Proles

Proles refers to an assumed culture by large numbers of workers around the world. They generally work as labourers or other menial jobs for little pay, and are especially common in developing nations or charter cities. The word "proles" comes from the Marxist term "proletariat", which originates in the latin term of proletarius. "Proles" became a popular term after the publishing of the book 1984 by the socialist George Orwell. Global class consciousness increased with the internet, but the power given to so-called 'digital dictatorships' vastly outstripped whatever organising capabilities lower-class workers had. Due to this, many lower-class workers around the developing and corporate worlds now consider themselves as part of a global class movement, albeit one that is likely doomed to remain at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

Due to the power of states and corporations to control their populations, there is a great sense of pessimism among the Proles. Most are consigned to simply work and provide a life for themselves and their families, but there are still many who try to improve their situation. In 2064, a general strike was called across all worksites of the Newstone Corporation, in solidarity with those protesting the opening of a new mine in the Amazon Rainforest that would destroy significant amounts of the biodiverse region. This was in concert with the Newstone Corporation paying its workers significantly less than they felt was appropriate, and the strike went ahead. When hired security killed twelve strikers at a mine in the East African Federation, many who considered themselves Proles around the world went on strike. This was to protest not only Newstone, but the poor conditions workers endured in many corporate regions around the world. The strike was ultimately unsuccessful, petering out after three weeks. However, it gave renewed hope to many that workers could still force change upon their employers if organised well enough,