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Contents 90.
PROUST SPOTLIGHT With the talented Jessa Casti.
30.
126.
ACROSS THE GR
Wicca Merlin introduces us to world of horror in Second
THROUGH THE LENS Featuring boys at the beach.
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STOMOL A full length science fiction machinima filmed in Second Life.
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PLACES TO GO Featuring five amazing places to explore with your friends.
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142.
ARTIST HIGHLIG
With the talented live sin Sophie Brum
116. THE KITCHEN CORNER 150. VOICES FROM THE GR Mac Massimo invites you to the kitchen with edamame fried rice.
Asked the same question, what residents have to
RID
46.
COVER STORY Black Lives Matter
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Geena Carminucci
WRITER
178.
THE WAYFARER
o the Life.
Join the Wayfarer as he explores Eris Isle.
GHT
196. THE WAY YOU INSPIRE
nger, mati.
Sharing the story of Kandy Kyong from Rita Rowley’s perspective.
RID
208. THE ART PERSPECTIVE
, see o say.
Featuring the Ouvroir art installation and exhibit.
Cajas Lilliehook
ECLIPSE Magazine is dedicated to not only offering an aesthetically pleasing publication, but to also be considered a platform that offers rich and relevant content. Each month, we showcase residents and groups that have taken the concept of “your world, your imagination” to such great heights that they have impacted the culture and lifestyle of the Second Life community. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 11
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executive team
Trouble dethly Publisher
minnie fae dethly
cajsa lilliehook
june fallon
sol may valor
Assistant Editor
Creative Director
Copy Editor
Social Media Manager
the c
writers
photographers
Cajsa Lilliehook Gidge Uriza Minnie Fae Dethly Novaleigh Freng Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin
Cassie Middles Geena Carminucci Gidge Uriza Hayden Dethly Max Massimo Minnie Fae Dethly Novaleigh Freng Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin
stylists Cassie Middles Hayden Dethly Minnie Fae Dethly Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin
guest stylist & photographer Hayden Dethly & Rita Rowley
interested in advertising with eclipse? have an idea for a great story? looking to start a new career in second life? email trouble.dethlysl@gmail.com
contributors
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Second Life is a hugely international community. Some of our residents in our shared virtual world do not understand what Black Lives Matter is and what social climate made this movement necessary. Everything from police brutality, the inequalities of the criminal justice system (where the level of regard given to an individual is based on the color of the skin), how the prison system is essentially institutionalized slavery and everything in between. It speaks about systemic oppression, and the systems in place that create and maintain racial inequality, affecting nearly every aspect of a Black person’s life. And it does. For anyone who says otherwise, you are very likely blinded by your own privilege. Breonna Taylor was in bed, when detectives shot and murdered her. Tamir Rice was a twelve year old boy playing with a pellet gun, when a police officer shot and murdered him. Ahmaud Arbery was simply running through a neighborhood, when he was pursued and murdered by an ex-police officer and his son. Atatiana Jefferson was taking care of her nephew when a police officer shot and murdered her through a back window of her home. George Floyd said he couldn’t breathe and begged for his life, yet a police officer still kept a knee to his neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds and murdered him. We interviewed seven residents this month for our cover feature who are involved in the Black Lives Matter movement in-world or in their first lives. The goal was to create an informative piece and to share their experiences. Silence is complicity, and people need to keep talking about why Black Lives Matter. We have twelve pieces in total this month. I hope you enjoy the reading.
letter from the PUBLI
ISHER
Hello Everyreader! Wow what a month July has been! It’s crazy how in just a month things can change so drastically! If you have been following my past few notes, you probably know I have been waiting for August to arrive to visit my girlfriend but plans changed. Due to my high performing anxiety and the flexibility of those around me I’m happy to report that I’m writing this note from her bed. She’s reading and I’m writing this, I think she may be the only person I’ve traveled with and had a good time literally the whole time. I haven’t laughed this much in what I feels like forever. Sadly due to my vacation my twin has handled the bulk of this issue on his own but as always did an amazing job. This might be one of our more serious issues but it is a subject that needs to be talked about. In times of conflict I find it best to try and see all sides of the story and do better to understand. I hope that this issue might shed some light on issues some of us haven’t thought about before. As you read through the pages of this issue realize all the problems we are battling together right now don’t need a short term fix, it’s not a race it’s very much a marathon. The world may seem dark and dim right now, but as Albus Dumbledore once said “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one remembers to simply turn on the light”. Wishing you warmth and kindness,
y l h t e D e a F e i n n Mi
letter from the edito
or
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through the lens
s
Each issue, ECLIPSE Magazine invites the many talented photographers from Second Life to collaborate. With this piece, they style, create and share a glimpse through their lens. For this addition, Hayden Dethly, Taylor Wassep and Trouble Dethly takes us to the beach.
Photographer: Hayden Dethly Page 32 | ECLIPSE July 2020
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Photographer: Hayden Dethly
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep
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Photographer: Trouble Dethly
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black lives matt photography by cassie middles & GEENA CARMINUCCI. writt
ter
en by cajsa lilliehook.
Black Lives Matter. Three simple words that say so much. Black Lives Matter is first and foremost a moral truth. Because Black lives have been taken with impunity, however, Black Lives Matter confronts our failure to make that truth a fact. Black Lives Matter challenges us to do better, to make that truth real in practice, not just in words. Black Lives Matter is a call to a moral awakening, an uprising against the status quo where Black lives haven’t mattered. What does it mean to “matter?” MerriamWebster defines it as being of importance, of signifying. How important is a life when it can be taken with impunity? Trayvon Martin was a teen who was hunted down and shot while walking home from the convenience store by a man who judged him by the color of his skin. Originally the police did not even arrest his killer. When public pressure forced a trial, he was acquitted. It seems strange he could claim self-defense when he was the aggressor? Does your life matter if someone stalks and hunts you down and then successfully claims he killed you in self-defense? Trayvon’s killer was acquitted on July 13, 2013, and that day the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter appeared for the first time. With each subsequent murder, its salience increased, exploding into view with the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Black Lives Matter is most of all an idea and one that many people synthesize in many different ways. For Roshambo Dench Rives Daze, Black Lives Matter means we need to see the importance of Black lives and to recognize that so much violence has been perpetrated upon Black bodies throughout our history that have become desensitized, shrugging off the deaths. She added, “Black Lives Matter is a reminder to recognize the humanity that generations of slavery and Jim Crow and violence have taken away from Black folx.” For Prophet, Black Lives Matter is a message that Black lives should be valued and treated
equally to any other person, no matter their skin color. “We shouldn’t have to be afraid of Police, just as they should not fear us.” Karisha is easily moved by injustice and is active as an anti-racist white ally or collaborator. He is aware of and concerned about many issues of oppression and injustice but believes that while there are many fires, the one that is raging and putting people in danger is racism and Black people are in the fire right now. “Black Lives needs my support right now, they are in that fire now.” There is pain in the words Black Lives Matter for Emiko. “When I hear BLM, it reminds me of the lack of importance of my people.” It hurts that the words have to be said, that they must demand to be recognized. After all these years, Black people are still fighting to be heard. She also feels empowered by the words, finding a balance between the hurt it inflicts and the power is evokes. Giselle Chauveau sees an entire movement in the words. For her, it’s the abolishment of racism and structural inequality. It means equal natural and civil rights for all. She said, “Stating “Black Lives Matter” doesn’t insinuate that others don’t. It’s not a term of confrontation or exclusionary demand. It’s a rallying cry for a shift in the status quo...for Black citizens to also be protected and treated fairly.” For Ric Applewhyte, Black Lives Matter is frustrating, making him sad and angry. He thinks back to when 2020 was far in the future and people thought about flying cars or teleportation. Instead, we needed a new Civil Rights Movement. “The fact that this had to be created just so the rest of society can hear us. Hear that we’re not treated the same. That we never were. Try to understand how that would feel in this day and age. That this was needed to try to stop the violence, and senseless killing because of the color of our skin.” He imagines getting up out of bed and going for a run like Ahmaud Arbery. He imagines walking
*We are following the style guidelines of the Columbia Journalism Review which are explained in their excellent article “Why We Capitalize Black (and Not White).” Page 46 | ECLIPSE July 2020
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home from the grocery store like Elijah McClain. He imagines getting pulled over like Philando Castile or even sleeping your own bedroom like Breonna Taylor. “Imagine having to explain to children why they need to take extra precautions because their skin is darker than everyone else’s. Their skin...that’s what this boils down to...skin color. I don’t understand how anyone in this world can’t be sad, angry, or empathetic.” “It means that Black lives matter. It means that “matter” is the minimum. It means that Black lives matter just as much as non-Black lives matter. It means that if ALL lives mattered, then Black people would not have to even declare that ours do, because they already would. It means that Black lives DON’T matter to enough people in this world; and until they do, it means we will continue to scream this. Shaking, eyes full of tears, bullet-riddled bodies, baton-beaten backs, hearts beating in our hands… We’ll keep saying it until they do.” That is what Black Lives Matter means to Dondallia Cruz.
do Black Lives Matter when people pose on Facebook recreating George’s Floyd’s murder with a knee to the neck or when Zimmerman can sell the gun he murdered Trayvon Martin with for $250,000. Are their lives grievable? We asked people when they first because aware of the precarity of Black life and what accommodations they make to protect themselves. The question itself is an admission of national failure to meet even the lowest standard of equality.
Precarity is a word we don’t use enough. It is defined as a state of insecurity or persistent uncertainty. It is usually used in reference to income insecurity and economic inequality. Judith Butler wrote, “Precarity designates that politically induced condition in which certain populations suffer from failing social and economic networks of support and become differentially exposed to injury, violence, and death.” Social scientists do tend to drain the blood from their words.
Dondallia recalled learning the world was unsafe in kindergarten. She attended a Catholic school with mostly white students. Her teacher called her a little monkey, pulling her by the arm and threatening to have her daughter cut her hair. She told her mother and grandmother who went to the school to complain. The woman cried and called her a precious child of God. Dondallia was lectured about lying to hurt people. The teacher continued to harass her throughout the year, even going so far as to tell her God did not like Black people. Dondallia concluded, “Anyway, if my truth didn’t matter then, and she did and said all the bad things to me, a Black child… then I knew then at 5 that it didn’t matter for anyone else who was Black. It made me hyperaware of myself and others around me, extremely perceptive, and defensive. With that and other things that happened to me, I gathered that people were not to be trusted until they proved otherwise. It created in me an almost constant state of PTSD.”
