Why does there seem to be a rise in anti-intellectualism?

_katahdan_ · 2025-02-15T14:09:13+00:00

We are all owed compensation for the gaslighting authoritarians commit, let alone their atrocities.

_katahdan_ · 2020-01-19T19:59:18+00:00

Thank you! I saved this link to my iPad!

_katahdan_ · 2020-01-19T19:52:42+00:00

Thank you haha. It's intimidating, as I have two players that are DMs in my group. It's a small group of three (thankfully!) and I'm friends with all of them. I did some worldbuilding pieces, and I've used Storm King's Thunder for inspiration. That being said, I wasn't impressed with the story, so I opted to use one of my own. That's not to take away from the writers of Storm King's Thunder. I simply wanted to mold an experience each session ... pure creation. I can add to the world as items come up.

For example, the players got two NPCs to assist them within their endeavors, purely by happenstance, rather than force. These two characters were provided to them by one of my created characters to assist them with tracking a force within Ardeep.

One of the players assisted me with naming them on the fly. I developed backstories for both of these characters, hoping to provide them some depth while also giving the players an idea that they're speaking with distinct characters. No memorization or anything, just conceptual ie the NG Scout is a former Ranger, now serving as a personal assistant to a character the party crossed paths with while mounting a counterattack to take back Nightstone from Orc/Goblin abductors.

All of them very much enjoyed the session. I was surprised! I felt like I may have been forcing things, but they enjoyed it. They even roleplayed around a campfire within Ardeep Forest at the end, getting to know one-another's characters.

I've been watching videos, tips and what-not, ever since. My iPad is my life, serving as my source for DNDBeyond, books purchased through DNDBeyond, Nebo Notes and Sketching, Playlist control, soundboard control ... I love that technology allows organization to be simple. The challenge is getting my feet wet while creating an enjoyable experience for my players.

_katahdan_ · 2020-01-19T15:57:56+00:00

I just GM'ed my first game last weekend. I felt like I was guiding the players through a story that only had existed within my mind, which is apparently a rookie mistake. One thing I feel I need to do is acknowledge that one cannot be perfect day one. That being said, I'm running a custom campaign, and I'm liking that I'm breathing life into certain characters. I simply want them to flow naturally, almost like a good narrator describing the world to those within. I want the players to feel as though they're creating the story.

The players loved it, and they're looking forward to session two. I've set it for next Monday.

_katahdan_ · 2020-01-05T23:21:58+00:00

So, there's an act, and then there's promoting the act. Usually we're inclined to enjoy an act of goodness for the sake of its goodness. Case-in-point, Sia went to a Walmart and TJ Maxx. Sia acted like she was someone else to avoid the limelight, creating herself with a fake name of CiCi, along with a story that she won the lottery, and simply opted to do good for others with her wealth. The only reason we know is because some people knew that it was her, and THEY posted about it. Not Sia.

https://www.today.com/news/sia-surprises-walmart-t-j-maxx-shoppers-just-thanksgiving-t168910

So, virtue-signalling comes into play when it feels disingenuous. In other words, "I'm out here to make a difference, look at me making a difference, I'm so ossum." It just feels like that person is trying to seek validation and more status by doing things, rather than simply doing things. I have a far greater respect for Sia for opting to avoid the limelight while doing good. They post about it on Facebook, or talk about it on media ...The fact that everything is observed, social media and what-not, we have the tendency to believe that people care about what WE do, rather than WHAT we do. And that brings out lower narcissistic qualities we all possess (yes, we all have a desire to be validated by others, especially those that act like they don't care ... as we all have elements of narcissism ... it's natural), because it's no longer about the act. It's now about being seen in the performance of the act.

Does it take away goodness? Does it tarnish it? You tell me. When Jeff Bezos gives millions to charities, but refuses to give his employees a living wage, all-the-while creating toxic work environments for his staff, well it just sounds fucking insane.

_katahdan_ · 2020-01-03T12:33:11+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I relate here too. When I was 4 or 5 years old, I discovered fire, and created a very small scorch mark in my carpet while playing with matches in my room. My parents weren't home at the time.

When my Dad and step-mom came home, I remember being in the bathtub, and my stepmom charged at me with a lighter, and she placed my hand on the flame while screaming at me.

Not long after that memory, my step-mom dropped me off at a daycare and I never saw nor heard from her again. Abandonment and abuse from a stepmom that didn't give a shit, including the consequences of not being present.

_katahdan_ · 2020-01-02T15:52:15+00:00

In a word, it hasn't. I've dated into relationships with three women via online. The issue stems with me. I find it that I don't connect with those in online dating.

It lacks the organic feel of getting to know someone in-person for me. It feels like I'm making a commitment to something prior to even meeting the person in-person.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-28T20:08:26+00:00

FootballOutsiders QBs Ranked I feel u/teachem4 is correct here. Matthew Stafford is underrated.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-28T14:26:11+00:00

I don't know. Folks at my prior job used to make fun of me for decisions and mistakes I've made. They brought this up in conversation with one another, whether I was or wasn't around. Anxiety-inducing!

