[ExI] are we not just one race, the human race?

[John Grigg]

Lee Corbin wrote:
Seriously, I would fear for us, for humanity, if we don't better internalize
how evolution works. Chance are just as good that they'll be the relative
bad guys, rather than us.  Why is it always assumed that humans are
almost surely morally inferior to (hypothetical aliens)?
>>>

I remember Keith Henson saying if we meet an alien race where we must
compete for available resources that there will be trouble.  But that if we
are on different planes/levels we might much more easily avoid conflict.  I
think it is assumed that the aliens would technologically be our better (if
they show up on our doorstep during the next century or so) and that they
would also correspondingly be our ethical superior.  I'm not so sure the
latter should be assumed...  I could see a race of aliens who are highly
cooperative among each other but who see other sentient races as potential
threats that absolutely must be wiped out.
Anne Corwin wrote:
 >Seriously, I fear for any alien species that doesn't appear to act
>and think on average like your standard neurotypical human -- if I
>knew of any such species I would advise them to stay the heck away
>from Earth if they valued their freedom to self-determine at all.


Please keep in mind that if *they* are the one in the technologically
superior position, *we* will be the ones squirming in our seats in fear of
what they may do to us.  Our freedom and self-determination may be in their
hands/tentacles/claws, etc...


Natasha Vita-More wrote:
In reality it seems that humans would be shocked and bewildered and
take a long pause about the consequences of coercing a likemindedness.
>>>


I totally agree.  And I think humans would only consider coercing a
likemindedness if they felt there would not be a strong potential for
provoking an angry and highly destructive reaction.  On the other hand, I
could see humans trying to entice/encourage aliens to learn about us by
trying out some of our customs and favorite activities (for instance, the
aliens would have to be radically different in terms of biology and also
utterly horrific looking for at least some humans to not want to attempt
having sex with them).  And that would be a good thing!  I would worry about
the "cult of celebrity/TMZ/paparazzi, etc." bothering alien visitors.  But I
have a feeling that in the name of national security/keeping the aliens
happy, they would be put in their place by government enforcement
agencies.


John Grigg
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