To be Black in America is to be in a precarious position, to be “differentially exposed to injury, violence, or death.” This is social precarity, a marginalization of Black lives, an assumption that they are less “grievable” to borrow another idea from Butler who said “Precisely because a living being may die, it is necessary to care for that being so that it may live. Only under conditions in which the loss would matter does the value of the life appear. Thus, grievability is a presupposition for the life that matters.” So,
Dondallia does not believe there are ways to reduce risk. She assumes that she needs to be on guard, one step ahead. She needs to be smarter, faster, and more accomplished. “So the day that racial misfortune might swing my way… They can’t say I was anything but upstanding. Sad isn’t it? That most lack Black people live in a way that builds a character case for them while they’re living because we know that’s the first thing they use to excuse their heinousness in our death?” ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 49
Elric is from Canada and while Black people are twenty times more likely than white people to be killed by police, it is not the epidemic that we have in America. He says the racism there is less “in your face.” He has only felt unsafe a few times. What stands out for him is his experience taking his younger brother to hockey games. There were not many Black hockey players and he would hear the comments. “Knowing all eyes are on you when you sit in the bleachers and hearing people say things like what are they doing here. They must be lost and laugh. Seeing the players go after my brother and call him the n-word. You just know... you’re different because you’re treated differently. I sat alone a lot at those games and always wanted to be the first to leave.” Giselle has known Black lives were precarious from a young age but refuses to let it inhibit her. “I refuse to allow anyone to make me feel afraid or disadvantaged. In my daily life, it usually means being judged whenever I enter any room. I work twice as hard as others just to be recognized and appreciated for my obvious talents. In spite of it all, I love being a Black woman. I’m highly favored and I carry myself as such in all I do.” Emiko does not see any way to reduce the risk. Considering Breonna Taylor was in her own bed when she was shot, she has a point. As to the social precarity of Blackness, “I first realized that was when I was left out of opportunities and was ostracized from communities that focused on what was known that I had experiences in. It affects me greatly, loss of potential advancements in work, livelihood, and more that I could have obtained. To be fair, being Black and in a racist and patriarchal society doesn’t give me any way to reduce ANY type of risk, especially now.” Prophet became aware of the precarity of Blackness from history. “The first time I realized this was when I was younger, and learned about the grave and unfortunate story of Emmett Till by my parents. A story like that will really open your eyes and teach you that people of color have Page 50 | ECLIPSE July 2020
always had to fight for /their words to matter. When your words do not even matter and have little value, especially when you are seen as something you are not, is a huge risk. These risks have always shaped my life from the beginning and the choices have led my parents and family to teach me ways of reducing any risk.” For Rochambo as an Indigenous Latina, the risks are different, but present. Like the others, precarity was recognized at an early age, “part of me feels I always have known from a young age but did not have the vocabulary to express it.” She feels that she spends her life switching between her daytime corporate self and her authentic self that comes from two collectivist cultures that run counter to the individualist ethos of working life. “I operate daily understanding that Black and Brown folx are always at risk—whether it is at risk of losing our jobs, being detained unjustly, being discriminated systemically or being disconnected from our history by a school system that only teaches us white history—we are always at risk and it affects the way I have to navigate everything I do. The only way I have found to minimize that risk is to immerse myself in affinity groups where I don’t have to fight people to understand where my perspective comes from. To be a person of color in the U.S. feels like being in the middle of a river. If you let it carry you and float, it may take you somewhere you don’t want to go. It may disconnect you from a culture that nourishes you. But in order to stay authentic and connected many times that means you will be swimming upstream. All the time, every day. And that gets so exhausting. Sometimes a group of like-minded folx will come by on a boat and you get in to rest and not have to exert energy swimming upstream, but eventually, you have to get out again and decide—do I float or do I swim upstream? I find that I always choose to swim upstream.” Since Karisha is white, we asked him when he first became aware of white privilege. The concept of white privilege was first described by Peggy McIntosh who called it an invisible
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knapsack. It is more widely used in America than elsewhere and even though it’s been around for fifty years, people still struggle with it because privilege is such a loaded word in our supposedly classless society. Privilege is not about being “the Millionaire and his wife”, it’s about unseen credits that come with being on the upside of power. Life is complicated and there are many ways we put people on the upside or the downside of power. That someone has privilege in one valence while is on the downside in another is just how complicated life is. I was once asked by a homeless man how I could ever say he had white privilege. So I asked him if he got into an argument with a Latino homeless man and the cops showed up, who would the cops believe? Being a smart guy, he figured it out. And as an aside, he is now a city commissioner in a midsized city who understands the concept of privilege. Karisha described understanding privilege as solving a puzzle. “One begins interlocking a puzzle piece to another puzzle piece when they are born. I am 63 years so my puzzle given to me at birth is an interesting one. I remember well, I remember interlocking the puzzle piece of The Civil Rights of the 1960s with Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination with Robert Kennedy. I remember going to wherever with my parents and noticing the city ghetto... that puzzle piece interlocked with the others. By the time I interlocked those puzzle pieces together I was 10 years old. It made me want to try to understand it better so that is how it made it into my daily thoughts. As far as “What do you do to reject privilege or use it to subvert the balance of power?” I will give you a couple of puzzle pieces
of my life. I am old enough to be a hippie and wise enough to be a punk. My partner and I felt and still feel strongly that in order to change a situation that is wrong is to personally act the best way you can. My partner and I chose to buy a house where we were the minority. We raised our daughter in that house. We would shop at local family businesses, eat at Mom and Pop places instead of a chain restaurant, be a member of co-ops, and bank at credit unions. When I retired three years ago I moved from the United States to another country that I feel is more “in line” with how I feel a government should be working.” Black Lives Matter is more than words, more than an idea; it is a movement. Like any movement it has an agenda, policy changes that will mitigate against the indifference to Black lives and make life less precarious. The Movement 4 Black Lives, M4BL, connects the autonomous local networks of Black Lives Matter organizers on the national level, presenting a broad agenda for racial justice. However, you cannot simply pass a law that says “Don’t be racist.” It does not work that way. You can however develop policies that remediate and mitigate racism. Campaign Zero is a police reform agenda that is datadriven and evidence-based with an agenda of ten reforms that would greatly reduce police violence. Since George Floyd was murdered, a lot of these reform ideas were collected under the umbrella demand “Defund the police” which means different things to different people. For some it means redirecting funding from police divisions that are most problematic to
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social service interventions that will be more proactive. To others it means the complete abolition of the police force with some new form of community safety taking place.
now he has refused a direct command of a police officer, a second-degree misdemeanour. The officers are tired and not trained to deal with mentally ill people so decide to take him in where someone else can deal with ECLIPSE asked our contributors what “Defund him. One grabs his arm to slip on cuffs and the Police” means to them. Most of them he pulls away. Add resisting arrest, still a are tired of “reform.” There is a “been there, misdemeanour but now we’re talking a year or done that, have the blood-spattered tee shirt” so in prison. And now it becomes about saving rejection of working around the edges and a face in front of the onlookers and each other, deep desire for complete restructuring. Emiko about impatience, and the incessant demand captures the mood, saying “I feel like we have for respect. He’s not respecting them, so they tried to work with police and other governmental beat him while arresting him. Sometimes officials to reduce harmful tactics on Black lives they die like Elijah McClain and James Chasse. but as we see that hasn’t worked.” Sometimes the police officers might charge him with assault on an officer for the bruises They see the “Defund the Police” as a range of on their knuckles for beating his head or ideas, most centered on redirecting much of destruction of property for bleeding on the the police budget to social services and antiofficers’ uniforms. I provided the links so you poverty programs that are proven to reduce can check. crime. Simply reducing the number of officers on patrol can accomplish a lot. Officers are For Giselle, defund means defund. “I feel often evaluated more on the quantity of law enforcement should be dismantled and their arrests than the quality. This means they restructured from the ground up. It’s not enough concentrate on behavioral crimes. Over half of to simply scale back budgets and reallocate all arrests are behavioral. For example, Michael monies. It must be less racist. The structure must Brown was stopped for walking in the street. be rearranged to make a difference.” Freddie Gray was arrested for running when the police came. Considering the “rough ride” For Dondallia, “Defund the Police” means a killed him, was he wrong? Behavioral crimes range of reforms that starts with reducing can be littering or loitering and a host of things funding for police departments whose excess most of us don’t think of as crimes because we funding has provided them military weapons, are not over-policed like Black people are. The bonus pay for the quantity of stops and arrests presence of police makes ordinary unruliness they make, the random stops that lead to into a crime. This happens even more now that people dying. She wants higher standards, a police are being pushed into schools to replace minimum of an associate degree with courses the far less expensive school counselors and in Black history. They should be demoted vice-principals, but legislators are willing to when there are sustained complaints of racist pay for police, not school counselors. interactions. They should be vetted, including a psychological evaluation, to be sure they are Over-policing is a serious issue. Often it is stable. the police that create the crime. Consider a mentally ill person walking in circles and Elric thinks too large a portion of community talking to themselves. Some concerned citizen budgets are directed to policing and would will likely call the police even though that like more investment in communities. His person is not actually hurting anyone. The focus is most on having true accountability. police officers arrive and tell him to stop. He “It shouldn’t take riots, or petitions for a police doesn’t because he focused elsewhere, so officer to be brought to justice.” Emiko agrees Page 54 | ECLIPSE July 2020
Photograph by Sylvia Olivier.
