Discussion

Modern syscourse is a subject that found its origins on Tumblr. It involves debate over a wide variety of subjects related to the plural community, though it is very quick to go sour because of its basis in 'validity'. Essentially, much of syscourse 'debate' boils down to if a system is real or not. Oftentimes, endogenic systems are the target of this because their plurality is less likely to be medicalized and diagnosed when compared to traumagenic systems. This concept of endogenic systems being fake is ignorant of plural history that shows endogenic systems as having existed in well-documented sources for decades. It implies that there is only one way to be plural as well, and this could not be more untrue. Every system's experience is valid, and supposed debate over if a person or system exists or not is dehumanizing. 

There is a wide claim that endogenic systems are 'appropriating' terms and culture from diagnosed disordered systems. This is, once again, false. A mental illness such as DID or OSDD is not a culture, and it belittles matters relating to racism where this language first originated. DID and OSDD cannot be appropriated because it is not a culture. This misinformation is found in many locations, making it difficult for young plurals to get a grasp on who they are since this single experience narrative is so firmly forced. 

People trying to decide if another system is real or not is dangerous for many reasons. If a system has repressed trauma, then being questioned may make them feel like they have to dig up their repressed memories before they are ready, and this is incredibly dangerous. This may also make them feel like they have to share details about their trauma, and this can put them in a very vulnerable position. You do not have prove to anyone else that you are a real system. You know your experiences best regardless of your origins. Do not let others try to push you into revealing something you are not comfortable with sharing.

Endogenic systems are real and have existed for a long time. The concept of a validity does not need to be a limited resource in the first place. Excluding other members of the plural system for not being 'real enough' is ignorant and blatantly offensive, and systems who fake claim one another are harming the rest of the community by perpetuating these hurtful narratives. We are all systems, and we should treat one another as such.

A common misconception states that plural life is inherently miserable. This stems from popular media acting as if being part of a system is an endless burden that shows no positives. This is not the case in the slightest. Being plural can present hardships that singlets do not face, but it isn't all bad. On the other side of the coin, being plural isn't always sunshine and rainbows since there are struggles to this way of experiencing life. It takes mediation to recognize that plural life can present with hardships while also not being inherently miserable. Two truths can coexist at the same time, and in most cases, these two facts do exist alongside one another.

Another thing commonly found within plural communities is the idea of relationships between members of a system. These relationships can be romantic, familial, queer platonic, and everything in between. Relationships between alters in a system are completely valid and normal, and they should be treated as such. A system is not more or less real because of having relationships between its members, and it should certainly not be considered grounds for fake claiming. 

A tragically common trend in the plural community revolves around fake claiming, or declaring that another system is falsifying their experiences for some reason or another. This is often heavily tied with syscourse. A variety of factors can lead to fake claiming, such as a system not being traumagenic or disordered, a lack of a diagnosis, or even having too many introjects. None of these factors say anything about if a system is real or not. Fake claiming is incredibly offensive since it implies that a complete stranger knows more about someone else's mental state than they do. Once again, this pushes the single experience narrative by acting like every system that doesn't fit a rigid structure of what plurality 'should' be is automatically falsifying their lives. Fake claiming is wrong with other mental illnesses, neurodivergences, and disabilities, and it's wrong when referring to plurality as well. Systems deserve to exist without being constantly called fake simply for daring to be themselves. Fake claiming only causes issues within the community, accomplishing nothing in terms of expanding awareness or acceptance among singlets. Fake claiming one system means that a person is alright with fake claiming everyone, and it is a very slippery slope. Even if someone is faking, it is no one's business but their own, and their falsification is likely indicative of other problems going on. Calling anyone fake is a very bad decision to make, and it opens up all systems to be fake claimed and treated poorly. All systems are valid, no questions asked.

If you're asking this question at all, then it's proof that you aren't faking. Falsifying plurality is not something that you can do subconsciously. Faking anything takes deliberate effort, and you will know 100% without a shadow of a doubt that it's something you are falsifying deliberately. Many systems experience doubt because society is so normalized to the singlet experience, and they feel as if they are somehow 'crazy' or 'weird' for their way of living. Doubt is a normal part of being plural, and every system in the world has experienced this at some point or another. Plurality is often structured specifically to hide itself from those involved, and second-guessing is normal. Having a moment of doubt doesn't make you any less valid. Everyone has been there before, and that's alright. It doesn't change the fact that you and your system are real and valid. 

This is a difficult question to answer since there isn't a single way to know for sure. Every system's road to discovery is different, and that's fine. A few common signs to look for include the following:

• Hearing thoughts that don't explicitly belong to you

• Sensing someone else's presence internally

• Experiencing out of body experiences while on autopilot (as if someone else is in control)

• Talking to yourself frequently and being unable to remove or control one side of the conversation

• Losing arguments to yourself

• There are voices in your head

• Having simultaneous and contradictory streams of thought

• Writing about characters and feeling as if they are speaking for themselves

• Finding letters or notes that you did not write

• Experiencing frequent time loss

• Have moments where different names and pronouns from your own feel applicable

• Experiencing dissociation and depersonalization on a regular basis

At the end of the day, it's up to you individually to decide where you wish to go when it comes to following this through to the end. There are many resources out there that can help with discovering the truth of the matter. Don't hesitate to reach out to other members of the community for answers if you are uncertain or have questions. If you believe that you are plural, attempt to make contact with your potential headmates. Go to the resources that you have access to and do what you can to expand your knowledge and connection with potential headmates. It's a frightening journey at first, but you aren't in this alone, and there will always be those out there who will support you through this quest of self-reflection and discovery. 

If you want a longer list of symptoms that could indicate plurality, we suggest reading here: https://dragonsroost.neocities.org/essay/edu/AmIPlural.pdf