system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[The Expanse] What are the major differences between the cultures of Earth/Earthers and Mars/Martians?
gpt
It’s important to distinguish *perception* versus *reality* when we talk about the differences in Culture between Mars and Earth.

If you ask a Martian about Earther culture they might describe a culture of decadent, wasteful, lazy people who live on a government handout led by a group of corrupt autocrats who are out to hurt Mars in every way possible.

Equally, if you asked an Earther about Mars you’d hear them described as an overly aggressive and militarized culture of people who are constantly seeking to harm Earth’s interests and undo the carefully balanced peace that keeps the system sane.

And if you asked a Belter they’d probably say that both suck and should go the fuck home and leave the belt.



The reality on both sides is somewhere in between. Are there lazy people on Earth… yes. But that comes from a planet that is so overpopulated that there is no possible way to provide everyone with meaningful work. “Basic” is just that, the bare minimum to keep you alive and for many that’s all they’ll ever be good for. But the cream rises to the top, and Martian Marines and Sailors will tell you that an Earther is just as hard as their Martian equivalent. 

Equally, Martians are products of their planet. A planet that is not habitable but may be someday. They are militarized and focused because even a small slip up might mean everyone around you dies. There is no Basic on Mars because there is no room, no resources, and no capacity for it. 

In the end, both sides are human… and if you look more than skin deep they are actually pretty similar.