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and is most passionate about accountability, “We have tried to show them how to be more accountable now it should be on a criminal basis; you target you go to jail.” For Prophet, “Defunding the police to me has been misinterpreted by many. It is not simply to just defund and get rid of them all together but to reform and implement better training.” That is where Karisha is as well, pointing out that plumbers and hair barbers are required to do far more training than a police officer and yet a police officer is given the power to kill. He notes as well that the Defund phrase represents a complex array of positions. That is certainly apparent in Roshambo’s suggestions. She wants police evaluated on their performance in serving and protecting. “There is no reason why police departments have the latest state of art war weapons while our doctors and nurses don’t have proper PPE,” she adds. In her opinion defunding is a way to show police they are going to be held accountable. It redirects funds to areas that are chronically underfunded and defunded like education, community investment in neighborhoods of color, and in mental health, youth, and other social service programs that can work with the community rather than relying on police to fix things they have no training in. “It demilitarizes communities of color and puts the power back into the hands of the community. It becomes a matter of socially investing in neighborhoods instead of socially controlling them.” They also had varying opinions on the idea of increasing the number of Black police officers, noting that often officers adopt the culture of policing. Prophet would like more officers of color who are also drawn from the communities they represent. Only fifteen cities have residency requirements and they are frequently flouted. In the 1970s, over half of cities had residency requirements. Dondallia is not sure that increasing the number of nonwhite officers is a solution without cultural change, but more diversity would not hurt. For Elric, he thinks Black officers must
have a level of passion for the law to even want to be in the police. “You feel racism as a civilian...I can’t imagine what it’s like behind closed doors with that kind of pack mentality.” Emiko on the other hand rejects the diversity idea, “We cannot keep using Black bodies to save a construct that wasn’t meant for us. We need to stop tokenizing us and calling on Black and BIPOC people to “fix” things.” Roshambo agrees, “I absolutely do not think having more BIPOC on the police force will change anything without defunding and accountability. One of the officers who helped hold George Floyd down along with Chauvin was biracial African American and there was also an Asian officer who stood guard while the murder occurred. Putting BIPOC into an institute that upholds systemic racism without giving them any tools, training or power to change it instead forces them to assimilate to survive.” She recounted the story of Cariol Home, a Black woman fired for trying to intervene when a white officer put a Black suspect in a chokehold. “There is no way a few people from underrepresented groups can change a system that’s been generations in the making. The elements needed for safety vary from person to person and group to group but self-determination is definitely a pathway. Giving people agency for what happens in their communities without threat of unjust law enforcement practices can free communities to develop programs to address issues within their own neighborhoods without having to bring in police presence.” ______________________________________ As you can see with these seven people, Black Lives Matter is not a monolith. It is an idea that fuels a movement that traveled across America and with Black Lives Matter protests on every continent but Antarctica (zoom out) it is an idea that speaks to people everywhere. It also speaks to people in Second Life. In fact, Second Life produced a video talking to residents about Black Lives Matter. Search My.SecondLife.com for Black Lives Matter and ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 57
there are 403 results. With Stand for Justice, Second Life residents raised $11,159.64 to support organizations working to move that idea forward. The Walls of Freedom is the art project honoring Black Lives Matter created by Karisha. The SL group All Black Lives Matter has hosted panel discussions and the We Will Be Heard event in early July. All Black Lives Matter was founded by Roshambo with an in-world group of over 500 people and on Facebook with over 300 people and they actively share articles, have difficult discussions, and do a lot of self-educating. Roshambo said, “After 13 years in Secondlife, I finally feel I found a place inworld where I fit and feel useful. SL can no longer be a place I escape from the work I do, it is now the place I do an extension of the RL work I do.” But what is it like being Black in Second Life? Does Second Life do a good enough job or promoting racial justice? Only Elric has not experienced much racism directly in Second Life. Though Black Lives Matter changed that. “Until this movement all ignorant people have basically been quietly racist...this movement has exposed a lot about people’s characters.” For some, the racist incidents remain stark in memory. Dondallia recalled “I was once a stripper in SL. You haven’t seen “racial slurs” until you refuse to dance anymore for a man who suggests that you allow him to call you his “little blackie”. As a wedding coordinator and a Maternity and family doctor, I’ve had people come and ask to speak to the owner of my establishments because they “couldn’t believe that I created something to look so professional”. I’ve been called racial slurs for not having availability for some people.” Roshambo works in anti-racist organizing, so sees the systemic and cultural racism that many of us just accept as normal. “Not because SL is intentionally racist, but because the tenets of what we have come to accept as the norm are already loaded with bias against BIPOC. In those biases is racism, patriarchy, heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, and many Page 58 | ECLIPSE July 2020
other systems of oppression, but because they have been delivered to us as the “norm” so we tend to see many rules, policies, and laws as neutral and for the good of everyone and we are not taught to see the bias of how they affect different people in dynamically different ways. It even makes us a little upset when people suggest what we have thought of as neutral to be biased or discriminatory because unless we have unpacked how systemic oppression works, that is not the narrative we have upheld.”
To give a concrete example from real life, many police departments have dress codes that ban beards. But many Black men suffer from pseudofolliculitus barbae (PFB) if they shave. This means that a seemingly normal job requirement discriminates against Black men. This also applies to their hair. In 2018, there was a widely-reported incident when a high school wrestler was forced to cut his hair or forfeit his match. The CROWN Act is proposed legislation to make it illegal to discriminate against people who wear their hair in braids or wear it natural. It has passed in a handful of states and has been introduced in the House and Senate, but has not been passed out of any committees. No one sat down and said let’s make a dress code for policing or wrestling or flying a plane that excluded Black people. They didn’t have to. The idea that white aesthetics are normal does that without trying. As Prophet put it, “I have also experienced the uglier side of SL, such as racism and negative stereotypes which have become way too normalized and accepted on this platform.” Dondallia see this in how Black people are served by SL creators. For the longest time there was a paucity of Black skins. Skinners would defend their lack of effort by saying Black skin was “too hard to do.” That has improved in recent years, but she points out that creators still ignore the Black market. “Many creators will not create for bodies like Hourglass, Sking, and Ebody Curvy because they’re predominantly worn by Black women
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who want a more ‘ethnic’ based curve to their bodies. I’ve been told “Black girls with big butts” are “so ghetto” in Second Life.”
their stance as well.” Roshambo again takes a more systemic view. She thinks Linden Lab wants to do the right thing but doesn’t know what that is. They Dondalia also noted that even popular need to be told. “Unless they have something designers who are creating items for Black like an Office of Diversity Oversight that is Lives Matter awareness have unfriended looking at things critically, there isn’t much her after she spoke out on Facebook about more they can do. It’s funny because I once said acial disparities in first and Second Life. SL is my dream job was to be CDO of Linden Lab very segregated, she thinks, “There’s a “white and I found it amusing but if we think about side” and an “Urban” [Black/Black associated/ it, corporations that are serious about making accepting] side. Many urban designers cannot get positive sustainable change need to invest in this. nto main events, and they’ve had to create their I would say most people tend to think of racism own lane in order to flourish here on the business as personal insults and name-calling and if they side of things; which in many ways, I believe don’t personally witness that, they tend to believe s amazing… But still very telling.” Emiko also there is no racism, but that is because we as a believes that some are just following the trend, society have not been taught to understand and creating Black skins and using Black bloggers see what systemic racism is. Individual exchanges o avoid getting “canceled” rather than out of can be traumatic and unpleasant but systemic conviction. She thinks the Lab could do better oppression can affect access to education, at protecting people but thinks “they can only housing, healthcare, and fair treatment in the do what they can without infringing on what justice system. It can alter the entire path your life people feel as gatekeeping.” will take.”
Prophet focuses on the pleasure he gets n expressing himself in photography and oleplay. But even though he enjoys his time riends and family, he thinks Linden Lab does not make the platform “a safe place for POC as here are individuals, groups, and communities hat openly and blatantly promote racism and hate.” He added, “I do hope that Linden Labs becomes proactive in removing these people and content from the platform and promoting racial ustice and equality.”
Dondallia recalls a plantation build in SL. “It was wild. They created it to be just like the south before the civil war, and people were part of a group and everything that participated in hings… and not for educational purposes either. never saw a statement on it until recently after users were asking for a statement.” Elric thinks SL can do more, pointing out that “until Black Lives Matter, I can’t say I’ve visibly seen LL do anything about promoting racial justice. People view this a virtual platform and “real life issues” shouldn’t be brought here. I pretty much thought that was
So what is a well-meaning white person to do? After the massacre in Charleston in 2015, Feminista Jones shouted the words “I am not interested in white allies. What we need are coconspirators.” That is an interesting concept, so ECLIPSE asked what that would be like. Everyone wants white people to step up and hold other white people accountable when something racist is happening. Yes, that means uncomfortable conversations with a niece who says “All Lives Matter” or a sister who asks “What about the policeman who died the same day as George Floyd?” Roshambo, due to her active involvement in her group All Black Lives Matter and the We Will Be Heard event was approached by several white people who wanted to help but didn’t know how. “The best thing that white allies can do is unpack the invisible knapsack of privilege as educator Peggy McIntosh calls it and really look at what has shaped their beliefs and perspectives and compare it to the realities of BIPOC. Once that work is done, it becomes easier for our white ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 61
brothers and sisters to become the collaborators we need. So the people who approached me about doing a rally or something to show support will now be holding a discussion with other white folx on white privilege. Who better to speak on white privilege than the white community?...Unlearning bias is the best way white folx can put skin in the game.” Prophet wants to see white folks holding white folks to account. “A collaborator not only stands with POC, but promotes and enforces anti-racist beliefs.” Elaborating on this, he added, “White people must hold racist behaviors and actions of their peers accountable. Listen to the policies being made and how they affect Black and POC individuals, and see how Black people are treated in their spaces or made to feel uncomfortable. Black people don’t always have to do the labor of explaining this to the privileged, so they must be considerate when people don’t want to. But do the research, unlearn and call out racist behavior and listen when people are explaining ways they’re being affected.” Giselle believes true allyship is actively antiracist. “Being an ally takes a certain resilience. It must be a genuine destruction of the antiblackness strung throughout our society. People tend to turn a blind eye to things they do not want to address. It is not enough for white people to distance themselves from racism. You must do something about it in your interpersonal relationships, communities, and workplaces. Black people are tired of the performative allyship. Simply put it’s all noise with no impact which lacks integrity. So the above quote speaks volumes. We must be on one accord as agents of change. We must make bold moves to better the world for everyone.”
matter what you wear as long as you get your point across about Black lives you can be a furry and still advocate for us.”
Again, Elric wants us to act, to speak up. “I feel like white people should educate themselves. Realize that your privilege gives you a voice that we don’t have. You do have a level of privilege an that’s not an insult. It’s just the truth. HELP!!! Spea up when you see something wrong. Don’t just sit there and do nothing. That uncomfortable feelin you have even thinking about this...multiply that by thousands and maybe you’ll feel a sliver of what it feels like to walk around Black.”
Dondallia’s response is poetic. “Good allies are the people who have been in the streets with Blac and brown people fighting back...Unless you’re a pro-Black as I am? Then I don’t need you calling yourself my ally. Unless you’re willing to go to jail for this, like I’m gonna go? Then ease up on that claim of having my back. I’ve seen white women stand in front of Black kids to shield them from bullets. I’ve seen white men create living shields around Black women to do the same. To be Black means to live and die for that. Unless you are willing to live and die for Black too? Thank you fo caring a little, but right now, Black people need a lot.”
As a white man, Karisha understands the need to step up when he sees racism and step back to allow Black people to lead the movement. He goes back to Benjamin Franklin to explain, “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
Karisha emphasizes that empathy is not enough. “In Second Life I started as an ally by being asked if I would offer my build for all the free Black Lives Matters gifts that creators had Emiko echoes that demand for accountability. made shortly after George Floyd’s suffocation. In “White people need to call out their own and doing that I was asked how much more I would speak on these types of issues to their peers more; be willing to do and that is when I feel I have and stop limiting the awareness. Yes, we need become a collaborator. Second Life is the only wa collaborators; we need them to see how important I can protest. That is the only way to put “some we are and how their voices can help us get skin into the game”. One can be a collaborator change. Listen, I use all types of skins; it doesn’t by taking a stand on others that you notice are Page 62 | ECLIPSE July 2020
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Photograph by Emiko.
