Varelse
Rabble Rouser
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2002
- Messages
- 377
Zhahz said:America, or USA - whatever you want to call it - is one of the most dominant cultural entities of all time. That is why it's a "civilization" in the game. Whos currency and language is the worldwide currency of business? Whos culture is the most immitated and borrowed from? Guess which 2nd languages we learn in American schools? Zero (if you study other languages as I did it's entirely optional). How many Europeans and others learn english? How many Europeans post on this forum in english? It surely isn't because of England.
We're not entirely lacking for military might either (one of the most powerful, and likely the most advanced, militaries on the planet able to strike anywhere, anytime, and a decent track record of military effectiveness).
The good ol' USA may not control the world via military conquest but its influence (and spread of culture) is undeniable - and that's why it's worthy of being a civ in the game.
Debate, doubt, or be jealous all you want. It doesn't change reality.
Obviously you don't have to have roots in ancient times or have existed forever to be a "civilization" in game terms. Many of the civs in the game are most well known for relatively short bursts of extreme behavior (conquest, achievement, whatever) even if they lingered forever. America, or USA if you prefer, has accomplished quite a bit in its relatively short existence.
Oh yeah, the people that made the game we all love happen to live here too.
I think he was quiblling about the name not questioning the appropriateness of including America in the game.