Shrimp Teeth

One thing I like about living in different countries is that you get to observe cultural interpretations of abstract concepts as an outsider. Probably the biggest difference I’ve noticed since leaving Portland is how the concept of community is understood. Naturally, living in many countries means I bring my own set of preconceptions to new places. But I’ve observed how much more accessible (both in price and frequency) community events are here than in the US. There’s also a noticeable difference in priorities (work isn’t the central facet) that impacts people’s social relations. And being in a small village means there’s an increased contact with each person. Of course, I’m making broad generalizations, not everything I said applies across the board. But I have definitely noticed how there’s wayyy less talk about the concept of community here than in Portland. I suspect it’s because you don’t need to agonize about “building community” when that’s already the way your social life is organized. I’m still definitely in the periphery of the community, having only settled in a few months ago, but I already feel more integrated than I did having lived in Portland for seven years. I can now fully appreciate the PNW freeze. Curious what differences y’all have noticed living in different places…

Hot take: I don’t think you have a solid enough ethical foundation to talk about polyamory if you’re incapable of humanizing people who are living through abject circumstances as a direct result of your government’s actions. Like, oh ok you want to talk about the fu***ng ethics of unicorn hunting but you don’t think having a stance on mass starvation is worth factoring into your moral framework. Got it. Glad we’re not on the same page. And same goes for all you bi***es who have little rainbow stickers that say “q***rness is political” but dip the second it’s actually political. Obviously, this isn’t my follower count, that is hands down the least important thing on this entire burning planet, but it seems like an apt reflection of the attitudes Americans hold.