Kelli Fitpatrick, Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke ask “Does writing hopeful science fiction and fantasy even matter with everything that’s going on in the world right now?” Join the deep dicussion and let us know what you think in the comments section.
Continuing Conversations 194—Does Writing Hopeful Sci-Fi Even Matter Now?
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4 responses to “Continuing Conversations 194—Does Writing Hopeful Sci-Fi Even Matter Now?”
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Writing hopeful Sci-fi is always needed. What needs to be addressed is how you write it.
There is an unfortunate tendency for people to try to write a lesson or lecture into sci-fi with a less than subtle message hitting the reader/audience across the face with the force of a bat made of brick.
This will, particularly if the reader may disagree with the ‘right’ answer, turn them off and you will lose people. Not everyone who reads the scenario will accept the ‘right’ answer and may have their own ideas on what a resolution may look like
The best way to handle it is present a situation, give all involved parties a chance to present their sides of the issue, have a resolution, then let the reader/audience draw their own conclusions. it’s more respectful.
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Totally agree with this. I do get turned off if I sense an agenda on the side of a sci-fi writer to force a personal opinion down my throat. I want to see differing perspectives that give food for thought.
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Science fiction can highlight and teach a principle, but people should be led to the conclusion, not brainwashed per se. It is a testament to society today where people seem to expect to be told what to think vs come to their own conclusion based on their observation interacting with their own experiences and values. It transcends the concept of writing Hopeful science fiction.
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The Next Generation did have an episode where it was possible Federation membership (if memory serves), but the planet in question had multiple factions that were arguing over if it was a good idea.
I remember that the pro joining side was enthusiastic about the idea, but their was a faction that was legitimately worried that it would cause societal upheaval to the point where the anti-joining faction’s rep injured themselves in protest (I think) to draw attention to the issue.
It did not end the way most probably would have liked, but it did at least show both sides arguments.
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