Second try at replying here, my first draft blew m2i’s translator so badly that the connection crashed and stayed down for several degrees. I sternly edited my words and am trying again. I thought this topic might be best as its own discussion, so am replying as such.
Winterwind said: “Do you have no conflict on Mother? If you don’t, why are mediators needed? I think the difference could be that we’re more likely to have large-scale conflicts and wars.”
Winterwind: In order to attempt a clear answer to your question (I did say “attempt”), it helps to clarify terms. When discussing conflict, at least back in my vicinage, we prefer to distinguish between “conflict” and “confrontation”. It’s true that my own natural inclinations and those of many living here seem to be that the larger the perceived weightiness of a conflicted issue, the less likely we’ll first attempt to resolve it through violent means. Some of my colleagues theorize that this is due to the ultra-violent potential of large parts of our geographies and ecologies; exploring the differences in cultural perspectives and practices surrounding death on Tellus vs. Mother is a tangent probably deserving of its own discussion swatch, however (and likely to take a lifetime unraveling).
Based on my previous studies in alien ASP and specialization in comparative Tellurian customs, while our disparate peoples diverged wildly in their pre-histories in what focused and drove tech and social development worldswide, there are still several points in each that can commonly be recognized as “conflict”. If I tried to cover them all here I’d send everyone to sleep faster than one of Iki’s lectures, plus I don’t want to hoard all the discussion points to myself. For now let me simply note the ones most relevant to my own life, and perhaps my fellow citizens can add their own experiences with their voices.
While I think our political systems are vastly different than yours on Tellus, I think that even most Tellurians would agree that the political provence generally is Gurge-full of conflict potential wherever you are. I know that my fellow academes are sadly prone to getting lost in petty political squabbles that have been known to disrupt research or experiments for several phase rotations.
I’m not much interested in the party life, preferring to read and study in my plentiful discretionary time. I’m passionate about understanding my own culture and others, but I’m not the sort to process my passions down at the local drinking establishment. I’m no Lilia Twistedleather either, so most of those macro-scale levels of conflict I know little about and will leave to others to discuss. I do know that each dusk can bring harmony, conflict, or both to anyone drawing breath; most of the conflicts that intersect my own life are the daily grievances created from abrading too roughly against a nearby personality set. Easily resolved through coherent communication, of course, but still conflict while it’s happening.
Upon review, I suspect I did not reach quite the clarity level I wanted in discussing your question. I think I’ll pause here for now, reflect, and perhaps try again later if I gain new insight.
– Trisha, ASP Advisory, Teacher Town
