Ashyr

joined 2 years ago
[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

I think that’s a terrific argument and it is always wise to contextualize it in history.

We have absolutely been binging which certainly gives it a different feel, but I would argue even as a standalone episode it was poorly written if superbly performed.

There are ideas that could have been played with in a way that respects the setting. Perhaps another computer attempting to join Starfleet, but it looks like a box rather than a person and asks Data to argue its personhood.

I don’t know. I’m not a writer and I’m just spitting an idea off the top of my head, but I think there’s a place for internal consistency within a narrative regardless of when it was written.

 

My wife and I are rewatching The Next Generation and just finished Measure of a Man, the episode in season 2 in which Data’s personhood is legally debated and his life hangs in the balance.

I genuinely found this episode infuriating in its stupidity. It’s the first episode we skipped even a little bit. It was like nails on a chalkboard.

There is oodles of legal precedent that Data is a person. He was allowed to apply to Starfleet, graduated, became an officer and rose to the rank of Lt. Commander with all the responsibilities and privileges thereof.

Comparing him to a computer and the judge advocate general just shrugging and going to trial over it is completely idiotic. There are literal years and years of precedent that he’s an officer.

The problem is compounded because Picard can’t make the obvious legal argument and is therefore stuck philosophizing in a court room, which is all well and good, but it kind of comes down to whether or not Data has a soul? That’s not a legal argument.

The whole thing is so unbelievably ludicrous it just made me angrier and angrier. It wasn’t the high minded, humanistic future I’ve come to know and love, it was a kangaroo court where reason and precedent took a backseat to feeling and belief.

I genuinely hated it.

To my surprise, in looking it up, I discovered it’s considered one of the high water marks for the entire show. It feels like I’m taking crazy pills.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago

Looks like a role for Christian Bale.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago

While it doesn't deal with the tensions between the KPD and fascists, I would consider, "They Thought They Were Free" to be mandatory reading on the rise of fascism in Germany.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Really depends what you mean by unbiased. Almost all history is interpretive.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (4 children)

Because it’s him or Trump and Trump is demonstrably worse.

This article itself is deeply disingenuous calling Biden a tiny bit better on queer rights or the environment.

They’re not even in the same ballpark. Trump is a disaster for the environment, for reproductive rights, for minorities, and for the Middle East.

I would give anything for an alternative to Biden that wasn’t Trump, but pretending that voting against Biden would somehow be better for Palestine is insane.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (3 children)

But Lord of the rings is a modern movie?

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Primary vote is when you vote your conscience, general is when you hold your nose and do what needs to be done.

This is a good time to make your voice heard and pressure the current administration.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works -1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Both sides, amirite

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago

Proper Christians will accept you regardless of your beliefs and won't pressure you to change your perspective.

I'm glad you had such a positive interaction and wish you and your family the best.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Where's the rock? I want to see it.

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago (1 children)

In all seriousness, how do you survive in an economy like that?

[–] Ashyr@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago (3 children)

I don't get the Kirby lore reference at all. Is it actually that deep?

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