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Intergalactic Summit

 
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Behold the "gift" of the Amarr

Author
Samira Kernher
Cail Avetatu
#61 - 2014-02-27 16:09:13 UTC
Fredfredbug4 wrote:
Yes, slavery works for some, but for most it does not.


Again pulling these assumptions out of nowhere. Gallente as usual thinking they know everything about cultures with which they have no actual personal experience with.

Quote:
Put yourself in the shoes of a slave during the census and assume you did not actually believe the faith. Would you say that you didn't and risk getting punished, or would you say you did and avoid punishment and possibly even earn a reward? Basic survival instinct will compel most to say the latter.


After enough generations, it stops being basic survival and starts being internalized truth. This is why it is a generational process.
Nauplius
Hoi Andrapodistai
#62 - 2014-02-27 16:21:41 UTC
Samira Kernher wrote:

There are more Matari in the Empire than in the Republic. I believe the commonly given number is a third of all Minmatar are in the Empire, compared to a quarter in the Republic. That's about 11 trillion total in the Empire, not including the Mandate, according to a recent MIO census. 200 billion of those are free citizens. By that same census, 98% of people in the Empire actively practice the faith.


I am intrigued by the enormous populations of Caldari (and to a lesser extent Gallente) present in the Empire as reported in your linked text.
Pieter Tuulinen
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#63 - 2014-02-27 16:34:40 UTC
Nauplius wrote:
Samira Kernher wrote:

There are more Matari in the Empire than in the Republic. I believe the commonly given number is a third of all Minmatar are in the Empire, compared to a quarter in the Republic. That's about 11 trillion total in the Empire, not including the Mandate, according to a recent MIO census. 200 billion of those are free citizens. By that same census, 98% of people in the Empire actively practice the faith.


I am intrigued by the enormous populations of Caldari (and to a lesser extent Gallente) present in the Empire as reported in your linked text.


Several of the Okusaiken maintain sizable stations and presences within the Empire. Still, I'm surprised to see us making up 18% of your population...

For the first time since I started the conversation, he looks me dead in the eye. In his gaze are steel jackhammers, quiet vengeance, a hundred thousand orbital bombs frozen in still life.

Ashlar Vellum
Esquire Armaments
#64 - 2014-02-27 16:37:58 UTC
Anabella Rella wrote:
Ashlar Vellum wrote:
Some quite wild assumptions there Anabella.
Are you trying to ask questions in your own weird angry way?

If the assumptions are wild they were based on the doctrinal pronouncements of one of your religions faithful.

Who are we talking about here? Are you talking about Marshal Commander Kernher or Divine Commodore, because both of them are just commoners. And even then it is only relevant if you are willing to disregard things like: what kind of church they are a part of, what region, what system and under whose rule.
Anabella Rella wrote:

Also, I find your passive-aggressive tone quite amusing. If you want to insult me slaver, then do so. Don't hide behind a thinly disguised, sneering quip. And for the record I wasn't asking anything nor am I angry. I'm stating my opinion based on my years of listening to your people attempt to explain/justify your religion, your wars of aggression, your cultural imperialism and your own so-called holy scripture.

Now why would you think I want to insult you? You obviously want to learn more about the Empire and in itself this is good, even if it is in your own weird non angry sebiestor way.
Making opinions based on years of listening is good,but thinking without disregarding everything else would not hurt.

One more thing Anabella,

making statements like this :
Anabella Rella wrote:
...for the record I wasn't asking anything...

followed by this
Anabella Rella wrote:
I'm still waiting for answers.

would not help you to get any good answers.
Anabella Rella
Gradient
Electus Matari
#65 - 2014-02-27 17:05:48 UTC
Fine then. Answer the original issues I raised in my original post. I'm still waiting for just one person to address those. Mintor tried telling me that I don't understand the religion and the purpose of slavery (which I feel I do but, whatever) so please, by all means enlighten me.

If your system is superior why not compete in the marketplace of ideas and let each decide for him/herself, free of coercion?

When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around.

Pontianak Sythaeryn
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#66 - 2014-02-27 17:20:06 UTC
Eran Mintor wrote:

Don't you ever insult me again.

-Eran


I understand how you feel about this, but telling somebody not to insult you... only encourages them to insult you more.
Makoto Priano
Kirkinen-Arataka Transhuman Zenith Consulting Ltd.
Arataka Research Consortium
#67 - 2014-02-27 18:08:40 UTC  |  Edited by: Makoto Priano
Steffanie Saissore wrote:


And here I thought the Caldari were against slavery.


