Intergalactic Summit

I figured that using productivity of individual slaves for the argument for or against slavery is an erroneous move. Slaves are still people, even if they are treated as property. Slaves, if given the incentive, can be very productive, perhaps even more so, than a freeman worker. A freeman worker can be incredibly non-productive as well if they aren't given the incentives.

Instead, the argument for and against slavery is probably better approached from the economic angle. It will also better explain the difference in the socio-economic structure between the Amarr Empire and the other Empires.

And this differs from other workers how? Even in the Federation, the guy who does not work may only get the barest minimum for survival, or perhaps even less, and nothing else. Not even a roof on his head unless someone else is feeling charitable at the moment.

In the Republic and any Tribal enclave in general, the guy who does not pull his weight is, while a subject to some amount of charity, generally shunned. Every tribesman is expected to be able to fend for himself, including earning his living.

I don't believe freeloaders even exist in the Caldari State.

Except somehow the freeloaders in the Empire tend to somehow float to the top rather than the bottom of the barrel.

Elmund, this wasn't about pro or anti-slavery. This was on a different subject, which was the unfortunate tendencies of freeborn to blither on about slaves without having any understanding of them or their lives. I doubt anyone can claim I am pro-slavery, but I see no point in allowing blatant falsehoods about slaves and slavery either. The reality of it should be - and is - more than sufficient.

You see my point, then.

That's a benefit of a system where nepotism is expected. It cuts both ways. Competence is required to be in a position where you can keep your family and clan in positions of power, and the expectation is that if you place your own in beneficial places you are responsible if they fail to meet expectations. Freeloaders anywhere but the bottom rungs thus become rather rare as it's rather damaging for not only yourself but your family and clan if you ruin your own position by promoting freeloaders.

We certainly have them, and unless they are clanless they tend to be cared for to at least a certain degree, but floating to the top? Exceedingly rare. The unfortunate side effect is of course that those seeming to be less useful for the family or clan can end up near the bottoms of the rungs, for simply not being outwardly useful or necessary.

Take this as a very broad generalization that barely touches upon a very complicated and nuanced subject, though. Some places it will be wildly inaccurate, while in others it'll fit like a glove. We are a far less homogeneous nation than the Empire, both culturally and politically, so it'd be more productive to look at local practices independently of others.

While certainly a more homogeneous culture united by our central tenets of faith I would council caution before making such sweeping generalisation. Even the Amarr have traditions unique to the region and system from which individual hail and also depending on the general policies of the Heir Family whom controls the region.

For every 'free-loader' amongst the nobility you might single out there is likely another whom accept their responsibilities to their social, familial, and religious responsibilities, striving to better the Empire both locally and as a whole, in a manner befitting their position.

Figure of speech more so than a literal accusation.

The Empress is dead and the Empire doesn't have cloths on.
There I said it.

Or when you have gotten rid of your propaganda rose tinted glasses.

The answer I expected, and thus why I should not bother.

But they are still working right? I always figured the State booted out all the freeloaders ages ago and sent them to live in the ghettos as non-citizens.