#bad experiences

Let's talk about representation.

As an albino there are not many characters I can think of that have actually stated to have albinism. However, there are many characters I have been compared to.

I am an albino, I have the basic features of pale skin, white hair, violet eyes and when I was younger a tendency to wear more conservative clothing to protect my skin.

I grew up watching or reading about characters who had these traits described oddly. As if they were unnatural in their world for their looks and even more unnatural with the usual ice powers given to these characters.

My main comparisons in life were both for characters that fit into this area. Ice powered Elsa or evil/mean spirited Malfoys. Neither had/were claimed to have any of the visual impairment that tends to come with albinism.

I resented both comparisons growing up mostly because I was bullied for the very look that made Elsa iconic; the Malfoys villainous pursuits didn't help when bright cameras and school pictures showed my "evil" light effected red eyes. I was either demonic or lucky.

This wasn't my first experience with my peers' judgment on my name, my skin, my eyes and racial judgments to my person. Those that could "tell" I'm mixed and made comments such as sheeps fur to my dry curls. To late bus afternoon rides where Mya was made into Mayo. I preferred this treatment to that of my peers sudden discovery of my features in some type of content or character that isn't albino or doesn't have visual impairment that comes with it. I hated and resented their ignorance.

I hated how in science class-specifically in 7th grade- all eyes would turn to me as we read an article on albinism. How suddenly my peers had empathy, how I was questioned or interrogated all day by strangers. upi understand now in rural schools where the disabled was few, my peers had even fewer examples of someone who looked like me while having this visual impairment.

My peers and I had the same question: why couldn't I be normal?

One or the other. Disabled or different appearance. Why both?

I experienced a very positive type of representation or open discussion on social media.

I remember the moment very vividly, it was after school where I had a really good day and felt good. Didn't matter in the end. My parents were at work and I was bored. I was scrolling and stumbled on a man's post. He like me, was a mixed person with albinism. My world shifted because finally someone understood in every way possible, even the ways I couldn't comprehend at the time.

In a mere moment I was scrolling under the tag: albinism. Hearing and seeing so many stories that talked about experiences to day to day life. I remember crying very hard. No this wasn't the first time I've seen another albino but in those times it was a project about DNA and repressive traits, YouTube channels about being "unique", articles celebrating differences or someone talking about their favorite or a cool animal. This was talking about the disability or problems that come with the "cool" look from people with albinism. This was people sharing experiences not for some company profiting from speaking on it but for other albinos. This was people with albinism talking about albinism uninfluenced by others. It wasn't being shamed or removed, it was openly talked about.

It wasn't a scientist or researcher talking. It was a basic life experience.

That mattered .

It wasn't a YouTube video on being "special". It was the emotional challenges too.

That mattered.

I felt seen, not in a glass cage seen, not in a studied way but heard.

So when speaking on representation I think back to that moment when I felt seen by another person or algorithm that acknowledged what I experienced as a person because they felt the same. Not similar or alike. The same.

I think for many people who don't notice it, they don't need to. They Don't feel abnormal or "exotic". They blend perfectly into the crowd. They never prayed one day to be referred to as "average" or "normal" . Never thought about the ways one could "fix" their appearance, their mind, their very being. Don't understand the why. The: why would someone deliberately seek something with that particular information or representation.? The: why would you need to?

To that I say, to understand that you are "normal" , that these negative experiences you grow up with are not because of you- yourself- that there's nothing fundamentally wrong with you. That it's an unfortunate common experience for those that fit into minorities no matter how large or small it is. That the "unique" labels they place on you, are not all. To prove to those apart of any minority or community that live in very small or isolated areas they are not the problem. It's to feel that you are not stuck in one category your whole life and that you can do something. To not feel like an outsider, an outlier, abnormal or freakish. To know fully there is someone, many others that are like you. That it is hard for many of us, that we aren't alone. To look through books or TV shows or entertainment and see people like you just living. That the minority they are apart of or born differences are beautiful and ugly and that we are understood. That the category you were made into isn't everything and that you're not alone, that when others have tried to bully, harass, objectify, taunt, mock or generally degrade it is a universal frustration and disgust.

Warnings- Bad experiences of the reader with her ex, age gap (Leon is in his 30's, reader is in her 20's)

A/N- Thank you everyone for all the likes and reblogs. All are much appreciated 💜

The mall was buzzing with life, filled with the chatter of families, the click of high heels on tiled floors, and the occasional excited squeal from children exploring toy stores. You and Leon wandered side by side, his hand comfortably resting at the small of your back.

