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x_multiplemanThe second sentence is a joke. The first one isn't.
Here's the thing. I'm not going to be one of those people who sign up for extra self-defense classes in case more people invade. There's always going to be somebody better, no matter how good I am--and, y'know, I'm not that good. I'd say "I'm a lover, not a fighter," except a. that's a gigantic cliche, and 2. I've been living with you people long enough to know you'd immediately jump to very strange mental places involving Kitty and my dupes.
We have the X-Men for fighting. I'm never going to be an X-Man either. That's not--it's not a criticism, what it is is, imagine the X-Men are bandaids. We need bandaids. Bandaids are cool, and very helpful, and they do what they're supposed to do really well. But we need a lot more than bandaids. I'm going to be the more than bandaids, or one of them.
If we're ever not going to have to worry about people trying to kill us, we need to change the way people think. As many people as we can. We need society to change, and we aren't going to get that by fighting.
One of the best ways we can get it, I think, is to get mass media on our side. And not just documentaries like Miss Tilby did--we need to be sneakier and more ubiquitous than that. We need sitcoms, we need dramas--we need everyone who says "D'oh!" and knows what it means to be the master of their domain, everybody who thinks the White House really is all rapid-fire witticisms or thinks they know what a CBC and a Chem 7 are--we need all those people to see mutants as a normal part of their cultural landscape. I would even take a mutant American Idol, because when we get on stupid reality shows we'll know people think we're normal.
So that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to write for TV shows--make my own, eventually--and movies, and probably novels--heck, comic books, why not? I can have more projects going at the same time than anybody else in the world. It's going to take a long time, and it might not work, because maybe the world isn't ready for mutants on TV yet. But like Kitty told me the other day, a lot of people didn't think the world was ready for Ellen DeGeneres to come out, either, and now we have Queer Eye. And if nobody ever tries, the world never will be ready.
That's in the future, though. What I need to do right now is find good colleges for communications and media studies, and anything else our guidance counselors (and ex-media-icons-slash-ex-guidance-counselors, huh? :)) think would be helpful for me to study. I'm halfway through my junior year of high school, here, or I would be if I'd been attending regular school all this time, I need to start thinking about this stuff.
And I want to be active before then, too. I'm not talking about a Million Mutant March, or anything--not that that wouldn't be nice--but we can do stuff on a smaller scale, sit-ins and picketing and things like that, and just talking to people. I think one of the biggest things we can do right here is to not be the weird isolationist people in the spooky mansion in the boonies. We can get to know the neighbors, which would be a great place to start to get people for activisty stuff that aren't us.
And speaking of, just as a start--hey, Kitty, are your bridges completely burned as far as socializing with your dance class outside of doing strange and painful-looking things on your toes with them, or are there a couple there who if you get them alone and promise your scary boyfriend doesn't eat people will be sane people? Because I'm pretty sure you're one of the only ones who has regular outside-the-mansion life stuff with people our age, and that would be a good place to start if we can. Otherwise all I've got right now is hanging around video arcades hoping either they have Tekken or somebody in there watches CNN.
So anybody who wants to help with any of this, let me know, and we'll get together and make cunning plans.
Here's the thing. I'm not going to be one of those people who sign up for extra self-defense classes in case more people invade. There's always going to be somebody better, no matter how good I am--and, y'know, I'm not that good. I'd say "I'm a lover, not a fighter," except a. that's a gigantic cliche, and 2. I've been living with you people long enough to know you'd immediately jump to very strange mental places involving Kitty and my dupes.
We have the X-Men for fighting. I'm never going to be an X-Man either. That's not--it's not a criticism, what it is is, imagine the X-Men are bandaids. We need bandaids. Bandaids are cool, and very helpful, and they do what they're supposed to do really well. But we need a lot more than bandaids. I'm going to be the more than bandaids, or one of them.
If we're ever not going to have to worry about people trying to kill us, we need to change the way people think. As many people as we can. We need society to change, and we aren't going to get that by fighting.
One of the best ways we can get it, I think, is to get mass media on our side. And not just documentaries like Miss Tilby did--we need to be sneakier and more ubiquitous than that. We need sitcoms, we need dramas--we need everyone who says "D'oh!" and knows what it means to be the master of their domain, everybody who thinks the White House really is all rapid-fire witticisms or thinks they know what a CBC and a Chem 7 are--we need all those people to see mutants as a normal part of their cultural landscape. I would even take a mutant American Idol, because when we get on stupid reality shows we'll know people think we're normal.