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owing injustices, it can be done on a personal vel. Everyone will have their own interpretation the quote “we don’t need allies, we need ollaborators” and that is fine. I am a moderator an inworld group, All Black Lives Matter. I ave read in group chat that “all lives matter”. At at point I focus on the conversation as it could ecome somewhat explosive--- And I have been umbled by the ones in the group chat that take ead in explaining why Black Lives Matter. There e allies, there are collaborators and these days oth are needed.”
means everything in the world....People can do anything—this is something that I’m beginning to learn. People are out there doing bad things to each other. That’s because they’ve been dehumanised. It’s time to take the humanity back into the center of the ring and follow that for a time. Greed, it ain’t going anywhere. They should have that in a big billboard across Times Square. Without people you’re nothing. That’s my spiel.”
Roshambo is also an advocate of activism in SL. “I believe that activism of all kinds is important, it doesn’t have to be defined narrowly. I’ve seen o is Second Life a place for activism. Prophet people making some pretty unfair assumptions ys no, “although people have been trying. about people who only protest inside Second acism is prevalent and there’s a lot of white Life and it’s unfortunate because many people eople who could care less about problems have messaged me about how glad they are volving race. LL should do more in order to we have brought some ways in-world that they elp promote educational materials/links and can help support either because of health or pdate TOS to banish racism from SL.” For Karisha, mobility issues or because of COVID-19. Some econd Life and real life cannot be untangled. say they don’t have the ability to donate because e thinks voting with our dollars is one of of their circumstances and want to feel they are ur strongest tools for changing behavior.. It contributing in some way.” something we can do in both our first and econd Life. Activism in Second Life is beautiful to Dondallia, “I think it’s a beautifully uncomfortable e adds, “I have also been deeply humbled by conversation being had in many ways right hers in Second Life. Knowing how so many now, and I am happy that it’s happening. These eators had felt so strongly about the issues of conversations create change. Real change. I cial injustice. All the people in Second Life that appreciate the opportunity to speak on this.” me together to start fundraisers and groups, I Giselle is also seeing beauty, “I believe diversity is ave met some very good people. The outpouring critical and beautiful. Without justice there will be words offered by people that had IM’d me will no peace. A shift is definitely occurring before our ever be forgotten. It is for that reason The Walls eyes. I think it’s amazing to witness.” Freedom will always have a candle burning for eorge Floyd, a memorial not only for him, but the The United States was founded with some ousands of other Blacks that have been killed by beautiful words, but words that defined people e government.” as white men, and only white men. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a e thinks the search for justice is a lifelong more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure hallenge. ‘I use Second Life as a way to learn domestic Tranquility, provide for the common ore and it has been extremely fun at the same defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure me. In building The Walls of Freedom I have done the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our ot of research. I would fall into so many “rabbit Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution oles” and it has been an incredible journey.” for the United States of America.” Over time and e quotes The Clash’s Joe Strummer, “People with amendments, those words have come to n change anything they want to. And that include more people. But have they really? ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 65
What about justice, domestic tranquility, the general welfare and the blessings of liberty? Do our contributors feel safe in America? The answer is no. Prophet put it simply, “I have never felt safe in America. It can’t be possible if people are weaponizing the idea to call the police and threaten citizens of color because they know the outcome of what could happen.” Neither does Giselle, “No, I do not feel safe in the United States. I have a visceral fear of unnecessary targeting and mistreatment. Safety isn’t just an “America” issue the world as a whole needs a spiritual and moral overhaul. Anything is possible but that work must be done to correct all that’s wrong with the world.”
in any public space and it’s getting hard to think that Black folx can even be safe in private spaces if we look at what happened to Breonna Taylor.” Emiko gets philosophical, “What is safety? That is the question. When has any Black or Brown person ever felt safe? These are the questions that should be asked. We are consistently being attacked just based on our skin; our body language or our AAVE ( African American Vernacular English ). Safety would be nice; safety would be amazing for everyone, what does it look like? I don’t know because I have never been safe.” Precarity is bleak and traumatizing. It can cause PTSD. While these folks we interviewed have varied opinions on nearly everything, they are unanimous is not feeling safe in America. That speaks of a nation failing its most basic obligation. What inspires, though, is in spite of the years of failing to live up to our ideals, people have not despaired. They continue to believe in the idea of America while recognizing its flaws. In “Notes of a Native Son,” James Baldwin wrote “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
Dondallia thought that a loaded question to ask a Black woman in America. “I feel that “safety” comes in levels. Realistically speaking. There’s 100% safe, where you have zero fear that anything racial or sexual-assault based will happen to you, and it just trickles down from there. I feel safe when I’m at home. I feel safe when I’m around my family. I feel safe enough to be in public, but never 100%... Barely 75% safe in public. You never know when a crazy racist person might lose their shit, and decide you’re one black person they’re tired of seeing breathe today. You never know when you will “fit the description” of some perp an officer is looking for. The only element to almost guarantee safety in Black Lives Matter is a truth, an idea, and a this world is to be a white man. Safety is enough. movement. It rejects despair and offers hope. As a black person, it’s just scarce.” It is a call for justice that is optimistic. It is a demand that is as yet unmet, but will be. Roshambo notes that safety is not even found Someday it will become not just a truth, but a at home, “I do not believe it is safe to be Black fact.
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS Dondallia Cruz [Dondallia Graves] is a freelance blogger, social activist, and mother. She describes herself as “a sex-positive, lightworking, afro-futuristic, queer ass black feminist, with a personality that’s larger than life.” She is a positive force who loves family, conversations, good music, and good food. She has a taste for the quirky and loves to love. She is equally unapologetic about her beliefs. Her Second Life is full of various adventures from hosting to dominatrix to wedding and events organizer to starting up Baby Bloom Maternity and Family Center. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Omega, an SL Greek sorority known for its incomparable sisterhood. She also got into Para RP and finds it a refuge when the world gets annoying. “All of those things taught me so much about people and the different things that really make people tick, and keep them logging on. I love to work with people, so the ability to do it here in so many different spaces has been an awesome experience.” In 2016 she began her most meaningful work in SL, work that moved into her first life as well. It is a virtual form of the “Beloved Community” she called The Black Excellence Project. It provides a gathering place to lift up and amplify Black history while equipping people with the tools they need to become active members in their first and Second Life communities. “Outside of my closest friends and family whom I love so dearly, The Black Excellence Project has been the thing that really keeps SL a place I love to come to. It is my idea that through education and unity that’s built through the community, we can really make a huge mark on this world. It’s my hope that The Black Excellence Project is a solid part of that mark.” Follow her on Flickr, Facebook, Blog and visit the Black Excellence Project in-world. Karisha Terebun [comitose] started SL over seven years ago as a way to socialize and “go out,” as he found himself not getting out and about in real life as much. ”I started out as a male Avatar as that is what I am, however over time I have created “Karisha” as a way to learn what a female avatar lives.” He enjoys exploring places in this virtual world and enjoys the art he has seen created by others. “By the word “Art” I include just about everything that is creator made. I enjoy designers of sims. I enjoy those who make this virtual world a better world that is not offered to many in the real-life world, it’s a very nice way to escape the realities that many live in.” He continued, “I enjoy a strong viewpoint with an equally strong cup of coffee, needless to say, I avoid any type of IM I get that starts off with “hi, hw r u?” He has owned a sim for the past three years and started building. He loves that he can share his creations with others. “It is what I feel is a very unique build, it is called “Walls of Freedom’’ and has recently been placed in the Second Life Destination Guide in the politics category. The build I have made explains me as a person more than any words are able to.” Follow him on Facebook and visit Walls of Freedom in-world.
Giselle Chauveau joined Second Life in early 2009 because she was intrigued by the then cutting-edge concept of virtual world and wanted to immerse her self in it. She sees herself as approachable and down-to-earth. She’s a model, stylist, shape artisan, blogger, and freelance photographer. In addition, she’s the owner of Body By Chauveau and Cosmic Women of SL. She adores fashion and all of the elements involved within the industry. She feels that women of color have a unique stamp in the modeling world of Second Life. This really inspires her to make her own personal contribution. Follow her on Flickr, Facebook, Blog, Cosmic Women of SL, Instagram and Avatlife.
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Emiko [Jaia.Peppermint] loves blogging and taking pictures. She loves traveling and checking out interesting sims and venues people create in Second Life. She also can be found relaxing at the beach or running off to an escape sim. In her own words, “I am a simple person.” Follow her on Flickr.
Ric Applewhyte [Elric Applewhyte] thinks his Second Life is pretty simple. He has a store named Synnergy and he creates backdrops and poses. In his spare time, he edits photos, decorates, or spend time with his family or his friends. Every year he likes to build a specific part of the world on an empty sim and create something wonderful This year he created Africa. Then he took his family on vacation there. They role-play everything from flying there, checking in, having events every day, etc. Outside of that, He is mostly a platform dweller hard at work, one who occasionally ventures out into the Second Life world. Follow him on Flickr, Synnergy Flickr and Facebook.
Prophet [Nightmare Rain] began his Second Life as a DJ and roleplayer. Eventually, he met people with whom he became close friends, whom he would even call family. He developed a passion and love for SL photography “when I was taught by my sister Fiore to illustrate my thoughts and emotions through unique compositions of my own.” Follow him on Flickr.
Roshambo Dench Rives Daze (Ro) [Roshambo Dench] joined SL in 2007 but didn’t stick until 2009 when she came back after a breakup and wanted a distraction. She has never worked in-world as SL is her vacation, her escape from the pressures of first life. “All I did in SL was shop, dance, and gesturbate.” In her first life, she was reading Audre Lorde, bell hooks, and Paolo Freire and seeing the world in a different light. She was attending social justice conferences and realized that is what she wanted to do. She became a social justice education and anti-racist trainer. SL was an escape from the harsh realities of working to dismantle racism. Galvanized by repeated tragedies, she formed an in-world group All Black Lives Matter to bring together people who wanted to do something in-world as well as in real life. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 69
Anti-Racism Organizations Movement for Black Lives
The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) creates a space for Black organizations across the country to work together through open debate and strategizing to achieve policy, cultural, and political wins with a shared movement-wide strategy.
Black Lives Matter
#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
Campaign Zero
Campaign ZERO presents a research-based, data-driven platform of comprehensive solutions to end police violence in America.
Western States Center Western States Center Round Table
Western States Center works with community organizations to challenge and transform individuals, organizations, and systems to achieve racial, gender, and economic justice. We envision our movements achieving a just society where we all flourish in sustainable, caring, and connected communities. Download their toolkit for confronting white nationalism in schools at the bottom of their front page.
Change Lab
ChangeLab works on racial justice politics through research and convenings. Their strategic focus is on Asian American identity grounded in multi-racial solidarity. We also provide communications platforms to highlight the damage that racial ideas about Asian Americans have done to the broader racial justice movement – by reinforcing anti-Black racism, justifying U.S. empire, and marginalizing Asian American struggles.
