One of the most deep and debated topics concerning the Age of Corporations New Washington is the discussion of what it is that constitutes a New Washingtonian. No civilization has ever approached the combined level of antiquity and modernity that embodied the cultural identity of the average New Washingtonian, even after the City-State's influence had long since spread openly to the other nations of Varius. This essay will outline the most basic features of a Washingtonian person.
The New Washingtonian
"I feel bad for Washingtonians who decide to go abroad. Like Americans did before the Snowfall, they stick out real bad. Unlike Americans, they can't say they're Canadian."
Siobahn McMannis - Citizen, Celtic Union
The New Washington citizen is a unique creature in terms of ethnicity and cultural identity. Xenophobic and Agoraphobic, whether by design or by nature, the New Washington culture has had all of its short time on Varius to develop an insular, bizarre culture that is at once an amalgamation of other Varian cultures and something entirely new. Much in the fashion that citizens of the United States were referred to as “American", New Washingtonians are called “Washingtonian” by most referring to them.
Washingtonians as an Ethnic Race
In terms of race, New Washingtonian humans, at least, do have a relatively common appearance, one that it is suspected was drawn from the so-called “Melting Pot” of pre-Snowfall America. Before the Snowfall, there were many different American ethnicities that banded together and excluded one another to a great extent, much of it evident in the financial superiority and oppressive influences of the Caucasian races. The outside threat of the Snowfall, as well as the deaths of several million Americans, was the doom of much of this “internal xenophobia” and, presumably, the creation of the “New Washingtonian” ethnic group of humans and human-derivative races. Interracial relationships skyrocketed, and while there is still a solid representation of the pre-Snowfall American races and an influx of immigrants who keep New Washington's diversity alive, there is indeed a race to correspond with the 'average' citizen of New Washington.
The “New Washingtonian” race of humans typically has tan skin, much like the Arabic races of Varius but somewhat lighter. His nose is flat and wider than that of a Caucasian, but not as wide as that of a pre-snowfall African-American. He has large, round eyes that are typically dark blue, hazel or brown, a fairly wide, expressive mouth. His hair is usually a dark brown color but seldom black, and ranges from very tight curls to wide waves, very infrequently straight.
New Washington family names are treated uniquely; while the core of New Washington citizenry mimic the pre-Snowfall American practice of naming children after their fathers, record loss and strife have caused a great deal of loss in terms of official identities and family history, not unlike the “Ellis Island names” of American immigrants in the early 20th century.
While naming conventions elsewhere in Varius have not been as adversely affected, surnames in New Washington are no longer a reliable indicator of ethnicity; New Washingtonians are as apt to “borrow” names from cultures they have no blood ties to as they are to devise new names for themselves and their children-- an extremely common practice in all five districts. This effect has been compounded by high abandonment and adoption rates, the introduction of nonhuman race names and the ease with which one can obtain name changes in New Washington. In addition, naming rituals vary from region to region; some areas with influence from orcish or monster culture encourage “temporary” last names that are cast aside by offspring once they “earn” a new Surname upon growing up.
New Washingtonian Cultural Identity
New Washingtonians, even if they are not easily identifiable by their race, are generally identifiable by their style. Everyday dress in New Washington ranges from 20th Century-style business suits to flamboyant superhero-style costumes. It has frequently been said that the only way to catch a Washingtonian's eye is to go outside completely naked. Research has reinforced this; most Washingtonians are used to even the strangest costumes. Fashions run a very wide gamut, sometimes following themes. They tend to catch on quickly and settle into mild obscurity almost as quickly.
Another important part of a Washingtonian's appearance is bearing a weapon. Most citizens wear their armament openly on the streets, their skill with it generally indicated by the make and model of the sidearm, blade or tool. The topic of New Washington Armament Culture is such a deep one that it cannot be discussed sufficiently in such a short article; you will find more about it in my upcoming article, “Drawing Conclusions From the Hip: The Armament Culture of New Washington.” Needless to say, it can be confusing for a Washingtonian to travel to another country where wearing weapons openly is forbidden; it would be not unlike a wolf being taken to a den where his brethren lack tails.
The Source of the New Washingtonian Identity
The main explanation put forth by Americas and New Washington historians for the peculiarity of the New Washingtonian cultural identity is a combination of poor record-keeping, isolation and a fascination with the culture of pre-Snowfall America. New Washingtonians seem to have a longing for “the way things used to be", but most have no idea of what this was. Massive losses from the fledgeling internet at the time as well as the devastating loss of the Library of Congress and most of its data during the Snowfall Age represented a severe disfigurement of America's cultural history, not even bringing up the deaths of more than half of its citizens.
It also must be noted that New Washingtonians also live lives of much greater danger than those of most other people of Varius. Surrounded on all sides by nature and monsters, New Washington claims few allies and has little support in its survival. In addition, the rate of growth, magic use and diversity in the city means that the average New Washington Citizen finds himself in mortal danger on average at least once a month; this is not even regarding Mercenary, Law Enforcement or Militia employees. This dangerous environment is, most believe, a major factor in the development of the New Washington Identity.