Learning About Storytelling From Anime and Manga, Part Two: Romance

The culture of self-deprecation and superficial humility

Because we’re not allowed to feel proud of ourselves.

Depression

This sucks.

Trigger warning: Mention of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

The Emptiness of Birthdays

Dear Diary (aka the Internet),

I did it. I made it to my eighteenth birthday. I’m officially an adult (in some jurisdictions). I can buy alcohol (in some places — but not where I live). I can vote (but my country’s last federal election was four months ago…

What is the most relevant thing I could do with my life today?

This is the question I woke up at 2 PM asking myself and then figured I should write about, expecting the idea to merely vanish by the time I would have opened my computer, as it always fucking happens. Shockingly, five…

On Being “Mixed”

First off, I’m starting with a disclaimer: My words don’t reflect the feelings of all mixed-race individuals or even all half-Taiwanese and half-white people. I’m a single voice, but with that said, my experience is mine.

The Pledge

If you grew up in America, there is a high chance you know the Pledge of Allegiance.

If you’re still in school, there might be a chance you hear it daily.

Today, the most well known version is “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America…