Cultural Identity in New Washington

(excerpt culled from the full article, "Ethnicity and Cultural Identity of New Washington")

One of the most deep and debated topics concerning the Age of Corporations New Washington is the discussion of what it is that constitutes a New Washingtonian. No civilization has ever approached the combined level of antiquity and modernity that embodied the cultural identity of the average New Washingtonian, even after the City-State's influence had long since spread openly to the other nations of Earth.

An important part of a Washingtonian's appearance is bearing a weapon. Most citizens wear their armament openly on the streets, their skill with it generally indicated by the make and model of the sidearm, blade or tool. The topic of New Washington Armament Culture is such a deep one that it cannot be discussed sufficiently in such a short article. Needless to say, it can be confusing for a Washingtonian to travel to another country where wearing weapons openly is forbidden; it would be not unlike a wolf being taken to a den where his brethren lack tails.

It also must be noted that New Washingtonians also live lives of much greater danger than those of most other people of Earth. Surrounded on all sides by nature and monsters, New Washington claims few allies and has little support in its survival. In addition, the rate of growth, magic use and diversity in the city means that the average New Washington Citizen finds himself in mortal danger on average at least once a month; this is not even regarding Mercenary, Law Enforcement or Militia employees. This dangerous environment is, most believe, a major factor in the development of the New Washington Identity.