The Blue Disc

by William B. Waits

  CHAPTER 24

  Loudhailer and Porno

  To keep track of what was going on in the village, Rick made regular visits to the posting room in the entertainment center where notices of upcoming events were available. During one visit, he saw an announcement for a meeting on whether to incorporate two new items into Euromamo society: loudhailers (the Euromamo name for bullhorns) and pornographic VCR tapes. Quite a pairing, he thought. He was eager to go since he knew that the Euromamo thought carefully before they introduced new items from outside society into the village. He took a copy of the notice, which stated the time and place of the meeting and listed the items to be considered. On the reverse side of the notice was information about loudhailers and tapes: cost, weight, durability, etc. In the bin next to the notice was an informational sheet that gave the guidelines for incorporating new items into the society. Rick scanned it quickly.

  General Principles Regarding the Incorporation

  of Items from Outside Society

  Based on his high status in the village, John was planning to attend the meeting. Rick arranged to go with him so John could answer any questions he might have. As usual, John was amenable and generous with his time. They arrived in the main room of the entertainment center comfortably before the beginning of the meeting. A bullhorn and a VCR tape had been placed on a table in the front of the rostrum.

  “Who will preside?” Rick asked John as they took their seats.

  “Martha Blakesley, Chair of the Council. You’ve doubtless met her during your research.”

  “Yes, I have,” said Rick, “but only in passing because I haven’t researched your political system yet. I know she’s highly regarded.”

  “Highly regarded indeed,” said John.

  Chair Blakesley walked to the podium. She was of medium stature with light brown hair arranged in neat waves around her face. Her demeanor had a touch of elegance. A medal on a chain around her neck swung gently in front of her status vest as she called the meeting to order.

  “Welcome all. This public meeting has been called by the Council to report its vote on whether to incorporate two items from outside society: loudhailers and pornographic VCR tapes. As you know, our procedure in these matters is to make one of each item available to you in the entertainment center, along with information sheets about them. This was done. During testing, we made available one of our thick-walled food storage rooms, so those trying the loudhailer wouldn’t disturb the village. The tape could be viewed privately at the Sex Hut. Anyone who was so inclined could offer input to the Council during the testing period, and I acknowledge and appreciate the comments we received. At the end of the testing period, the Council took a vote on the incorporation of these items.”

  “On behalf of the Council, I’ll now report its vote but, before I do so, I remind you that the decision of the Council is not conclusive and may be overturned, like any decision of the Council, following a petition to the Adjutant General signed by 20% of the informed electorate asking for a public vote, provided that, in the vote tally, 65% of the informed electorate favor overturning the Council’s decision. If the ultimate decision is against incorporating an item, individuals may still acquire it with their own scato, but their acquisition, and the fact that it is contrary to the village’s decision, will be posted in the entertainment center. In short, private acquisition of rejected items is permitted but is frowned upon and may lower the status of the purchaser.

  “The list of standards that the Council uses is in the handout that’s available in the posting room and at the back of this room. The standards are based on our experience and on fundamental Euromamo values, such as increasing social wealth and respecting privacy. They guided the Council when we decided whether to recommend incorporation of the items before us today.

  “The first type of item that the Council considered for incorporation was loudhailers. As you may know, these are battery-powered devices that amplify the sound of the human voice and enable it to be heard over great distances. Their adoption is brought to us for consideration by Ralph Ruddish, who wishes to use a loudhailer to make two announcements per day promoting the sale of his baskets. In addition to this use, Mr. Ruddish pointed out that loudhailers could be used in political campaigns to inform the electorate, and they could be used to call out to someone who’s lost in the rain forest or to alert the village in an emergency. The council is mindful of these last uses and recognizes at the outset that a loudhailer in these circumstances could be helpful and important. As far as maintenance, loudhailers require batteries to power them. The Council concluded that the cost and labor of importing batteries was reasonable and could be done.

  “While recognizing these benefits, the Council was concerned about possible negative consequences of incorporating loudhailers. Obviously, they’d increase the noise level in our village, especially if regular use was permitted, such as the advertising that’s proposed, or in political campaigning. The Council concluded that ample information regarding candidates is made available in the entertainment center during each election season and that there’s no need to allow the use of loudhailers for that purpose. The disruption to the social peace outweighs the minimal benefit obtained.

  “The Council saw an even more serious threat to incorporating loudhailers for use in advertising, which Mr. Ruddish says is his main purpose in bringing them before us. Based on our knowledge of outside society, it seems likely that, if allowed, loudhailers would be put to regular use not only by him, but also by others, and that would shatter the peace of our quiet community. We could hardly think of a technology that would be more intrusive to our privacy.

