LOST & FOUND LOST & FOUND Paige Lomas
LOST & FOUND LOST & FOUND December 2023
LOST & FOUND LOST & FOUND Translation Project
LOST & FOUND LOST & FOUND
Author’s Note In the vast realm of the internet, lines can easily become blurred between between social media norms and actual human interaction. It's practically a hobby for some ideologies to pick on poor souls struggling with the basic art of picking up social cues. Instead of having the luxury of a rock-solid friendship where they can trust, practice, and explore the intricacies of human behavior, they opt for the warm embrace of communities promoting harmful ideals. So, you've got to wonder, just how far are they willing to push the envelope of reason? I came up with the idea for my research essay (and eventually this project) while doing the Rice Purity Test with some friends. At the top of the website, it cautions: “This is not a bucket list. Completion of all items on this test will likely result in death.”
Needless to say, we ignored it. While the questions range from if you’ve “held hands romantically” to “ever been arrested,” as teens we easily succumbed to each others peer pressure and had fun doing it. Thankfully, we recognized some of them were a bit too promiscuous and slowed our roll, but not everyone has that luxury. I remember one of my friends going to the hospital as a result of the Tide Pod challenge and being grateful he survived. Remaining mindful of the media or personalities that shape your perspectives is crucial in understanding the messages you absorb, whether overtly or subtly. Instead of being confined to an echo chamber, take the initiative to contemplate the content you consume. While the instances may vary in their level of absurdity, I urge you to examine and untangle your own internal convictions.
Table of Contents
5....................................................................Discussion 8...............................................What’s in my Closet? 9.......................................................Self Esteem Quiz 13...........................................................GRWM Playlist 14............................................................Coloring Page 15........................Live Laugh Lobotomy Procedure 16....................................Related Movie Suggestion 17..................................................................References
DISCUSSION on modern beauty standards with
arabella, ella, julian, & ny
yoohoo! blagh.
blahblah blahh. blah blah blah. blah blah blah?
blah blah blah? blah blah blahblah.
blah, blah blah.
blah blah? blegh.
blah blah blah.
blah blah blah? blah blah blahblah.
blah.
blah blah blah? blah blah blahblah.
blah blah blah.
blah blah blah? blah blah blahblah.
i am at my limit.
unsettling silence. blah? blah blah?
blah :( womp womp.
wahhhhhh.
Self-Help or Self-Harm? When you think of cults, your mind naturally goes to the big shots like Charles Manson or scenes straight out of a horror movie like Midsommar. We've all been warned not to "drink the Kool-Aid," but what people often miss is that these cult enthusiasts are not exotic beings – they're your neighbors, colleagues, or that person you chit-chat with at the grocery store. Nobody wakes up in the morning and decides, "Hey, I think I'll join a cult today." It's more of a subtle process, a masterclass in manipulation by those with a keen eye for vulnerability.
Self-help cults, often cloaked in the guise of empowerment and personal growth, can easily slip under the radar, making them equally, if not more, important to scrutinize than other types of cults. Unlike more overtly destructive cults that may exhibit clear signs of manipulation or coercion, self-help cults often operate within the realms of mainstream society, preying on individuals seeking self-improvement and a sense of belonging. These insidious groups subtly exploit vulnerabilities, promising personal transformation while fostering dependency on the group's teachings and charismatic leaders. The danger lies in the gradual erosion of critical thinking and autonomy, as followers willingly surrender their individuality in pursuit of the promised enlightenment. Identifying and addressing self-help cults is crucial to protecting individuals from psychological manipulation, loss of personal agency, and potential long-term harm that may go unnoticed amidst the seemingly positive rhetoric of self-improvement. Vigilance and awareness are key to ensuring that the pursuit of personal growth does not inadvertently lead to the surrender of one's own identity to the dubious influences of a self-help cult.
What’s in My Closet? motifs commonly associated with the “coquette” communiy
cute, dainty, feminine things like...
pink, vivienne westwood, ribbons & bows, coke (the drink or drug), ballet flats, hello kitty, lana del rey, floral prints, pearls, marlboro reds, hearts, etc.
SELF ESTEEM QUIZ!
Question 1 In a room full of confident people, how do you stand out? a) By shrinking into the background. b) By being the life of the party. c) By blending in seamlessly, because standing out is overrated.
Question 2 When faced with a challenge, how do you approach it? a) Doubt your ability to succeed. b) Feel confident and tackle it head-on. c) Hesitate and worry about potential failure.
Question 3 How often do you compare yourself to others? a) Frequently, and it often makes you feel inadequate. b) Occasionally, but you appreciate your unique qualities. c) Rarely, as you understand everyone has their own strengths.
