Years Ago Back When I Worked In Cubicle Land, We Were Hiring Junior Software Developers. They Didn’t

Thank you for this

how long does it take zuko to convince his staff that he isn’t gonna slap, punch, beat, banish, or otherwise assault them?

that they aren’t about to lose their job (or life) over a spilled cup or broken vase?

that he’s not trying to trick them when he says they can relax the ornate and complex flattery each time they leave the room?

that he means it when he bans corporal punishment in the palace (and out of it) and that they really can come to him if someone forgets that rule?

that they haven’t upset him or wronged him when he asks to take his meal without the full serving staff of twenty watching him?

zuko is sensitive, even when he tries not to be, and watching these people be so afraid of him would break his heart. but that also means we gets to see it when they begin to open up to him.

firelord zuko who’s feeding the turtleduks when a toddler comes running over. she almost topples into the water but zuko sweeps her up before she’s in any danger. he holds her in his lap and shows her how to feed them gently. when the mother comes careening out screaming for her child she stops short at the sight of zuko and collapses into a bow, head to the floor. she begs forgiveness but zuko shakes his head, and offers his hand for her to stand. he hands over her daughter, asks the girl’s name. his guard calls him back into meetings so he leaves with a smile and a bow to both of them. it’s the first time a child hasn’t been afraid of zuko here in the fire nation, and he smiles all week

firelord zuko who spends months trying to win over the kitchen staff enough the let him make his own tea. they refuse at first (as much as one is allowed to) and stand on principle. but zuko is patient, so patient, so he begins to visit the kitchens once a week. he tells the head chef he’s going to come, it’s not a surprise. and he just thanks the staff, asks their names, maybe mentions an earth nation dish he had that’s native to a region who’s dignitaries are coming. once he’s been a few times he asks about their lives. simple things, never much more than yes or no answers; he doesn’t want to force them into speaking more than they’re comfortable just because he is their firelord. but 10 months in, and he finally convinces the guards, tasters, and head chef he can make his own tea. the head chef still insists on checking the tea as it comes in (special shipment from the jasmine dragon of course) because he’s been working in the palace for a long time and he’s seen many leaders but zuko is the first firelord he’s actually wanted to serve. and he’s seen this 18 year old kid trying so damn hard to help the palace and nation heal, tying so hard to win favor with his dishwashers, that he wants to keep safe. he may not prepare the tea, but not a leaf gets to the firelord that isn’t personally checked by him.

and in a couple years, the permeating sense of fear and dread begins to leech out of the palace. maybe the maids start humming in the corridors, maybe the washer women laugh and talk as they go about their business, maybe the royal dressers don’t flinch at the scars all across their young leaders skin anymore

maybe the country is being run by a smart, kind, genuine young man who works tirelessly to restore their honor as people of the fire nation. zuko brings music, art, poetry, dancing and life back to the fire nation. he teaches the wisdom he learned from the sun warriors and old masters: fire isn’t just hate and death. it can be life, light, a sun blazing inside you and he fosters that light in his people. so they can shed the last 100 years of hatred together and foster a new nation of peace

I love color theory :)

So god really made me the most disobedient, strong-willed fucker around and then placed me in a religion that demands absolute obedience from its members, particularly women? Stupid prick was just BEGGING for me to leave with that faulty setup.

Update:

So we are on speaking terms. The elders aren't pushing too hard about meeting or formally disassociating because the CO (their higher up) was visiting at the same time. Despite all their freaking out they contact me like nothing has changed now.

I plan to leave things like this for now and am glad I can still talk to my younger brother. Curious to see if things will change as I'm more honest online.

I finally moved out and told my parents I was leaving the cult. Moving was fine i suppose but the phone conversation explaining my stance was much more emotional than I expected.

My parents aren't the type to question their beliefs so I wasn't going to put effort into explaining myself, but they kept pushing. They had preconceived notions that I was just bitter or foolish and kept poking only to have me explain how their bigotry made my life hell. My dad tried to play off the slurs and awful things he said as jokes only to have to come to terms with the fact that I grew up feeling unlovable and disgusting because of him.

Now I'm waiting for them to decide if they ever want to talk to me again. They're crushed but still miss the point. Rather than realizing "homophobia bad" they took "we did homophobia wrong". While I can't say I wanted to spill so much to them, I'm happy that they have to live with what they've done.

It sounds crazy but I kinda want to pursue a PHD now. I have always been very passionate about education but wasn't sure if I'd ever get to even do undergrad. Realized recently I don't have to plan my life around my parents' arbitrary rules anymore. I'm free.

Hey folks, reminder that if you ever got suckered into a cult, it wasn't because there was anything wrong with you. You didn't sign up to be hurt. You didn't misinform yourself on purpose. You were taken advantage of by someone who exploited your vulnerabilities. Getting into a cult is like getting into any other abusive relationship - it's not the victim/survivor's fault.

Jws: One day god will rain massive fireballs down on our planet and the earth will crack open and swallow entire cities whole and many people you've known and loved for years will die horribly right before your eyes. Isn't that such a wonderful thought?

5-year-old me:

i wish all self harm and suicide intent survivors a really pleasent night and a very much "take your time in recover i promise things will get better and there are always better option I truly believe in you and how much you matter to different people, keep doing"

https://vine.co/v/iTDFuBE0qBI/embed/simple

should of joined shiratorizawa