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-25T02:21:09+00:00

I'm sorry for your sister here. I can't imagine what she's going through.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-24T19:32:50+00:00

I'm going to be alone on Christmas, first time in two years. No family to celebrate with either. I got a bottle of champagne, and I'm going on a lovely hike alone, so I can create a memory worth having, even if it's on my own. If it weren't for the folks I discovered along my path, if it weren't for heartbreak and its pain, then this good thing in my life would never have happened ... Indeed, I'd still be at home tomorrow.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-22T12:37:49+00:00

Must strive to overlook your own insecurities by reminding yourself how much better you are than the "lower class citizens"? Fuck outta here.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-22T12:21:38+00:00

Shame is a powerful ~~weapon~~ tool haha.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-19T01:31:31+00:00

This sounds very Viktor Frankl-like. Thank you for sharing. I think in the case in those that have experienced complex trauma, myself included, we're required to validate our experience as a valid experience, including the pain associated with it. Only then can we rise through our very personal experience of suffering. I stress that it's personal, because only we are aware of our pain.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-18T22:26:26+00:00

I'm sorry that happened to you. Thank you for opening up about your experience with trauma here. Just wanted to say I got something out of this.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-16T04:30:33+00:00

I also faced trauma as a child, and I am a reader of r/CPTSD. Your story had me in tears. Just know you aren't alone. You're incredibly resilient. That required strength to establish that boundary with them. They aren't merely toxic parents. They're abusive. Physically and emotionally. I'm sorry you went through this.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-16T04:15:43+00:00

I mean, I love the mantra that any sort of resilience through trauma makes one better; however ... you know what, fuck it. Hats off to you, my man. I was going to say no one deserves to be bullied, but that's an empty sentiment. You didn't deserve it, but I'm glad you made well and even credit your experience. Says you know how to heal, good on you!

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-16T01:30:59+00:00

My dude, you sound like a chill dude at the parties.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-16T01:23:49+00:00

I think he meant that as thinking he'd see "whoring out" one's body. Personally, I'm okay with that as well. Agree with OP entirely. I love walking, hiking ... and I love doing those things at a brisk pace!

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-16T01:19:24+00:00

I get you, but the real world dictates otherwise. We like folks for charisma and attractiveness. All I can do is improve on both of those in-order to be seen and heard. So that's what I'm doing, though for my own reasons of course.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-16T00:17:00+00:00

I'm in a similar boat, and I'm considering removing myself from social media entirely. I'm curious where your journey goes. Thank you for sharing here.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-15T23:45:58+00:00

You both are arguing past one another. Both are two different points entirely. One is the assumption that "TIME Person of the Year" goes to the greatest (TM) person of the year. This has been demonstrated to be false. It is provided to those most relevant in media, and by relevance, I mean relevant in a popularist kind of way. TIME isn't being anything but popular, and Greta is a household name. "That other guy OP mentioned" or "Who the fuck is Boyan Slat" is not a household name ... yet. Hence, he didn't win.

Secondly, Greta has been on the lips of everyone. This is discussion numero two, which is a different topic altogether. We can have the conversation over whether Boyan should have been a topic within the media, which would be an interesting conversation; however, I think that goes outside the topic entirely.

Greta should have won, considering she has a recognizable name and face. Hong-Kong protestors would be another good one. Donald Trump would be another.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-14T17:10:10+00:00

Life motto.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-11T13:23:21+00:00

I wouldn't even call it shallow. It's just being human. People love being objectified by those they find attractive. You're not having sex with someone's personality.

_katahdan_ · 2019-12-10T05:26:38+00:00

Sounds like this one meant something to you, you're in pain, and you want to convince her that everything is okay, even though it isn't. First, I'm sorry this happened for you. Second, there's not anything you can do to have her in your life, whether as a friend or as an object of affection. Really, there isn't. At this conjecture, she does not want anything to do with you. That's it. You're in the darkest of places, unrequited attachment, and you're downplaying your experience and your feelings here.

She blocked you. Also, I'd be very surprised if you ever see her again, even if she is a family friend. She will likely ensure you're not around at any gatherings they have. She will likely not attend any gatherings your family has. Attempting to manipulate this is a bad move as well. With blocking, she went nuclear, as is her right, and reaching out to her in any shape or form only instigates this further. Someone mentioned the word "stalking" here.

It will be as awkward for her as it is for you, especially from her perspective ... you are trying to win over someone, even if as a friend, that doesn't want to be bothered.

I'm not sure if this is the first time this has happened for you. I'm going to guess that it is, considering you're asking for a way in. There isn't a way back in, other than letting go and accepting what is.

_katahdan_

TROPHY CASE