Question 4 What do you think about your appearance? a) Often dissatisfied, focusing on flaws. b) Generally content, embracing your unique features. c) Sometimes pleased, but often critical.
Question 5 How do you handle mistakes? a) Criticize yourself harshly. b) Learn from them and move on. c) Feel overwhelmed by guilt and regret.
Question 6 In social situations, how comfortable are you expressing your opinions? a) Rarely speak up, fearing judgment. b) Comfortable sharing your thoughts. c) Speak up selectively, because not everyone can handle your genius.
Question 7 How would you describe your inner dialogue? a) Negative and self-critical. b) Positive and encouraging. c) Mixed, with both positive and negative thoughts.
Question 8 How often do you prioritize self-care? a) Rarely, as you feel it's selfish. b) Regularly, recognizing the importance of self-love. c) Occasionally, but often neglect your own needs.
Question 9 When faced with rejection, how do you typically react? a) Take it personally and start drafting a list of all your flaws. b) Understand it's not a reflection of your worth. c) Feel hurt but try not to let it ruin your day too much.
Question 10 How do you handle compliments? a) Brush them off and feel unworthy. b) Appreciate them and believe you deserve every single one. c) Feel awkward because deep down, you know they're just being polite.
RESULTS!
Mostly A’s Your self-esteem may benefit from cultivating a more positive self-image and learning to accept compliments graciously.
Mostly B’s Congratulations! You have a healthy level of self-esteem and are comfortable with who you are.
Mostly C’s Consider exploring ways to boost your self-confidence and address any underlying issues that may be affecting your self-esteem.
Get Ready With Me Playlist!
normal girl sza
west coast lana del rey
melting kali uchis
west end girls pet shop boys
lovefool the cardigans
just a girl no doubt
mosquito pinkpantheress
liquid smooth mitski
doll parts hole
lana del rey vinyl d&d alignment chart core
Ideal vs Real Self! color/fill in to illustrate your underlying self-image
ideal self: version of ourselves we wish we could be. real self: what we actually are in reality.
DIY Lobotomy!*
1) Buy an Icepick ― evaluate your current situation (ex: it’s finals week and i haven’t studied for any of my exams)
2) Insert the Icepick Through Your Eye-Socket ― dig deep in an effort to discover the root causes of bad habits (ex: i procrastinate because of my fear of failure)
3) Wiggle it Rapidly Until Your Brain is Mush ― take action to change your mindset/habits (ex: stop rotting in my dorm and go study in the library)
*sorry to disappoint but it‘s a metaphor. as a neuro major i‘m not going to get to exact with the logistics of an actual lobotomy because it‘s an outdated practice, but if you need a recommendation i got mine at claire‘s!
Genre Canadian Body Horror, Rape Revenge Running Time 102 Minutes
Summary A young medical student struggling to pay tuition is drawn into the shady world of underground body-modification.
Directed By the Soska Sisters Produced By Evan Tylor & John Curtis Starring Katherine Isabelle, Antonio Cupo, Tristan Risk, David Lovgren, Paula Lindberg, Julia Maxwell, John Emmet Tracy, Twan Holliday, & Travis Watters
“ The way the Soska Sisters use cosmetic surgery and body modification in this movie pushes femininity to this hyper-stylised, completely fake, highest-of-high-femme extreme, while simultaneously stripping it of it’s sexuality, a genuinely compelling and unique contrast. It’s body horror that twists femininity to the furthest extreme, a sort of grotesquerie wrapped in candy-coloured plastic. ” - LOU MACGREGOR
Anatomy of American Mary (2012) resting b*tch face (with a heart of plastic) gorgeous goth hair
bada$$ leather apron
ex-med student almost-stripper current surgeon
bonesaw? bonesaw.
REFERENCES Hassinger Hall Basement Common Room “How I Ended Up in a Cult: The Dark Side of Self Help.” Unmistakable Creative, 8 Aug. 2023, unmistakablecreative.com/ended-up-in-acult/. MacGregor, Lou. “A Retrospective on American Mary.” No But Listen, 21 Mar. 2023, nobutlisten.com/2023/03/21/a-retrospective-onamerican-mary/. Medusa, Magnificent. “The Ultimate Guide to Coquette Aesthetic: Everything You Need to Know.” Cosmique Studio - Aesthetic Clothing, 3 Oct. 2022, cosmiquestudio.com/blog/ultimate-guide-tocoquette-aesthetic/. Piper, Nathan. “How to DIY Lobotomy.” Medium, Live the Better Life, 17 Oct. 2022, medium.com/@LiveTheBetterLife/how-to-diy-lobotomye8d31c14d665.