Here goes!
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If I had to change one thing, I would change the way physical appearance is affected and created. Rather than genes, grooming habits, or lifestyle, physical appearance would be more reflective of who a person is inside. That a person's spiritual beauty (their courage, their loyalty, their intelligence, their compassion, their creativity, their wit, their humor, etc.) would translate into physical beauty. It would shine from the outside more and be obvious to strangers. Pettiness, greed, close-mindedness, bigotry would likewise negatively affect personal appearance. I think this would eliminate a lot of the shallowness in our world and also make it harder for us to be unfairly prejudiced against people who look different, come from different background or class, because it would be more obvious that their positive traits are no fewer than our own.
What makes a person respectable?
Being fair and tolerant makes someone respectable, realizing that they too are flawed and are therefore less likely to be overly critical of others. Respect for others also is part of being respectable, respecting others' rights and their points of view. A keen sense of integrity is also key to be respectable, I don't think I could find anyone who preys on the vulnerable to be respectable! Other than that though I'm not sure how I'd define respectable. I don't think there are a rigid set of rules of what's respectable and what's not.
What do you look for in a friend?
In friends I look for loyalty and compassion, someone who can lend a sympathetic ear and be there for me in both good times and bad. Someone who will defend me when I need defending, cry with me when I need to cry, laugh with me, and fight with me for the causes I care about with equal vigor. I look for that sort of 'Je ne sais quoi' that makes two people click. You can put two people in a room that have similar temperaments and interests, but those similarities alone aren't what can make people be able to talk to each other for hours on end without getting bored. Those similarities aren't what make people get each other. I look for people with whom I feel that natural spark, that passion for and empathy with. Similar interests and convictions do help a lot, of course. I particularly am drawn to friends who share an enthusiasm for progressive political causes and interests in occultism and hidden aspects of society. I'm ultimately fairly choosy with my friends and prefer to have a few very close friends to a lot of more casual ones.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include reading (love nonfiction as well as novels, manga and graphic novels), writing, graphic art, web design, travel, debate, gossiping, make-up art, shopping (particularly for cosmetics, perfume, books, skincare and bath products!), intellectual exploration, studying various occult disciplines and mythology, being introspective, long drives by myself, following politics and current events (through obsessively following/watching CNN , C-SPAN, and occasionally MSNBC for Keith Olbermann, blogs, talk radio, books, periodicals, etc.), practicing my (pagan) spirituality, obsessing over CNN anchor Anderson Cooper (!!) and hanging out in local hole-in-wall bars with friends. Also if information itself could be a hobby, that's a great hobby of mine too. I often read just to read, whether it be the backs of cereal boxes, pamphlets at the doctor's office, or a three hour binges on strange topics like articles written by people who believe that the earth is hollow and there are people living inside of it (maybe even us) because I had never heard of it before! Gods bless the internet for that one!
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
Fairly often, I always give money when I can, though as much as I shop, I should really give even more. If confronted with a collection plate for any kind I have a hard time saying no, even if I don't 100% agree with the philosophy of the charity if I think they're doing some good work and think their heart is in the right place. I could definitely devote more time to volunteer work though, and probably would if I stumbled upon a good cause staffed by a good bunch of people.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
I'd love to be able to write a great novel. People who can write and write well fascinate me, and people who can spin fabulous stories make me envious! And if they can use those abilities to communicate a greater social message? Even better. I'd love to be able to write something that would both entertain and inspire.
Who is your role model?
I'm not really the type to pinpoint specific role models for myself, but there are certainly people I deeply admire. First one comes to mind is Barbara Boxer, Senator from California, for her firm commitment for liberal causes and for standing up all but alone in the Senate last January when delegates from Ohio came to plead their case that there had been voter suppression and election fraud in their state. Also for being so firm in holding Condi Rice's feet to the fire during her confirmation hearings. She shows such bravery, strength and compassion, and is a real gem of a public servant. The people of California should be proud to have her!
What trait most annoys you about other people?
The inability to see things from a point of view other than their own, or at least realize that their own point of view is limited and therefore they may not be a reliable judge for everything and that everyone's experience may be different and no less valid.
What do you want to do for a living?
It still changes every now and then, but I think I'd most like to devote myself to activism in some way, either by holding elected office, by working with groups like NOW, the ACLU or antipoverty groups to influence legislation and help the public, or working in the media to educate the public about issues to further crush social, racial, sexual and economic inequalities. I think I might someday like to work in the third world for a period of time to help the women's right movement globally too. I haven't quite figured out where I'd be best positioned to make a decent living while being most useful to these causes, but I'm working on it!
