User:DarthBismarck/sandbox

The Terran Manifesto of Sephai Rith
Parts of the Terran Manifesto originally appeared in late 2011 in online forums under no specific title. The author, known by the pseudonym Sephai Rith, uses the essay to decry the actions of modern society, stating humans choose to exercise such actions as slavery and genocide, regardless of what effect it has on others. The essay continues, making possible references to the society which exists in the Star Trek universe of Gene Roddenberry. On two separate occasions in the essay, the author openly states the term human as a description of our species has become 'a sad irony' in light of such words as 'humanitarian' and 'inhuman.'

The Manifesto

 * It's a sad irony that our species calls itself human, when the word itself is used as a root to other words which are intended to purvey a good and kind nature. One such word is 'humanitarian,' which is defined as 'pertaining to the saving of lives or to the alleviation of suffering' - something few members of our species are even capable of committing to, let alone comprehending. On the other end of the spectrum is the word 'inhuman,' defined as 'lacking qualities of sympathy, pity, or compassion.' It is also defined as meaning that a human is, in fact, not human at all. Given the irony of this all, I must wonder how negative such a thing really is.


 * For all of recorded history, our species has chosen to live in a divided state. We separate ourselves from others based on differences which we hold the firmest belief are both viable and vital to maintaining our identities. These differences include such abstract ideals as age, gender, religion, ethnic origin, sexual preference, geopolitical borders, and social or economic status. These differences have caused poverty, war, genocide, and slavery. And in all these acts of barbarism, there is one constant: they were committed by humans. I choose to no longer be named as such.


 * There is another word to consider, one that is seldom known and rarely used in modern conversation. And yet, it is another striking irony that so many words which exist, and still see use, have this as their root word: Terra. Originally from Latin, the word literally means 'earth.' A form of the word, Terran, has been used in the works of science fiction to denote the sentient inhabitants of our world.


 * When I first encountered the word, so many years ago in a movie, I understood it was intended as another word for our species. In time, I began to equate the term with the behaviour that filled my eyes every night on television. They were people, sentient beings like me, working together for a common goal. In their world, there was no avarice or poverty, all people were treated as equal, and our own little planet, so small against the great expanses of space, the birthplace of our species, was at peace.


 * But then I would turn my eyes to the world around me, to a world determined in causing such horrific acts of violence. It was only after several years I realized that our behaviour to others was committed by simple choice. Humans decided to act so violently, without regard for others. And I choose to no longer be named as such.


 * Humans rape and murder, and are consumed with avarice while allowing others to wallow in poverty. Humans stand as spectators while their neighbours bring war to the doorsteps of others. Humans force others into servitude and slavery for countless reasons, not thinking once of the people they step on while pursuing their own goals.


 * Terrans do none of these things. We give respect to all, regardless what differences exist. Because those differences don't exist. We do not commit to war, but to debate. We commit to the open flow of thought and idea to whoever will listen, but not at the cost of disrespect to others. We strive for the benefit of others, asking barely for gratitude in return.


 * You already know who we are. We are your closest friend, or your worst enemy. We serve you at a local restaurant, we mend your wounds, or come when beckoned to provide a service to your home. And if you would listen to us, we would show you our world.


 * I am Sephai Rith, and I choose to be named as Terran.

Criticism
There have been many people who have spoken against the essay, calling it intentionally inflammatory and stating it openly provokes dissent. Others have attacked the essay itself, due to the author alluding to a separation of identity between humans and Terrans, something the essay speaks of being one of the major faults of modern society. Still others believe it was written as part of the internet activism of the Occupy Movement. This has led to several unnamed sources in the United States Republican Party claiming it to be 'socialist rhetoric.'