Talk:Jon Stewart (1983: Doomsday)

Feasability of J. Stewart Existing in Delmarva
TB, I have had an opportunity to review your suggestion regarding Jon Stewart and do some background research on his life. I think the possibility he would pursue a path similar to that of what he has in OTL is unlikely. Stewart would have been 21 at the time of the war. According to my research he was studying psychology at William & Mary. Although he had a reputation for humor, he did not apparently start to explore that side of his psyche until three years later. If he did make it to Delmarva, I think he would have pursued a different path. Scared by the war and his own personal experiences (I believe it likely he would have lost his family) I would see it more feasible he would pursue a career in something like the medical field, perhaps psychology, treating people with PTSD because of the war. I noted in my medical history for Delmarva that PTSD is a major mental health problem. Depending on how well he did over time, I could see him infusing his medical treatments with humor, maybe even developing a new type of treatment. He could become a respected figure in the medical field and likely become a legislator or later the head of a related cabinet post. I do not see him becoming a major political figure or even president. Since he adopted the name John Stewart because of his work in entertainment, I think he would stick with his given name Jon or Jonathan Leibowitz.

Another question would be whether he could have survived. Williamsburg lies roughly halfway in between Richmond and the Norfolk-Newport News region. This area would have been subject to fallout from these strike zones and more than likely overrun by refugees and beset by lawlessness and chaos. You would have to figure out a logical way he could have survived all of this and made it out. If you could do this, you might have him and a group of refugees linking up in early 1984 with the group evacuating Quantico. If you read up on the history I have written thus far it will provide some assistance here. This might even lay the background for the personal experiences I mentioned above which shape his future self.

It is worth noting a few things. Although I have yet to write them in, I do not see television appearing until recently in Delmarva unlike other writers. Even if you could get a TV broadcast system working, with many sets damaged by the EMPs and the problems in building new ones, who would be there to watch the programming? I see radio being more feasible early on, which I plan to introduce soon. As for acting as a profession, I really don't see this happening for a long time, given people are going to be more worried about living. Acting will likely appear, perhaps as small acting troupes moving from community to community putting on plays and such.

If you can factor all of this into what you do, I could see Delmarva welcoming this figure. If you need anything else please let me know. Sorry for the delay, I have been very busy as of late.--Fxgentleman 02:21, October 20, 2010 (UTC)