I Am Just So Disappointed With The Direction DC Is Taking Damian, It’s Honestly Making Me Consider

Kestrel-dad not sure how to dad but he’s trying his best.

so many westerners giving heartless, uninformed, and unsolicited opinions on afghanistan while ignoring the following:

the US government covertly provided schoolbooks for children that promoted militant and incorrect Islamic teachings and included images of weapons and soldiers in an effort to encourage a hatred of foreign invaders (i.e. the Soviets and evil communism) in children

“The school books, which were filled with talk of jihad and featured drawings of guns, bullets, soldiers and mines, have served since then as the Afghan school system's core curriculum. Even the Taliban used the American-produced books.”

excerpt from the book, titled “the alphabet of jihad” -> “All the Russians and infidels are our enemy. No one can invade our country. Only Muslim Afghans can rule over this country.”

the US financially supported the Taliban between 1994-1996 because Washington viewed the Taliban as anti-Iranian, anti-Shia and potentially pro-Western

Washington wanted Taliban support for the development of a US-based oil company Unocal - and so they stayed silent when the Taliban captured Herat in 1995, and expelled thousands of girls from schools (Rashid, 2000)

killed over 47,000 civilians

US forces massacred civilians deliberately on multiple occasions, such as the Kandahar massacre, where most of the victims were women and children civilians

routinely executed unarmed civilians by UK forces

targeting of hospitals in air strikes and bomb raids, such as this hospital in Kunduz

heavy usage of white phosphorus in civilian areas

killed afghan civilians ‘for sport’, multilated the bodies, posed with the bodies for pictures, and collected pieces for trophies

think before you speak.

men always get mad when you say you’ve never watched the avengers or pulp fiction like ok ... have you seen all the barbie movies ?? no then shut up

Actual good first-time college student advice:

Wear jeans/pants that “breathe” and bring a sweater, even if it’s scorching hot out, until you know which building blasts the AC to 60 degrees F and which feels like a sauna

Backpacks with thick straps are your friend!  Messenger bags are cool and all but if you’re commuting with a lot of stuff, symmetrically styled backpacks are better for your back

You are your own person and you can walk out whenever you need to or want to, so long as you’re not disrupting the class.  Meaning you can go to the bathroom without permission, take a breather if you’re anxious, answer an important phone call, etc.

If you don’t like the class on the first day, if you can- DROP THAT CLASS AND TAKE ANOTHER ONE!  It’ll only get worse from there!

If you can, take a class outside your major; it’s a good break from your expected studies.

You are in charge of your schedule.  Your adviser and guidance counselor is there to ‘advise and guide’ but if you don’t like certain classes and you can substitute for others, that’s your choice.

Consequently, if you are changing anything drastic in your plan, talk with your adviser and instructors.

Pay attention to your credit hours and grades.  Never leave this to the last week of school, you will be sorry and stressed beyond belief!

Unless it’s a lab book or otherwise specified, go to the class for a week or so before buying an expensive textbook.  Some classes, while having it on their required list, do not actually use the textbook a whole lot and you might find some of it scanned online.  Rent if you can or buy used online (schools actually don’t give discounts).  Use your best judgement on what you think you need.

Tell the people who go up to you selling or advertising things you are not interested in that you are in a rush to class and don’t have time to listen to them.  It’s less rude and they’ll leave you alone.

The smaller the class, the better it is to have some sort of acquaintanceship with a couple classmates.  They might save your ass if you are absent one day or need to study.  And talking with them makes the time go by faster without it being so insufferable.

You don’t need to join a club or sport, but internships are cool and useful!

If you can afford it, take a day off once or twice each semester if you’re too exhausted.  Just be aware of what you missed and if it was worth missing!

Your health is the most important, this goes for mental health too!!  Note: College-age/upper teens is when mental disorders like depression and anxiety are most commonly diagnosed.  Most schools have therapy services, especially during exam time.  Look into it if you need to!

Communicate with your professor if you are having trouble with something.  Anything.

Eat and stay hydrated.  Bring a water bottle and snack to class.

All-nighters will happen but never go over 36 hours without sleep.

It’s going to be hard and there will be times you might think about giving up.  This WILL happen.  You just have to make sure what you’re doing isn’t making you absolutely miserable and/or there is something rewarding and positive to look forward to at the end!

Trying to fit in

(via)

Gotham is like if an intrusive thought was a city