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
Attacked how? If the attack was of some sort where I could help drive away the attacker and protect my friend, I'd immediately put myself next to him or her and fight alongside him/her. If it was apparent though that what was attacking my friend was not something I could help them overcome or fend off myself, I would run to find someone nearby who did have that power. Or if there was no one that met that qualification nearby, I'd get someone trustworthy to go find someone who'd fit the bill, while I went back to help my friend do the best he or she could until the real help could arrive. I wouldn't want to be too hasty with my decision though, lest I end up leaving my friend to greater danger while I run for help or get us both hurt by not seeking help. It's important not to be too impulsive in danger situations. Disaster strikes when you lose your head!
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
No. While I could conceivably think of how the Imperious Curse might be used in a way to aid the greater good, or maybe even Avada Kedavra in extremely dire circumstances (like what if Hitler had been assassinated early on?), I don't think the ends justify the means and there should be some things that separate the good from the bad. Employing unsavory methods to achieve positive effects is still using unsavory methods, and I think it taints the process and the outcome in ways initially unseen when you do. I'm not perfect, and I do have moments of blind fury and outrage to where I have violent thoughts, ill intent, and harsh words. But even if I was ever if a heated moment where my outrage might completely overwhelm my judgment, I just don't think I would have it in me to successfully perform an Unforgivable Curse even if I attempted it. I have a temper, for sure, and I have a lot of passion in me, but I like to think my inner better nature would unconsciously pull the punches a bit even if I felt consciously blinded by my rage.
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
1.My ability to separate myself from feelings and be fair when making decisions that will affect others.
2.I'm very loyal and will seldom miss an opportunity to stick up for a friend, even to other friends.
3.I have a lot of integrity and seek to do the right thing whenever possible and aid the cause of righting wrongs in the world, and sometimes even put myself at risk to do so.
4.I'm good at expressing and articulating myself through writing and through speech.
5.I am very empathetic and am willing to help carry the burdens of others, even people who I wouldn't normally consider friends.
What do you think are your top five weaknesses or worst qualities?
1. Stubbornness, especially in having a difficult time dropping an argument once it's gotten started
2.secretiveness
3.procrastination
4.tendency to try to go it alone and not seek help until it's too late
5.my relative inability to sacrifice my pride during moments when I'd be better off without it.
Define in your own words the following key traits:
Courage:
Courage is the trait that allows you to do something difficult, something you feel is right or worthwhile but that may bring you pain, loss, embarrassment, scorn or disappointment. Courage, to me, is at least partially defined by fear or trepidation, because what may take a lot of courage for one person may not take much courage for another. Like, speaking up a minority opinion may take enormous courage for someone who's shy, but may be the natural thing to do for someone who's naturally outspoken. Or getting on a plane may take courage for someone who's afraid to fly, but wouldn't type courage for someone who doesn't have that problem. Courage isn't something that should be measured by the size of the deed, but by the inner conflict of that person had to face to decide to take that step or by the opposition they had to overcome to do it.
Loyalty:
Loyalty is being true to a person, a cause, or a place, it's a bond of allegiance between hearts and minds (whether those be literal or figurative). It means protecting and championing the one/thing to which you or loyal when it is being unfairly attacked. Wanting to better the person/place or thing that you love and push it to be better than it is when you think they're not rising to their potential or have gone astray, is part of being loyal too. For example, putting a lot of effort into reform where it is needed in your country is showing just as much loyalty as defending its honor in debate and in battle. Or saving a friend from him/herself when they're involved in something that is doing them harm even if they are reluctant to change, is is being as loyal as supporting his or her choices.
Intelligence:
Intelligence is the ability to see and understand patterns, whether it be in math, in history, in literature, in language, in life or in people, and knowing how to use that understanding to make judgments and decisions. There are different types of intelligence: there is academic intelligence, emotional intelligence and intelligence built from life experience. These types are not mutually exclusive and none is more important than the other. A combination of high marks in all three areas is makes a most intelligent person.
Ambition:
Ambition is the commitment to a goal for yourself and the ability to pursue it.
Name: Diana
Age: 23
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.) I'm not sure. I think there's at least a little of each house within me, but I do think I have too big of a conscience and too much passion for social causes to fit in all that well in Slytherin. But maybe I'm wrong! I'll let y'all be the judge. ;)
Where did you find out about us? My friend Beth (kebechet!) posted about posting here, and being a huge HP geek, here I came!
I apologize to everyone for how long this was. I'm sure it sounded vain because of it's length, but brevity has never been my strong point and I do have a tendency to ramble in a way that's not at all attractive. *blush*