Blaine Anderson - Sexually abused?

WARNING: This post addresses the topic of sexual abuse and may be triggering

I'll be the first to say that I am not well versed in psychology or sexual abuse and I can't pretend I hold in depth or professional insight required to study a potential victim, but as a fan of Glee character Blaine Anderson I couldn't pass this up. Fans have continually speculated that there is a darker side to Blaine's history and looking closely, that speculation isn't without merit. This is an analyse based on a list of abuse warning signs, those in yellow are more obviously present in Blaine's character and those in peach are questionable.

Possible Behavioral Signs of Sexual Abuse

• Sexually-precocious or attempts to mask seductive behavior

Blaine has been developed as a sexually precocious character throughout his entire run on the show; experimental with Rachel and briefly hitting on Finn, continually singing songs that reference sex or contain innuendos (Teenage Dream, When I Get You Alone), and his advancements towards Kurt. Arguably he masks this sexually precocious behaviour in song and by not directly mentioning the behaviour even in conversations with his boyfriend ("To kiss you whenever and wherever you want" "I miss messing around with you" "What am I supposed to do? Hold my breath?").  He is also very vague about his own sexual experiments with Burt saying that he turned to the internet, yet he was very specific when he mentions a potentially abusive sexual scenario afterwards "One day he'll be at a party and he'll meet some guy and start fooling around..." There is a possible that there was some meaning behind these words. 

• Hides secondary sexual characteristics
• Attempts to be unattractive

This is obviously up for debate as Darren and Blaine are both attractive men and everyone has different stylistic tastes in clothing, but I've said before that Blaine's choice of clothing and his hair gell are symbolic or a shield. He continued to wear bowties and dress a particular way despite being repeatedly told by others (including his own brother) that the look was not aesthetically pleasing to the masses, meaning that he is either deliberately choosing to dress in a way that he knows people find unattractive or he is compulsively attached/addicted to that look. As clothing choice is on a small part of whether you appear attractive and he happily removed his bowtie when Sam suggested it in 'Makeover' this may be less likely.

• Abnormal sexual knowledge

(discussed under the first point)

• Radical mood swings 

Blaine's demeanour is quick to change, and his actions can be contradicting (an example being that he cheated despite him voicing his strong distaste for cheating earlier on) and he can go from a calm to an angered exterior exterior or from a happy to depressive exterior very quickly. 

• Sense of danger where he/she lives
• Change in eating habits (bulimia, anorexia, or compulsive eating)
• Inappropriately seductive

'When I Get You Alone' - enough said.

• Apparent boredom w/age peers and age appropriate activities
• Nightmares, insomnia, sleepwalking and other sleep disturbances
• Radical change in school performance for better or worse
• Fearful about certain people
• Over achievement 

Blaine is clearly an over achiever, as he was able to keep up with what must have been a demanding private school schedule. Then in the Season 3 episode 'Makeover' he is shown, as the rightful 'New Rachel' to be signing up for close to every single available club and also runs for class president. 

• Depression, crying episodes, etc.
• Substance abuse/addiction

While only seen drinking on two occasions throughout the show it is heavily implied that Blaine abuses alcohol, as he was drink both times and the lyrics to several songs he has sung on the show feature alcohol. He also compulsively sports bowties and hair gel and appears to have if not an addiction than a highly active sex drive - his sexually knowledge and advances seeming to be unusally active. 

• Expression of "damaged goods" syndrome
• Angry, hostile or aggressive behavior

Blaine was a member of Dalton's fight club, is quick to anger (as seen in several interactions with Sebastian, Kurt and Finn and one interaction with Sam), and can be forceful when drunk. 

• Fear of adult or adolescent
• Fear of being photographed
• Anxiety reaction to authority figures
• Fear of undressing or refusal to undress in gym class 
• Pseudo-mature/overly-compliant or accommodating

Blaine is incredibly compliant and accommodating to the point where it is detrimental to his own happiness. It is seen in his continual accommodation of Kurt's needs (changing schools for him, not originally auditioning for Tony for him etc) and his initial accommodation of Finn and Rory. He also shows Pseudo-maturity in his interactions with others; appearing as a mentor to Kurt despite being established as a year younger (as of Season 3 anyway... but that's another story) and struggling with some of the same issues as Kurt himself. He also has shown incredibly emotional maturity in regards to some respects of his relationship and in his interactions with Burt, his peers and his authority figures. Of course this could all come from his own independent wisdom, intellect and maturity but he has shown a lot of evidence of this.

• Regressive, babyish behavior
• Intense efforts to gain attention/affection from adults

While not specific to adult figures in his life, Blaine is known for craving/seeking affection, even if he is not conscious of, or having a selfish reason for, doing so. Despite being an incredibly accommodating person and a team player he became the lead soloist of the Warblers, and by accommodating Kurt, his friends, and family he is also seeking affecting from those around him - by gaining their approval. 