I won't attempt to address Kim-haani's comments, or indeed many of the arguments between the Amarr and Matari; that is not my place, surely, and I could only handle that subject poorly.

Still, my thought as a citizen of Ishukone and the State:

Uplift is noble and right.

It is the duty of every master-- whether father, lord, or executive --to lift up those he is responsible for, and who have a responsibility to him. So it is with the corporate state, where corporations rightly and dutifully train their employees and employees' children so that they may be bettered, and may better serve their parent corporation. So it is with the Empire, where masters rightly and dutifully lift up those who would otherwise live in squalor, so that they may live in glory and light, and bring glory to the Empire.

When a Holder treats his subjects and slaves well, and tends to his religious duty to bring them into the light, then I laud that Holder's actions. When a Holder makes not even a pretense of pursuing the ideal of uplift, then I would condemn him.

Sometimes, though, the uplift of the many requires suffering, that the many may learn from the failures of the few and from their punishment. We must remember that the many are those whom we must concern ourselves; if we try to make our society for all, or strive to uplift all without realizing that there will always be recalcitrants and reactionaries that must be punished, then we in fact are doing a grave disservice to the many, and to ourselves.

I've carried on long enough, but suffice it to say that as a producer of TCMCs and other implant-grade materials, it is my feeling that so long as the ideal is the rule instead of the exception, sometimes-unfortunate happenings are acceptable.

Itsukame-Zainou Hyperspatial Inquiries: exploring the edge of the known, advancing the state of the art. Would you like to know more?

Gosakumori Noh
Coven of One
#68 - 2014-02-27 18:16:05 UTC
Makoto Priano wrote:
I've carried on long enough, but suffice it to say that as a producer of TCMCs and other implant-grade materials, it is my feeling that so long as the ideal is the rule instead of the exception, sometimes-unfortunate happenings are acceptable.


A Universe in which no unfortunate happenings occur is precluded by physical law.
Rodj Blake
PIE Inc.
Khimi Harar
#69 - 2014-02-27 18:27:28 UTC
Anabella Rella wrote:
Fine then. Answer the original issues I raised in my original post. I'm still waiting for just one person to address those. Mintor tried telling me that I don't understand the religion and the purpose of slavery (which I feel I do but, whatever) so please, by all means enlighten me.



If you truly seek enlightenment, then I suggest you apply for a place on one of the SPCS' training courses. Not only are they free, but food and accommodation are provided.

Dolce et decorum est pro Imperium mori

Aldrith Shutaq
Atash e Sarum Vanguard
#70 - 2014-02-27 18:31:29 UTC
This thread is one of the ugliest messes I've seen on the IGS in quite some time. And that is saying something.

Here's the answer to everyone's arguments:

Is Amarrian slavery bad?
Sometimes.

Does the opinion of anyone outside Greater Amarria matter?
Not really.

Will the Amarrians stop practicing slavery on their own?
Eventually.

Is 'eventually' likely to be within my lifetime?
No.

How can we stop slavery right now?
Destroy the Empire, Kingdom and Mandate.

How many people will die in such an act?
Trillions.

Is it worth the cost?
No, not really.

So we have to let the Amarrians work it out on their own?
Yes, now be quiet already.

Aldrith Ter'neth Shutaq Newelle

Fleet Captain of the Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris

Divine Commodore of the 24th Imperial Crusade

Lord Consort of Lady Mitara Newelle, Champion of House Sarum and Holder of Damnidios Para'nashu

Valerie Valate
Church of The Crimson Saviour
#71 - 2014-02-27 18:33:40 UTC
Andreus Ixiris wrote:
She isn't even an empty vessel. She's the sound of wind blowing through one.


something something something, takes one to know one. Hurrr.

And now watch Andreus rage about how irrelevant my low opinion of him is. But don't quote this paragraph, so he won't know it's a set-up, heheh. Don't ask him about the time he pledged his allegiance to the Blood Raider captain Asias Urasmie either, he doesn't like that at all, heh.

Doctor V. Valate, Professor of Archaeology at Kaztropolis Imperial University.

Gosakumori Noh
Coven of One
#72 - 2014-02-27 18:34:55 UTC  |  Edited by: Gosakumori Noh
[Aldie's] is an unreasonably utilitarian response. I have long suspected PIE was a front for State practicals.
Noden Vorpalstar
The Knights of Polaris
#73 - 2014-02-27 19:57:32 UTC
Eran Mintor wrote:
Not sure whether I'm wasting breath here, but I'll bite.

