WE ARE MARS
9 MARTIAN CUSTOMS TO KNOW AS A EARTHLING #1 DON’T WEAR GOLD Due to past class tensions, which led to the Martian revolution, people should avoid wearing too much gold (a color that was used by the elite to differentiate themselves from workers and triggers memories of oppression). Wearing gold is akin to wearing a swastika for Earthlings. #2 “WHAT DO YOU DO?!?!” It’s rude to ask a Martian ‘what they do’ because it is looked down upon to justify your status via your profession (for the same reasons above) and Martians have different values of status. #3 “I OFFER YOU THIS TOKEN FOR YOUR SERVICE” Tipping is common after extended periods of service, however, not in Martian currency, but with something more personal that doesn’t necessarily have monetary value. The idea is that the monetary exchange has already happened, giving thanks should be personal. #4 “DON’T MIND THE GAP” Due to the impact of the slowing aging process, age gaps in adult relationships are normalized - don’t be surprised if you see 25+ age gaps, frequently. #5 “WEAR YOUR RED” It’s customary to wear an item of clothing that is Red on “Marty.” #6 “DON’T GIVE ME THE THUMB” The middle finger is not an insult, instead, it’s the thumb. #7 LOL = LOTS OF LUCK The way people say “Bye” is to wrap their index and middle fingers around each other as a symbol of luck. #8 “I LIKE LIKE YOU” In response to a reliance on online interaction on Earth, Martians promote very direct in-person flirtation tactics. All the single people on Mars have a bracelet that tracks the sweat, heartbeat, etc to show if they’re interested in you — with a RED signal (FOCUS ON DIRECTNESS). #9 MARTINIS IN QUARANTINI There is a health inspection prior to entering Mars (a 2-week required quarantine). It’s customary for your friends/family on Mars to send you “care packages” with copious amounts of liquor. |
MARS 2245 was created by faculty and students in "The Anthropology of Outer Space" taught at Yale University in Spring 2020.
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