4 ms·

The difference is that in fictional works these devices might harm fictional characters, but in the real world this can maim, disfigure and blind actual people

by mnl 6y ago

The difference is that in fictional works these devices might harm fictional characters, but in the real world this can maim, disfigure and blind actual people causing actual and pretty nasty suffering. There are safety regulations for this kind of equipment, at least where I live there are. I find troubling the mindset in which fictional devices, societies, persons and universes aren't perceived clearly as just narrative tropes meant for making the narrative where they're contained work.

TeMPOraL 6y ago
> I find troubling the mindset in which fictional devices, societies, persons and universes aren't perceived clearly as just narrative tropes meant for making the narrative where they're contained work. Because that would ruin fiction for everyone. You're meant to suspend your disbelief when perusing fictional works. Otherwise, you can just scroll through TvTropes instead of ever reading or watching anything. Or you could just read this: template<typename Hero, typename Sage, typename Villain, typename MacGuffin> void Story(Hero hero, Sage sage, Villain villain, MacGuffin macGuffin) { while(true) { auto what = hero.advance(); if(what == sage) { sage.teach(hero); } else if(what == villain) { hero.fight(villain); } else if(what == macGuffin) { roll_credits(); return; } } } That's literally it. The whole of fiction, if everything is just narrative tropes.
elcritch 6y ago
And this attitude of absolute safety over everything would preclude many of the most interesting sports, hobbies, and possibly inventions. They're not selling it nor even producing kits. In another episode they played with 'light saber rods' but carefully wearing full heat shielding suits. And yes, only people with actual Jedi semi-prescience could probably use a real or even imitation light saber as real weapons without maiming themselves. That makes it even more fun to watch this build, IMHO. Science fiction not remaining fictional has been the cause for many actual inventions.
bserge 6y ago
There's always going to be a tradeoff between strictly following safety protocols and presenting their product on camera. Besides, everything's a risk. Driving, crossing the road, eating chicken wings, getting out of bed, being born. Gotta have some tolerance otherwise you'll go insane.

by mnl 6y ago

TeMPOraL 6y ago

> I find troubling the mindset in which fictional devices, societies, persons and universes aren't perceived clearly as just narrative tropes meant for making the narrative where they're contained work. Because that would ruin fiction for everyone. You're meant to suspend your disbelief when perusing fictional works. Otherwise, you can just scroll through TvTropes instead of ever reading or watching anything. Or you could just read this: template<typename Hero, typename Sage, typename Villain, typename MacGuffin> void Story(Hero hero, Sage sage, Villain villain, MacGuffin macGuffin) { while(true) { auto what = hero.advance(); if(what == sage) { sage.teach(hero); } else if(what == villain) { hero.fight(villain); } else if(what == macGuffin) { roll_credits(); return; } } } That's literally it. The whole of fiction, if everything is just narrative tropes.

elcritch 6y ago

And this attitude of absolute safety over everything would preclude many of the most interesting sports, hobbies, and possibly inventions. They're not selling it nor even producing kits. In another episode they played with 'light saber rods' but carefully wearing full heat shielding suits. And yes, only people with actual Jedi semi-prescience could probably use a real or even imitation light saber as real weapons without maiming themselves. That makes it even more fun to watch this build, IMHO. Science fiction not remaining fictional has been the cause for many actual inventions.

bserge 6y ago

There's always going to be a tradeoff between strictly following safety protocols and presenting their product on camera. Besides, everything's a risk. Driving, crossing the road, eating chicken wings, getting out of bed, being born. Gotta have some tolerance otherwise you'll go insane.