Ms. Rella, you did not directly advocate war or genocide which makes me wonder why you think I was refering to you, when infact I was referring to Mr. Vorpalstar's comment about " winning freedom for an oppressed people by burning the citidels and cities of a debased society to the ground."

Anyways, your original statement was full of incomplete truths, something I quickly addressed and you ignored. Despite this, you're asking the wrong questions. As for me explaining the ways in which the Amarr, their religion, and culture are misunderstood you need only read the last few pages of 'The Two and a Half Minutes Hate: Birth of a Ritual' to see what I mean. I'm not going to repeat myself here but I'll make it easy for you.

Do feel free to return and have a real discussion, Ms. Rella.


As for Mr. Vorpalstar, I don't really know what to say to you. This might help though:

Read.

I don't defend slavery nor do I sugarcoat it. Slavery has the potential to be one of the ugliest things in a Man's life, though this may not always be the case. Please find a quote where I say slavery is fine and dandy with me, or one where I state that it shouldn't be abolished. I'll help you-don't waste your time because you won't find one.

I don't defend slavery, I do my own work against it, no matter how small in the grand picture it may be. But I defend people, and it's people like you they need protection from. You would commit acts of genocide against a nation of trilions, the same kind of genocide pundits tout as their causus belli, because you don't like them.

Don't you ever insult me again.

-Eran


Mr. Mintor,

I offer my sincere apologies first for insulting you; which was not my intent. Second for my harsh comment regarding the destruction of entire cities. Yes I do believe that freedom from slavery may have to come about from military action, through rebellion or perhaps both. And I know you do not agree with my position on this matter, or perhaps even most.

However I was out of line to even make such a suggestion. In the light of things such a suggestion, like slavery itself, is not reflective of the principles of freedom which I aspire to. The humanitarian crisis which would occur would be massive, and would only spread to all corners of New Eden, presenting several more generations of problems in itself.

Noden Vorpalstar

Public Channel:  Polaris-Public Roleplaying Channel:  Gallente Lounge

Ruin Rolmera
#74 - 2014-02-27 21:29:37 UTC
Aldrith Shutaq wrote:

So we have to let the Amarrians work it out on their own?
Yes, now be quiet already.


If you want quiet, stop listening.
Slave A00073078
Northern Raven Reconnaissance Syndicate
#75 - 2014-02-28 03:34:41 UTC
Slavery sure is a hot topic. I see it discussed all the time yet no one ever seems to change their minds.
Saya Ishikari
Ishukone-Raata Technological Research Institute
Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
#76 - 2014-02-28 04:01:45 UTC  |  Edited by: Saya Ishikari
Much like affairs in the Caldari State, answers come from within, not without. As with an electric current, heat just creates resistance. Frankly, so long as it's not within State borders, it's not my concern, as classically "Caldari" as that may sound. Amarr will sort itself.

As a side note, Lieutenant Kehrner, I noticed you've completely avoided the questions posed. Refusal to confront legitimate concerns is rather telling, in regards to the data in question. Is there anyone else who can address my previous queries? At this point, I'm simply looking for the answers for their own sake, rather than for any rebuttal or counterargument.

"At the end of it all, we have only what we've left in our wake to be remembered by." -Kyoko Ishikari, YC 95 - YC 117

Samira Kernher
Cail Avetatu
#77 - 2014-02-28 05:27:34 UTC
Anabella Rella wrote:
Who's warmongering? I certainly haven't called for anything of the sort. I made a statement and asked people to ask questions. I'm still waiting for answers.


I had thought the questions were rhetorical, but if you actually want answers I can give some. Though I am no reformer or moderate.

Anabella Rella wrote:
The next time you encounter a so-called Amarrian moderate or reformer ask them why humanity would be better under their rule. Ask them about the Ealur who are still enslaved after thousands of years. Ask them about Vak'Atioth and their other acts of territorial expansion. Ask them why the Ni-Kunni are relegated to menial labor and treated as second class citizens. Ask them about the orbital bombardment of Starkman Prime. Ask them about the invasion and occupation of Matar.

Once you get the answers to these questions, ask yourself why you'd ever consider being a part of their vision for humanity.


