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What is an "Outcast," Anyway?

9/24/2019

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You may have noticed my tagline is “art and spiritual services for the outcast.” Which sounds great, right? But also there’s a little wtf up in there. So let’s talk about outcasts and why I’m doing this whole Wandering Jotun thing in the first place.

First off, what do I mean by “outcast,” anyway?

“Outcast” came from trying to figure out a good term to encompass marginalized people and communities that didn’t sound so...clinical. I ran through a lot of different terms, but settled on “outcast” because:

  • I’ve felt like an outcast most of my life and I know a lot of people who feel the same
  • It reminds me of Robin Hood for some reason 
  • Outcasts are historically different and strange and unwanted--things a lot of us experience when we don’t fit “the norm” of white, cis, straight, neurotypical, etc.
  • I have a weird thing for spinning connotations and trying to reclaim words to empower people 
So, basically, an Outcast here at Wandering Jotun is anyone who doesn’t fit in, who struggles with societal pressures and oppression, and/or who deals with bigotry and microaggressions regularly.

Think GLBTQ people (especially the trans and genderfluid folks), pagans who don’t buy into the New Age stuff or have a pop culture-based practice, people of color, etc. Plus, you know, nerds. Because I’ve found a lot of Outcasts are also major nerds.
The Kickass Outcast logo: a yellow lightning bolt with a blue and purple ribbon and a little purple crown

So, wtf is this?

Wandering Jotun Crafts is my attempt to make the world a better place. It’s a little selfish in that I want to use my creative side to support myself financially--but my ultimate goal is to make art that represents, supports, and uplifts my fellow Outcasts.

This is my attempt at cultivating and encouraging community and support between marginalized people, and to remind you that you’re not alone. Because, when it comes down to it, we have to have each others’ backs. Especially in a world that’s increasingly fixated on trying to ensure conformity.

Take a breath and join me, fellow Outcast. We’re gonna make our corner of the world pretty again. 

- Nonir
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Steven Universe Screams

9/17/2019

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I just need to take a moment to scream about Steven Universe and how incredible a show it is (just, you know, ignore the fandom). For a cartoon aimed at kids, it does an amazing job at tackling some really hard, deep topics--and does it with fab songs, to boot. Warning: here be spoilers. 

[For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s the wiki rundown.]
An image of the Steven Universe cast on a purple background
When I first started watching SU (a while after it came out, I’ll be honest), I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into, but I was amused enough to keep going. And then, BAM, I got hit over the head with the feels.

I think my first “holy crap” moment in the show was the arc with Jasper and Lapis forming Malachite.

For me, this hit home pretty hard as a representation of an abusive relationship where both parties keep each other trapped. But it’s a kid’s show and they never whack you over the head with “hey, so, this is bad.” It’s just there as a part of the plot, and Lapis has to come to terms with it afterward and learn how to heal.

After “Change Your Mind” came out, someone pointed out that Steven’s arc through that episode really closely mirrors a trans (and I’d even argue any sort of identity-changing realization) coming of age story. They even use the same language and problems when Steven’s attempting to convince the Diamonds that he isn’t Pink. And, while I hadn’t thought about it when I was watching it the first time, it’s absolutely brilliant.

No one is really evil in this show. Everyone has the opportunity to grow and change and learn from their mistakes.

A screenshot from the wedding scene of Steven Universe, including Greg, Bismuth, Pearl, Connie, Peridot, Steven, and Amethyst
Even White Diamond realizes she’s wrong, eventually, and does her best to improve her behavior. In the movie, Spinel starts out wanting to wallow in her pain and take it out on other people, but grows to realize she has to deal with it on her own and learn to trust people again. Peridot goes from being a loyal servant of Yellow Diamond wanting to destroy the Earth, to being an invaluable member of the Crystal Gems.

Plus, the Music is Incredible.

From silly tunes like “Cookie Cat” to songs that have literally helped me through a panic attack like “Here Comes a Thought,” the soundtrack is just beautiful. Honestly, some of my most uplifting and motivating songs have come from this show.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go keep sobbing over this show and it’s amazing non-binary creator in that corner over there. Feel free to join in.

- Nonir 


A little green dinosaur says
A pastel rainbow with smiling clouds and the words
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    Nonir is a queer pagan nerd and writes about various things in those realms.


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