the world of darkness

How closely does the world of darkness we are playing in correctly reflect the social and economic state of the real world? For social interaction sake would we be safe assuming things such as California being broke are the case for the game setting?

Seems to me that it's easier to just assume that it closely mirrors real life. Less stuff to remember.

At least to me that would also make descriptions of places easier to research for those so inclined while giving others in general knowledge of the area.

I've always kinda figured the closer the world of darkness mirrors real life the less gray area's the ST's are required to fill in as far as background type stuff. Leaves just the gory details that fit together in there plotting and planning for them to handle in great detail.

Story Teller here.

The idea of being an exact replica of present day, including the problems of the world can help an ST in many ways.

However, it can become a bit of a bother, when something happens in the real world, and players look for a greater meaning behind it. Sometimes things happen that vampires have nothing to do with, and yet some players won't accept that.

Also it can tie an ST's hands on rare occasions.

Just consider it an exact copy unless the ST says otherwise. Please don't read into Real life events unless the ST or assistant ST hints or implies there is a greater meaning. Feel free to let your imagination run wild, but if you want to some how profit from real world events be prepared for the ST to go another direction.

I'm not looking for real life events to drive storylines, just something to fill in my characters time in between storyarc's and to breath a little more life into whatever character I'm playing so there's more then just going to court then eviscerating something.

If player characters insist that vampires must be behind every real world event, I can assure you that Vai's mockery will follow, as it often does.

Vampires were totally behind that oil leak into the ocean. Yups.