Humanity would be better under their rule because the Amarr are God's Chosen, blessed with the wisdom to govern and guide God's creations. If you want a secular reason, then it is the leadership of the Amarr that has lead to the Empire being the most powerful and stable nation in the cluster, with the richest artistic and cultural history. That leadership is taught from the moment they are born, and instilled with the tenants of faith: service, to God and Empire. Service is the defining element of the Empire. Not just for slaves, but for everyone living here, from commoner to emperor. We care about what we can do for others, instead of what we can do for ourselves. Slavery is only the first step on that road--the elimination of selfish imperatives, the humility to place others first. Freedom actually changes very little, because all people in the empire are slaves--to their fellow men, to their families, to their leaders, and to God above all. Frankly, most opposition to slavery just shows a complete lack of understanding of Amarrian society, because foreigners place so much importance on individual freedom. The life of a commoner is very similar to the life of a slave--the only difference is that the commoner is expected to walk the path of servitude without needing someone else to hold their hand. In that, it is harder. And for the Holders comes even more responsibility--the responsibility to not just be able to walk the path on their own, but to also guide others onto that road. The True Amarr have always understood this, and it is why they did not rebel from God to pursue selfish desires. Instead, they stayed by His side, obediently, serving Him always. The True Amarr learned how to serve before they learned how to lead. Their example is something we should all strive to follow.

For your other questions...

The Ealur are kept enslaved out of concern for their own well-being. Have you ever met an Ealur? The majority of them could not function if freed. A handful can, and have been freed, but most of them need the guidance of their masters. It would be like releasing a pet dog or cat into the wild--they would be eaten alive by everything else out there. Releasing them and leaving them to fend for themselves when they cannot is cruel. In this, we are serving them as much as they are serving us. The Amarr give them food, lodging, direction, and purpose, in return for their humble work.

Territorial expansion is something that all empires do, just we actually admit it. Sometimes it is through war, sometimes through diplomacy, but every empire is actively engaging in the expansion of their territories, for the purpose of growth, progress, and security. It is God's command to the Amarr that we Reclaim all of his creation, but expansion is also what has ensured that Amarr is unassailable. Even after the secession of the Matari and Khanid territories, the Empire remains the single largest unified power in the cluster. That we could suffer such losses and still maintain our position is a testamont to our strength and stability. If we had not expanded as we have then we would today be at the mercy of the Federation, which would have spared no expense at attacking us out of its hatred for our culture. Strong societies are able to defend their ways of life, weak societies are not. Amarr shall always endeavor to be the stronger.

The Ni-Kunni are not 'relegated' to menial labor. There are several Ni-Kunni Holders, and the Ni-Kunni are gradually expanding their influence. The Empire works on generational lines, not individual ones. The Ni-Kunni are only recently entering into Amarr society as freedmen, and so it will take them time to get to the same level as the Khanid and Udorians. Yes, they are second-class citizens, as are all who are not True Amarr, in recognition of the original sin--but that doesn't mean they cannot progress to a level of prominence in Amarr society. It just takes time.

And for Starkman Prime... that was a tragic necessity to try and prevent the Starkmanir Rebellion from expanding. They were taught very poorly by their Holder, and when he was executed for his heresies they made the worst possible response--butchering an Heir and rising up in rebellion across the planet. They needed to be put down before other Matari started to take inspiration from their example, because a larger rebellion would result in countless more casualties. Unfortunately, Minmatar are stubborn, and so even the threat of total annihilation wasn't enough to discourage future uprisings. So many have suffered thanks to the actions of a few.

And in response to your final question: Because I have a purpose in the Empire, and am proud to be part of a vision for a strong and unified humanity, blessed by God.
Fredfredbug4
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#78 - 2014-02-28 05:38:27 UTC  |  Edited by: Fredfredbug4
Samira Kernher wrote:


Again pulling these assumptions out of nowhere. Gallente as usual thinking they know everything about cultures with which they have no actual personal experience with.


Amarrian (essentially) conservative completely ignoring and dodging skepticism and resorting to ad hominem, as usual.

Also, I have spent a good amount of time in the Empire myself. You have absolutely lovely architecture and exotic, yet fine food. Being a capsuleer, I've taken full advantage of my virtually unlimited traveling ability, madame. I have had quite a fair amount of personal experience with the Empire if I do say so myself!

Samira Kernher wrote:
After enough generations, it stops being basic survival and starts being internalized truth. This is why it is a generational process.


Again, if what you are saying is true, there would of never been a Minmatar Rebellion.