  “During its deliberations, the Council was mindful of the prior restrictions that we’ve placed on advertising, for example, no billboards or other signs, no solicitations inside buildings, and no loud solicitations. Applying these restrictions, the Council previously rejected the use of banners draped over llamas that would be led through the village, and an advertising sign to be mounted on a hand-pulled cart. We also rejected a more advanced version of that cart that had three-sided blinds that could be rotated to change the display as the cart was pulled through the village, even though one of the three displays would be devoted to public education. The fact of it is, we don’t like advertisements much.”

  The audience chuckled at her understatement.

  “As you know, except for word of mouth, advertisements are only allowed through printed brochures that are available in the posting room at the entertainment center. This allows us to inform ourselves about available items as we may choose. Viewed as a whole, our decisions regarding advertising reflect a desire on the part of our group to prevent sellers from bombarding us to ‘buy my shit’, using here the well-known Adamamo phrase.

  “The Council viewed the incorporation of the loudhailer in the light of this history and voted unanimously that we allow one loudhailer but only for limited use. This restriction on use was crucial in the decision of the Council. The single loudhailer will be used only for emergency purposes, for example, to call for people who are lost in the rain forest or to alert the village about a danger or other urgent matter. It won’t be used to notify the village of events such as plays or lectures because adequate notice is already provided at the entertainment center. Using it for political campaigning or for advertising is also prohibited. These restrictions allow us to get the benefits of this device while avoiding its disadvantages. Because we’ll be using the loudhailer only for limited emergency purposes, we need only one of them. It will remain in the possession of the Adjutant General. This is the decision of the Council. Are there any questions or discussion?”

  Ralph Ruddish, who had proposed the incorporation of bullhorns, stood and Chair Blakesley recognized him.

  “I appreciate the thought you gave to my suggestion about the loudhailer, Chair Blakesley, but did the Council consider the educational benefits of advertising? Aren’t ads a way to inform consumers about available products so t
hey can improve their lives?”

  The audience murmured.

  “The Council discussed the issue that you raise,” Chair Blakesley responded. “We agree that some advertisements are informative to consumers in the way you describe. However, other advertisements in our village, before we restricted them, deceived as much as they educated. There’s also an extensive record of advertisements in outside society that led us to the same conclusion. Societies generally need less advertising rather than more. Given this, the Council thought that keeping our present system of simple factual brochures in the entertainment center adequately serves our need for information about products. I hope this is responsive to your concerns.”

  “Thank you, although it’s obviously not the answer I was hoping for. My baskets are very good, by the way.”

  “No advertising inside shelters, Mr. Ruddish, except flyers placed in the rack in the posting room,” she admonished. “Any other questions?”

  After a pause, she said, “There being none, we will move to the second item for our consideration: pornographic tape cassettes. This was brought to the Council anonymously by way of the suggestion box in the sex hut. As you know, we already have a tape player in the entertainment center that we use for regular movies, but this request is to buy another dedicated for use in the sex hut. Currently, we allow jazz magazines, pornographic photographs, and rude erotic literature in the sex hut under the theory that sexual excitement is good and that pornography assists in that excitement. The photographs and literature have a wide range of themes because that allows people to explore what arouses them and thus helps them understand their psyches better. It seems right that individuals should be able to learn about this important aspect of their psyches. We are loath to be judgmental about erotic interests because we concluded years ago that you can’t legislate sexual desire. The only constraint is that all acts be consensual and that the underaged are not involved. As most of you know, villagers may view the photos and read the literature individually, in couples, or in groups. Privacy booths are provided for those who wish to use them.

  “The main detriment to pornography, as noted by the Council previously, is that some people may spend an inordinate amount of time viewing it. If that happens, it takes away from the individuals’ socially-productive tasks. Their pursuit of individual pleasure makes them more like the Hedomamo than the Euromamo. As we say, ‘There is more to life than bigger and better orgasms’. While recognizing this, we allow great latitude in how people spend their private time, provided they’re conscientious workers, contribute food, labor, or both to the village kitchen, or otherwise add an acceptable amount to our social wealth. Similarly, we don’t pass judgment on how much time people spend reading non-pornographic materials even though some of it is of no social value, for example, popular fiction. In short, we allow great latitude to individual preferences but recognize that there’s a potential problem if it’s carried to excess.

  “Following a suggestion made by the Church of Science years ago, we tested whether the viewing of pornography led to an increase in sex-related crimes, a serious question indeed. The results didn’t indicate that it does, nor have subsequent studies established a relationship. We continue to monitor it.

  “The Council considered the current application in the light of these established policies and practices. The question was whether to allow this new medium—tape cassettes—that would bring more realistic pornography into our society. In its deliberations, the Council thought it was important that the movies would be viewed in private. Because of that, the viewing of the tapes won’t intrude on anyone’s privacy the way loudhailer advertisements would.”