So that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to write for TV shows--make my own, eventually--and movies, and probably novels--heck, comic books, why not? I can have more projects going at the same time than anybody else in the world. It's going to take a long time, and it might not work, because maybe the world isn't ready for mutants on TV yet. But like Kitty told me the other day, a lot of people didn't think the world was ready for Ellen DeGeneres to come out, either, and now we have Queer Eye. And if nobody ever tries, the world never will be ready.
That's in the future, though. What I need to do right now is find good colleges for communications and media studies, and anything else our guidance counselors (and ex-media-icons-slash-ex-guidance-counselors, huh? :)) think would be helpful for me to study. I'm halfway through my junior year of high school, here, or I would be if I'd been attending regular school all this time, I need to start thinking about this stuff.
And I want to be active before then, too. I'm not talking about a Million Mutant March, or anything--not that that wouldn't be nice--but we can do stuff on a smaller scale, sit-ins and picketing and things like that, and just talking to people. I think one of the biggest things we can do right here is to not be the weird isolationist people in the spooky mansion in the boonies. We can get to know the neighbors, which would be a great place to start to get people for activisty stuff that aren't us.
And speaking of, just as a start--hey, Kitty, are your bridges completely burned as far as socializing with your dance class outside of doing strange and painful-looking things on your toes with them, or are there a couple there who if you get them alone and promise your scary boyfriend doesn't eat people will be sane people? Because I'm pretty sure you're one of the only ones who has regular outside-the-mansion life stuff with people our age, and that would be a good place to start if we can. Otherwise all I've got right now is hanging around video arcades hoping either they have Tekken or somebody in there watches CNN.
So anybody who wants to help with any of this, let me know, and we'll get together and make cunning plans.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:47 am (UTC)x_tarot
January 26 2004, 20:43:41
After what Doctor MacTaggart told me today, I have a thought.
The next time I am wandering around half-asleep, make me re-read this.
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:26:12
Right. I'll print out a copy and practice lurking in secluded corners. :)
Re: ...
x_tarot
January 27 2004, 00:54:05
We should get you a Bat-man shirt.
Sorry about the vagueness. I spent several hours last night with my head all attached to odd machines.
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:57:12
Have one, actually. Except it's in neon green and purple, and I have no idea where my cousin found it.
Were any of them the Dread Machine That Goes Ping? :) (And was it about your mayonnaise dreams--and all the other ones too, just mayo dreams for short--because if it was, yay.)
Re: ...
x_tarot
January 27 2004, 01:05:01
No pinging, although Dr. MacTaggart laughed when I asked about it. I had things taped to my forehead and then I took a nap. I get to do this a lot. I would say how much fun it is, but Jono has taken all the sarcasm and kept it for himself.
Yes, about the mayonnaise dreams. I am told we're going to figure out what causes them so that I can get some sleep, or at least so we know how they happen, I think.
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 17:13:01
Track
Woohoo. Good luck. :)
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:50 am (UTC)January 26 2004, 20:44:30
Several people at this school have names known to the media and world at large - Alison, Elisabeth, Warren, Emma, myself. I, for one, have no problem lending my name and voice to anything you want it for, Jamie. Just say the word. Especially since it might hurt father's contracts with the Government, if they don't know he's a mutant yet.
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:31:11
Nifty. Will keep that in mind, although I was more thinking of advertising myself as Jamie Madrox As Seen On TV. I think it'll probably be a while before pulling out the really big names wouldn't be overkill, but if we ever do get up a Million (or even More Than Ten) Mutant March, you'd be a big help.
Also, I think I'm going to need to know some stuff about business for talking to producers, and stuff, eventually. Got any advice?
x_shinobi
January 27 2004, 00:49:15
I haven't really dealt with any producers before.. the main reason people tend to know who I am is father's company, and the fact that his son has a pretty, exotic face (I'm quoting someone else here, don't hurt me or think me overly egotistical). Emma might be able to help you, though, since she's probably the most cunning linguist experience speaker on campus who might have experience in those kinds of talks.
I'd suggest Braddock if I wasn't worried she was mad.
...
x_tarot
January 27 2004, 00:55:39
If we tell you that they were right, and you do, do we get a prize?
Re: ...
x_shinobi
January 27 2004, 01:12:30
I suppose that depends on whether or not you consider getting me to blush a little is considered a prize. Though, I'm getting better about that - I'll have to think of a backup prize.
Re: ...
x_tarot
January 27 2004, 01:35:48
When you figure out how not to blush, can you tell me? I'm no good at hiding it either.