• Spending inordinate amounts of time in game rooms, arcades. etc

There is only small evidence of this in the montage of Blaine singing up for clubs at the beginning of 'Makeover'. The fact that he signed up for clubs dedicated to Dungeons and Dragons and Superhero sidekicks show that he must spend a significant amount of time participating in fandom and gaming related activities. 

• Recruiting other children to become involved with an adult
• Suicidal thinking, gestures, and attempts 
• Hints regarding sexual behavior
• Fear of nurturing/withdrawal/impaired ability to trust

Blaine's impaired ability to trust is shown most clearly in his interactions with Kurt and his brother. When Cooper arrives Blaine doesn't appear to be surprised when he is dismissed by his brother, not trusting his brother due to his experience and perhaps darker influences. He is withdrawn from his brother, as it is established at the beginning of 'Big  Brother' that they'd hadn't had contact with each other for a while and he hadn't mentioned Cooper to Kurt. His distrust of Kurt is more clear, shown most clearly in 'Dance With Somebody'. When Kurt starts texting Chandler, Blaine apparently suspects something is going on judging by his looks of sad resignation. For Blaine to suspect anything there has to be some level of mistrust for Blaine to consider the possibility that Kurt is cheating, since Kurt could've been texting anybody at the time. He shows even greater mistrust and paranoia when he chooses to read Kurt's texts. 

• Self-mutalative behavior 
• Find reasons to not go home (helping teachers, etc.)

There are several instances where Blaine may have been doing this. Prior to the inclusion of NYADA and New York as outside filming locations, and assuming that Dalton was a boarding school, Blaine as a character was shown away from home more than any other character. Throughout Season 2 we see him only at school and public places; such as the Lima Bean, Breadsticks, Kurt's home and McKinley. Only in Season 3 and 4 have we seen him home at all, with the noticeable absence of his parents. There is also a moment in 'I Am Unicorn' where he asks Mr.Shue if he could attend booty-camp, saying that he would like to catch up with the others, which could easily have been a guise. 

• Neurological and verbal expressive delays

It has been brought up by screencaps and fan speculation that Blaine apparently has trouble clapping - this could easily  be a goof-up on Darren's part or fans just looking too far into it, but it could also be a neurological deficit that has affected his hand eye co-ordination. Any damage done to his addiction center due to abuse could also explain his reliance and apparently abuse of alcohol, as well as his compulsive behaviour when it comes to clothing and singing. It would also explain his introvert personality, as his emotions are bottled up due to the delays in his verbal expression. 

• Killing/torturing domestic animals 
• Self-hatred
• Memory loss
• Runaway
• Fear of the dark
• Find reasons to not be with someone they used to spend time with (or any change of behavior toward a friend or family member)

Not explored on the show but suggested by his lack of contact with his friends in the Warblers. As of 'Michael' and the whole Sebastian situation it is understandable that his relationship with the Warblers is now strained but prior to Michael his on-screen contact with the Warblers was solely to invite them to West Side Story. 

• Unable to concentrate, daydreaming, 'spacing out', 'in a world of their own'
• Withdrawn, isolated, or excessively worried

• Excessive or early masterbation

Suggested, albeit only briefly and in passing, during 'The First Time' with the line "That's why they invented masterbation"

• Becomes a perpetrator, targeting a child, sibling, or friend

Arguably this very nearly occurred during 'The First Time' when Blaine ruins his night out with Kurt at Scandals by becoming overly forceful in the car. 

Do you think Blaine has been sexually abused or some other trauma? Or do you think he's perfectly healthy? Let me know in the comments. 

Thank you to http://www.sandf.org/articles/Signs.asp for the initial list of warning signs and Hypable.com's Natalie Fisher and Glee Chat podcast for the inspiration

Review: The Land Of Stories

All who know me will know that I awaited the release of The Land Of Stories with what you could say... 'bias', meaning that I'm a huge fan of Chris Colfer and would probably have loved it if it was the phone book with a fancy cover. Chris Colfer is incredibly talented, and as an avid Glee fanatic I've been emotional invested in his 'Cinderella Story' and the not so Cinderella story of his character Kurt Hummel. You could even call us kindred spirits, since we were both the heads of failed writer's groups in highschool (yay!)

Of course he hasn't been sitting on his backside after getting a cushy role on 'Glee', as of now he's a Golden Globe winner, two time emmy nominee and the writer and lead of his new movie 'Struck By Lightning'. All this was naturally done while writing The Land Of Stories between sets on the national sell out 'Glee Live' concert tour. With all this on his plate many would pass this off as just another actor who thinks he can write, but as someone whose had a passion for writing since boyhood, this first novel will not disappoint.

