So many things including anxiety, deep depression, multiple extended existential crisis, ADHD boreouts, forgetfulness & resistance to schedules, Autistic sensitivity to bristles & the clean feeling of teeth, has contributed to the downfall of my dental Hygiene & health.

As I feared, I was scolded by the dentist & told to brush more often. I didn't want to explain any of my many difficulties so I just said "ok" in the most ashamed tone... 0/10 do not recommend this life or these problems.

There's not a second that goes by that I'm not feeling this change in my mouth space to the maximum degree possible. I have a thick tongue & TMJ on top of my autistic sensitivity, which only serves to make everything so much worse. I've layed awake every night since the extractions trying to find a comfortable spot for my tongue. No luck.

#Autistic mouth sensitivity and dental hygiene don't mix well. I just had two teeth pulled and I keep trying to swallow my back tooth because there's a gap in front of it now. I keep thinking there's food in my mouth because my tongue brushes against it differently. Saying "s" sounds is frustrating af because my tongue defaults to press against that gap to fill the space. It's actually a living nightmare.

#actuallyautistic #AuDHD #ASDHygiene

@Onidotmoe Ppl who can separate the art should keep the art close, hold onto it, engage with it, and continue to allow their interpretation of it to inspire them because they believe that art is only the reflection of the viewers truest self.

The two sides never need to be enemies because the majority matters just as the individuals. After all, you wouldn’t have a majority without individuals.

6/6

@Onidotmoe With all of this said my final answer is that I think ppl who can’t separate the artist should denounce the art. Proclaim its terrible bc they believe art is an extension of the artist. Protest & boycott. Do what needs to be done for you’re own peace of mind without attempting to force others into your view of art or judge them for consuming it on their own views.

5/?

@Onidotmoe You said the way I talked abt the book was near religious, but the truth is that there are more than a few shows that’s touched me & shaped me that deeply. As an autistic who was essentially raised by the tv, I can confidently say that I was made by art. Theres been countless times that the majority said a certain thing in a show was harmful when that thing specifically taught me to love, treat others w/ kindness ect. The truth is nobody’s ever going to agree on interpretation

4/?

@Onidotmoe If someone can’t separate the art from the artist, it’s understandable due to arts nature. Some ppl see art as an extension of the artist, but it’s as equally valid to argue that art is only an extension of the viewer as once it’s made public, it completely belongs to the viewer to interpret, relate to and care for.

3/?

@Onidotmoe Many horrible things done in history has been in line with the views of the majorities. I highly value individual thinking, feeling & interpreting, especially for something as personal and abstract as art.

That being said, I recognize that the majority is made up of individuals and I never want to dismiss the majority for simply being the majority. Everyone should have a say in something as personal as art.

2/?

@Onidotmoe My true honest thoughts are that they both matter so much at the same time. It may already be apparent, but I tend to advocate for individuals & minority opinions (as in ppl with thoughts & views that aren’t held in the mainstream, popularly, or worldwide) bc I’ve seen majorities trample over minorities, bully, silence and outright socially ostracize them one too many times. I’ve never quite bought into the “because the majority says so it must be true” logic for 1 simple reason

1/?

@AviationAJ I want ASMR ads so badly lol. I usually just download my top fav videos so I can play them on loop without ads.

I’m listening to #ASMR right now and just got my ears absolutely blasted by an ad. I wish there was a lower ad volume option or something while watching ASMR, or even better ads that *are* ASMR.

Listening to #ASMR tonight :pensive_party_blob:

@Onidotmoe Go back and read that again 😬

What matters here is that we have respect for each others view of art. We cant force ppl to separate the art from the artist, but we can't force ppl to give up the art that they've made their own on such a personal and deep level either. The art that inspired them, that changed the course of their life and molded them into who they are today. You can't force or shame ppl into giving up smth thats attached to their soul & become a part of them, or a piece of their soul will be ripped out with it.

If you are a person who views art through the lens of the creator, as a record and time capsule of the artists existence, thoughts and being, then it may not be possible for you to separate (or even understand how anyone could sperate) and that's ok.

If you view art as the sum of the interpretation of the individual viewer, then you'd be more likely to separate the art from the artist. And that's ok too.

7/?

Do I decide to let go of & condemn the book bc the writers intentions for were simply self indulgent fictional murder of autistic ppl? Or do I separate the art from the artist because the interpretation is MINE and it shaped my life even inspiring me to do good for my community?

The answer is... either.

6/?

I log onto Twitter and the author of the book is showing their true colors, calling Autistic ppl the "r" word, saying that they need ABA and denouncing them as "brainless" Even suggesting they should be killed.

What do I do?

This book meant the world to me. As a piece of art, I was inspired by my interpretation. I felt every last word on the pages to my core, and they didn't feel like... this. They didn't feel dirty.

5/?

I dedicate my life to fighting for autistic rights and for autistic ppl to be seen as normal human beings. I put so much good into the world simply because I felt that this book was making a strong & important point. Because this book inspired me to act with the masterful way it was written.

Then one day I find out the truth.

4/?

For example: Imagine I read a book about an autistic person being abused and it ends with them being murdered on the basis that they were autistic. Despite the book neglecting to clearly tell me that this treatment of autistic ppl is wrong, I come away with the lesson that this is a horrible way treat people. It sticks with me and becomes my favorite book bc it prompted me to start an inner dialogue about this subject.

3/?

Separating the art from the artist means we are allowing the art to stand on its own to be interpreted by individuals (not a collective) regardless of the artists actions or intentions, regardless of the artist in general.

Making the distinction between art and what it means to you vs what it meant to the artist is important for preserving stories and reminders of individuals struggles, morals and hopes.

2/?