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19) Presidential Fitness Test
The Presidential Fitness Test, established in the 1950s to assess youth fitness in comparison to European peers, emphasized military-style performance. Over the years, it became associated with body shaming and emotional trauma for many, particularly those facing physical limitations. The test was abolished in 2013 after widespread criticism. Continue reading
Conformity and Control, cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, grooming, Health and Healing, Poetry, Social Systems & Culture, theory, Uncategorized, Wealthcareabuse, advice, anthroplogy, anthropology, autoethnography, children, communication, community, comparison, content warning, cptsd, cycle, cycle breaker, cycle breaking, cycles of abuse, EDS, ehlers danlos, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, eisenhower, family, fat, fitness, Free, government, gym, health, help, institutionalized trauma, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, Mental Health, mile run, no more, no paywalls, not on my watch, outreach, pain, personal truth, perspective, Presidential Function Test, psychology, ptsd, public shaming, pull ups, push ups, resources, rope climb, school, self help, self improvement, shame, sit ups, social science, sociology, structural violence, struggle, survivor, therapy, torture, trauma, trauma informed, trauma recovery, trigger warning, Zebra -
49) Trying on Scripts
The author reflects on their experiences with a small, imaginative cult formed during adolescence, alongside friends K and R. They explored identity through shared fictional narratives and characters, blurring lines between reality and performance. Eventually, the author distanced from the group, recognizing the dangers involved, while R remained deeply attached to the fantasy. Continue reading
Conformity and Control, cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, grooming, Social Systems & Culture, Uncategorizedadvice, anthropology, autoethnography, communication, community, conformity, content warning, control, cult, cult of the ego, ethnography, family, Free, friends, grooming, groupthink, health, help, imagination, journal, life, me too, mini cult, narrative, new scripts, no paywalls, obedience, outreach, personal truth, perspective, power, psychology, resources, rules, script, script theory, self help, self improvement, social order, sociology, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning -
18) High School
The author shares experiences from high school, highlighting a strained familial relationship, particularly with their mother, over decisions like language studies and school policies. They describe friendships formed among a rebellious group, issues with attendance, and the challenges faced in a restrictive home environment, ultimately leading to feelings of isolation and disappointment. Continue reading
Conformity and Control, cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, grooming, Social Issues, Uncategorizedadvice, anthropology, autoethnography, belonging, clubs, communication, community, consequences, conservative, content warning, control, cops, court, enforcement, experience, family, fitting in, foreign language, Free, german, health, help, high school, inclusion, journal, journaling, judge, language, law enforcement, lies, life, linguistics, loitering, me too, misfits, narrative, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, politics, predator, predators, ptsd, punishment, racism, republican, resources, self help, self improvement, spanish, struggle, survivor, targeting, teenager, teens, therapy, trauma, trigger warning, vulnerable population, Zebra -
17) Mallard Duck Day
The post reflects on the author’s challenging junior high experience, highlighting key teachers who positively impacted their life. Despite struggles with social dynamics, teachers inspired confidence, fostering a love for learning. However, bullying and lack of support from administration devastated one beloved teacher, resulting in a profound sense of loss for the author. Continue reading
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16) Junior High
The author reflects on their challenging experience in junior high, marked by a lack of family support and feelings of isolation. As their family became distant, the author faced bullying and ridicule at school. Despite moments of achievement, like performing in a musical, they struggled to find acceptance and belonging among peers. Continue reading
Conformity and Control, cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, grooming, Social Issues, Uncategorizedabsence, abuse, acceptance, adolescence, advice, anthropology, Autism, autoethnography, belonging, bulllies, bullying, choir, communication, community, content warning, cult, cult of the ego, drama, expectations, experience, family, fitting in, Free, growing up, health, help, journal, journaling, Junior High, life, life story, me too, moving on, musical, my story, no paywalls, outcast, outreach, personal truth, perspective, preteen, psychology, rejection, resources, self help, self improvement, social science, sociology, struggle, survivor, theater, therapy, trauma, trauma recovery, trigger warning, understanding, Zebra -
15) Starting Over- Revisited
The post reflects on personal experiences of childhood trauma and healing, highlighting the significance of supportive relationships, like a caring teacher during difficult times, and memorable family trips. It addresses themes of grief, resilience, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations while coping with loss and navigating adolescence. Continue reading
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14) Aftermath – Revisited
After the author’s father’s suicide due to schizophrenia, their family faced overwhelming grief and societal stigma surrounding mental illness. The author took on responsibilities to support their mother and younger siblings while coping with their own numbness and confusion. The birth of a new sister brought moments of joy amidst their sorrow, fostering a deeper… Continue reading
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13) School – Revisited
The narrative follows a student’s challenging journey through elementary school, marked by struggles with social acceptance, weight issues, and coping with mental health after their father’s suicide. They navigate difficult relationships with peers and teachers, ultimately grappling with feelings of isolation, confusion, and loss amid attempts for a normal school experience. Continue reading
advice, anthropology, Autism, autoethnography, bullying, children, communication, community, content warning, death, elementary, ethnography, experience, family, grief, health, help, injury, journal, life, me too, narrative, no paywalls, ostracism, outreach, personal truth, perspective, playground, psychology, ptsd, resources, school, script, script theory, self help, self improvement, social science, sociology, struggle, suicide, survivor, third grade, tragedy, trauma, trauma informed, trigger warning -
12) Inappropriate – Revisited
