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[dreamsoftomorrow]

What makes an Empire evil or bad?

The definition is simply that it's ruled by one person, but nowhere does it state that it's also inherently bad.

So, what makes it bad?

Why are we assuming Sen Devadatta is evil when from what I've read in the history books and from the locals, all they did was shut their doors. We don't know the reason yet either.

It's understandable to be wary and suspicious, but I don't think it's a good idea to go in believing we're going to be arrested or worse.

Comments

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[whirluendo_of_puns]

Well. An empire is a group of states or countries ruled by one person. The trouble is, most countries aren't that keen on letting some outsider waltz in to boss everyone around, so the process of actually becoming an empire often involves pretty copious amounts of murder.

I'm sure some of the alarm we're seeing started simply because empires make for convenient bad guys, but at the same time? When a president suddenly declares she wants to start an empire, you have to wonder how exactly she's planning on achieving that.

[dreamsoftomorrow]

I'm not saying to not be cautious, as we all have our own experiences. I simply don't have enough, but I told myself I'd make my own decisions rather than blindly believing what I'm told.

But I still wanted others' perspectives on this, because it seemed alarming how quick everyone seemed to jump to one end of the spectrum when we simply don't know enough. Maybe I am being too optimistic about them or naive, and I'll certainly stand corrected if that is the case, but it just doesn't seem very fair either.

[whirluendo_of_puns]

No, I understand where you're coming from. I wouldn't want to paint an entire country as evil before they've even done anything.

It's tough to say how much power the Empress actually wields until we learn more about their system of government. For example -- the country my family originally came from is technically still ruled by an emperor, but the empire itself ended almost a century ago when its territories regained their independence. The actual executive power is now held by the Prime Minister and a cabinet, and the members of the legislature are elected by the people. The emperor is more of a figurehead than anything else.

Considering Sen Devadatta was a democracy just ten years ago, I doubt every citizen was happy with the sudden switch to monarchy. Worst case scenario, the Empress took her own country over by force. Best case scenario, she had to work within the limitations of their existing legal system and is still held accountable to some degree. We won't know until we get there.

[dreamsoftomorrow]

[Note taking. So much note taking.]

Hopefully, it's the best case scenario, or perhaps some sort of middle ground. But I suppose we won't know until we find out.

Thanks, Uendo.

[whirluendo_of_puns]

Don't mention it, kiddo. It's good of you to ask these kinds of questions. Not only will you learn new things, but it might also encourage others to think more critically about their own assumptions.

Besides, some adults could stand to take a more Hope-ful approach, too.

[He can only resist making a pun for so long.]