ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
"DEMOCRACY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE" is, unironically, a slogan for Suffragists and Radicals in this story.
A Second Sunrise: Taiwan of 2020 Sent Back to 1911
- Thread starter ChrisProvidence
- Start date
- Original Modern Post-1900
"DEMOCRACY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE" is, unironically, a slogan for Suffragists and Radicals in this story.
So when will the real communist hit because that's when the world fears the left
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That's kind of the thing. Actual, dyed in the wool Communists are more or less nipped in the bud.
Diterikhs outright had people murdered by the Okhrana, and the Germans likely did the same with theirs.
The socialist movement, as of now, is centered around France, and the French socialists have shown that electoralism is a viable means of achieving power.
If anything, the biggest left leaning threat would likely come from anarchists.
- Location
- San Francisco
Radio is still one of the biggest modes of mass media right now. I'm curious about some possibile radio shows that might pop up at this time.
Also, where is Walt Disney right about now? Still working at paramount? This is the naissance of american animation, so I'm curious how he and others might react based on techniques used by eastern animators.
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Sports, sitcoms, comedy, and maybe some game shows.
Animators are probably reacting to Taiwan's own style, which could see a lot of influence from Manhua.
But what would really change everything is 3D animation. With how fast paced things could be, some of the most creative minds will have more tools at their disposal.
- Location
- San Francisco
Another reason to prevent nuclear testing and contamination: Low-background steel - Wikipedia
I don't know if it's true, but this stuff is actually supposedly mildly stronger than regular steel too.
I don't know if it's true, but this stuff is actually supposedly mildly stronger than regular steel too.
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Definitely something to look into.
Bluespark9
Goddess of Magic and Passion
- Location
- SoCal
- Pronouns
- She/Her
You've mentioned Upton Sinclair before, as well as how electoral politics are seen as a valuable method of gaining power for socialists such as him, so give that he historically almost become Governor of California, is that something he is interested in or learned anything about that attempt?
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Probably give it a few years, but I could see it happening.
The main obstacle is all the other Californian progressive governors until the late 20s.
France in Thirty Years, published in L’Humanité
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
France in Thirty Years
By Jean Brodeur
L'Humanité, October 1917
Where will we be in thirty years?
Truth be told, I do not know.
Ideally, we will be a worker's paradise, where the technology of the future could allow for this "Fully Automated Socialism" that Marx so envisioned.
While I have much respect for our fellow Radicals and Revolutionaries in China, it is clear that their future is as much a warning as it is a technological marvel.
While productivity would increase exponentially, wages would be stagnant, and the capitalist class would pit us all against one another in a race to the bottom.
Our colleagues in Asia have decided that the best thing to do is to create a stronger welfare state, so as to meet the people's needs.
Though I do respect their insistence on caring for the needs of the common man, I must point out that capital in any form has the potential for exploitation.
To that end, it is imperative that we give the workers the means of production. Of course, this will likely be done through nationalization, coupled with workplace democracy, assuming we do not wish to repeat the mistakes of the Lost History.
Workplace democracy, as well as direct democracy itself, are inherent to the success of the working class. Elections and recall elections, while cumbersome at times, will be necessary to prevent the formation of a Red Aristocracy.
In short, the ideal Metropole in thirty years would be the most democratic nation on the planet, with workplace democracy and direct democracy playing integral roles in day-to-day life.
As for the colonies, that is another issue entirely. While I have railed against what some call "Developmental Colonialism" in the past, it is important to point out that the colonies are underdeveloped and under-educated.
To that end, Paris has introduced sweeping reforms to educate the people in the colonies and develop their infrastructure and institutions so that the local populations may play a larger role in the administration.
While some could argue thay this is very similar to the "White Man's Burden with Red Paint" I have railed against in the past, this is less an act of condescending "civilizing" and more an act of spreading our revolutionary republican ideals to the colonies.
