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==Culture== | ==Culture== | ||
Before the Dominion War, all Cardassian citizens, whether they are soldiers or not, were expected to live or die for the [[Cardassian Union]]. During their lives, they were expected to serve the state selflessly in any manner they can, and at any time they were called upon. While this looked good on paper, most Cardassians served the state graciously out of one motivation: fear. | |||
Citizens | Over the shoulder of every Cardassian citizen was the [[Obsidian Order]], peering into their public and personal lives. It was said that a Cardassian cannot sit down to eat without the meal being duly noted, categorized and approved by the Obsidian Order. This was not an exaggeration; indeed, the Obsidian Order spied on its own citizenry with great alacrity, using every means at their disposal. Because of this invasion of privacy, few Cardassians living in the Union enjoyed civil liberties unless powerful friends protected them. Free speech was unheard of, as people had been known to disappear for voicing their opinions. The right to bear arms was denied the civilian citizenry unilaterally, though some civilians kept some sort of weaponry in their home illegally. Assembly of the citizenry (for any reason) without proper license was grounds for arrest. Communiqués were regularly tapped, mail opened, and homes bugged. People were paid handsomely for turning in their treasonous neighbors and could usually gain ''vesala'' by doing so. Families were encouraged to do the same; after all, dedication to the state should come before blood. | ||
Citizens were free to establish businesses so long as they had the requisite approvals from the Ministry of Industrial Affairs. The private sector existed to serve the state, and the state-controlled commerce with an iron hand. The military was the largest consumer for these businesses, for without the military's patronage a business was sure to fail. | |||
Cardassia today still expects dedication from its citizens, but no longer motivates them by fear. Instead, young Cardassians are guided to explore their people's rich culture and history. To what extent matters such as freedom of speech apply to each citizen depends on the individual and their place in society. While students are encouraged to challenge and ask difficult questions, parents are still expected to raise their children with Cardassian norms and values. Cardassians with political or societal influence are closely monitored by the Cardassian Intelligence Bureau, the Obsidian Order's successor.<ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/sb118-ops/c/1bfmLbtBc6c/m/ZxkyVj1jDQAJ "Lucky"], [[Ferri Emlott]], [[Starbase 118 Ops]], 239901.04</ref> | |||
===Vesala=== | ===Vesala=== | ||
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The shri-tal <ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/sb118-ops/c/QZftiQ8IVUY/m/WaSZE8YFBgAJ "In Sickness and Health (Pt.2)"], Dalin [[Lukin Zorkal]] and Lt. JG [[Trovek Arys]], [[Starbase 118 Ops]], 239901.10</ref> is a ritual that is carried out when a person is about to die. The tradition involves a dying Cardassian revealing their closely guarded secrets to a family member, partner or friend. | The shri-tal <ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/sb118-ops/c/QZftiQ8IVUY/m/WaSZE8YFBgAJ "In Sickness and Health (Pt.2)"], Dalin [[Lukin Zorkal]] and Lt. JG [[Trovek Arys]], [[Starbase 118 Ops]], 239901.10</ref> is a ritual that is carried out when a person is about to die. The tradition involves a dying Cardassian revealing their closely guarded secrets to a family member, partner or friend. | ||
===Arts=== | ===Arts=== |
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