The Use of Force Project
The Police Use of Force Project investigates the ways in which police use of force policies help to enable police violence in our communities
Race Forward
Race Forward is a policy-oriented organization working for racial justice in policies, institutions, and communities. Race Forward is home to the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of local government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. Race Forward publishes the daily news site Colorlines and presents Facing Race, the country’s largest multiracial conference on racial justice.
National Black Justice Coalition
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ/ SGL bias and stigma.
Black Futures Lab
Black Futures Lab works with Black people to transform our communities, building Black political power and changing the way that power operates— locally, statewide, and nationally.
Center for Policing Equity
Center for Policing Equity can measure bias in policing. That means we can stop it. Working directly with police to measure behaviors and revise policies results in fewer people killed, and fewer people in jail.
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Anti-Racism Reading List Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Asha Bandele, Angela Y. Davis (Foreword) White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect? Police
Violence and Resistance in the United States, edited by Joe Macaré, Maya Schenwar, and Alana EYu-lan Price Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform by John F. Pfaff ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 71
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places to go
photography by minnie dethly. written by minn
“Places to Go” is a monthly feature showcasing some of the best sims to visit for activities in Second Life®. One of the biggest complaints we hear from people on Second Life old and new, is that they don’t know what to do or where to go. The thing we think that draws most of us to Second Life is the endless possibilities it gives us from the comfort of our home. Finding cool and interesting places to go is sometimes challenging so we’ve decided to highlight a few for you to check out.
nie dethly.
Jambo! - A Voy
Looking for something a bit more exotic for July? with free-roaming wild animals. Along with animal that specia Page 78 | ECLIPSE July 2020
yage to Africa
We’ve got you covered go check out Jambo filled ls, it’s full of nooks to explore with family, friends or al someone. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 79
Village o
Step into the beautifully crafted village of Ahiru co It will quickly become a date night favorite. Don and explore on your Page 80 | ECLIPSE July 2020
of Ahiru
omplete with two places to eat and a beer garden. n’t have a date? Don’t worry, there is plenty to do own or with friends! ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 81
Royal Roots Trailer P
When I came to visit this sim, I fell in love with it. It vacation I took when I was younger. It has everyth local farme Page 82 | ECLIPSE July 2020
Park & Campground
t’s not your usual camping sim. It reminds me of a hing from trailers, a pool, a playground, and even a er’s market! ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 83
Glitch
Not down for a full on camping vacation? Have summer shoes and head down to Glitch Social! Th the cafe for a bite. Or enjoy the lush greenery Page 84 | ECLIPSE July 2020
Social
you tried the beach, grab your favorite suit and here is more than just a beach to explore, stop in at y that surrounds the island and go for a stroll. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 85
Aspen Fall - T
The description is in the name and it is what you favorite star-crossed lovers. Relive your favorite s carnival, lumber yard, Page 86 | ECLIPSE July 2020
The Notebook
u think it is, a whole sim dedicated to some of our scenes by walking through the town square, the , and even the house. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 87
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the proust spotli
photography by JE
The Proust Spotlight is our monthly feature where we highlight one of the many creative residents of Second Life®. Utilizing the Proust Questionnaire, whose namesake comes from the late 19th century French writer, we will offer a glimpse into what makes them tick. ECLIPSE Magazine has teamed up with the Blogger & Vlogger Network, so each month the blogger we showcase on the Proust Spotlight is a group member. The group member we feature this month is the talented Jessa Casti. She shares, “I’ve been asking myself who I am since birth, I still can’t remember.”
ght
ESSA CASTI.
What is your ideal of perfect happiness? I feel like perfect happiness would be the ability to maintain that emotional space regardless of my environment or circumstance. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Curse words, hands down. I could probably also list a few GIF’s and memes in here too. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? If I had to incarnate again, I would not choose Earth. What do you most value in your friends? As a whole, I’d say I value their support the most. Whether it’s being willing to show me a new way of doing something or talking me off a creative ledge. I appreciate those moments because its easy to get carried away tearing ourselves apart. So, thanks for always helping me improve and for telling me when I’m being dumb ya’ll ((heart hands)). How would you like to die? I’d go with the most peaceful option I can think of, which would be in my sleep. I’m not afraid of death or what comes after, I just don’t want it to hurt while it’s happening. What is your motto? I read this quote from Andy Warhol once that said “Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years when they could just say, So what. That’s one of my favorite things to say. So what.” Since then I’ve used “So what?” as a sort of continuous mantra whenever anything disturbs my peace. I like it because when I’m hyper-focusing on something negative it’s good to have a reminder that whatever it is probably isn’t going to matter in a week, month, or year. Connect with Jessa on her Flickr, Instagram and Facebook.
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STÖMOL: A FEATURE LENGTH SCIENCE FICT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY STOMOL. WRI
TION MACHINIMA TTEN BY TAYLOR WASSEP.
A completely stunning masterpiece of Machinima in Secon Hax. Not a stranger to creating stories with his words; Hax h other virtual worlds. His most popular thus far has been, ‘AF
Through the various projects Huckleberry has done, STĂ–MO Huckleberry as his first directorial debut, this story follows E of skills to find the son of a wealthy socialite, Verity Certain searching for the missing child; the more he discovers abou Page 106 | ECLIPSE July 2020
nd Life™ comes from the creative mind of Huckleberry has penned a number of novels set in this Second Life and FK’, about the adventures of a Second Life Detective.
OL stands on its own with many firsts. Helmed by Epi Stomol (Huckleberry Hax), hired for his extensive set (Caitlin Tobias). As Stomol travels down the rabbit hole, ut the world around him. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 107
Inspired by some quintessential classic films, Blade Runner and 2001, STÖMOL’s brilliant storytelling is on full display with the dialogue written for his compelling characters. He wanted this film to feel like it was ripped from the pages of a comic book through the narration.
“More importantly, dialogue in both of those movies [Blade Runner, 2001] is stripped right back to the minimum in order to avoid distracting the viewer. It creates a special feeling. I once heard 2001 described as ‘a visual poem’ and that nails it for me.” – Huckleberry Hax From the start of this film, Huckleberry wanted the main theme to be truth. Truth about this world’s past history, the truth about people’s intent, the truth about survival; and what people will do to survive. A deeper connection can be found between the truth and survival – especially as it relates to climate change. I get this could be a stretch, but bear with this train of thought. Huckleberry wanted to make a statement about climate change, and how there is a correlation between what the truth is of where this world in STÖMOL and how this predominantly monolingual society has now adapted to this new way of living – survival.
“That world of life and green plants is now ‘science fiction.’ It has become the new fantasy. But it is gone forever.” – Huckleberry Hax
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As far as the production of the film went, STÖMOL began its journey back in early 2019 and was near completion a few months ago. With both Huckleberry and Caitlin Tobias, Assistant Director, starting with this ideal of truth, the two started to film on Drune and over time, the film started to evolve organically into what would eventually become STÖMOL. Speaking of locations and set design, STÖMOL was shot on already existing sims on the grid They made extensive use of the various forms that Drune has taken over the years along with Hangars Liquides and several other locations around Second Life. There were some hurdles they needed to navigate through while filming STÖMOL. Photographic sims are known to make renovations to their spaces from time to time. That had been something Huckleberry and Caitlin needed to work with in tandem with scheduling everyone. Communication has been a challenge with them as well. Most of their communication was done via instant messaging in-world. For those of you who spend time taking photos in SL, you know all too well how frustrating it can be to have something pictured in your mind and having a difficult time trying to convey your vision. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 111
Audio had been a struggle for Huckleberry in various forms. For Huckleberry, one aspect that was a breeze and a delight was the score of the film. G.J. Hicks, his friend of thirty years and a talented artist in his own right created the electrifying backing tracks played throughout the film. Sound effects were an entirely different challenge.Hax talked about how in January 2020, they started to work on the sound of the film. Aside from some music tracks, there were no sound effects added. Huckleberry was not entirely sure how to go about locating the correct sounds he wanted. But after a few months of researching and getting proper permissions, he was able to record the last aspect of the film, the voice overs.
“I had never done that before, so it felt a little awkward to sit at my computer and ‘act’ the lines out loud, alone in my office. What helped me was that Huck already shown me the scenes after editing, without sound.” – Caitlin Tobias Through all the time put into this incredible machinima film, there were many firsts. And truth be told, it couldn’t have happened without the hard work everyone did to make this happen. From the actors who gave their time to film to the sim owners allowing them to film on their sims to the content creators who created many of the vehicles and clothing worn and used on the film, they all played a role in making the film a success and Hax is grateful to all of them. Hax said he is especially grateful to Caitlin, who has been there since the beginning. He has lost count of how many times he had messaged what his inner saboteur was saying to him. And Caitlin being that positive light when Huckleberry was just unsure how to proceed. Now, if you are interested in watching this feature-length Second Life film. It is premiering this month, so I would highly recommend you go and watch it. Trust me, you will enjoy all the action-pack sequences and the story. It was just a delight to get lost in this climate-affected world for over seventy minutes. For more information, visit their website. Page 112 | ECLIPSE July 2020
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The Kitchen corn photography by ma
If there is one thing that brings people together, it is food. The Second Life culture is as rich as its residents, and “The Kitchen Corner” celebrates and showcases the talents of content creators that will appeal to all “foodies.” Collaborating with Mac Massimo of “The SL Spoon,” ECLIPSE Magazine presents an innovative approach on all things food related with fantastic imagery and an equally tried and true accompanying recipe. For our inaugural piece, breathe in deeply, as the delicious aromatics of freshly cooked Edamame Fried Rice wafts from Mac Massimo’s kitchen to your virtual plate.
ner c massimo.
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Edamame Fried Rice 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover) 1 cup shelled edamame 3 eggs 2 tbsp cooking oil 1/2 onion chopped 2 cloves garlic, diced 5 scallions chopped, white and greens separated 1 tbsp numeric 2 tbsp light soy sauce 1 cup of your choice of cooked protein (optional) salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Whisk eggs and season with salt and pepper 2. In a hot wok, add 1 tbsp of oil and cook the eggs. 3. When cooked, remove from pan and set aside. 4. Let the wok get hot, then add 1 tbsp oil and saute onions, scallion whites and garlic for less than a minute. (Don’t let it burn, burnt garlic tastes ridiculously bitter). 5. Mix in brown rice, stirring often to ensure it is heated thoroughly. 6. Add 1 tbsp turmeric, 2 tbsp light soy sauce and mix well. 7. Add the edamame, your choice of protein and the scallion green. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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across the grid
photography by wicca merlin. written by wic
Second Life is vast, where in every part of the grid pieces and themes of fiction can be found. Wicca Merlin curates “Across the Grid� introducing ECLIPSE Magazine readers to fashion and places less known. For this piece, Wicca delves into the world of horror with fashion and inspiring places to visit.
ca merlin.