Watch_ Fred Fred Frederation_ and stop [u]cryptozoologist[/u]! Fight against the brutal genocide of fictional creatures across New Eden! Is that a metaphor? Probably not, but the fru-fru- people will sure love it!

Fredfredbug4
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#79 - 2014-02-28 05:46:24 UTC  |  Edited by: Fredfredbug4
Saya Ishikari wrote:

There are three questions, which cover potentially argument breaking flaws, that I can't help but feel need to be addressed...
Comparing percentages, ethnic Minmatar comprise fully fifteen percent of the Empires population, and while two hundred billion recognuzed as free may sound like a lot, it comprises only one percent of the overall population. As slaves, the fourteen percent are considered property, are they not? As such, are they counted as an active facet of the Empires population when the ninety eight percent adherence rate to the Faith is presented?

Further, of those counted, if counted at all, are those who adhere under duress and force counted the same as willing participants? And finally, how are they counted? Are they accounted for individually? Or does their Holder answer for them in this case?

Any of these details has the potential to seriously skew the best-case-scenario numbers presented by the MIO, so I imagine my curiosity should come as no surprise. Rikaato.


See? It's not just the "uncultured arrogant Gallentean" questioning the legitimacy of your "evidence". The fact that you have completely ignored two different people bringing up valid concerns with your statistics is rather suspicious Ms. Kernher. Refusing to address potential issues with your evidence (issues big enough to render it completely invalid) could suggest that you are unable to defend your claim.

Also, Rikaato Ms. Ishikari for sharing my suspicions.

Watch_ Fred Fred Frederation_ and stop [u]cryptozoologist[/u]! Fight against the brutal genocide of fictional creatures across New Eden! Is that a metaphor? Probably not, but the fru-fru- people will sure love it!

Samira Kernher
Cail Avetatu
#80 - 2014-02-28 06:24:00 UTC  |  Edited by: Samira Kernher
Saya Ishikari wrote:
As a side note, Lieutenant Kehrner, I noticed you've completely avoided the questions posed. Refusal to confront legitimate concerns is rather telling, in regards to the data in question. Is there anyone else who can address my previous queries? At this point, I'm simply looking for the answers for their own sake, rather than for any rebuttal or counterargument.


I didn't answer them because I don't care to debate statistics. I only cited them in the first place because I disliked someone making wild, baseless claims and then demanding that I provide evidence when I say he's wrong. But fine.

Saya Ishikari wrote:
There are three questions, which cover potentially argument breaking flaws, that I can't help but feel need to be addressed...
Comparing percentages, ethnic Minmatar comprise fully fifteen percent of the Empires population, and while two hundred billion recognuzed as free may sound like a lot, it comprises only one percent of the overall population. As slaves, the fourteen percent are considered property, are they not? As such, are they counted as an active facet of the Empires population when the ninety eight percent adherence rate to the Faith is presented?

Further, of those counted, if counted at all, are those who adhere under duress and force counted the same as willing participants? And finally, how are they counted? Are they accounted for individually? Or does their Holder answer for them in this case?

Any of these details has the potential to seriously skew the best-case-scenario numbers presented by the MIO, so I imagine my curiosity should come as no surprise. Rikaato.


Slaves are not included in the standard total population census. It roughly doubles when you include slaves.

I do not know if the 98% includes slaves or not. Probably not, as the total population refers to free citizens. That being said, a religious education is the one form of education that is absolutely mandated for all slaves. This includes the same daily prayer services and other forms of active participation in the faith as any free citizen. While a handful might refuse to believe, or practice different faiths in secret, the longer a slave line has lived in the Empire the more likely they'll have internalized the faith and culture. The Ni-Kunni and Udorians are both examples of former slave bloodlines who have almost entirely become devout followers of the faith. The same is happening with the Minmatar, despite setbacks and Matari stubbornness. It's just slower.

As for how they are counted, their owners provide regular genealogical slave records to the Ministry of Internal Order. Former Lord Adash Korta was a recent example of someone who attempted to modify these records to his own benefit--this is why he is a former Lord. All persons in the Empire are kept in the Book of Records, and this is usually backed up by local family ancestry and genealogical histories, so our censuses are rather complete.

Fredfredbug4 wrote:
Again, if what you are saying is true, there would of never been a Minmatar Rebellion.


With the example of the Udorians, the Ni-Kunni, and the trillions of Minmatar that remain in the Empire as faithful servants of God, the Minmatar Rebellion was an exception. A larger than average exception, admittedly, thanks in part to the efforts of the Federation.