The Land of Stories follows twin siblings, Alex and Connor, as they are sucked - Narnia style, into a family heirloom, a novel called The Land Of Stories. The book plummets the pair into a world of fairytales, where Classic fairytale characters are living out their surprisingly troubled post-happily ever after lives. To get home Alex and Connor are forced into the greatest scavenger hunt of their lives - gathering familiar fairy tale relics to form the wishing spell. Its a path home littered with danger and familiar characters with untold stories.

The story itself makes the (thankfully not stone) heart of my inner child beat wildly, and sparks my love of the classic stories, the way I'm sure Colfer intended. It's imaginative, homourous and as witty and its author, targeted towards children but appealing to a range of ages. Given Colfer's fame and how 'hot' fairy tales are recently (see: 'Snow White and The Huntsmen', 'Grimm' or 'Once Upon A Time) this debut was bound for success, and success it has had in its cushy position as The New York Times #1 bestseller these last two weeks. There are let downs in the form of cliches and minor repetitive sequences, but there are made up for in character, inventiveness and one liners. Colfer has delivered a truly page turning read rather than the standard 'failed actor-writer' kiss of doom some people experience. Personally I can't WAIT for the next two parts of this trilogy.

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Recommendation: The Looking Glass Wars

Right now the world is entering an era of fairy tales, with classic tales hitting one of the highest points they've ever reached in recent years. Between 'Once Upon A Time', 'Snow White and the Huntsmen', 'Grimm' and the re-release of a whole host of classic Disney films, you can't walk into a movie theatre or turn on your television without seeing a beloved Fairy Tale. The Looking Glass Wars is no exception. 

'The Looking Glass Wars' is a darker and more adult re-telling of the of Lewis Caroll's Alice In Wonderland. The Author Frank Beddor explores the idea that 'Alice In Wonderland', detailing the life of Alice Liddle, is not an accurate recount, but a distorted and interpretation of an oral history. 'The Looking Glass Wars' is the true story of Alyss and Wonderland.

The story follows Alyss Hart, princess to the Throne of Wonderland - as she witnesses the death of her parents by the hand of her Aunt Redd and Redd's assassin - a man known as The Cat. Saved by royal bodyguard Hatter Madigan, the pair are thrust into our England and separated. A race begins as Hatter and The Cat race to find the princess first, one looking to rescue her and the other looking to finish the job.

The series is a thrilling and clever fantasy trilogy which takes everything you know about Lewis Caroll's Wonderland and twists it on it's head.

The Books: The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd, Arch Enemy

Find out more: http://www.lookingglasswars.com

Exams: hate to hate them

For some the word ‘exam’ is the difference between a diploma and the unemployment line. For others it’s the difference between a dream job and a checkout counter, or perhaps it means a dreaded (and probably embarrassing) trip to a hospital or doctor’s clinic. For second year University students it might mean blogging about exams the night before you have one because you want to avoid the blasted things for just a little longer, but maybe that's just me.

Whatever the word means to you, most humane and rational beings despise exams (unless they go by the name Hermione Granger - and even then the bushy haired super witch gets stressed about them too on occasion). I’m sure you’ve been there at some point, your eyes and back aching as you strain over textbooks, or your blood pressure rising as you prepare for your fate in a waiting room. Then as you sit there, the words flying in and out of your ears like little butterflies – you silently (or loudly depending on the kind of person you are) plea for it all to be over. In my case I frequently visualize exams as a great big punching bag I can pound into. Every time I study I’m jabbing it in, pounding it into the ground on the day of the exam, until hopefully a nice big pass mark shows up and the bag is nothing but dust.

Of course the lucky Americans are on summer holidays right now, basking in their beautiful freedom from study. Here in the future land of reality however (New Zealand), winter is here and I’ll be spending tomorrow and the 21^st attempting to rip my punching bag to shreds – wish me luck!

P.S - all non-citizens of future land should note that flying cars have still not been invented, and the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to those who do not wish to suffer a painful death.

Doctor Who: 5 reasons to watch and a theory

5 Reasons to watch Doctor Who

After almost 50 years generations of people have found something fascinating about the sonic-ing Doctor and his wobbly, timey wimey adventures. Whether they hopped aboard the Tardis in the 60s, 2005 or yesterday, the madman with a box has his appeal, but why?

1. Always fresh but always the same
With the ingenious idea of 'Regeneration' the Doctor can completely rewrite his biology, essentially thwarting death and giving himself a completely different body and face. Upon regenerating a whole new actor can take up the mantle of the Doctor while technically still playing the same character. With 11 personalities to discover, a galaxy of alien species', and a host of companions, you'll never be at a loss for something fresh. The core story however, of a lonely alien man looking to heal and find peace, is always there. It’s comfortingly familiar, but spontaneous and different at the same time.

