From: Sakura Subject: Re: Naked Dwarf syndrome [WFRP] Date: Thursday, August 06, 1998 11:10 AM
I have spent some time now considering your 'naked dwarf problem, and
present herein my advice to you on this matter. Personally, I prefer the
'carrot and stick' approach. This works best of course if you are in
charge of the area with the naked dwarf problem. If you are not, then a
campaign of letter-writing and lobbying of whatever governmental
representative you may have is your only recourse.
The 'stick' would of course be to more rigidly enforce (and perhaps
increase) the penalties for public nudity.
Depending on the political
clime of the area, you may be able to get away with gearing any
legislation or enforcement only towards members of the dwarven species.
(Your post does not indicate whether there is a 'naked human' problem or
not.)
The 'carrot' would be to offer economic incentives - tax breaks, public
loans, etc to people involved in the dwarven clothing industry. Encourage
tailors to have a 'Short and Squat' section to supplement their regular
items of clothing. The lower taxation should also help bring about lower
prices, which will (at least partially) alleviate the problems of dwarves
going naked due to monetary considerations.
If dwarves are severely economically disadvantaged in your area, you may
have to resort to public help programs to distribute free clothing in
dwarven areas of the city. The city of Westandria has had notable success
with their 'Hobnails for Hobbits' programme, which makes certain that the
halfling population does not go unshod in the streets. Perhaps you should
contact them for advice.
On the other hand, if dwarven nudity turns out to be cultural in origin,
you may have a more difficult time convincing the dwarves to accept the
civilized standards of dress. A subtle but monolithic media campaign is
called for, to make the younger dwarves believe that wearing clothes is
fashionable and a way to get ahead in the world. This is of course a slow
and long-term solution.
I certainly hope this helped. Be sure to write back and let us know how
it went.
Cordially, J -- Hostes aliengeni me abduxerent.
Jeff Johnston - jeffj@io.com Qui annus est? http://www.io.com/~jeffj
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