SCIENCE FICTION AS A SOCIAL JUGGERNAUT AND WHAT'S FINALLY STOPPED IT

A blog post written for the science fiction film festival Other World's Austin on the topic of racism and feminism in science fiction.

The word ‘reboot’ has become something of a curse word in media today. Internet commenters hiss and lash out at headlines bearing the phrase from the dark recesses of grimy basements, their itchy-trigger fingers eager to ‘mansplain’ away the real reason why a female ghostbusting team is so ridiculous. 

However, sexism, racism (whatever-ism these hateful lurkers flock to next) aside, are reboots a good thing? What about them are so appealing to filmmakers and so abhorrent to viewers? Specifically, if SciFi is meant to be a genre about the future, why are we looking to the past to portray it? 

Now please, don’t get me wrong. I am in no way, shape, or form a Science Fiction history expert. I am simply a long-time consumer of SciFi movies, television, and books. Every year since I was about fourteen, I’ve attended the ArmadilloCon in downtown Austin—an incredible convention put on by fans, dedicated to celebrating not only local authors and artists but everyone who loves the Science Fiction and fantasy genres. I also watched STARGATE at probably too young an age. I think Ray Bradbury has some of the most entertaining and engaging stories on the planet. I say all this not to regale my Science Fiction education, but to simply prove that over the years, I’ve kept my ear to the ground and listened to my SciFi elders about what to watch and read. The following commentary is simply a written collection of the observations I’ve made over the years and the string that connects them all. 

Read the full article at Other Worlds Austin