Jump to content
  • entries
    7
  • comments
    43
  • views
    1,838

Ice Breaker Silky: Good, Evil, Neutral?


Ice Princess Silky <3

430 views

WARNING: The Ice Breaker Silky Blog Series May Contain Darker Themed Details Not Suitable For The Highly Sensitive Person. Because of the nature of these discussions, these blogs posts shall be rated R for Restricted. Please read at your own discretion as I am simply trying to keep things authentic and communicate my head space on these more personal matters. 


ICE BREAKER SILKY: GOOD, EVIL OR NEUTRAL?

Silky_ice_princess_smug2.png 
Art credit to Wizard
(Ice Breaker Silky represents my current state of mind. So, while she will be referenced as my OC, she will also be a reference to myself, at times.)

Firstly, I do not like being described as "good" and there are many reasons for why. The term "good" implies that I am somehow morally superior to everyone else, somehow flawless and above the average person in some way, shape or form. Not to mention, it implies that I am some sort of saint, incapable of doing wrong or encountering a moral dilemma when confronted with many themes related to different cultures, beliefs, topics, etc. And this is simply not the case. That is too much responsibility for me and potentially disappointing anyone is far too much of a weight on my heart.
best to release it and just cut to the chase.

I believe that if I were merely a concept or idea, then perhaps I could be flawless. But even my OC, Silky, whom I portray as the better aspect of myself -- has flaws. Even in her innocent pursuit for knowledge and friendship, she can accidentally step on someone's toes. And some ponies are apparently allergic to magic, like Splashee, (whom she may or may not have accidentally encased in a magical capsule into oblivion for all of eternity -- but that is another story for another time). The point is, even our flawless concepts can be flawed despite our attempts to make things right.
This is proof that we are mortal.

So, I do not like or prefer not to be described as "good." However, I also find maliciousness, edginess, the desire to trick, hurt or otherwise maim another living being to be repugnant where others might find it "cool." So, I hope not to ever fall under the category of evil, either.

For me, I identify myself as neutral. 

Being seen as good can cause some users to be too intimated or feel "less than" to approach.

 I cannot tell you how many times a user has felt intimidated or "less than" when standing by me! First of all, if you ever need any help or have to speak up about anything, I encourage you to approach. Seeing someone as "too above you" or feeling too unworthy just to talk or speak up makes me want to see myself even less of a good person if it means breaking the ice!

So, a few helpful points.  

The way I work is like this: I am generally kind and courteous to everyone. You may be a shocked stranger to wonder what did you do to deserve such kindness. But here is my official answer as to why that is. I am kind because I am fully aware of how horrible this world can be, how harsh even the internet can be. And when you meet someone -- you never know what headspace they are in -- why be rude or harsh and push them further on edge? Everyone has their story, their roots, their tragedies. I cannot tell you how much a simple act of kindness has caused people to reconsider their dark thoughts and even their own entire life. Even in person, I offer a brief smile to a stranger on occasion and they smile back as if grateful to encounter a friendly face. You just never know what people are going through. So why not be kind? It costs you nothing and can save everything. Why add to an already saturated world of not-good things?

But there is another layer to this.
My being kind to you means one other thing:
You have no record with me.


If you ever meet someone whom I refuse to be kind to, you can rest assured, 100% with objective evidence, that they did something vile to deserve it. Repeatedly.
I am an incredibly forgiving person, because I myself, am not perfect. And because I know what it is like to be in a dark place, flawed or lost. I repeatedly forgive -- but I am not immortal. Both my patience and my resources are limited, so anyone who wears that down is met with an exhaustion (at best) or the conclusion that being kind will only be weaponised against me or worse -- seen as a weakness. Therefore, the kindness shall cease and shall be met with a reciprocal language. Just to make sure that communication gets through.

Which brings me to my other side. My darker side.

I find that... not everyone responds well to kindness and wish to return it with harm or spite.

A friend of mine tells it like this, "Some people prefer the carrot, others prefer the stick." Let's just say, I prefer to avoid the people who like the stick. I can block, ban or generally avoid them. What is the point in just being toxic to each other when we can all just enjoy nice things? 

But it is VERY difficult to reach this point on me because I am THAT patient. 

How to get banned by Silky, personally:
Confirmed malice. Deception. Will to trick or harm other users.

