As a science fiction writer, I find it weird that some sf tropes - like space colonization - have become culture-war touchstones. You know, that whole "we were promised jetpacks" thing.
--
If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:
@pluralistic Space colonies as fantasized only work with lots of lots of space slaves. Because the people who would be willing to do a the dirty work--poorly regulated construction, sanitation, upkeep--could never afford to fly to space commercially but could be conned into a cheap/free trip by moneyed sociopaths. Once they arrive, there's no way for them to afford a trip back if it turns out to be a libertarian hellhole colony, so no matter what compensation is given, they are trapped at the colony until they die, which is another whole issue given that most moneyed space colonists probably think dealing with dead bodies is icky and would almost certainly treat none with respect or proper burial. Plus, there's probably not much recourse for a sick or injured colony worker who no longer meets their expected work output, and they're just going to waste precious oxygen, so expect lots of euthanasia too. Then there's the ethics of raising children who would become multi-generational slaves, with no official state protection of their rights and no escape from drudgery. Expect lots of space rape too, but that's not necessarily any different from places on Earth.
One of the people who can definitely afford to not need to be away after the kid's born. If you have the opportunity, why not spend the time with them?
Holy shit, do you think the kid's gonna reschedule his development windows for golf? It's his first kid, and he's making a mistake. Doesn't matter if the mom's OK, him being absent means less familiarity with his own son's behavior and needs. Why every mother doesn't insist on massive father involvement during her own recovery from birth is insane.
He doesn't talk back to her? That's awkward. "Remember when dad would take me for ice cream and not say anything to me while he messes with the radio?"
Aren't you supposed to be modeling conversational conventions so they don't annoy other people with incessant chatter? Some people never seem to be quiet ever and probably needed to learn to let other people be involved in their one-sided monologues.
They do know that 9 is too late for many uterus carrying children since they will have already been menstruating by that age, right? Or should it just be a horrific surprise to them?
Next school year, my son will be left home after school for a few hours while my wife and I are at work. I’m looking for a way to detect when he’s home and have the front door unlock (among other automation scripts that are in place)....
So they are old enough to be home alone, but not have phone access in their home? What's the plan for if they need to call out of the house? Go somewhere else and borrow a rando's phone?
The real WTF is that someone died and they still carried in with the ceremony, meanwhile other graduations are canceled because of protestors who have yet to kill anyone
Louisiana becomes 1st state to require the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms (www.nola.com)
Do they want Baphomet in their schools? Because this is how you get Baphomet in your schools.
World's top golfer Scottie Scheffler arrested on charges of assaulting officer at PGA championship event (www.cnbc.com)
Those poor jeans had it rough (lemmy.world)
Recognizing when you're living in your best years (lemmy.world)
Sex education in English schools set to be banned before children are nine (www.theguardian.com)
Education secretary Gillian Keegan to announce guidelines for phased discussion of topics depending on pupils’ age...
Jimmy Carter: Grandson says former president is ‘coming to the end’ | CNN Politics (www.cnn.com)
Presence Detection for a Child with no Phone.
Next school year, my son will be left home after school for a few hours while my wife and I are at work. I’m looking for a way to detect when he’s home and have the front door unlock (among other automation scripts that are in place)....
Mother identified as person killed in fall at daughter’s Ohio State graduation ceremony (www.today.com)
The authorities think it was an apparent suicide. At her daughter’s graduation ceremony. Seriously WTF?!