I think even won some awards. And more importantly, she was happy and proud of the results. Because she didn’t limit herself by trying to appeal to people who were never going to enjoy what she enjoyed.

I was 48 when I started my apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist. I was 50 when I married the love of my life.

She is 72. After a very rough go of things, she is now with someone who cherishes her (met him three years ago!), goes on bucket-list road trips multiple times a year, founded two nonprofits to help people who have been through similar struggles, and feels fulfilled.

My parents think the same. And hell, within all that, I can’t help but to go there myself.