I am not in the business of banning folk. But the few times that I have banned -- and luckily -- it is quite few in the past decade, has been when a user has been objectively proven to be malicious, deceptive, cruel or not having good intentions towards the community. If anyone whines to you about how they were unfairly banned by me, for whatever reason, I happily encourage you to please message me and ask for the abundance of evidence that will reveal more to whatever they are trying to convey. 

However, that will most likely not happen, because luckily - it is quite rare to encounter. But because it is quite rare it does hit me quite hard and makes me rather cynical. Especially when I wish to see the best in everyone.

But there it is. I am neither good, nor do I take delight in evil. I am quite neutral. If you are kind to me, I am kind to you. If you are not kind to me, I assume I am probably just not your cup of tea and I move on.

But let me catch you hurting someone or committing some form of malice and I will ban you so damn hard -- your ancestors will feel it to their core from the future and feel like absolute failures. 

But with that said. Luckily, it is a rare occasion. c: 

"BUT SILKY, WAIT!!!  YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD PERSON!!! AND TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT!!"

 Yeah, see? Another reason why I prefer not to identify as a good person. Not only will you be disappointed in my response, but you will find that I am quite snarky when met with malicious people. My answer to the phrase above is quite simply, "basic math, love. Two negatives equals a positive. NEXT!" 

But overall, I am patient, I do like to practice kindness, I am a work in progress, myself and I do take pride in knowing that it takes A LOT to push me on edge. But regardless of how malicious a person can be, you will find they will always try to play victim, so always try to get both sides if you wish to be unbiased and fair. And most importantly, if anyone tries to harm or isolate you, please report them to me immediately. >:3 

It is so interesting to hear their creative stories of how innocent and "good" they are. 

Other than that, you will find me sleeping on a cloud just chillin. Minding my own business or goofing off with friends around here. But in a very... neutral way. smug_luna1

  • Brohoof 5
  • smile 1
  • Hugs 8

26 Comments


Recommended Comments



Quote

ICE BREAKER SILKY: GOOD, EVIL OR NEUTRAL?

...Why is Derp not an option? :trollestia:

I understand and respect your reasoning for not wanting to be seen as Good. However, I hope you can acknowledge that most other people have a different definition of what it means to be a good person. And to me, doing things like banning toxic and dangerous people to protect the good ones worth protecting... That does not make you evil or neutral. It makes you wise, kind, and consistent. You don't revel in laying down the law, and you don't go looking for people to ban; but like a wise ruler, you do what must be done for the greater cause.

Strength and Kindness must go hand in hand; always.
Without kindness, strength just becomes merciless tyranny and aggression.
Without strength, kindness becomes an easily exploited naivety.

Of course, Knowledge needs to be in there too. Knowledge helps to make fair judgements, leads to better understanding, to give second chances to those who deserve it while spotting those who don't, and guides us to be consistent.
Disobey the laws and harm others? Get punished. Learn from and obey the laws? You will get rewarded. A pattern of behavior people can expect consistently, with any exceptions easily explained or made understandable, yet hardly ever exploited.

Silky, never feel bad that you have to do your duty as Admin. Only feel bad that others don't appreciate the gift of kindness. :adorkable: And know, you'll always be someone I look up to.

  • Brohoof 3
  • Delighted Giggle 1
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment

Well. Anyways Crypty has his own neutral opinion on this topic?:arethosehands:

Edited by Crypty Scribbles
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment

Two wrongs don't make a right my ass. I for one welcome some well earnt spite with a generous side of salt :kirin:

Remember the ancient wisdoms: die cry hate <3

  • Brohoof 1
Link to comment

I'm with you on the whole "neutral" thing. Most people are just that because even if they try to be "good", they're only human and still subject to flaws and mistakes. Neutral is the most natural and realistic state one can be in. It also allows for the opportunity for growth. When someone calls themself, that can make it hard to express a change of opinion, even though change is very natural, too.

Thanks for sharing your perspective with us! It gives us all a better idea of what your mission is on this site. :fluttershy: I definitely appreciate all you've done so far and what you'll continue to do! You've already made the forums great so far (and not just because you're "good", cause innocence alone wouldn't have worked on the malicious people that needed to go faaarrr away from this place!).

  • Brohoof 2
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment
  • Administrator
6 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

..Why is Derp not an option? :trollestia:

See? You know me all too well. Top Secret information, there. 