Horror has an incredible ability to adapt to the times, from the slasher films popping the cozy bubble of the 70s to lo-fi footage of the 90s, horror films providehyper realistic frightfor those who are desensitized. It’s of little surprise that we’re living in another golden age of horror with a variety of recent movies that have managed to balance inventive storytelling, critical acclaim, and blockbuster success. The greatest moments in horror can come in many forms. The main factors can be the primal fears that provoke our fight or flight instincts, the lingering danger of nightlife, or the predatory growls of a monster coming to attack us to the existential anxieties of our current and future world such as modified genetics that give birth to the rise of a zombie race to AI that turns against humanity. When the film industry was still in its beginnings it was a curiosity shown at sideshows and traveling fairs. Many filmmakers were capitalizing on the spooky side of cinematography. The Lumière brothers were animating dancing skeletons in France (Le Squelette joyeux, 1895), while in Japan shorts such as Shinin no sosei (Resurrection of a Corpse, 1898) were created. The magician turned filmmaker Georges Méliès is thought to have created the first horror film, Le manoir du Diable (The Devil’s Manor, 1896), which featured a bat-transformation, specters and an incarnation of the devil. Sartorial obsessions are common in many horror films from vampire movies to psychopathic mentalities and unhealthy, hedonistic fantasies. Fashion has been slow to use the creative potential of silver screen horror.despite the industry usually having its finger firmly on the pulse of life. It might have been a little slow to realize it, but horror seems to be the fashion industry’s perfect bedfellow, even if the darkly desirable clothing produced by their marriage has some terrifying things to say about the world we live in.. But it seems that this autumn, just in time for Halloween, horror is going to be hitting the shops just as forcefully as a standing-room-only cinema screening. The horror genre has a notable impact on fashion, whether it be through the designs featured in the collections themselves, the set-up of the runway, or the eerie music being played at the show. Horror has certainly influenced the dark aspects in the creative process within fashion. Page 128 | ECLIPSE July 2020
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Visit Silent Town: Page 132 | ECLIPSE July 2020
: The Other World. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 133
Visit Innsmouth, HP Page 134 | ECLIPSE July 2020
P Lovecraft Tribute. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 135
Visit Arr Page 136 | ECLIPSE July 2020
ranmore. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 137
Visit The Dream Asylu Page 138 | ECLIPSE July 2020
um & House of Mirrors. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 139
artist highlight
Written by taylo
Artistry and creativity are at the foundation of everything we see and do in Second Life. The same is true for all we hear in Second Life. In showcasing residents and groups who embody the concept of “your world, your imagination,” Eclipse Magazine is honored to showcase Second Life’s amazing musical talent. In this month’s “Artist Highlight,” we shine the spotlight on the incredibly talented live singer, Sophie Brumati.
or wassep.
Sophie Brumati is a stellar Second Life™ Ecuadorian singer whose range of musical ability is quite unique. When describing what her sound would be, Sophie talked about why she performs. She spoke about emotion and how it can translate through music of all kinds. As an example she described how when she was younger, she was instantly captivated by the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
“When I went to see “Cats” when the song “Memory” started I had my first crush with Music! This amazing song went through me as easy as breathing is for us.” It’s quite funny how emotionala song can be when dealing with a meaningful performance. For those unfamiliar with the meaningof ‘Memory’ It’s sung by the character Grizabella, a once beloved cat – turned outcast. This song is about recalling her life before being ostracized by the other cats. This song is all in the emotion expressed through the artist performing it, and Sophie has a similar perfomance style. Her philosophy with music deals with having music help us through everything and anything. It’s healing in a sense that cures us with the love and passion music can carry. That is why Sophie loves to perform in Second Life, because it has helped her overcome her worry and frustration with performing in real life. The love and energy she has gotten from all those who have listened to her has helped her overcome her fear. With that conquered, she is excited to try some new projects in her real life.
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For those who might be thinking of trying their hand with singing in Second Life; try going to a karaoke spot. Sophie spoke about the earlier days of her trying out singing on the grid, and just worrying about what people would think of her. Like anything else difficult or scary to some, just pushing through and trying something could open the doors to something incredible new and exciting.
“If you love it go for it !! There’s always a way to do what you love!” Now, if you are interested in having Sophia be live entertainment for an event you have planned check the booking with any Key West Management staff member. You can contactLaurie Alexis (LaurieC Resident), Liz Harley Skye Blue Belle (Skyeblue1017 resident) or Brooks Breeze Zap (Brooks Condundrum). All of whom would be able to help you secure a booking with Sophie. Or, if you just simply want to reach out to Sophie, she will be able to help schedule herself for your event as well. Thank you Sophie for taking the time to answer some of these questions and opening yourself up to the readers of ECLIPSE Magazine. You are a passionate performer and we are all thankful for artists like you. Listen to Sophie on Youtube.
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Voices from the g
Voices From the Grid is a monthly survey of opinions and ideas of Second Life® residents on the salient issues of the day. For this issue, ECLIPSE Magazine we asked residents to share “What do you think about the events Second Life residents create to help each other or respond to events and problems in the real world?”
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Photograph provided by Cora Fallon.
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C
ora Fallon takes SL breaks so many times. There are always times when RL took her away from the grid yet she still comes back. Being in SL for some years taught her mostly about the beauty of people around her: family, good friends. The limitation that this world brings for some reason opens the true intention of each soul. She always believes in keeping her tea warm and her circle small. Deepest gratitude to those who stays and never left, you know she loves you in heart. A feeling of social conscience was one of the the most widely-given reason to give to charity. Whatever type of charity work, 96% of the donator said they felt they had a moral duty to use what they had to help others, a sentiment very much rooted in everybody’s personal values and principles. Second life, itself, is a social platform. As we all know, SL virtual environment based on web and 2.0 technology has opened a wide platform on social, also behavioral. This way, making more impacts through charity is somehow relatable. The effects of digital networking that Second Life brings is very handy in spreading the message of encouragement and generosity. In simpler way, in SL people are focusing themselves on building value through social interactions, that is why the urgency of building a community to get recognized and accepted by supporting the same cause is really necessary, in this case: charity So, donate through Second Life? Why not? With a good organizer doing their job, anyone can helping others even easier here. Also not to forget, collaboration matters. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Maye Neisser.
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aye Neisser [Mayelai resident] is a forty-seven-year-old Spanish woman who joined SL in July 2017 after spending twelve years at IMVU. She thought it was time for a change. She struggled at first because although SL has been around a long time, she was a noob. She soon found work as a host. Later, she tried her luck along with her sisters in starting up a shape shop, though she didn’t find much luck since there were already many shape shops that were very good. Since then, she has dedicated herself to blogging and enjoying her “Second Life” as a way to de-stress from her real life. She is very happy. You can find her work on Facebook, Flickr, and her blog. Well... The truth is that I never really believed in this type of things or events before, because I have known many cases in which the proceeds never reached their intended recipient. But I must admit that in Second Life, I have known wonderful events, for causes that matter to me, and that have moved me. One of the biggest and best events in my opinion is the one they do for autism. I think it is an excellent cause to raise funds and try to help so many people, especially children who suffer from it. I really use my money with pleasure in these kinds of causes (apart from that I can’t avoid buying that hair that I love, or that outfit that I know will look good on me ... hahaha), because I know I’m going to help people who need it, and I must admit, that if the event has to do with children, for me it is inevitable to fall into temptation, they are our future, and they deserve everything. In reality, I cannot know for sure if in these events the proceeds reach their destination, but I can imagine that if Linden Labs is behind everything, as they usually do, there will not be a single linden diverted from its destination. I hope that there will be many more events for noble causes, with which to help disadvantaged people because we never know if someday we are the ones who will need the help of others. Check out her Blog, Flickr and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Nick Rhodes.
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mathylda valeska
athylda Valeska is a French influencer who began her career in 2009 working for the magazines Vain’s Inc and Avatar Hype. Since then, she created her own fashion blog “La Vénéneuse” on Flickr and Wordpress where she met with success. She is known for her looks which mix different influences as well as for her taste for scandal. She loves dinosaurs and is a big fan of the author Marguerite Duras. Que je sois claire tout de suite je trouve ce genre d’initiatives magnifique. Cela prouve une fois de plus la solidarité et l’éveil de la commutée de SL et plus généralement la communauté virtuelle. Mais à la « griserie « que m’apporte ces phénomènes s’ajoute malheureusement aussi quelques interrogations et doutes que malheureusement je ne peux ignorer. Je suis fascinée par la bonté que certains, à l’image de ceux qui on crée des choses sublime pour soutenir le mouvement black live matter. Mais d’autre part je m’interroge sur la bonté et la philanthropie d’autres créateurs, dans la mesure où il se servent d’evenements à plus ou moins grandE échelle ( Mouth pride… ) dans des buts purement, me semble-il, mercantiles. Je pense notamment à certains createurs qui en temps de pandémie du cOvid ont trouvé bon de sortir des masques vendus à prix d’or dans, je pense, un seul but avide. Dans tout les cas ils faut ce rappeler aussi que ces initiatives quel que sois leur buts, permet de faire connaitre toute ces causes et c’est deja très bien en sois. I find those initiatives magnificent and it proves, once again, the solidarity and the consciousness of the Second Life community. But I also have some doubts about the charitable nature or the political sincerity of some events. As much as I am fascinated by the bright soul that some people show, LIke those who have created sublime things to support the Black Live Matter or Pride movement, I also wonder about the philanthropy of some who lean on these emergencies or these great social movements for a mercantile purpose. I am thinking of some creators who during the Covid pandemic have sold masks at golden prices and more generally, doubt is allowed for all paid content to support movements. This is the risk of mixing genres which consists in relying on the attraction for fashion, in particular, to push societal agendas. But it is up to everyone to sort out and verify the correct destination of the “donations” through these expensive purchases or better to make a donation directly to an association. But it would be wrong to deprive ourselves of this marriage of reason between fashion and major causes, whatever the objectives of the organizers, they participate, despite themselves sometimes, in the recognition of the causes in question. Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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meya Moon [innersakura] joined Second Life in 2013. She was given a project by her university professor to study the benefits a virtual world can offer to those in real life. This was a pretty unusual assignment for her colleagues and herself but after the project ended she found herself back in world four months later. Her love for SL grew with time and she has developed many friendships in the six years she has been on game. Ameya Moon has experienced friendships, changes in looks, as well as love and heartbreak.
