Creating a fictional world

[Mad Lews]

It's historically true that civilized societies--the ones that treat people with greater equality--develop technology faster, and that slavery is more a hindrence than a help in developing an advanced, technology driven economy.

However, I don't believe that technology, in and of itseslf, makes us better or more empathetic towards our fellow humans. Many repressive regimes are willing to use whatever technology they can get their hands on to bolster their power, and many people in the world do not view all other humans as equals.

I am working on a sci-fi story set in an alternate world where an autocratic empire is the major world power, and it only really requires a little suspension of disbelief for slavery to exist in it.

As I read history, I've come to believe that we are not born with the idea that "all men are created equal;" it's something that has to be ingrained in us as we grow up. Otherwise, how could the most "civilized" peoples take slavery for granted for most of human history? Technology itself does not change that mindset.

What an interesting historical interpretation!!

I would have said slavery was historically universal once any culture reached the social status of an agriculture based economy. That would have been the necessary prerequisite toward a surplus economy that could lead to trade and an advance into a more technological age. Those society's that never did make these transitions still have various forms of slavery to this day. (certain areas of Africa and SW Asia and a few other scattered spots)

Slavery as an institution isn't about rights or equality. It is simply much cheaper in a modern society to use machines to do drudge work, people, even slaves are high maintenance. The idea that "All people are created equal." Is a political truth, not a human one. as such it can only be enforced by the power of a government.

just a thought
Mad Lews

[RiverOtter]

"It is simply much cheaper in a modern society to use machines to do drudge work; people, even slaves are high maintenance."

Yes, thank you for clarifying. Which leaves the question, how do I justify having slaves in a high tech world? Well, I don't; in this new story I just accept it; like I said, I don't think it requires all that much suspension of disbelief.

I just disagree with the premise of Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek:" namely, that technology will make us better people by satisfying our wants and needs. I just don't think human nature works that way.

[Mad Lews]

"It is simply much cheaper in a modern society to use machines to do drudge work; people, even slaves are high maintenance."

Yes, thank you for clarifying. Which leaves the question, how do I justify having slaves in a high tech world? Well, I don't; in this new story I just accept it; like I said, I don't think it requires all that much suspension of disbelief.

I just disagree with the premise of Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek:" namely, that technology will make us better people by satisfying our wants and needs. I just don't think human nature works that way.

I suspect the slave would be a status symbol in such a world, an outward trapping to let people know you are a power that be. Not unlike the Mansion on the hill and the new Porsche and other bling for the masses to admire.

Which leads to some interesting 'Slave" personalities. Proud to be really expensive comes to mind.

Now obtaining slave stock in such a situation, could get interesting, some would be breed (Very expensive) they would be the passive proud and sensual variety.

Others might be hunted and captured from the uncivilized worlds. Another expensive option that would offer both adventure and a certain satisfaction for the tourist. Training might be offer in the safari vacation package. THis variety could end up with a mixture of personality quirks and would be a lot more challengingly to own.

What do you do with the untrainable ones???

Such a system of licensed and legal slavery would of course become a temptation to the more criminal element and it would probably include a small number of 'citizens' who had been kidnapped and enslaved under less than l legal methods.

You know the old undocumented slave problem we suffer under these days.

Mad Lews

[RiverOtter]

Since I started this thread I've decided to change the setting of a sci fi story I was writing from the far future to the preset/near-future. As a general rule, I believe simplicity in storytelling is best--if the function of two characters can be filled by one, cut one of them, for example ( I do that a lot).

In this case I realized the story didn't need futuristic technology; I just wanted to create an alternate world where slavery was accepted. Writing about is most familiar to you is best, and I don't feel like inventing a bunch of new gadgets if they don't affect the plot.

That slaves just a few years from now could have tracking devices in their collars, be prevented from getting pregnant, or have their sexual orientation altered, doesn't require too much suspension of disbelief, does it?

[Mad Lews]

Since I started this thread I've decided to change the setting of a sci fi story I was writing from the far future to the preset/near-future. As a general rule, I believe simplicity in storytelling is best--if the function of two characters can be filled by one, cut one of them, for example ( I do that a lot).

In this case I realized the story didn't need futuristic technology; I just wanted to create an alternate world where slavery was accepted. Writing about is most familiar to you is best, and I don't feel like inventing a bunch of new gadgets if they don't affect the plot.

That slaves just a few years from now could have tracking devices in their collars, be prevented from getting pregnant, or have their sexual orientation altered, doesn't require too much suspension of disbelief, does it?

Hey we use electroshock in collars to train dogs, No stretch at all here.