All jokes aside, I really do appreciate your words and good faith. You of all people have seen me at my worst in moderation matters when I am outraged at having uncovered something that was attempted to be hidden for some nefarious motive. And it is always embarrassing to me for people to see my outraged side because I go full hydra mode and it is overall not the most flattering look. *giggle*
 

5 hours ago, Crypty Scribbles said:

Well. Anyways Crypty has his own neutral opinion on this topic?:arethosehands:

O you know I value your input. I am not asking people to objectively agree with me here or they shall get banned. *giggles* I am merely aiming for more transparency as to my nature and what I shall not tolerate. We used to be VERY lax on toxic people, hell, we used to even believe they "needed a place" to feel they belong and guess what happened? Well... not good stuff and the topic would be rather depressing but let me just say... they are simply not welcomed here and are encouraged to take their motives elsewhere. This is my stance on this and you are free to disagree. 

Sadly, after everything the community has seen and been through, your disagreement may not change anything. 

1 hour ago, ExplosionMare said:

I'm with you on the whole "neutral" thing. Most people are just that because even if they try to be "good", they're only human and still subject to flaws and mistakes. Neutral is the most natural and realistic state one can be in. It also allows for the opportunity for growth. When someone calls themself, that can make it hard to express a change of opinion, even though change is very natural, too.

Thanks for sharing your perspective with us! It gives us all a better idea of what your mission is on this site. :fluttershy: I definitely appreciate all you've done so far and what you'll continue to do! You've already made the forums great so far (and not just because you're "good", cause innocence alone wouldn't have worked on the malicious people that needed to go faaarrr away from this place!).

Awww, thank you for understanding! I just remember a time when one could log onto this site and meet so many beautiful gems! After a certain cesspool started forming... those gems rightfully fled and that made me sad to see. Would prefer it to be the reverse, tbh.

Quote

(and not just because you're "good", cause innocence alone wouldn't have worked on the malicious people that needed to go faaarrr away from this place!).

Yeah. My Admin quote is "Do not be so naive as to mistake innocence for naivety" stands true for a reason. Innocence just means one is not guilty of something. Naivety is what a person is if they confuse innocence for naivety and try to harm the innocent because of that mistake. :green:

2 hours ago, Raskolnikov said:

Two wrongs don't make a right my ass. I for one welcome some well earnt spite with a generous side of salt :kirin:

I always hated the phrase! LOL! Mainly because I would only see it as a shield to deflect justice being brought towards someone who provoked it. XD 

Quote

Remember the ancient wisdoms: die cry hate <3

Was that Aristotle? :huh:

1 hour ago, Bairro M Vagrant said:

:grimacy-posey:Now I'm a good boy!

Would explain why you are still here. :dash:

  • Brohoof 2
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment
Quote

 I always hated the phrase! LOL! Mainly because I would only see it as a shield to deflect justice being brought towards someone who provoked it. XD

:derpy-salute::derpy-salute::derpy-salute::derpy-salute:

THANK YOU

:derpy-salute::derpy-salute::derpy-salute::derpy-salute:

RESPECT

6 minutes ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

Was that Aristotle? :huh:

Easy mistake to make! It's actually Sun Tzu from The Art of War :fluttershy:

  • Party! 1
Link to comment

Hmm, given how much shit happens on internet forums someone should write an 'Internet Forum: The Art of War' book. mlp-degrin_fixed.png.9a8a4a324d3680e7452a25d948b61c05.png

  • Delighted Giggle 1
  • Excited 1
Link to comment
  • Administrator
3 minutes ago, Acinonyx said:

Hmm, given how much shit happens on internet forums someone should write an 'Internet Forum: The Art of War' book. mlp-degrin_fixed.png.9a8a4a324d3680e7452a25d948b61c05.png

You're hired!

  • Excited 1
Link to comment
6 minutes ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

You're hired!

mlp-dreally.png.571b27b0453c088b524bc3efca94e112.png I suppose I know a thing or two about the subject. mlp-dsexy.png.5b72ef8777991ab828af141275661be5.png

  • Delighted Giggle 1
  • Shocked 1
Link to comment
1 hour ago, Ice Princess Silky <3 said:

Sadly, after everything the community has seen and been through, your disagreement may not change anything. 