ameya moon
Ameya actually just started her own brand and has posted her photography on Flickr. She dedicates herself more to her writing and hopes to spread love and happiness through her captions. She has just launched a website of her own to represent the love that this world has to offer. Ameya hopes to be transparent and honest about her feelings and hopes that every new reader she has can feel like they are talking to a friend and feel like they aren’t alone in this virtual world, that she too has experienced the same adventures. She does not brand herself as a blogger but as a writer and photographer. She hopes to meet many new friends through this journey, and hopes that her passion and love with this world can help others see the love that Second Life has to offer. Ameya hopes that when users go to her platform they feel safe, and feel that there is another person that understands what they are going through. I feel that Second Life residents have really dedicated themselves to create a safe space for all in this world. Many of us don’t have the same opportunity to respond to the outside world. To the point, we honestly depend on engagement in our Second Life experience to express ourselves and to feel as if we are a part of something bigger. I love Second Life and have had the opportunity to have been part of the Pride event that was done at the Disney fan site sim called Wedcot Center Park. They raised money for a charity that dedicates themselves to children and adults from the LGBTQ community who internalize everything that they are feeling and turn to suicide. This really strikes home to me, because I personally have gone through depression and I hope that everyone who joins this world knows that they are not alone. Other than the pride event, this park also provides weekly parades, rides, and live singing shows that you can enjoy. I really have grown to love this sim and hope that many other users get to experience this love and kindness that this place has to offer. The park celebrates the future, the culture and the innovation that our community as a virtual game really pushes for. I have never experienced one bad day in this sim and the people that work there are absolutely extraordinary. I hope that as a whole we can provide more events for us to create something magical, something extraordinary for us all to relieve the pain happening around us each day. I have personally set my passion for photography and writing as an outlet to spread positivity to anyone’s Second Life that I can reach. I am so grateful to all those I have met and will meet in the days ahead. For I just have such a passionate love for everyone in this game. My passionate love for people comes from my own quote, which is, “Life is Beautiful.” and I hope that, with time, everyone can feel the same as I do. Life really is a beauty, in this world and out in the real world, it is a treasure and we must focus on that. Check out her Flickr and Website. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 159
Photograph provided by Kitty VonCat.
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ittyVoncat has been in SL since 2007 where she spent her first 10 years working as a DJ ( aka DJ Helena Jansma) — she is absolutely mad about music. Three years ago, Kitty found her passion in blogging, alongside her love for art, fantasy, photography and — but, of course — all things pink.
One thought for content: While some SL fund-raisers may not contribute a massive amount of money by way of real world standards, the awareness these events raise contribute to a very positive effect within the SL community. It can also connect like-minded people together and foster great friendships. I’ve been blogging for the Fantasy Faire, an annual event that raises money for Relay For Life (RFL), a cancer awareness organization. It has given me such great satisfaction in contributing and I take pride in being part of the event’s team effort. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Emilia Basille Eltawey.
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emilia basille eltawey
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milia Basille Eltawey [LoverofCold Resident} Emi Eltawey’s pixels popped onto Social Island 5 for the first time on October 7th, 2016. She spent her first few weeks surrounding herself with the joys of dancers and silly gestures before she was introduced to the impossibly infinite world of avatar customization. Now she takes great joy in learning SL photography, photo editing, and, recently, blogging. She’s pulled together her shiny new blog, Pixel Babe, which she hopes will reflect the fun and fancy-free Second Life she leads. If you happen to spot her anywhere, she’s probably stuck like glue to her sister Aelswyth Eltawey- or dancing like a madwoman. As the year continues, it feels as though the world itself is growing more and more restless. There’s a tension in the air that is keeping the hairs on the back of our necks standing at attention. Second Life is as much of an escape as it always has been, for myself included. A place to create, to dance, to talk, just for a few moments in peace. But perhaps what you’ll find so much more inspiring is how SL is used as an outlet to respond to so many real world problems. When Covid-19 began to grip our world, creators responded with the #StayatHomeClub, providing fun content to encourage people to stay at home. When the quarantine continued into Pride month, creators brought SLPrideatHome, spreading the celebration across many sims. When the Black Lives Matter movement gained new traction at an all time high, residents responded with Stand for Justice, so that our efforts could unite with those in the real world. And those are just from the last few months. One of our more recent real world limitations is indeed the pandemic, keeping us (at least) six feet apart, but SL has been used as a virtual space to bring us together since its conception. People who live far from each other can meet and share their interests, or in this case, their concerns. I believe that these events, fundraisers, and challenges are what truly breathe life into the platform. Our pixels come to life with the humanity we pour into them. I’m truly inspired by our residents, as each event we participate in gives us a moment to reflect and respond, both on the grid and in our first lives. What an uplifting thought. Check out her Blog, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Melly Clarrington.
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elly Clarrington joined SNL in 2008 and has bounced around with a variety of roles throughout SL, most recently a social media specialist, blogger manager and blogger/photographer. She enjoys sharing and showcasing the amazing talent of content creators. She also met her RL husband on SL, loves the color purple, avid music and sports fan. Totally random, fairly shy. Oh, and she loves tacos. I think, as an extension, having events in SL that pertain to events or problems happening in RL are important to have if done correctly. As we are seeing now, between all of the problems and events happening across our globe, there are people on opposite ends of the Earth looking to support a cause that may not directly affect them, but they feel it is important to support. In the end, doing what is best for the greater good of the world should be considered a good thing. When you take the time to think beyond “me” and think of “all,” then we are on the right path. What has happened, is there are a few bad apples. But that can happen with or without a computer separating people. I mean, that’s where some have had a bad taste in their mouth and do not wish to support these types of events in-world. Transparency is key, in both worlds. You want to be up front, honest and actually work towards the greater good. When people stand up and work together, we can achieve greatness. In times like these, we all need a bright spot, extra greatness, and to support one another. Hopefully, we can all continue to do the right thing, support events, charities. and our own (friends, family and loved ones) through trying times and still be there for each other when times are good. Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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Photograph provided by Charlyrayne. Page 166 | ECLIPSE July 2020
CHARLYRAYNE
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harlyrayne joined Second Life in May 2012, after a friend told her about this platform. She was blown away by the vast array of talents she found here and with the people she met along her way, She quickly fell into the club scene due to her passion for music. She met many great people along her journey that left a huge impact, inspiring her to become the person she was truly meant to be. It didn’t take too long for CharlyRayne to see that her taste for fashion was leading her down a different path in Second Life bringing her into her love for photography and the fashion industry, She spent her time tucked away in quiet corners watching tutorials on the hows and whens, becoming a better version of herself, the person she was to be as Second Life would know her. SL is many things to many people, but will forever be the place that pushed her beyond her wildest dreams and made her believe in herself. She thanks each and every single person she has met along the way of her Second Life travel as they have all left a memory she will forever cherish. Love her or hate her... her motto is - Remember to always be true to who you are. In a world so full of turmoil, and disaster, it is humbling to know there are still people out there that care. Second Life residents have never shied away from jumping in and lending a hand to issues that arise, be it a friend and colleague needing help in their real lives, to natural disaster collaborations like the Australian bush-fire initiative, The Relay for Life event, Doctors without Borders,The SL: One Billion Rising Campaign, to the very recent Black lives Matter to name but a few. All real life issues, happening in Second Life constantly. It makes me proud to be a member of The Second Life community, seeing everyone rally to help. What makes it more powerful and meaningful, is that we are people from all over the world, Different cultures, different religions, different languages, but when the world needs help none of that matters and we as a community rally to help our fellow human beings. Just the goodness of human beings uniting as one... Check out her Blog, Flickr and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Kammie.
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kammie
ammie [Kammie2 Resident] joined SL in July of 2013 and quickly immersed herself in all that Second Life had to offer. She was introduced to fund raising in a virtual world in 2015 and has been active with RFL of SL and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer since. Kammie volunteers with OBR, Burn2 and the SLB Events to name a few. Kammie managed the very successful Lemon Rock Club for two years before taking on the challenge of photography in SL. Photography led to blogging and she was nominated for a Bloggie award in 2019. Now a Brand Manager for two successful business owners, she enjoys the challenges presented daily. My first experience with resident created events was Relay for Life of Second Life. I was asked to join a team and learned the “virtual” aspect as I went along. It was time consuming and frustrating at times but when all was said and done the sense of pride I had was unexplainable. I was then asked to help organize an event for a friend who wanted to give back to a real world organization that was dear to them and again, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. In my real life I was always active in my community when there was a “need”, to be able to also participate in a virtual world allows me the ability to be even more involved. Watching this amazing virtual community come together to help one another from all corners of the world gives me hope. We are in a different world now than we were this time last year, so events that support SL Pride, Black Lives Matter or #StayatHome give us an outlet to make our voices heard. I do however caution that everyone ask questions about any event asking for donations. Make sure you know where the money is going and how it will be used. Don’t be afraid to follow up after the event concludes. Virtual World or Real Life there are people who will try to take advantage of you. Check out her Blog, Flickr and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Dan Gericault.
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DAN GERICAULT
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an Gericault (dani) joined Second Life on February 15th 2010, looking to be creative in whatever SL’s world could give. In the beginning, she was an entertainer, dancer and host in various clubs. Two years later, in 2012, Dan started to create her own brand Gangnam Style which was a reggae brand with tropical styles. After that, in the same year she got married in Second Life to Kazooie resident. A year later she took a hiatus from Second Life. It wasn’t until late 2016 she came back in-world to become a fashion/lifestyle blogger to this day. From my point of view, the events created in SL to help our real world are a reflection of the good will and good heart we all have. Second Life was always a place to meet and share with people our experiences, Nowadays we are more connected than 10 years ago.
And this connection is translated to our real life with recent events like the COVID19 pandemic where we all needed to communicate through apps and software, Using this kind of technology allows us to see that we were already prepared for distance communication since long ago. And using this platform to help people, we try to give back in some way or another showing that collaboration can be translated economically speaking for moral purposes. Thanks to those people who organize events we are able to give back to our society even if we aren’t in the same country. More importantly the creation of this kind of events shows that we are a community who engage themselves in positive and proactive ways to show society that we aren’t just “nerds” or “people without a life.” We are people who are committed to do and help everyday. We want to let people know we are aware of what’s going on in our world. In the same sense, Second Life as platform has an unlimited ways that we can use to express ourselves so I welcome anyone who hasn’t joined yet to the metaverse to come to Second Life. Check out her Flickr, Instagram, Tumblr and Youtube.
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Photograph provided by Maria.