One need only look at the colonial reforms already implemented. While many who preach about the White Man's Burden continue to exploit the local populace, we have implemented and enforced the same labor protections and workers' rights legislation that we enjoy here in Metropolitan France.
Come thirty years from now, and I could see these colonies becoming as educated and develop as the mainland.
I do, of course, have to address the elephant in the room:
What happens then?
Truth be told, I do not know. Ideally, the populations, once educated, could transition to Home Rule. As for our own relations, I can see two options.
First, it is possible that these colonies decide to become independent. Should that happen, I imagine that we ought to keep close toes with our socialist brothers.
The second option, however, is that they decide to integrate themselves with the French government. This would likely mean that they would have their own members in the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, as well as vote in all of the general elections.
Personally, I would prefer the latter, but it is their decision to make.
Come thirty years, France will be a better place. We will be more democratic, more prosperous, and more egalitarian than we are today.
However, we cannot rest on our laurels.
No, if we want to live in that bright socialist future, then we need to start working today.
By Jean Brodeur
L'Humanité, October 1917
Where will we be in thirty years?
Truth be told, I do not know.
Ideally, we will be a worker's paradise, where the technology of the future could allow for this "Fully Automated Socialism" that Marx so envisioned.
While I have much respect for our fellow Radicals and Revolutionaries in China, it is clear that their future is as much a warning as it is a technological marvel.
While productivity would increase exponentially, wages would be stagnant, and the capitalist class would pit us all against one another in a race to the bottom.
Our colleagues in Asia have decided that the best thing to do is to create a stronger welfare state, so as to meet the people's needs.
Though I do respect their insistence on caring for the needs of the common man, I must point out that capital in any form has the potential for exploitation.
To that end, it is imperative that we give the workers the means of production. Of course, this will likely be done through nationalization, coupled with workplace democracy, assuming we do not wish to repeat the mistakes of the Lost History.
Workplace democracy, as well as direct democracy itself, are inherent to the success of the working class. Elections and recall elections, while cumbersome at times, will be necessary to prevent the formation of a Red Aristocracy.
In short, the ideal Metropole in thirty years would be the most democratic nation on the planet, with workplace democracy and direct democracy playing integral roles in day-to-day life.
As for the colonies, that is another issue entirely. While I have railed against what some call "Developmental Colonialism" in the past, it is important to point out that the colonies are underdeveloped and under-educated.
To that end, Paris has introduced sweeping reforms to educate the people in the colonies and develop their infrastructure and institutions so that the local populations may play a larger role in the administration.
While some could argue thay this is very similar to the "White Man's Burden with Red Paint" I have railed against in the past, this is less an act of condescending "civilizing" and more an act of spreading our revolutionary republican ideals to the colonies.
One need only look at the colonial reforms already implemented. While many who preach about the White Man's Burden continue to exploit the local populace, we have implemented and enforced the same labor protections and workers' rights legislation that we enjoy here in Metropolitan France.
Come thirty years from now, and I could see these colonies becoming as educated and develop as the mainland.
I do, of course, have to address the elephant in the room:
What happens then?
Truth be told, I do not know. Ideally, the populations, once educated, could transition to Home Rule. As for our own relations, I can see two options.
First, it is possible that these colonies decide to become independent. Should that happen, I imagine that we ought to keep close toes with our socialist brothers.
The second option, however, is that they decide to integrate themselves with the French government. This would likely mean that they would have their own members in the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, as well as vote in all of the general elections.
Personally, I would prefer the latter, but it is their decision to make.
Come thirty years, France will be a better place. We will be more democratic, more prosperous, and more egalitarian than we are today.
However, we cannot rest on our laurels.
No, if we want to live in that bright socialist future, then we need to start working today.
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ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
"Fully Automated Luxury Gay Space Socialism by 1950"
-The French, Apparently.
Well, unless you're the clergy or a business owner.
The clergy wouldn't like it because it's gay.
The business owners wouldn't like it because it's socialist.
Meanwhile the English wouldn't like it because it's French.
