Pandora renounces her citizenship

[Erik Mortis]

I said "screw em" to those that don't understand us, and try to berate us. Not to people as a whole...

[b3n|<3r|\|]

Why not try to let them understand us? We don't have to explain ourselves, but I'm sure it can't hurt...

[Erik Mortis]

My sentiment was that of their opinions don't matter.

[b3n|<3r|\|]

Well, most of them don't. But there are some people who are real dudes in their own right, who just haven't learnt the right stuff about Shireroth to suck them in. I guarantee you there's a micronationalist outside of Shireroth who would really like it here, and we'd like him (I would say her but leaving aside Shireroth and Stormark this hobby's a total sausagefest ), but he just ain't here yet. When articles are published about how stupid those idiot Shirerithians are, we ought to correct them, that the sane and good people of this community aren't led astray.

[hypatias mom]

Erik--Not everyone has cultivated a hard shell to shed harsh or critical comments. Some people's feelings are worn close to the surface. And I don't believe for an instant that just saying, "screw them" proves that these comments had no effect.

Benkern--I found the same thing when I first started reading this forum in late 2004, and joined in March of 2005. People argue, but generally with respect, they feel for each other, and reach out to those in pain or sickness. When I found the people of Shireroth to be decent, caring individuals, I stopped worrying for my little girl and decided to join in the fun.

[Jacobus Loki]

Erik and benkern both have a point. Those of us inclined to explain should do so when they choose to, and those that choose not to deal with ignorant (read "uninformed") foreigners don't have to.

IMHO, we could put a little more into PR or "Foreign Relations", but that doesn't keep me awake at night.

[Aurangzeb Khan]

I consider the term "outreach" to be tiresome but the concept behind it is worthy of consideration. I think that we should, to use another bit of jargon, "embed" a correspondent with the Intermicronational News Service so as to ensure that our perspective is adequately represented.

[Jacobus Loki]

Amen.

[Ari Rahikkala]

So anyway. Probably too early to say this aloud, but what the hell. Here's something to consider the implications of and do some soul-searching about: Will's article attacked a character who supported legalised rape. For reference, I've roleplayed (or written stories about anyway) a couple myself.

[Jacobus Loki]

The character didn't endorse the concept, merely asked that it be made gender neutral.

That's how I understood it, but I'm (in)famous for warped understanding....

[Erik Mortis]

Erik--Not everyone has cultivated a hard shell to shed harsh or critical comments.

I had to cultivate an attitude of apathy to deal with life. Other wise I cared to much, and just became more and more angry...

[Hesam Jayatar]

That's life.

[Jacobus Loki]

That's what people say......

[hypatias mom]

There is still something that seems lacking here. As Pandora said, she did not find that particular definition of ravish in her research, and seriously believed it was akin to torturing or assaulting. She had no idea its primary and historical definition involved rape until later. It is discomfiting to find onesself accused also of promoting gender-equal or any kind of rape when one does not realize that this is its implication, as she said.

Anyway, the subject should be dropped, I think. It has been flogged half to death already. Will has apologized; Pandora has been informed, and she accepts it, there was plenty of misunderstanding on all sides to go around more than twice, and nothing more can really be accomplished of a positive nature.

I apologize for perhaps jumping in too vociferously to her defense, but I think one important thing to come from this is that when micronationalists from outside of Shireroth try to assess and report on any type of off-beat subject here, it is important to try to understand both the framework in which the particular subject is placed, and the cultural millieu from which it springs. Unless one is either Shirerithian or understands our culture, any reporting might be assumed to show ignorance and bias.

I heartily endorse the idea of embedding a reporter in the INS who is from Shireroth and can report with clarity and relevance on what is occurring here.

[Erik Mortis]

Will she be returning. I think in the end that's what we all want and care about from this.

[hypatias mom]

Erik--At this point, I really don't know. To have become infamous was not her design, and she is not eager to come back into the wake of a firestorm. I believe it may take some time for this to blow over completely for Pandora to dip her toe back in again. We both appreciate all the support and kind and understanding comments made on her behalf.

[Erik Mortis]

3...2...1. There it's blown over.

Honestly. I doubt anyone really cares that much. You all are probably taking it more seriously than anyone else. You'd have to do a lot more, and a lot more serious things to become infamous.

[Oroigawa Koreyasu]

...I wouldn't call it infamy. I'd call it...proactive. It just backfired because outsiders don't understand.

But, it is up to her. When she is ready, we'll be here to say sorry once more and move on as a happy family.

[Jacobus Loki]

You'd have to do a lot more, and a lot more serious things to become infamous.

And you can live through infamy.