But I did mean... Umm... Oh... 9_9

Nevermind 6_6

Edited by Crypty Scribbles
  • Shocked 1
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment
  • Administrator
9 minutes ago, Crypty Scribbles said:

But I did mean... Umm... Oh... 9_9

Nevermind 6_6

CRYPTY LOOK AT YOUR TIME TRAVELING MADNESS CONFUSING US ALL AGAIN! D: What did ya mean?! 

Link to comment
  • Administrator
Moments ago, Sparklefan1234 said:

May I say "nice" in place of "good"? I think you are a nice person, Silky. :twilightsmile:

Thank you, lovely. I do try my best. Until the "n" in nice is removed. :green:

  • Brohoof 1
  • Delighted Giggle 1
Link to comment
9 minutes ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

Thank you, lovely. I do try my best. Until the "n" in nice is removed. :green:

I told her to let it go...:unsuresweetie:/:raritywink:

  • Delighted Giggle 2
Link to comment

 

Seriously, I think you're only as "good" as you believe yourself to be. I may be missing the point of this topic. :twismile:

 

2 minutes ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

never-harrypotter.gif   

Oooh! I get to use this gif again...image.gif.f1b0a3d7387e47871b6a692014982927.gif

  • Hugs 2
Link to comment
  • Readers

I personally think neutrality is a good thing.   It's something I strive to be,  simply because it implies balance between good and evil.  I could be both, or neither, and I think Silky does a masterful job balancing herself in that fashion, depending on what is warranted at the moment. 

  • Brohoof 3
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment

Thank you for writing this.

This reinforces for me why "love and tolerate" doesn't work. I kinda talked about it somewhere, don't remember where exactly tho.

On paper it sounds great, except in practice when something unsavory or sketchy was done, it was used to basically lessen how bad it actually was. It's such a cheap way out. It feels the same as "You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses would you?"

Ironically, you'd expect people saying this to also love and tolerate back, but most of the time it was not like that. It's very one-sided. "Love and tolerate me, my interests and my actions but I won't do the same for you" is what I got out of it every time I read or hear some something that has that phrase (especially the older the discussion is).

Also you can only love and tolerate for so much before you can't love and tolerate anymore. This happens to everyone at some point.

It's not a good feeling when you try to be nice and inclusive towards someone who might have a rocky history and despite promising otherwise, they just keep DOING it whether out of habit or "it's funny" and that causes you to snap at them, cut ties or whatever else.

What's not surprising is there's an example of this in G4. It's the episode where Fluttershy was tasked with reforming Discord, but he was being such an ass to everyone that she blew a fuse by the end of it. In other words, she was "loving and tolerating" him until she couldn't anymore.

It wasn't the only thing being taught in that episode (and they made up so quickly, I wish it took another scene in between to get to that point so it felt more natural) but these things get taught by the show, explicitly or not.

Mind you that I don't think the show is 100% gospel on how one should live their life. A lot of the life lessons are intentionally oversimplified for the younger audience while keeping some nuance.

It's also not the only show to do this. It's just a relevant example that comes to mind.

  • Brohoof 1
  • Hugs 1
Link to comment
  • Administrator
1 hour ago, Espy said:

What's not surprising is there's an example of this in G4. It's the episode where Fluttershy was tasked with reforming Discord, but he was being such an ass to everyone that she blew a fuse by the end of it. In other words, she was "loving and tolerating" him until she couldn't anymore.

Whoa. That is pretty bad for the element of kindness to eventually blow her fuse. Goodness! The show used to annoy me with always trying to "reform" all the bad guys. I understand it is just a kid's show but for me, what is made me indignant was the principle of the matter for those trying to apply it irl.

I am not "reforming" people who legitimately wish not to change, do nothing to change and even enjoy the thrill of 'not changing' harming others. I CAN teach them a little bit of empathy by placing them in a room with their own kind and showing them why harming others is not so fun afterall. :toldya: 
(but, see, now that is just my evil side showing and that is not for you to see D: ) *mortal kombat theme plays as Silky shouts: FITE*

Ahem! Anywho... 

I appreciate your genuine two cents on this. Admittedly, I was rather nervous making this post because I know how controversial these topics can be. Especially on a platform which ideally wishes to see the best in everyone. And believe me, we really do. We are just... also... realistic about these things.

