by Lindsey Baker

Extraterrestrials have long been a favored topic of conversation among geeks and scholars alike, but what happens when alien life extends beyond finding water on mars, and becomes alien inhabitation on Earth? Assuming they are well-intentioned and of the same functioning level as most humans, extraterrestrials should be accepted as a part of society, establish citizenship to receive equal rights, and possible be considered to be people.

Should extraterrestrial be considers people, animals, or just plain aliens? The answer to this question lies entirely in the genetic make up, functionality level, and appearance of the galactic beings. Some believe that, ” The extraterrestrial will be considered a legal animal by default” (Freitas. Legal Rights of Extraterrestrials), however the title of animal can most likely be ruled out of the equation, as any creature with the ability to travel through space must be as intelligent, if not more, as any human. Humans, however, are not always remembered for their fair treatment of others. In America, slavery was accepted as reasonable and slaves were not viewed as entire people, but rather as property. In certain remote third world nations, these practices are still justified today (Miller. Science, Ethics, and Moral Status). Assuming extraterrestrials are not a, “political racial, or psychological menace” (Fitting. Science Fiction Criticism in France), they must receive the same treatment as citizens of whichever nation they have made their home. In addition, if these unearthly beings possess the same physical appearance of Earthly people, there is no reason other members of the society need to be told of their extraterrestrial neighbors, as it may possibly cause unnecessary prejudice. It seems fitting, however, that the extraterrestrial should decide whether or not he or she desires to masquerade as a person, or if they want to be true to their origins and resume the title of extraterrestrial.

As noted, extraterrestrial beings should not be treated as mere animals. How, one make ask, is it possible to treat unearthly beings as a regular human? Aliens wishing to stay on planet Earth for a limited amount of time should be regarded as refuges, seeing as they are. “Neither citizen nor subject of any foreign government on Earth” (Freitas. Legal Rights of Extraterrestrials). Extraterrestrials wishing to dwell on plant Earth for an extended or indefinite amount of time, however, need be required to establish residency and citizenship for whichever nation they abide in. although there will surely be constant legal battle over this subject, government across the globe should recognize that extraterrestrials have the same rights as humans, even if they are not typically considered people. As animals are most always considered property, and “property may not bring legal actions on its own behalf,” (Freita. Legal Rights of Extraterrestrials.). As such, it would be disrespectful to everyone involved to treat aliens in this manner.

Under the correct circumstances, extraterrestrials should be welcomed and accepted as a beneficial part of society. The mentioned circumstances would include all friendly and helpful behavior. May people believe, “If they [aliens] are a highly advanced civilization, our weapons would probably be useless in a fight against them (Space Alien Theory not to be Taken Lightly Anymore). If this is true, then it is unnecessary to focus on hostile behaviors, and attention should only be brought to theories of aliens coming in peace. In order to accept extraterrestrials as a party of any terrestrial society, they must be integrated into social systems, work forces, etc. Difficulties in this integration plan may arise because, “Integration strategies revolve around shared perceptions and common beliefs, values, and symbols” (Harrison. After Contact. 256.). If citizens of Earth wish to live in unison with extraterrestrials, and visa versa, then all parties involved must make compromises that can not be determined prior to the day of extraterrestrial landings on Earth. As well as accepting aliens as an addition part of effective society and by referring to them by the appropriate title, which may or may not involve holding them to the classifications of a person.
Rather than banter with extraterrestrial visitors, society should try to accept and welcome them. By becoming citizens of Earth and of whichever country they are present in, peace and union will most likely occur more easily. As for the debate of extraterrestrial existence, some my never know. But after all, the truth is out there.

Works Cited:

Harrison, Albert A. (2003). After Contact: The Human Response to Extraterrestrial Life. Basic Books.

(1974).Science Fiction Criticism in France. Science Fiction Studies. 1.

Freitas Jr., Robert A. (1977).The Legal Rights of Extraterrestrials. Analog Science Fiction/ Science Fact. 97, 54-67.

Miller, Harlan B. (1994). science, Ethics, and Moral Status. Between the species, [10(1)].

Space Aliens Theory Not to be Taken Lightly. Retrieved 4/15/07, from http://www.associatedcontent.c om/article/145529/space_aliens _theory_not_to_be_taken.html?p age=2

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