opnet [OpNet] Idols

[Sandcaster]

For the first time in years, I'm off-duty on Halloween night. So I stopped by the market, bought way too much candy, turned on the porch light when I got home, and settled in to enjoy the ritual.

I wasn't ready for what I saw. Yes, there were a handful of witches and devils and ghosts. But there were a good deal more novas. And what was most...startling were the older girls. Without fail, they were dressed as Teragen members. There were a couple of Narcosisis, a Shrapnel, and I had no fewer than six Ashnods show up at my door, some going the whole road with "Nova-Eyez" and a glow-rod "lighting bolt" down the side. It was readily apparent that these girls were, in effect, idolizing these Terats. And I have to say, that bothers me a great deal.

Unless I'm dreadfully mistaken, the Teragen represents a belief that novas are not human, that we are a different species. And here are these baselines, supposedly of the species Terats scorn, taking Terats as role-models. Am I completely off base here, or is there something dreadfully wrong with this picture?

[Bahamut810]

You are looking too much into it. They don't idolise the Teregen per se but of the extreme rebellion they represent.

[Charr]

I don't scorn them. Others do. Isn't it cute how they imitate us.

[z-Clark]

At least they recognize the truth: that Novas are objects of power, worthy of their poorest attempts at imitation.

[Hugin]

I second Charr's comment. I hold no scorn for baselines. I also echo your concern Sandcaster at their idolation. I dont' think it is good for them. Or for us.

[Vixen]

It's the same reason equally young, equally dumb people spraypainted swastikas onto gravestones - to get a rise out of tweaking the noses of 'the man.' Before novas came along, I remember a story about two teens dressing up as the Menendez Brothers.

Someday the next generation will think of the Teragen as a bunch of fossilized outdated dinosaurs and have moved on to something new. It happens to every generation. There's only so many years they can call you a bright, young thing, after all. The flower children were thought of as an insidious menace and a corruptor of our nation's youth until they grew up and sold insurance, and now they're thought of as little more than a joke.

Tonight I didn't actually have many kids. About six. Everyone took their kids to the shopping malls instead, and that's what really saddens me - that a palace dedicated to consumerism is thought of as more friendly than the street you live on. And then I realized that I was part of the problem since I hadn't even said hello to my neighbours since moving in not too long ago. Something to do tomorrow...

[Sakurako Hino]

It's far simpler than most philosophy.

The Novas who follow Teras have achieved a level probably that most impressionible baselines wish they could achieve.

Of course, in this world, probably one out of 20 children might eventually be a Nova.

Problem is, most people fear becoming who they may become for the change it brings. And some fear that the era of Mankind as a mundane and earthly race is coming to a close.

Some I fear, are not ready for the responsibility.

I also fear some of us are just as unprepared.

[Ashnod]

Of course, in this world, probably one out of 20 children might eventually be a Nova.

This site not withstanding, I think your numbers are slightly off.

[Harold 'Mythic' Anderson]

The only Halloweens I can remember were after N-Day. I guess us novas have been the really popular thing since then so I always remember seeing people dressed up as novas. Like Pax, Slag, Pursuer, and others. I don't really know if it's idolizing or anything. I mean, I never dressed up as a nova when I was a kid and I didn't and don't idolize my costumes.

[Ghostwriter]

I think I can shed some light on this situation.

Some months ago, I was made aware of a little cult dedicated to me as a living goddess of knowledge. I ignored it at first until I received a live OpNet broadcast of them attempting to sacrifice a Christian priest. I was forced to intervene on behalf of the priest's life - not that I like Christians or priests, but I don't need the bullshit that comes with a death. I dropped him off at a hospital after healing his minor injuries and dealt with the cultists involved.

It's frustrating when people worship you, but just about everyone wants to believe in a higher power and be part of something greater. I couldn't do much about the cult except point them in a gentler direction for themselves and others. Now I pop in on them every month or so, answer their questions via OpMail and help with their kids' homework. In return, they leave Christians alone, gather every skerrick of knowledge they can legally (and I think a couple have been hacking - tsk, tsk, tsk) and share that knowledge with others.

I consider this a fair and equitable exchange despite my general dislike of being worshipped. I am a goddess, but I am a goddess for myself foremost.

But if baselines need help and I can provide it without stunting their growth, I will grant it. If they need to worship me, I make certain that they educate themselves and broaden their minds.

A good liege-vassal relationship involves services and obligations on both sides. If neither side can fulfill them, then it's wrong.

[Edison]

People worshipping me? That's the least of my worries unless there are some people out their that emulate all the fuckin' self abuse that I put myself through. They're probably all dead though.

[Edward]

Well...some of us are worth admiring. We do good things. Is that really so bad?

[Amped]

I don't know if I'd want the popularity. I've had a little bit of it from being with Dervish, and sometimes it's annoying being caught on the street and getting 20 questions when I'm just trying to get a sandwich.

I could see how it will fit some people though. Just not me.

As far as the children emulating the followers of Teras. Youngsters just want to do whatever the older kids are doing, the older kids just want to rebel.

[Bahamut810]

Wow, Im lucky. My worshippers just...uhhh...yeah. I will stop there since there may be a few kiddies in the audience.

[Juri 'Salamander' McClendon]

I sold more "No Quantum Accident" and "Burnin' Nation" t-shirts during October than during any other month, so I think I had a lot of people dress up as me.

Of course, I'd rather see them doing the electrical tape thing, but given that they aren't burning, it probably lost something without the T-shirt as an indentifier.

[Edward]

Electrical tape?

I'm confused.

I also don't think anyone dressed like me this halloween.