  “The fact that the pornography would be viewed privately is a benefit but it also raises a problem. Would the pornography serve the society generally or only some individuals within the society? The Council looked at the widespread use of the reading room at the Sex Hut and at the widespread use of pornography in outside society. The Council concluded that the use of the tapes would likely be widespread in our society and would thereby serve the general public. We noted that we put on musicals and plays in this room and not everyone attends, yet we’ve had no problem supporting these productions out of social wealth because most of us enjoy them. The Council thought that public support of the pornography tapes was justified on the same basis.

  “Finally, the Council determined that the cost of the additional viewing device was reasonable and that it could be transported up river easily. Of greater concern was the electric power needed to run it. The Council questioned our water power experts and was advised that sufficient power is produced from our precious water supply to run the device, except when plays or other productions are offered at the entertainment center. Therefore, the VCR player won’t be available during those times.

  “A final issue was the cost of acquiring the tapes, which the Council recognized could be expensive. Nevertheless, the Council determined that a budgeted amount could be spent on each trip to La Puerta to acquire some cassettes. Over time, a collection would be built to meet our wants. In the light of these considerations, the Council voted to admit the tapes and to purchase the additional viewing device. The Council remains open to suggestions about modifying the permissions granted today. To reiterate a point made earlier, all decisions of the Council are subject to being overturned by a vote of 65% of the informed electorate after a petition to the Adjutant signed by 20% of the informed electorate. Are there any questions or discussion?”

  Ralph Ruddish rose again and was recognized.

  “Chair Blakesley, I think it’s a sorry state when my modest proposal to allow a limited increase in advertising over loudhailers was rejected while pornographic tapes are permitted. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

  “I understand that the results of the Council’s decisions, when viewed together, may look unusual to some, but the Council applied established principles. Importantly, it regarded advertising by way of loudhailers as highly intrusive on privacy in the village. It would be inescapable, while the pornography tapes wouldn’t intrude on privacy at all. Individuals can either view them or not as they choose and, if they view them, they do so privately. Therefore, the Council concluded that loudhailer advertising was more intrusive to our privacy—and therefore more offensive—than pornography.”

  CHAPTER 25

  The Islamamo

  Rick went to the smoke house where meat for the village was treated to preserve it. It was the last in the row of food storage buildings just north of the village rectangle. The workers were smoking five nice fat peccaries that hung from pegs in the rafters, and they smelled delicious. Rick knew they’d taste great after they’d made their way through the kitchen, with its exotic spices, to the dining room. Rick returned to his room to make notes but didn’t put up his privacy disc. That was fortunate because John stopped by.

  “I hope that you’re understanding us better, particularly why we treasure our privacy,” John began.

  “I’m filling my journals,” said Rick, smiling as he motioned with his Albatross toward the stack on the table.

  John’s expression didn’t change as he glanced at the journals.

  “I suspect that you and the Leader have had something to do with the villagers’ cooperation.”

  “Perhaps the Leader and I helped, but remember that we remain deeply worried about the information in your journals. While we haven’t impeded your collecting it, we hope you won’t use it to violate our privacy.”

  “I understand your concerns, John. I’ll see what I can do although I’m in a very difficult situation. I’ve risked everything to come here.”

  “I’m trying to appreciate your position, Rick.”

  “Thank you. What brings you here today?” asked Rick.

  “We have another of our regular scheduled visits coming up. As with the Mexamamo, this group will visit us rather than our going to their village; however, you’ll find the tone of the meeting quite different.”
/>   “What group is it?” asked Rick.

  “The Islamamo.”

  “They’re the group that you fought the paint dart battle with shortly after I arrived, I recall.”

  “Yes. That’s the group. They live far away from us, on the other side of the Great Lake.”

  “Are they a small group?” asked Rick.

  “No. In fact, they’re one of the largest groups in the rain forest and control considerable territory.”

  “There’s tension in your relationship with them?” asked Rick.

  “Our gathering with the Islamamo will be our most strained meeting this year. Some controversy usually arises before it’s over, although we try to work through it for the good of both groups.”

  “When are they scheduled to arrive?”

  “Day after tomorrow. We’ll be busy preparing until then.”

  “The usual feast food, I imagine?”

  “There are some dietary restrictions of which we will be mindful. No peccaries or warthogs, for example. No fermented beverages, either. That would offend them.”

  “Not much of a party, it seems,” said Rick, who had come to enjoy the fermented rain forest beverages.

  “The meeting won’t be festive, I assure you. If the discussions remain civil, that’ll be enough for us.”

  “Are there any other restrictions?”

  “One major one comes to mind: only Islamamo men will attend this meeting. Their women remain in their village. The Islamamo would like for us to do the same, but we’re willing to accommodate them only part way. The members of our greeting party will be men, with one important exception: the Leader. She will welcome them to our village due to her office though she is female. No other women will be outside, although, as you know, women hold prominent positions throughout our society. The greeting should take a few minutes, then the Leader and the men will go inside the dining room where Euromamo women will be waiting and will participate fully in the rest of the meeting.”