Exploring Alien Culture (part 4)

The culture of the reptilian aliens, the Krissethi, is highly competitive and very materialistic. Krissethi are all about status, and image is very important in their society. Clothing, jewelry, and other displays of wealth are a measure of one's status in this culture, and Krissethi status is derived from their family name. The Krissethi language itself is designed so that one must use honorifics and speak “up” to those of higher status, which is determined by understanding the complex hierarchy of the clans. Those of higher status may make more demands upon people of lower clans, and though not everyone abuses it, it is common to see people taking full advantage of this system. The capitalistic system of the Krissethi does allow for great shifts in power, however, as clan fame is directly tied to their economic success. When a clan experiences failure in their businesses and suffers financial set-backs, sometimes the very clans that had to talk up to them suddenly find themselves in the position to require the same. If this doesn't remind you of certain cultures in our own world, some aspects of it are clearly here in America, though much stronger examples of it can be seen in some Asian countries. For example, some Asian languages are designed such that younger people must speak up to anyone that is older, in addition to the obligation to unquestioningly serve and obey the elders. The upside is that Asians treat their elders with far more respect and care than most other countries.