-The French, Apparently.
Well, unless you're the clergy or a business owner.
The clergy wouldn't like it because it's gay.
The business owners wouldn't like it because it's socialist.
Meanwhile the English wouldn't like it because it's French.
Breaking News: Popularity ratings of French government increase by 10000% after PM announces program to "dab on the reactionary Perfidious Albion"; "We want to be a government the entire nation can be proud of" says government spokesman.
Thing seem to keep going good so far, but I wonder if there are more case of bad thing done by Taiwan yet ? (for example one of the corporation when expand to some backward country for cheap labor, they will use one of the practice that are quite bad nowaday but seem way better for the native here compare to other native corporation, and since the local worker are 'happy' with it, they can train the worker with some 'hidden rule' that they not fully aware the implication in order to avoid/go around any inspector here, especially the one from Taiwan about their greedy/quite corrupt practice)
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
The best part is that "Annoy the English" is a universal message that can appeal to socialists around the world.
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
How the World is Shaping Up in 1917:
Ottomans: Detente with Russia, Friendly with China, Would like territory back from Britain and Italy. Mutual interest in Balkan stability with Austria-Hungary.
Russia: Detente with Ottomans, Warming to China, Still sees Central Powers as a threat.
France: Friendly with China, Cautiously Optimistic about Russia, Less sympathetic to Britain than before.
Germany: Shoring up Central Powers, Detente and warming of relations with Britain, Distrusts Italy.
Austria-Hungary: Distrusts Italy, Closer with Germany and Britain, Mutual interest in Balkan stability with Ottomans.
Italy: Distrusted by allies, France, and Ottomans. Getting closer to Britain.
Japan: Friendly with Britain, Closer and friendlier with China as they reorient their economy to use their more-educated populace.
United States: Friendly with China, Otherwise Isolationist.
Britain: Cooling relations with France, Japan, and Russia. Detente and warming relations with Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Sees China as a potential rival and threat.
China: Friendly with France, Russia, Ottomans, Japan, and the United States. Sees Britain as a potential rival as they're the only ones who can put up a fight.
Status of Alliances of Big 10 (If war started in 1917):
China-Aligned Majors:
•China
•France
•Russia
•Ottoman Empire
•Japan
China-Aligned Minors:
•Siam
•Korea
•Jabal Shammar
Britain-Aligned Majors:
•Great Britain
•Germany
•Italy
•Austria-Hungary
Britain-Aligned Minors:
•Portugal
•Spain
•Ethiopia
•Bulgaria
•Greece
•Romania
•Belgium
•Netherlands
•Luxembourg
Neutral Powers:
•United States
Neutral Minors:
•Switzerland
•All of Latin America
•Liberia
•Ethiopia
•Denmark
•Sweden
•Norway
•Serbia
Ottomans: Detente with Russia, Friendly with China, Would like territory back from Britain and Italy. Mutual interest in Balkan stability with Austria-Hungary.
Russia: Detente with Ottomans, Warming to China, Still sees Central Powers as a threat.
France: Friendly with China, Cautiously Optimistic about Russia, Less sympathetic to Britain than before.
Germany: Shoring up Central Powers, Detente and warming of relations with Britain, Distrusts Italy.
Austria-Hungary: Distrusts Italy, Closer with Germany and Britain, Mutual interest in Balkan stability with Ottomans.
Italy: Distrusted by allies, France, and Ottomans. Getting closer to Britain.
Japan: Friendly with Britain, Closer and friendlier with China as they reorient their economy to use their more-educated populace.
United States: Friendly with China, Otherwise Isolationist.
Britain: Cooling relations with France, Japan, and Russia. Detente and warming relations with Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Sees China as a potential rival and threat.
China: Friendly with France, Russia, Ottomans, Japan, and the United States. Sees Britain as a potential rival as they're the only ones who can put up a fight.
