The Role of the Citizen in Society

[Blank]

^Someone explain please.

I'm afraid I'm going to have a nihilistic meltdown.

 

[Fluffywolf]

- Stay within the limits of the law.
- Have a fulltime job so you can pay taxes.

 

[Katsuni]

There's alot of roles, the firstmost, and primary one, is voting. Only a citizen can vote.

This was more prevailent in previous eras where women and slaves, blacks, etc, weren't allowed to be citizens, as they were not considered 'real people', but rather 'subhuman'. As such, during this timeframe, citizenship denoted who had the right to vote.

Beyond that, citizens have several other 'duties', as they are assumed by default to be more loyal and patriotic. They are assummed to be willing to fight for their country in one way or another, either by the armed forces, or via militia, geurilla warfare, or other methods, and they are also assumed to defend it from internal threats as well.

A citizen also pays their taxes to support their countries' infrastructure, and because of this, and their other duties, these are the reasons they're allowed to vote, as it's assumed only they have the willingness to contribute enough to their country, so only they deserve to participate in the choice of such.

This's since been changed over the years, and now doesn't really mean much of anything. A 'citizen' of a country mostly just means yeu're allowed to vote and have a passport. It more or less states yeu're legally allowed to be there as well. Illegal immigrants are not considered citizens.

Beyond that, it may have many other terms but it's hard to find much information so who knows.

In the 'utopian' (not really) future of starship troopers, they make referance to citizenship several times, though mostly in a military sense. I wouldn't pay much attention to such as it's actually an outdated method of belief, not a futuristic one at all.

 

[Metamorphosis]

submit to authority for protection

 

[onemoretime]

Contribution to the well-being of the whole, as defined by commonly-agreed goals, through voluntary relinquishment of freedoms in exchange for the protection of the group.

i.e. don't be selfish

 

[stellar renegade]

Whatever you want it to be. Just remember that you are interdependent upon others and that in order for you to get by, you have to make sure that what you're doing is helping others to get by as well. Other than that, freedom.

The best economy is that with healthy competition, ie freedom and thus the best way for people to help each other is to allow them to do what they do best by making a way for themselves. And the best way for you to make a way for yourself is to contribute to the wellbeing of others through whatever you have to offer. It's the law of life.

 

[Athenian200]

To avoid contributing to or participating in anything that works against the best interests of society.

 

[millerm277]

To work to achieve your goals, provided they are not hurting others and staying (mostly) within the law.

 

[Not_Me]

Act to further your enlightened self interest. No more. No less.