“This place is huge,” Leon said, scanning the rows of electronics stores. “You sure we won’t get lost in here?”

You smirked. “We’ll be fine as long as you don’t run off.”

Leon chuckled. “Not a chance. I’m your bodyguard, remember?”

The two of you stepped into an electronics store, your eyes lighting up at the sight of sleek gadgets and shiny displays. Leon leaned against a shelf while you examined a set of wireless speakers.

“This one’s good,” you said, pointing to a compact model with excellent reviews.

Leon crossed his arms, tilting his head thoughtfully. “But does it work with that overkill TV you’re eyeing? Or are we gonna have to come back to upgrade the speakers next month?

You laughed, playfully nudging him. “Hey, quality matters! Plus, you’ll thank me when you’re watching movies with surround sound.”

His phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting the banter. Leon frowned as he checked the screen. “Work,” he muttered, his expression briefly serious. “I’ll just take this real quick, okay?”

“Go ahead,” you said, giving him a reassuring smile.

Leon stepped outside the store, leaving you to continue browsing. You were engrossed in comparing two models of soundbars when a voice you hadn’t heard in a long time pulled you from your thoughts.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

Your heart sank as you turned to see your ex standing a few feet away, hands in their pockets, a smirk playing on their lips.

“What do you want?” you asked, keeping your tone neutral.

“Relax, I’m just being friendly,” they said, though the edge in their voice was far from kind. “Funny running into you like this. Guess you’re still into shopping for shiny toys instead of fixing what’s real.”

You stiffened. “This isn’t the time or place for this. Just leave.”

But your ex wasn’t done. “I still can’t believe how fast you moved on. Does he know how clingy you get? Or how you used to cry over the smallest things? Must be exhausting for him.”

Their words hit a nerve, memories of the toxic relationship flashing through your mind. You clenched your fists, determined not to let them see you falter.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“I think you’ve said enough.”

Leon’s calm yet commanding tone made your ex visibly flinch. He strode up to you, his expression cool but his eyes sharp as they locked onto your ex.

“And who are you?” your ex asked, their confidence wavering.

“I’m the person who’s lucky enough to be with them,” Leon replied, standing close to you. “And unlike you, I actually know how to treat them with respect.”

Your ex scoffed. “You don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

Leon stepped forward, his posture relaxed but intimidating. “Oh, I know plenty. I know they’re better off without someone who drags them down. And I know you’re wasting your time trying to get under their skin because nothing you say matters anymore.”

Your ex opened their mouth to retort, but Leon raised a hand.

“Save it. You’ve already said enough to prove why you’re in their past. So do yourself a favor and walk away before you embarrass yourself further.”

Your ex hesitated, then muttered something under their breath before slinking away into the crowd.

Leon turned to you, his expression softening immediately. “Hey, you okay?”

You nodded, though your voice trembled slightly. “Yeah. Thanks for that.”

He touched your arm gently. “You don’t have to thank me. Nobody gets to treat you like that—not while I’m around.”

You smiled, warmth spreading through your chest. “I mean it, Leon. You’re amazing.”

“Damn right I am,” he said with a small grin, pulling you into a comforting hug.

After a moment, he stepped back, his gaze playful. “Now, let’s get those speakers and grab some ice cream. I think we’ve earned it.”

The two of you continued shopping, his arm draped protectively around your shoulders. Later, over bowls of ice cream at the food court, you found yourself laughing at his jokes and forgetting all about the earlier encounter.

Sino que hubo un chico que me imagino era el admin, por alguna razón a este no le gustó que sam la chica en cuestión fuera Metal Maniac, por que según el 'era todo menos Maniac', supongo que quería que cumpliera con un estereotipo.

Me causó enojo cuando sacaron la del grupo, solo por ser ella misma y pasar por enfrente del chaval en cuestión en el roll, sis paso enfrente de su auto en el roll, escrito, la sacaron 'a patadas' del grupo, el chico (que no recuerdo el nombre que tenia) se justificó diciendo 'era muy jodona y le aguante por bastante tiempo su mierdero'.

Yo le había contado a mi amigue Matt sobre algunas personas que hablan mal de otras dentro del fandom de acceleracers, pero este chico si se paso de la raya al expresarse de la chica.

Aun así se ponían en su plan cuando veían que así como se metían al grupo luego al momento se salían, Yo comenté que era raro que así como entrarán se salían, que si eso pasa es por que algo estamos haciendo mal y la contestación fue 'no encuentran aquí lo que buscan', era normal la respuesta pero eso sí es para pensar.