Science fiction is one of the most
important forms of literature. It is an avenue for people to express their
opinions philosophically and typically addresses social issues. Science fiction
literature plays an important role in the classroom because it reveals the
issues and concerns people faced during that period of time. These issues can
be considered controversial and immoral to discuss publicly, therefore, this
form of literature can be a pathway to enlighten the public and express
personal opinions.
One example of science fiction
addressing contentious topics is George Orwell’s novel “1984.” This novel,
published in 1948, addresses the anxiety many felt at the possibility of being
under totalitarian rule. He expresses his opinion that humanity is doomed if we
allow any one person or party to be in complete control over our futures.
People would basically lose all individuality and have no rights. The life we
live, the jobs we do, and our every move would be watched and controlled by the
elite. This would have devastating consequences for our future. Some believe
when George Orwell wrote this novel, he was addressing the issue of the Soviet
imperialistic approach to neighboring countries in Europe. The novel was written around the end of World
War II and many people felt anxious about their future. People felt their freedoms were in danger and
the possibility existed that government would intrude upon our lives. He wanted
to demonstrate the inhumanity of imperialism.
Science Fiction is not deficient
compared to other types of literary works, such as romance, horror or mystery,
as it addresses social issues that many other genre also address. It allows the author to express opinions that
otherwise may be considered unethical or distasteful to discuss in public.
Since literature is writings dealing with a particular subject, science fiction
clearly belongs in the classroom. Educating students on social issues of a
particular time in history is important so that we do not repeat negative
history going forward.
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| From: The New Dork Review of Books |
I do agree with things such as 1984 being discussed in the classroom but things such as science fiction can sometimes show only one side. I feel as a student people should read both sides of the problem. While some stories might have people living in a shack some were in mansions. I feel as science fiction can also talk about things that are hard to talk about without having to get an awkward talk about what's right from wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say that science fiction is important because "it reveals certain issues and concerns people faced during that period of time," I think of the future. Many science fiction books take place in the future where many different possibilities are among us that could be possible. This genre makes us think of what could be and even though it is usually far fetched, it makes us think, and that is what is most important. Like in your example of 1984, there is always a fear that in the future something will go wrong and we will be forced by a certain power or person to have control over us in unimaginable ways. The thought of this futuristic change gets us thinking and helps some people prevent conspiracy. There is much truth that comes out of these types of novels and the "what-if" aspect of it makes it interesting and one of the most interesting genres out there.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that the Science Fiction genre offers an alternate route for people to express their philosophic opinions and indirectly address social issues. However, I would argue that many other genres hold a similar value. For instance, in countless literary works prior to the Science Fiction genre, authors would use weather, setting, and certain characters among other things to describe or hint at social issues of the time as Thomas C. Foster discusses in his book How to Read Literature like a Professor. In addition, it seems that the Science fiction genre doesn’t divert very far from other genres in terms of expressing taboo subjects. The large difference in expressing taboo subjects seems to be that the Science fiction genre allows authors to be less discrete with these taboo subjects as apposed to a work from another genre.
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