The constant cycle of exploration, discovery and occupation is the fundamental means societies use to accommodate their growing numbers. Countries and groups of people through some advantage, often military force, and proceed to exploit it for commercial gain. When opposition impedes their progress the results can be dire. Genghis Khan, for example, was a power hungry opportunist that exploited his military abilities to claim lands and riches for himself. His was a series of ruthless campaigns, some of these pitting his forces against the Roman Empire when their rule was starting to fade. This clash of the titans demonstrates how even a renowned power can be assailed by a skilled tactician.
More to the point is how a vastly out-gunned population will invariably be stripped of their property rights or be coerced to trade them away. The American Indians are an excellent example of this. The discovery of America was for the sole intent of finding a shorter trade route to the east. It became a commercial venture which lead to immigration and settlers staking claim to land that, at the time, was not otherwise considered to be owned. The common belief being there was land enough for every one. Then cities grew and people spread out, causing the Native Americans squeezed in or pushed out. The Cherokees had found a way to fit in and still be their own nation. But when gold was discovered on their lands, the push to move the Indian populations that was already in motion gained new momentum and out they went.
Martians are likely not to exist. But if they do they may find themselves on the wrong end of the deal when we come to call. What is likely to happen when man lands on Mars? Most likely the landing party will plant a flag and claim it in the name of Virgin Atlantic (mabye they would go under the name of Virgin Galactic) or who ever paid for the trip. Then there is Martin the Martian to deal with. Would we end up the conquered people if they retaliated to our invasion?
Usually the ones who have more and better weapons are the ones who usually take what they want with little regard to whoever is already there. The example of The Cherokees is spot on.
ReplyDeleteIf we went to Mars and there were Martians, and we had the superior war fighting capabilities, then we would soon subjugate them and use their planet for our own needs. Because we as a people like to believe that we are superior to everything else, as has been evidenced by our cultural history of taking what we want from indigenous peoples and deluding ourselves into thinking that we are doing it for them.
On a side note, it would be very arrogant of us to think we are the most sophisticated and advanced life forms in this universe. Hopefully we will hold off on any planetary takeovers until we've perfected sustainable living and learn how to respect other cultures and beings with the same respect that we think we are entitled to.
Lets say we went to Mars and there were Martians, and they were the superior civilization. If we attempted to take what was theirs without regard for their culture, or simply without any respect at all, we would either get our attitudes adjusted very rapidly or we would see the end of our civilization as we know it.
Throughout history the prize for the Victor has been the spoils. If there is money to be made, there will always be people that will exploit others for their own benefit. They sometimes liked to be called entrepreneurs.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if Martians are watching us right now? They are probably looking down and watch our behaviors and habits on nice and sunny days. On any chosen day they look down and see someone walking behind their dog along the green belt. While they are walking, the little doggie needs to go do his business. When the dog has finished, the owner reaches down with a plastic bag and picks up the mess. I can imaging hearing the Martians say to one another, “Those humans sure know how to live; they have their 2 legged attendants provide them with water, food and shelter and they also have them pick up after them”
That was good of Sarah to give the Cherokee reference such praise. They are the epitome of someone that did what was asked or was able to become part of society that horned in on their action to begin with. If there really is a Final Judgment Day, then they are likely to get head of the line privilege to kick some white a$$. The rest of her comment brings out the important point. Just because we could travel there and they haven't hit space yet doesn't mean they can't trash us like the rest of the aliens they have had to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThree D's comment puts an important shift on the subject, The Martians could be watching us and laughing at what a bunch of suicidal fools we are. Failing at regulating our wastes, burning through our resources like there is no tomorrow and the wars and decimation it brings. If any one is advanced enough to look in on us, this must look like the biggest circus they have seen (except in their own history). There is no telling what they would consider what the intelligent life form is on this planet. Could be Dolphins and Porpoise.
I like the idea of different kinds of intelligences. I mean, hell, maybe intelligence isn't all it's cracked up to be. There are a heck of a lot of beings on this planet that have been around a lot longer than us, and who knows what they think or even if thinking is something they find important. I mean, really, do cows care about anything except eating and pooping? Should they? Do they even have a notion of "contentment"? Maybe there's an alien looking down at me, at this little box I'm movingm y fingers around on, wondering why I'm not just using my mind to send information to my students.
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