Thoughts for these days
MaryamQ
Dear eRepublikans,
When I first started playing eRepulik in October 2009, I was intrigued by the suggestion that we could create a new world. When I moved to eBelgium the following April, I began to feel a real hope that it could be done. I met a wonderful group of young citizens there, people who were warm and open and curious about the world, and who accepted me, an older woman from a foreign country, whole-heartedly. Players like Aldous Zamiatin, Reaussou, Sammy Tanghe, stonix, Helviro, and many more taught me innumerable game lessons, and incidentally, some about RL.
Prior logo of Res Belgica
It was these citizens, many of whom are now eDead, who encouraged and inspired me to explore the game beyond two-clicking and to meet citizens of various RL and in-game nationalities, some of whom have become friends I hope to keep long after the game is gone. At this point in my eLife, my community no longer has national boundaries, but is centered on Unity, a truly international MU, and on a circle of friends and eFamily that gathers on IRC, but I never would have made it to this point without that initial acceptance in Res Belgica.
I consider myself pretty well educated and open minded, but many of these people have broadened my viewpoint and have given me hope that the real world could be made just a little bit better by people in this game world. At times that hope has been dimmed by those who bring RL enmities into the game or who think it is fun to lie, cheat, steal and harass others, but ultimately, they are not the majority of those I encounter every day.
It is through the filter provided by this game experience that I have watched recent world events. I see Central American children swarming to the US border, literally fleeing for their lives, and I think of the Latino players I have encountered, some with young children of their own. I watch the horrors of the fighting in Gaza and think of the various Jewish and Muslim players I have encountered in game, playing amicably with one another. I watch the tragedy of MH17 play out, and when I see the broken-hearted Dutch citizens talk of their lost families, I think of my Dutch friends, and the grief becomes just a little bit more my own.
Friends, as you go about playing the game today, no matter how you choose to play it, take a moment to reflect on the blessings of this world-wide community. We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference in the world. Never forget that!
Salaam/shalom/peace!
Comments
🙂
voted Mary
great !!
It is good to see when people meet we can feel for each other. To be open minded is a start for a better world without boundaries.
Voted & shouted!
You are one of those Dutch players who have influenced me and have been in my thoughts. Thanks for your continued kindness and support.
Very well said.
Thanks, dill. It's always nice to have positive feedback from my favorite pickle guy.
o/
Inspiring 🙂
Interesting that it was timed so nicely with yours 🙂
haha yeah and we had similar views on certain things 😃
v
vote
❤
❤ you too
Great article 🙂
Voted
Superb.
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I did not expect such an article in eRepublik, but... I'm glad you wrote it 🙂 Indeed - inspiring.
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o/
If only there were a ton more people like you around sis.
There are, sis. We just have to get them to step up and work with us for the common good.
o/
Nice do read you again. Awesome article.
*to
wonderful article MaryamQ ❤
Whenever I read something about Aldous, I get a little gloomy. He was the first non-eAustrian with whom I had contact, and he encouraged me to promote my projects.
It is a pity for all citizens of the new world that he e-died.
I am proud to have met him, and I'm sure he is pride in knowing that his legacy lives on.
His legacy does live in many of us. I'm always surprised how many players consider him to have been a mentorr.
o/
Big hugs.
Big hugs back to you!