Re: ...
x_shinobi
January 27 2004, 01:45:36
I can try. I think, in my case, it's just a matter of being corrupted to the point where things just don't get a rise out of me anymore. It's a long road with lots of blushing along the way, but it does seem to be working.
Re: ...
x_tarot
January 27 2004, 02:00:31
That could prove problematic in my case.
Re: ...
x_wytchbrat
February 1 2004, 22:47:16
*grins* You ever need help with that, just let me know. Challenges are good, corruption more so...
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:50 am (UTC)January 27 2004, 01:00:02
Yeah, she probably could. Or Alison, what with record deals and things. Will have to track down Ms. Frost's office hours, thanks.
x_shinobi
January 27 2004, 01:13:36
How did I forget about Ali? Maybe I'm more tired than I thought.
Just let me know if I can offer anything else - funding, or whatever, whenever things should get that far along.
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 17:14:57
Will do. Mostly what I need right now are ideas of small-scale stuff to do, and help doing them--like, I was thinking about volunteering at a soup kitchen, or something, since I dunno if there's any immediately pending mutant legislation we could protest.
Darnit, this is gonna mean I'm going to have to start watching the news, isn't it. Oh, well. Sacrifices for the cause. :)
x_shinobi
January 28 2004, 20:41:20
Track
If the real news gets too depressing, you could always nurse yourself back to health with the Daily Show?
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:50 am (UTC)January 26 2004, 20:56:31
I've had a lot of similar thoughts myself, Jamie, especially around going to school and being trained to work with people to resolve their differences and undo the sometimes inevitable damage that comes from being different. I can't do that now, that door got closed. I guess I'm investing in being part of the bandage and damage control group instead. If I can ever help you, though, let me know.
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:31:59
Track
I will.
And, y'know, don't give up hope too quickly. Everything changes.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:51 am (UTC)January 26 2004, 21:38:56
That's a brillant goal, Jamie.
Come talk to me when you have a chance, I may have a few contacts for you to touch base with.
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:32:46
Track
Cool, thanks. :) When's good for you, considering I have a chance whenever?
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:52 am (UTC)January 26 2004, 22:51:57
You are going to do amazing things in this world, Jamie. You know I'm here for you if you need anything.
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:34:22
Thanks, Paige. May draft you for sit-ins and stuff once I figure out where would be a good place to sit, sound good?
x_foliate
January 27 2004, 11:18:05
Track
You're welcome, chickpea. Sounds fantastic.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:53 am (UTC)January 26 2004, 23:27:14
There's a couple of them who aren't totally worthless. Most of them would be, I think, if they were out from under the thumb of She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Mentioned.
Have I told you lately that I adore you? Because I do.
x_crowdofone
January 27 2004, 00:42:27
Excellent. We'll have to figure out a way to distract the Thumb. Hitchhiker's convention? :) Or possibly just lunch somewhere where the food is good but not trendy, and where no one who's anyone sets foot.
And I think you have, but I don't actually keep track--it just goes into the bin-o-happy (which is a pretty big bin, and good thing) with everything else about you.
x_kitten
January 27 2004, 01:01:48
I'll see about getting email addresses from Stevie. Bet she'd know which of the girls are approachable and which aren't.
"Bin-o-happy", huh? Gonna have to remember that one.
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 17:16:33
Nifty. Let me know what you find out and I'll spring for the Demilitarized Lunch. Getting an in with somebody who goes to the regular high school is kind of key, right now, I think, because of the whole population issue.
x_kitten
January 28 2004, 17:58:41
Yeah, I see what you're saying. I'll talk to Stevie after class this Saturday.
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 18:16:10
Thanks. Love you. :)
x_kitten
January 28 2004, 19:35:25
Track
:) Goes without saying I love you too. Gonna say it anyway though.
Love you, too.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:53 am (UTC)January 27 2004, 08:50:41
You and I have had our differences, but this may just be the goal that could unite us, if only temporarily.
Count me in and keep me updated on any plans you make.
Thanks.
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 17:19:32
Track
Need all the help I can get, so, thanks, I will.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:56 am (UTC)x_empath
January 27 2004, 09:11:21
~translated from the Castillian~
The people I know, and the people I'm related to, would want nothing to do with you right now.
You _do_ know that you're a lower-middle-class American, right? Power and wealth go hand-in-hand - if you don't have any money, then your chances of obtaining true power are faint indeed.
And it takes power to change the world.