2. Something to interest all
With some of the most witty, creative and outlandish writing ever to hit television screens, Doctor Who combines and interweaves genres better than most. Ranging from Romantic, Comedic, Innocent, and Fun to Dramatic, Intellectual, Tragic, Sad and Dark there are times when the show can have you laughing and crying in the space of 2-3 (literally) all without a single trip in the Tardis.

3. The acting
A character like the Doctor is layered in complexity and needs actors that can fulfil that versatility and range. From talent to talent each Doctor has met the bar and raised it, each catching the heart of different fans. With strong introductions (such as the 11th Doctor's opening speech to the Atraxi) or heart breaking goodbyes ("I don't want to go") the ability the actors have to twist language and tug at your heart strings will have you hooked.

4. Creativity
While the show can be grounded in reality, morality and the bitter/beautiful truths of our world and those beyond, it is for creative and adventurous minds as well. Only on Doctor Who can you find fish fingers and custard or horses on a spaceship.

5. Intellectually stimulating
As popular as it is with kids who enjoy following the adventures and humour, even the mature and sharpest of minds can love it. With an in-depth canon, scientific/grand monologues and concepts that fit together like a puzzle piece, this show won't spell it out for you. Ideas that span over entire seasons will come together, sometimes only an expression of realization or one line of dialogue. For History buffs several historical figures appear, in episodes celebrating the brilliance of their lives, along with in-jokes the historically minded will notice.

So - one show, all of time and space, everything that ever happened or ever will, where would you like to start?

A series finale theory

With the show at it's strongest and a 50th Anniversary is on its way it's hard to imagine Doctor Who leaving our screens any time soon. However like all good things it must one day come to an end, and I have an idea of what may happen when it does.

During 'The Wedding Of River Song' two of Doctor Who's biggest constants reappeared, with a subtle Dalek cameo and the biggest question of the show - Doctor WHO being explored. The Time War between the Daleks and the Timelords, as well as that ultimate question, was the beginning of it all. According to Dorium 'Doctor Who?' is the first question, what if it is the last as well?

It was made clear during Tennant's era that The Master suffered from a never ending drumbeat that plagued his mind, a beat that was planted in his head and was ultimately used by the banished Time Lords to try and escape. Could the answer to the question, The Doctor's name, be a weapon in itself? In 'A Good Man Goes  To War' Lorna reveals that 'Doctor' means 'great warrior' in the language of her people, and the Doctor is sometimes referred to as the 'Destroyer of Worlds' by multiple people/races. Think back to the beginning of the Narnia series; 'The Magician's Nephew' where the White Witch held a word in her mind with the power to destroy whole worlds, perhaps the Doctor's name holds a similar power, and the 'Destroyer of Worlds' title is much more than just a misnomer. I believe in the final episode of Doctor Who to ever bless our screens, the final confrontation between The Doctor and the Daleks will occur, and when his name is spoken it will somehow mean the end of the Daleks, The waiting Time Lords and the Doctor himself. Essentially, the final episode will end the Time War once and for all and both of the tired races will find their rest.

and finally... I recorded a version of the Pandorica speech just for funsies :)

My feelings on Team Starkid's Apocalyptour - a song parody

Look at their stuff, isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think their collections complete? Wouldn't you think their the crew, the crew that has everything?

They've got heroes and candy aplenty,
They've got tour stops and melodies galore,
Want a parody for your movie? They'll write four
but who cares? no big deal, I want more.

I want to be where you people are,
I wanna see, wanna see you rocking
travelling around on that, what do you call it again?
Apocalyptour.

Up where its on,
Up in the sun
Up where the fans all cheer and have fun,
wandering free, wish I could be,
part of your tour.

What would I pay?
To spend the day out in LA
What would I pay
To spend the night out at your show
But I hope that they understand that I don't
have the money for tickets.
I'm so sick of sitting, and being stuck in
little NZ

Not wandering free,
wish you will have
fun on your tour

- Part Of Your World Parody (To Starkid)

By Simone/StarkidSims

Sweet Tooth's message to the On-line populace

Hello Internet!

As you've no doubt noticed I've taken the liberty of spicing up this corner of webspace with my own personal touch of sugar coated mayhem. See now a ragtag group of oddfellows going by the name of 'Starkid' have seen fit to release a video presenting me as quite the dud. I was even foiled by that overgrown Bat and his little friend Skybar (or something like that). The point is you have been FOOLED.

Let me make one thing clear, the only foiling that will happen wll be the undoing of Batman, the boy wonder or a sucker. On no account should you see this toxic waste of a show, unless you're revelling in the glorious bit-o-honey that is my actor Jeff Blim. Otherwise boycott this 'Holy Musical Batman' piece my Musketeers, along with their little 'Starkid Potter' channel. After all, they cleaned me out of my fucking candy!

Gotta 'split',

Sweet Tooth

[please note: this piece is reverse psychology and I adore the show :)]