Science Fiction
Discussion
LordGrover said:
How/why does fantasy (elves, dragons, knights, stuff) get lumped in with science fiction?
Why can't Elves, dragons, knights and stuff appear in a SciFi book? I can think of several SciFi books which include one or all of them. Most notably John Ringo's The Council Wars series. plasticpig said:
Why can't Elves, dragons, knights and stuff appear in a SciFi book? I can think of several SciFi books which include one or all of them. Most notably John Ringo's The Council Wars series.
I'm not sure LordGrover was saying that. I think he was saying that they are separate genres that are often lumped together. I don't think he was saying that you aren't allowed crossover fiction. plasticpig said:
Why can't Elves, dragons, knights and stuff appear in a SciFi book? I can think of several SciFi books which include one or all of them. Most notably John Ringo's The Council Wars series.
Geek Hierarchy...Everyone looks down on everyone else.
irocfan said:
havoc said:
irocfan said:
it's made up, not real
Isn't that the definition of all fiction?!? Jane f
king Eyre DIDN'T happen!Blue383 said:
irocfan said:
havoc said:
irocfan said:
it's made up, not real
Isn't that the definition of all fiction?!? Jane fking Eyre DIDN'T happen!
irocfan said:
not just that but scifi can also explore social mores in a way that 'normal' drama can't - first interracial kiss for example? Step forward Star Trek.
Indeed. Side fact - Nichelle Nichols (who played Uhuru) was thinking of quitting the show and was persuaded to stay on by none other than Martin Luther King, saying that she was doing so much for portraying a positive image for black women (and, indeed, women in general).
Exactly. It seems unfortunately to be a matter of context.
In those days, I'd imagine it far more palatable to portray a racially equal human society (where the racism is against other species, who we always beat), leading to mixed race relationships, instead of a contemporary or historic show where the Lord of the Manor/Ranch has an affair with a black servant. Let's not forget it wasn't seen as romantic in those times for mixed race couples to battle against society as it is viewed now, but immoral and wrong.
In those days, I'd imagine it far more palatable to portray a racially equal human society (where the racism is against other species, who we always beat), leading to mixed race relationships, instead of a contemporary or historic show where the Lord of the Manor/Ranch has an affair with a black servant. Let's not forget it wasn't seen as romantic in those times for mixed race couples to battle against society as it is viewed now, but immoral and wrong.
RizzoTheRat said:
My first thought was are the viewers really that stupid? It was a kiss between a white actor and a black actress, the setting is irrelevant, either you're offended by that or you're not. However on second thoughts this is world where actors get hate mail about their characters...
You're rather judging it by current standards and attitudes, rather than those that existed at the time.Lt. Uhuru was one of the first (if not the first) roles where a black woman wasn't portrayed as a servant or underling, but as an equal. The fact that Star Trek had gender equality and race equality in the crew was incredibly ahead of its time. And, yes, the interracial kiss was extremely controversial at the time, despite seeming like almost a non-event to our eyes now.
JonRB said:
RizzoTheRat said:
My first thought was are the viewers really that stupid? It was a kiss between a white actor and a black actress, the setting is irrelevant, either you're offended by that or you're not. However on second thoughts this is world where actors get hate mail about their characters...
You're rather judging it by current standards and attitudes, rather than those that existed at the time.Lt. Uhuru was one of the first (if not the first) roles where a black woman wasn't portrayed as a servant or underling, but as an equal. The fact that Star Trek had gender equality and race equality in the crew was incredibly ahead of its time. And, yes, the interracial kiss was extremely controversial at the time, despite seeming like almost a non-event to our eyes now.
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