~translated from the Castillian~
MdlR
Re: Ah.
x_shinobi
January 27 2004, 13:10:18
That's why when one doesn't have power and wealth themself, they have friends who do, and are willing to give it.
You know. Like me.
Re: Ah.
x_empath
January 27 2004, 13:55:39
~translated from the Castillian~
And I am not contesting this.
But even borrowed or echoed power and wealth can be construed as a weakness. You're a Shaw, you should _know_ the rules by which the major players operate.
~translated from the Castillian~
MdlR
Re: Ah.
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 17:39:59
Track
Just lucky I don't have to deal with the people you know or are related to, then, isn't it?
Two things. First, watch the "lower." My family isn't rolling in it, but we're comfortable, not in debt to anybody, and even if I weren't probably going to be able to afford college myself, my parents could cover it. "Farmer" doesn't translate to "poor," unless Doug did a crappier job on that program of yours than I think he did.
Second, there are different kinds of power. We just celebrated Martin Luther King Day about a week ago--not that I'm claiming that kind of stature, but he wasn't to the manor born any more than I am, and if I'm half that successful I'll be damn proud of myself.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-17 12:57 am (UTC)January 27 2004, 14:12:02
I guess if you're interested in an internship in a media environment, I could pull you one. It's nice to see people trying really hard, even if they don't have a clue.
I always wondered why people spend all their time and effort on expensive weapons and armour when buying a house near a hospital for parents (Maccas) or throwing a fashion show would seem so much less likely to cause negative responses.
But hey, I always think a nice accessory of the non-lethal variety is helpful.
...
x_tarot
January 27 2004, 14:18:14
All jokes of underwear models aside, fashions for mutants might be a really good idea.
Warren cannot possibly be the only mutant with wings, and even if he is, some other physical mutation require clothing alternations.
Re: ...
x_m
January 28 2004, 17:33:42
Or, well, almost everyone here could do with a totally make over. Style is somewhat lacking. But, hey, underwear models. That wouldn't be bad. Mr Summers is kinda old, but not bad. And Jake doesn't have bad choice of bodies.
Re: ...
x_tarot
January 28 2004, 18:21:39
Style is a matter of opinion sometimes, and a matter of finances at other times.
You should have seen the reaction I got to the underwear model suggestion. It was not pretty.
I personally think Warren would make a good underwear model though. If the underwear store in the mall can use women with fake wings, a man with real ones would be better, no?
Remy and Manuel wouldn't be bad either, if they weren't so scrawny. Oh, and Piotr, and Jamie has that farm-boy thing. Boxer briefs and a t-shirt. Ooh, Kitty is going to kill me.
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 29 2004, 00:13:20
No, she's more likely to encourage you. And she's the only one around here who isn't my roommate and stands a chance of seeing me in my underwear, I'd like to have that on the record as firmly as possible.
Re: ...
x_tarot
January 29 2004, 00:17:31
No wholesome farmboy underwear pictures then?
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 29 2004, 01:51:50
Not unless my mother left some behind, and even if she did they'd date from way before I developed any kind of "farm boy thing" that would be useful when modeling boxers.
Oh, hell, I hope nobody takes that out of context.
Re: ...
x_dazzler
January 29 2004, 02:00:33
Speaking of leaving pictures behind... ;) The one where you're running through the kitchen with the red towel? Yep. Perfect.
I'd say you could still pull off Superman boxers with flair.
*grin*
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 29 2004, 02:05:55
oh dear god no.
I knew she was way too chipper for it to just be Christmas cheer. Should've guessed it was because she was passing along blackmail material. I'm going to go hide my Superman boxers and try to figure out how to exact a suitable revenge. Maybe I'll leap the chain of command and e-mail Grandma, I bet she's got dirt.
Re: ...
x_dazzler
January 29 2004, 02:07:57
Heh. But would you bet your grandmother would be able to resist the chance to share her loot of baby pictures of you?
>:D
Re: ...
x_kitten
January 29 2004, 19:50:45
Superman boxers? Why have I not heard about these before??
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 30 2004, 00:58:22
Because I generally walk around with pants on and you're too polite to rummage through my underwear drawer? They're just blue, with little S-shields on them.
Re: ...
x_kitten
January 30 2004, 01:06:27
Oh sure, be _logical_ about it. You have superman shorts, that is too adorable for words.
Re: ...
x_crowdofone
January 30 2004, 03:24:12
Glad you approve. :)
x_crowdofone
January 28 2004, 17:44:16
Track
Not looking for an internship right now, thanks. Need that clue first. Thus, college.