Social anxiety and unique experience combine to create an explosive birthday with unintended consequences. Continue reading
abuse, adults, anthropology, autoethnography, belonging, birthday, bonding, children, communication, community, content warning, family, fitting in, Free, friends, health, help, journal, journaling, life, life story, mandatory reporting, me too, Mental Health, narrative, no paywalls, outcast, party, personal truth, perspective, psychology, punished, punishment, secrets, self help, showing off, social anxiety, sociology, sorry, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, unworthy, wrong -
11) Dad – Revisited
The author reflects on their fragmented relationship with their biological father and the subsequent grief of losing their stepfather. Memories reveal a complex family dynamic filled with love, regret, and longing for connection. Despite challenges, the impact of both father figures highlights the desire for understanding and acceptance amid profound loss. Continue reading
cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, Health and Healing, Social Issues, Uncategorizedadvice, bullying, childhood, communication, content warning, cptsd, cult of the ego, depression, family, Free, funeral, healing, health, hell, help, journal, life, me too, Mental Health, no paywalls, outreach, parents, personal truth, ptsd, religion, schizophrenia, school, script, script theory, self improvement, stepdad, story, struggle, suicide, survivor, therapy, trauma, trauma informed, trigger warning -
8) What’s Abuse? – Revisited
The post explores the complex and culturally nuanced definitions of abuse, highlighting practices such as child circumcision and finger cutting within specific tribes. It questions societal norms that normalize harmful behaviors and reflects on personal accountability. The author emphasizes the need for honest self-examination regarding actions that may cause harm to others. Continue reading
Conformity and Control, cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, grooming, Social Issues, theory, Uncategorizedabuse, advice, ant gloves, anthropology, communication, community, conservative, content warning, context, critical thinking, culture, democrat, family, Free, help, journal, life, me too, Mental Health, monster, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, psychology, relationships, relative, republican, self improvement, serial killer, slavery, society, sociology, spanking, struggle, subjective, survivor, trauma, trauma informed, trigger warning -
7) New Scripts – Revisited
The narrative reflects on a childhood shaped by rigid family dynamics and expectations, particularly towards maternal roles. The author recounts the contrast between their mother’s lively past and the oppressive environment created by their grandmother. Moving to Indiana signifies a turning point, offering glimpses of newfound freedom and self-discovery amid evolving family scripts. Continue reading
abuse, advice, anthropology, autoethnography, ceremony, colorado, communication, community, content warning, cult of the ego, dad, family, family scapegoat syndrome, Free, golden child, health, help, indiana, journal, life, me too, moving, narcissist, narrative, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, psychology, resources, scapegoat, script, script theory, self help, self improvement, stepdad, stories, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, wedding, Zebra -
5) I Wanna Play
The post “I Wanna Play” by Protyus A. Gendher reflects on the author’s experiences with isolation and societal exclusion throughout childhood and adulthood. Through evocative poetry, the author expresses longing for acceptance and understanding while critiquing the arbitrary social rules that dictate belonging. Ultimately, they seek to redefine the game rather than conform to it. Continue reading
abuse, accommodations, adhd, advice, anthropology, Autism, autoethnography, childhood, communication, community, content warning, dei, diversity, equity, experience, family, Free, health, help, inclusion, journal, life, me too, no paywalls, otherness, outreach, pain, personal truth, perspective, play, Poetry, psychology, resources, scapegoat, self help, self improvement, sociology, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
4) Family Scapegoat Syndrome with Video
The author reflects on Family Scapegoat Syndrome, discussing its cyclical nature and the psychological effects on individuals within dysfunctional family systems. They emphasize the importance of accessing social theories for healing and the struggle to break free from these cycles. Healing involves acknowledging all roles played and embracing self-worth beyond familial approval. Continue reading
abuse, advice, anthropology, communication, community, content warning, cult, dysfunction, family, Free, health, help, journal, life, me too, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, psychology, resources, scapegoat, self help, self improvement, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
3) My Cult of Origin
The author explores the concept of “normal” as defined by family upbringing and experiences, using The Cult of the Ego to detail their childhood in a Colorado family shaped by strong patriarchal figures and specific behavioral expectations. The narrative highlights the impact of familial dynamics, traditions, and the importance of mentorship, alongside elements of affection,… Continue reading
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The text explores the evolution of power from intimate hostage systems to a broader societal structure of captivity. Initially a diplomatic tool, hostageship transformed into a worldview that conditioned loyalty and safety. Over time, captivity became normalized, with individuals bound by obligations, leading to systemic hierarchies and emotional compliance that reinforced social control. - Role‑Based Relating: Red Flags
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In disrelated systems, stability depends on SCRRIPPTT‑shopping — the continual absorption of systemic incoherence through narrative performance, distortion, and role‑based… Read more: Why Disrelated Systems Treat People as Roles Instead of Selves - Why “Benefit of the Doubt” and Vulnerability Are Liabilities in Disrelated Systems
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The author reflects on their complex relationships with younger sisters, shaped significantly by the loss of their father. Sister A, often feeling neglected, developed a distrustful personality, while Sister B became the author’s cherished companion. The narrative explores family dynamics, caregiving responsibilities, and the lasting impact of grief on sibling connections. - 27) Autism
The author reflects on their journey with autism and ADHD, emphasizing the struggles of misdiagnosis and societal expectations. They recount experiences of isolation, misunderstanding, and the challenges of conformity in a rigid educational system. The narrative highlights the need for better recognition of autism, particularly among girls and non-binary individuals. - The Structural Risk of “Playing Along”
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