Status of Alliances of Big 10 (If war started in 1917):
China-Aligned Majors:
•China
•France
•Russia
•Ottoman Empire
•Japan
China-Aligned Minors:
•Siam
•Korea
•Jabal Shammar
Britain-Aligned Majors:
•Great Britain
•Germany
•Italy
•Austria-Hungary
Britain-Aligned Minors:
•Portugal
•Spain
•Ethiopia
•Bulgaria
•Greece
•Romania
•Belgium
•Netherlands
•Luxembourg
Neutral Powers:
•United States
Neutral Minors:
•Switzerland
•All of Latin America
•Liberia
•Ethiopia
•Denmark
•Sweden
•Norway
•Serbia
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ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
New Term for the glossary:
"Idiot-Proof"
v. A phrase used to describe taking action, usually in the form of legislation or safeguards, to prevent exploits, bad faith actors, or other historical mistakes.
"We decided to Idiot-Proof the country by passing regulations, just in case."
"Idiot-Proof"
v. A phrase used to describe taking action, usually in the form of legislation or safeguards, to prevent exploits, bad faith actors, or other historical mistakes.
"We decided to Idiot-Proof the country by passing regulations, just in case."
Bluespark9
Goddess of Magic and Passion
- Location
- SoCal
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Has anyone shot hitler yet?
Bluespark9
Goddess of Magic and Passion
- Location
- SoCal
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I mean they already got stalin, so he seems like the person that would be next on people's to kill list.
- Location
- San Francisco
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
There's a short story on it.
Bluespark9
Goddess of Magic and Passion
- Location
- SoCal
- Pronouns
- She/Her
sorry
I missed it
I missed it
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
It would probably depend on the sketch/movie.
"Life of Brian" might be seen as blasphemous, while "Upper Class Twit of the Year" might be more relatable.
Generally speaking, our comedy is hit or miss for these Downtimers, though I imagine stand up is still in its early stages.
Satire would probably resonate, along with absurdism, given current events.
Yes, Minister might work
Book Review: The Chinese Man’s Burden
ChrisProvidence
Time Traveling Unequal Treaty Destroyer
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Book Review: The Chinese Man's Burden
By Christopher della Providenza
Of all the books I've been sent from downtimers, I never expected to read satire. Then again, it's only been a few years since Twain's death, so I ought to be unsurprised.
That is what The Chinese Man's Burden is, at the end of the day, and it is both funny and thought-provoking.
The story takes place in the early 1910s, in the aftermath of the Great Journey. As part of the first British delegation to the Republic of China, we follow the Baron McCartney, a British nobleman who is tasked with opening up trade with this Island of the Future.
Accompanying him is John, an everyman who often grows exasperated at the Baron's various antics.
As part of his journey, the Baron packs his ships to the brim with the epitome of British science and culture. From works of Shakespeare to machinery, he intends to show these people the might of the British Empire.
Upon making contact, he begins by speaking slowly with the Chinese, only to find that the diplomat speaks English with a London accent!
Taken aback by this, McCartney moves on to the gifts. He begins with the complete works of William Shakespeare, though to his surprise the man has his own copies at home.
Next comes the machinery, and he is flattered to learn that these gifts will be placed in a museum. That is, until he is told, "They belong in a museum."
Afterwards, he is brought on a tour of the island, where his arrogance is continuously thrown back into his face.
For example, he will extoll the efficiency of British industry, only to learn that modern machinery can match them tenfold. The same thing happens when he brags about culture, only to be shown modern music and cinema.
Again and again he is humbled by the Chinese, until he finally passes out from exasperation, allowing John, his beleaguered (though much more down to earth) assistant take his place.
While one would be forgiven for thinking this was a Chinese novel (as I did, at first), it was written by an Englishman.
The story seems to be a complete and utter mockery of British society as a whole, with Baron McCartney being seen as a satire of the British Upper Class' arrogance, while the beleaguered and plain-speaking John is seen as a representation of the British common man.
It's almost as if the author is saying, "We're not all pompous idiots like these guys. We swear."
