Of science fiction genres, I first threw myself into speculative fiction. I loved speculative fiction for the fact that—rather than cheesy sci-fi movies I’d seen depicted in media—these stories detail a world very similar to ours, only changed in a single, major way. These stories allow their authors to, as the name of the subgenre implies, speculate. Speculate either on how society could develop in the far future, or a completely different universe. These stories twist your brain.
A large chunk of this subgenre focuses on our culture’s social issues and how we deal with them. Samuel R. Delaney’s Aye, and Gomorrah dealt with several layers of LGBT+ identity, a couple years before the Stonewall riots. Our main character is not only nonbinary but assigned by the government as neither male nor female at a certain age, thereby deeply exploring the concept of gender. The main protagonist is portrayed as asexual, and those attracted to them are deemed freaks, examining sexuality at an odd angle, as well. Ultimately, Delaney depicts the main character as lonely - which may be a personal statement by Delaney.
The Drowned Giant by J. G. Ballard is another social commentary, though less focused on minorities and more of the majority. The entire theme centers on the desensitization of society, even to things deemed awe-worthy or sacred. Another way to take the townspeople desecrating the beached giant is humanity’s general disrespect of anything that isn’t relatable or associated with themselves.
Both examples examine us as a species and our reactions. The next few pleading stories correlate with current-day issues, such as environmentalism, censorship, and government control. Likely the pinnacle of anti-censorship novels, the classic, Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury showcases an entire society banning books because they provoke thoughts and emotions. Most of society exists brainwashed and, in general, bored - all because the government thinks that books are too dangerous. Bradbury jolts his readers to wake up to what is happening in this society—prevent it before it becomes reality.
Harlan Ellison’s “Repent, Harlequin!” Said the Ticktockman is a similar case. Only instead of the general population being lethargic because of the government, the government makes society a well-oiled machine under penalty of death. Every time someone is late, the same amount of time is taken off of their life. The Harlequin in this story throws off the society’s entire schedule and gets away with it for a time because the government isn’t sure who he is. In both this and Fahrenheit 451, the rebellious protagonist goes against societal standards and, in the end, given a miserable life because they fought for what they believed in. Which we may not be up to, but hey, if we make sure those futures don’t play out, we won’t have to worry about it.
The Drowned Giant by J. G. Ballard is another social commentary, though less focused on minorities and more of the majority. The entire theme centers on the desensitization of society, even to things deemed awe-worthy or sacred. Another way to take the townspeople desecrating the beached giant is humanity’s general disrespect of anything that isn’t relatable or associated with themselves.
Both examples examine us as a species and our reactions. The next few pleading stories correlate with current-day issues, such as environmentalism, censorship, and government control. Likely the pinnacle of anti-censorship novels, the classic, Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury showcases an entire society banning books because they provoke thoughts and emotions. Most of society exists brainwashed and, in general, bored - all because the government thinks that books are too dangerous. Bradbury jolts his readers to wake up to what is happening in this society—prevent it before it becomes reality.
Harlan Ellison’s “Repent, Harlequin!” Said the Ticktockman is a similar case. Only instead of the general population being lethargic because of the government, the government makes society a well-oiled machine under penalty of death. Every time someone is late, the same amount of time is taken off of their life. The Harlequin in this story throws off the society’s entire schedule and gets away with it for a time because the government isn’t sure who he is. In both this and Fahrenheit 451, the rebellious protagonist goes against societal standards and, in the end, given a miserable life because they fought for what they believed in. Which we may not be up to, but hey, if we make sure those futures don’t play out, we won’t have to worry about it.
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