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MARIA
aria [Mrs Sassypants] joined SL in 2007 under the name Laya Felisimo where she dabbled in the fashion/modelling/ photography worlds of SL making a lot of friends for SLife. Changing avatars to Dreamy Lebed, she began roleplaying in SL Gor and spent a few years within the community. Being no stranger to blogging, she began successfully promoting fantasy/roleplay fashion with her friend Imogen Jie, under the name SwagGor - the blog was immensely popular within the community. Taking a break for a year after burning out due to the overwhelming success of SwagGor, she dived back into the fashion world with her new blog - LayersUponLayas (a nod to her original avatar) dedicating it to anything she wishes to blog about which, is mainly mainstream fashion but has also posted roleplay outfits and decor, too. She enjoys posting on it most days as it grows from strength to strength. Today, along with her partner of four years, she enjoys relaxing at home in SL where they enjoy sailing, building, landscaping together. Ever since joining Second Life, the one thing that keeps me logging in every day, is the sense of community here. Although it may not always be harmonious, the friendship, the feeling that real people really care is for me is the cement that holds the bricks together. This is never more strongly felt when help is needed. Be that for an individual, or fundraising event - the Second Life Community never fails to amaze me in the ways it comes together to help those less fortunate than ourselves in the ‘Real’ World. Personally speaking, I love how Second Life has raised my own awareness of charities I was not familiar with from RFL (Relay For Life) to MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) and all the other charities in between that are helped in this global platform and how, from our own homes around the world, we can all contribute in some way to helping others we might not have known or understood had it not been for the situations/issues being highlighted in Second Life. Through to the present day, one movement that is not only sweeping through Second Life and our Virtual World but in Real Life and the Real World, is the Black Lives Matter movement. From my own standpoint, I can honestly say hand on heart that not only have I been moved to tears, reading residents’ real life experiences, but I’ve been educated too. I’ve learned, through Second Life and its social media outlets that all lives don’t matter unless black lives matter too. It was a concept that wasn’t lost upon me without the BLM movement but without Second Life, I don’t think I would have appreciated just how important it was. Second Life provides a global platform and it’s wonderful to see people utilising it to its full potential and beyond - for good and I look forward to seeing how this develops in hopefully the next thirteen years I am in SL. Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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sarah
arah [natwilma] is from Holland and joined Second Life some years ago to forget a little of her real life because of her bad health. She came here for fun, music, exploration, and photography. She loves taking pictures and was honored when a creator saw her pictures on Flickr And asked her to blog for them. That’s now almost two years ago and she’s been snapping pictures ever since. Sarah shares her Second Life with her partner, Adonis, whom she met four years ago and married in SL in 2018. He is a strong presence in her life, a shoulder to cry on, a partner in her pictures and in making poses. They share a passion for photography that strengthens them both. Though they are far apart (It’s 8700 miles from Holland to California.) the distance disappears when they log in together and see each other daily. It makes their lives complete. Nonetheless, clocks rule, so time zones often find Sarah at loose ends. That is when she goes dancing and listening to her favorite DJs. She likes sim hopping, especially when she finds sims with beaches and flowers. And of course, she pursues her passion for blogging for events & creators. Everyone dreams of a better world. A little inspiration can help people and animals around us. Whether it’s an action to save a koala or donate to cancer research, it keeps people aware. Everyone here has their own opinion. Some want to forget the problems at home, enjoying their different life in a fantasy world where everything, everything is possible. Precisely by organizing these actions, we keep looking back to the here and now. And that’s why we make it easy to inspire the world and turn compassion into action. I think it is good that it is allowed and allowed in this world, by thinking here of our fellow man and animals. Check out her Flickr and Social VR.
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THE wayfarer...
photography by minn
“The Wayfarer” is a monthly feature showcasing some of the most aesthetic places in Second Life®. Often times the places the Wayfarer stumbled upon, he would be the only person found on the sim. His arrival here was certainly an exception. Upon landing, he was greeted and through his exploration he discovered a pebbled beach. The lull of the ocean called to him, as it did many others visiting. From the campgrounds, the dance barn, the art gallery and everything in between, his journey led him to strangers discovering the beauty of Eris Isle. Some stood still capturing moments, while others traversed the sim in search of hidden corners.
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Immerse yourself in Eris Isle.
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the way you inspi
photography by rita rowley. written by novale
One of the best aspects of Second Life is how it makes a large world seem infinitely smaller. It grants its residents the opportunity to meet and develop friendships and relationships with people that would otherwise be impossible. There are people who enter our Second Life and for whatever reason they inspire us. ECLIPSE Magazine’s newest monthly piece, “The Way You Inspire,” is dedicated to these incredible individuals. For this piece, we interview Rita Rowley, and she shares with us why she is inspired by Kandy Kyong. If you would like to nominate someone for our upcoming piece, please fill out this form.
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“She taught me about strength, about acceptance, kindness, and humor. When times are dark, she is my shining light, my anchor to keep me grounded.” In Second Life, we meet people from different walks of life every single day and some of them have a huge impact on our lives. This is the reason ECLIPSE’s “The Way You Inspire” was born—to shine a light on those wonderful people in our Second Lives who have made the world just a little bit brighter place for us to live. Rita Rowley had a very special submission for this month’s feature. The lovely Kandy Kyong isn’t just her inspiration. The two met on the day that Rita was born. That’s right. Kandy is her mother in real life. To hear Rita talk about her is to understand that Kandy is so many things, but chief among them, an amazing mom. While Rita didn’t meet Kandy through Second Life, Kandy has been a Second Life resident for thirteen years, and has grown and evolved with the game, and while Rita has always looked at her as an inspiration, she has contributed to so many others’ lives as well. Kandy initially started investigating the world of Second Life with Rita’s father. The two decided to try the game together, and although many things have changed over the years, Kandy keeps returning to Second Life. She has been a roleplayer, a host, and a videographer in her thirteen years in the game. She enjoys taking videos of some of Second Life’s live musicians. Above all, she enjoys helping others who need assistance, and listening when they need someone to talk to. It is one of the things that has kept her coming back over and over again. She loves helping others and giving back to the community to which she has belonged for so long. ECLIPSE July 2020 | Page 199
“No matter what life puts her through, she will always come out standing strong and ready to fight another day.” Kandy suffers from a rare heart condition known as cardiomyopathy. There are several different types of cardiomyopathy. In short, it is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood into the rest of the body. Symptoms can include breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, swelling of the extremities, bloating, irregular heartbeat, and other complications. Despite dealing with this and having a lot on her plate over the years, Rita says her mother is one of the strongest, most caring people she knows and that she is always there when Rita needs her. Kandy’s influence can also be seen within the Second Life music community where her efforts to document live performances have always been appreciated. Her videography is a passion for Kandy. She works for Sound Stage, and can often be found at live shows making a record of the performance that the Second Life community can enjoy later. Kandy takes pride in what she does. It’s both a hobby and a passion that she has continued in her time playing Second Life.
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“She’s great at having fun and getting people together.” Kandy’s mother loves being around people and helping them when she can. As someone who has been playing Second Life for so long, she’s seen just about everything, and has plenty of stories to share with anyone willing to ask. She is fun-loving and has a big heart, especially when it comes to the Second Life community. She loves to talk to people, and will often do what she can to make someone’s day better. She is an example to the rest of us in that way— fun and caring, compassionate, and willing to lend a hand or an ear when it’s needed. People like her are rare in today’s society where so many seem to seek to keep their head down until they can push their way through the crowd/ Kandy welcomes new people with open arms.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else. She’s one of a kind.” Some fun facts about Kandy: 1. She has seven children. 2. She’s 78% Irish. 3. If she could live anywhere, she’d probably move to Africa—she loves animals... especially big cats! 4. She likely has enough Second Life stories to fill a small book. Want to know more about Kandy and what she’s up to these days? Check out these social media links: Youtube and Facebook.
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the art perspect
PHOTOGRAPHY BY gidge uriza. written by gi
Each piece, ECLIPSE Magazine discovers, reviews and highlights the work of some of the most creative and talented artists on the grid, offering a fresh perspective in the vibrant and vast world of the arts. For this month’s feature, Gidge Uriza discovers the Ouvroir art installation and gallery.
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idge uriza.
My quest to find new galleries to share has taken a sharp turn into the past as I stumbled into a new-to-me exhibit that I put in the category of “Not to be missed”. Originally built and opened in 2008, the Ouvroir art installation and exhibit on the grid was set to premiere on the same date and time as the real-life artist Chris Marker exhibit at Museum für Gestaltung in Zürich. I was delighted to discover a place that was part of that faded trend of RL and SL merging as they used to do more frequently.
When I arrived at the gallery I was almost tempted to leave, its first look is a sort of chaotic mainland and it didn’t seem well-curated to me. But I was intrigued by these images of a cartoon cat that were peppered about the place. It turns out that this cat is Guillaume-en-Egypte who is more than a cartoon, but was also a furry resident of Second Life. Upon reviewing the notecard I learned that Guillaume would be my guide throughout the installation, as the artist is busy playing with and re-envisioning his work.
The artist himself, Chris Marker, is more than a bit of a celebrity. Writer, photographer, film-maker, multimedia artist — these are all just a few of the hats he wore. Reclusive in life, wishing only to be known through his art, his notecard suggests that he was meant to be an avatar - living only a pseudonymous life. He eschewed photos of himself, preferring always to make his work, his subjects, and themes what was talked about and viewed. He was the master behind several seminal works including La Jetée and Le Joli Mai, the former was the inspiration of Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece “12 Monkeys.”
Ouvroir is a playground. You can walk the gallery and take in the images of people he met both famous and not. You can ride through the gallery in a floating roller coaster car that glides along and gives you a funhouse feel to the experience. To truly soak it all in you must jump on the human slingshot (teleport) to visit each different level. You’ll find artwork you can interact with, a retro slide show, and even a giant monster that will let you experience the windows of time flipping and flopping around us.
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There were a couple of vignettes that were not functional, such as the movie theater which seems set up for a premiere, perhaps it was once upon a time used for the artist’s actual movies. I could not find a way to activate it, but I enjoyed walking through the build and seeing it. Ourvroir also features the work of others, placed to inspire consideration within the themed galleries that hover in space like satellites surrounding the sun of Guillaume-en-Egypte. He is the real star, despite the famous faces that were captured by Chris Marker or the amazing work in his gallery. There is something about this silly joyful cat who pops up throughout that is compelling and entertaining. He seems to be telling us to just have some fun, ride the airship, click on the rocket and see what happens.
As you exit or enter, you have the opportunity to obtain a Guillaumeen-Egypte tee shirt, and this touch, so reminiscent of fun freebie boxes from back in the day was really touching to me. I definitely got one. Chris Marker had this build constructed in 2008 and died in 2012. It has been there for eight years since his passing, languishing in the way old builds do when no one tends to them. I paused to consider who is paying for this still, or perhaps the artist simply paid ahead enough it will last until the grid falls. I recommend taking some time and wandering Ouvroir. Play in the art and no matter what else you do, stare back. Visit Ouvroir in-world.
The notecard included describes the artist’s passion for photographing people who seem to stare directly at you and invites the grid to come to Ouvroir and stare back. Salvador Dali, Akira Kurosawa, and others await you at Ouvroir.
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