Post by RazzleDazzle on Jan 22, 2004 19:37:04 GMT -6
Welcome to the X-Men
from the desk of Professor Charles F. Xavier, Ph.D.
Dear X-Men,
Welcome to the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. This is the home, the training center - the very foundation - of the X-Men. In practice, we are a relative bunch of mutants dedicated to fighting on the behalf of a world that often fears and hates us. It would be dishonest if I did not concede the truth that relations between humans and mutantkind have been deteriorating over the past decade. For every mutant who is accepted into this group, or appointed to the United States government's X-Factor program, another makes the evening news with a campaign of terror designed to enslave humanity or - as is often the case - wipe the human race from the face of the Earth.
So why do we do it - why do we dare to dream a dream of a better world? Why are we willing to sacrifice any semblance of a "normal" life to make that dream a reality? Why do we seek, against seemingly impossible odds, to change a cold, often indifferent, society into one that is a better place, a better more tolerant place?
Because underneath the uniforms, behind the code names, and despite the genetic anomalies the rest of the world would call our "powers," there is no fundamental difference between us and those we seek to protect. Because despite the divisive ethnic slurs designed to separate and belittle us, we are - each and every one of us - humans.
Gifted humans.
Misunderstood humans.
Hunted and persecuted humans.
But humans nonetheless. And as humans, I believe we have a responsibility to shepherd the change. A change where all the branches of humanity live together as one.
Some would say this is a naive dream Or even a fool's quest. Perhaps. But I say, it is our only hope if we are all to survive.
Apparently you believe it too.
So, welcome X-Men, both old and new.
Welcome to the dream.
The X-Men Code of Ethics
Before we, who assume the role of X-Men, can hope to reach our full potential, it is important to understand exactly who we are...what we hope to accomplish.
First and foremost we are mutants - a breed of individuals who have found themselves existing on humanity's next evolutionary plateau. Born with the genetic capacity for great power, we have chosen to assume the added burden of reponsibility, to defend those who have not the power or resources to protect themselves. At times this will mean coming to the aid of humans - providing a defense against those mutants who feel their powers allow them to dominate others. Just as often, we will be called on to safeguard mutants against the humans who fear and hate them simply because they are "different." All too often, we will defend mutants against their own kind - as the unfortunate quest for supremacy continues.
We are architects of the future - dedicated to constructing a bridge between the human and mutant population that shares this world. We are pathfinders - embarked on a journey to enlightenment and tolerance between two races that have more in common than either realizes. We are explorers - booking passage to a place where every living being co-exists in peace with every other.
Above all else, we believe every sentient entity is capable of change - indeed, mutants themselves are the product of the ultimate chage, evolution. To this end, we are compelled to open our doors - our very hearts - to all those who come to us for help.
Professor Charles Xavier
{from X-Men Survival Guide to the Mansion}
from the desk of Professor Charles F. Xavier, Ph.D.
Dear X-Men,
Welcome to the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. This is the home, the training center - the very foundation - of the X-Men. In practice, we are a relative bunch of mutants dedicated to fighting on the behalf of a world that often fears and hates us. It would be dishonest if I did not concede the truth that relations between humans and mutantkind have been deteriorating over the past decade. For every mutant who is accepted into this group, or appointed to the United States government's X-Factor program, another makes the evening news with a campaign of terror designed to enslave humanity or - as is often the case - wipe the human race from the face of the Earth.
So why do we do it - why do we dare to dream a dream of a better world? Why are we willing to sacrifice any semblance of a "normal" life to make that dream a reality? Why do we seek, against seemingly impossible odds, to change a cold, often indifferent, society into one that is a better place, a better more tolerant place?
Because underneath the uniforms, behind the code names, and despite the genetic anomalies the rest of the world would call our "powers," there is no fundamental difference between us and those we seek to protect. Because despite the divisive ethnic slurs designed to separate and belittle us, we are - each and every one of us - humans.
Gifted humans.
Misunderstood humans.
Hunted and persecuted humans.
But humans nonetheless. And as humans, I believe we have a responsibility to shepherd the change. A change where all the branches of humanity live together as one.
Some would say this is a naive dream Or even a fool's quest. Perhaps. But I say, it is our only hope if we are all to survive.
Apparently you believe it too.
So, welcome X-Men, both old and new.
Welcome to the dream.
The X-Men Code of Ethics
Before we, who assume the role of X-Men, can hope to reach our full potential, it is important to understand exactly who we are...what we hope to accomplish.
First and foremost we are mutants - a breed of individuals who have found themselves existing on humanity's next evolutionary plateau. Born with the genetic capacity for great power, we have chosen to assume the added burden of reponsibility, to defend those who have not the power or resources to protect themselves. At times this will mean coming to the aid of humans - providing a defense against those mutants who feel their powers allow them to dominate others. Just as often, we will be called on to safeguard mutants against the humans who fear and hate them simply because they are "different." All too often, we will defend mutants against their own kind - as the unfortunate quest for supremacy continues.
We are architects of the future - dedicated to constructing a bridge between the human and mutant population that shares this world. We are pathfinders - embarked on a journey to enlightenment and tolerance between two races that have more in common than either realizes. We are explorers - booking passage to a place where every living being co-exists in peace with every other.
Above all else, we believe every sentient entity is capable of change - indeed, mutants themselves are the product of the ultimate chage, evolution. To this end, we are compelled to open our doors - our very hearts - to all those who come to us for help.
Professor Charles Xavier
{from X-Men Survival Guide to the Mansion}