  • smile 1
Link to comment

You know, this is the second time you've had a hard hitting introspective piece that's resonated with me, and I'm sure if I dug into it there'd be more. I don't really see myself as any of the above, either. I honestly think that humans are a spectrum of inconsistencies and flaws. We are who we are; walking contradictions, and a courtesy we extend to someone might be retracted from someone else -- even if that's someone who's quite deserving of it. 

I feel like putting on moral labels of good or bad can feel like getting put on a pedestal. Or worse. A cage. I think wearing good, bad, or neutral is limiting. I truly think it's irresponsible to try to define each other with these characteristics, so much so where using strictly those three qualifiers is putting less character retrospective than even a DnD character. I know there are days where I've helped people with no gain to myself, as well as there are days where I've just shut the world out and stopped caring. Does one outweigh the other? Is one inherently better? I don't know, but they're both definitely real. It's tricky, you know? Because it's kinda just human nature to try to quantify and qualify everything around us. Science theory, theology, mysticism, esotericism. People just want to understand and feel like the world is real to them. And they do that, in part, by labelling things. Categorizing things. Compartmentalizing what they can and focusing on it later.

What really struck me was how you eluded to using kindness consciously. That it's something you can willfully retract as needed. As if it's being used in contrast to a darker world around you that maybe you can try to brighten up a bit. And, I think I try to behave similarly. I have my own past, my own reasons for the things I say and do. Obviously, right? I mean, we all kind of do at the end of the day. But the way you use kindness, it isn't performative. And that, to me, means choice. A choice to offer warmth even when it can be misunderstood or taken advantage of. A choice to give people a chance even when they can betray you and your trust, and maybe even hurt the people close to you. It's strength, not flawlessness. And yes, strength with limits because everyone has a threshold. Even the kindest among us will walk away at some point.

I don't believe that anyone is inherently good just because they make that choice, the choice of kindness. Choosing kindness and love first is maturity. And I wouldn't say you're neutral, either. I'd say you're more in equilibrium. Someone who is aware of the scales they're balancing. Someone who knows what can tip it in either way, and chooses moment to moment, not to let it. 

And lastly, calling someone "good" shouldn't imply sainthood or divinity. To me, it just means they care. That they try. That they don't or try not to weaponize the pain of others against them. And you know what, honestly, if you don't accept the word or the title, I just wanna say... people who try like you do? They're rare, I think. Or maybe I just don't know where to find them. Whether that makes you "good" or not is irrelevant, because to me, it just.. matters.

Thank you. 

  • Brohoof 1
  • Hugs 2
Link to comment
9 hours ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

What did ya mean?! 

I meant that I don't really care about ppl who don't belong here, but I have another opinion about you being neutral. But then I saw that you are deeply in Ice Breaker mode and am not sure if it's a good idea to distract you and maybe it's better to give you space to process things your own way... 9_9

  • smile 1
Link to comment
  • Administrator
15 minutes ago, Street Light said:

I'd say you're more in equilibrium. Someone who is aware of the scales they're balancing. Someone who knows what can tip it in either way, and chooses moment to moment, not to let it. 

I wish you knew just how much this resonates with me. In fact, it resonates so hard, I will respond with an image made to reflect exactly this. 
image.png
Your level of perception is uncanny. (Silky and @Sir Hugsalot)

8 minutes ago, Crypty Scribbles said:

I meant that I don't really care about ppl who don't belong here, but I have another opinion about you being neutral. But then I saw that you are deeply in Ice Breaker mode and am not sure if it's a good idea to distract you and maybe it's better to give you space to process things your own way... 9_9

O my gosh.. Crypty with the X-ray vision D: das cheating! Am a formidable and icy foe! Rawrrrr 
:raritydespair:

  • Brohoof 1
  • Delighted Giggle 1
  • smile 2
Link to comment
5 hours ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

Am a formidable and icy foe! Rawrrrr

Oh you... :toldya:

I mean, oh mai... :lie: Save me anypony from this icy spirit of pure neutrality!

  • Brohoof 1
  • Delighted Giggle 1
Link to comment
14 hours ago, Ice Princess Silky &lt;3 said:

Am a formidable and icy foe! Rawrrrr 

image.gif.ccb2ae0f802ed5794eab7e429b462d67.gif  :hug2:

  • Brohoof 1
  • Delighted Giggle 1
Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Join the herd!

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...