As for the Chinese, they seem to be characterized as the British characters' equals, though they also share in John's exasperation at Baron McCartney.
There is a memorable phrase where one of the Chinese diplomats is hanging out with John, and he asks the latter about him.
"Oh, we are not all like him," John insists to the diplomat, "Most of us aren't born with a silver stick up our arse."
While the story loves to take the piss out of the British nobility at every turn, there is a hidden message underneath it all:
"The Chinese aren't that different from us. They may be ahead of us on technology, but they are people at the end of the day."
This is most prominent in the sharp contrast between John's open-mindedness and Baron McCartney, as the former is shown to be intelligent and open-minded, while the latter is little more than a pompous idiot with a title.
Does it try to be Shakespeare? No.
But just because it's not High Art doesn't mean it can't be honest and authentic. That's what makes this such a fun read.
And before you ask… Yes, it was published in French, and yes, the French love how it makes fun of the British elite.
"Antagonizing the English" is the second French pastime, after all.
Overall Rating:
Four Idiotic English Noblemen out of Five
By Christopher della Providenza
Of all the books I've been sent from downtimers, I never expected to read satire. Then again, it's only been a few years since Twain's death, so I ought to be unsurprised.
That is what The Chinese Man's Burden is, at the end of the day, and it is both funny and thought-provoking.
The story takes place in the early 1910s, in the aftermath of the Great Journey. As part of the first British delegation to the Republic of China, we follow the Baron McCartney, a British nobleman who is tasked with opening up trade with this Island of the Future.
Accompanying him is John, an everyman who often grows exasperated at the Baron's various antics.
As part of his journey, the Baron packs his ships to the brim with the epitome of British science and culture. From works of Shakespeare to machinery, he intends to show these people the might of the British Empire.
Upon making contact, he begins by speaking slowly with the Chinese, only to find that the diplomat speaks English with a London accent!
Taken aback by this, McCartney moves on to the gifts. He begins with the complete works of William Shakespeare, though to his surprise the man has his own copies at home.
Next comes the machinery, and he is flattered to learn that these gifts will be placed in a museum. That is, until he is told, "They belong in a museum."
Afterwards, he is brought on a tour of the island, where his arrogance is continuously thrown back into his face.
For example, he will extoll the efficiency of British industry, only to learn that modern machinery can match them tenfold. The same thing happens when he brags about culture, only to be shown modern music and cinema.
Again and again he is humbled by the Chinese, until he finally passes out from exasperation, allowing John, his beleaguered (though much more down to earth) assistant take his place.
While one would be forgiven for thinking this was a Chinese novel (as I did, at first), it was written by an Englishman.
The story seems to be a complete and utter mockery of British society as a whole, with Baron McCartney being seen as a satire of the British Upper Class' arrogance, while the beleaguered and plain-speaking John is seen as a representation of the British common man.
It's almost as if the author is saying, "We're not all pompous idiots like these guys. We swear."
As for the Chinese, they seem to be characterized as the British characters' equals, though they also share in John's exasperation at Baron McCartney.
There is a memorable phrase where one of the Chinese diplomats is hanging out with John, and he asks the latter about him.
"Oh, we are not all like him," John insists to the diplomat, "Most of us aren't born with a silver stick up our arse."
While the story loves to take the piss out of the British nobility at every turn, there is a hidden message underneath it all:
"The Chinese aren't that different from us. They may be ahead of us on technology, but they are people at the end of the day."
This is most prominent in the sharp contrast between John's open-mindedness and Baron McCartney, as the former is shown to be intelligent and open-minded, while the latter is little more than a pompous idiot with a title.
Does it try to be Shakespeare? No.
But just because it's not High Art doesn't mean it can't be honest and authentic. That's what makes this such a fun read.
And before you ask… Yes, it was published in French, and yes, the French love how it makes fun of the British elite.
"Antagonizing the English" is the second French pastime, after all.
Overall Rating:
Four Idiotic English Noblemen out of Five
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