Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

ThomPete wrote: post #3

Can anyone explain to me what that article had to do with the past and future of science fiction? I am seriously trying to understand.

It seems pretty explicit about it, although "the past and present of science fiction" might be a better descriptor.

For example, here are quotes where the past:

> Delany came of age at a time when the genre [of science fiction] was indeed characterized by gee-whiz futurism, machismo adventuring, and white, heterosexual heroes.

is contrasted with the present:

> In the contemporary science-fiction scene, Delany’s race and sexuality do not set him apart as starkly as they once did.

EDIT: Actually, I hesitate to presume on the legendary New Yorker proofreaders / fact checkers, but shouldn't it be 'macho' (an adjective), not 'machismo' (a noun), 'adventuring'?

Re: Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

#5

Post by theophrastus » Thu, Jul 30, 2015, 7:24 PM UTC

ThomPete wrote: post #3

Can anyone explain to me what that article had to do with the past and future of science fiction? I am seriously trying to understand.

Headlines are too often written prior to the editing process, however one can (at least) find reference to past and future science fiction writers in this late passage:

"“It’s socio-economic,” he said. In 1967, as the only black writer among the Nebula nominees, he didn’t represent the same kind of threat. But Delany believes that, as women and people of color start to have “economic heft,” there is a fear that what is “normal” will cease to enjoy the same position of power."

Re: Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

#6

Post by ItsDeathball » Thu, Jul 30, 2015, 7:24 PM UTC

ThomPete wrote: post #3

Can anyone explain to me what that article had to do with the past and future of science fiction? I am seriously trying to understand.

I'm gonna sound like a conspiracy nut here, but it seems like a side-channel attack on Gamergate (via Sad Puppies), coupled with the "we're on the right side of history" meme.

I'm not saying I support either of those, but after following them for a while it's hard not to pick up on biased coverage in the media.

Re: Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

#7

Post by matt_morgan » Thu, Jul 30, 2015, 8:28 PM UTC

ItsDeathball wrote: post #6

ThomPete wrote: post #3

Can anyone explain to me what that article had to do with the past and future of science fiction? I am seriously trying to understand.

I'm gonna sound like a conspiracy nut here, but it seems like a side-channel attack on Gamergate (via Sad Puppies), coupled with the "we're on the right side of history" meme. I'm not saying I support either of those, but after following them for a while it's hard not to pick up on biased coverage in the media.

What was biased about it?

Re: Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

#8

Post by devindotcom » Thu, Jul 30, 2015, 8:52 PM UTC

ThomPete wrote: post #3

Can anyone explain to me what that article had to do with the past and future of science fiction? I am seriously trying to understand.

It's not that cryptic. Delany and the author are highlighting the roles of marginalized communities in the genre, how they have changed (or not) over time, and what might change in the future.

Re: Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

#9

Post by devindotcom » Thu, Jul 30, 2015, 8:55 PM UTC

Interesting little profile of Delany. I didn't realize he was so prolific and still writing. And I'm not quite sure where to start his work.... probably not Dhalgren, right?

Re: Samuel Delany and the Past and Future of Science Fiction

#10

Post by AdeptusAquinas » Thu, Jul 30, 2015, 8:56 PM UTC

JadeNB wrote: post #4

ThomPete wrote: post #3

Can anyone explain to me what that article had to do with the past and future of science fiction? I am seriously trying to understand.

It seems pretty explicit about it, although "the past and present of science fiction" might be a better descriptor. For example, here are quotes where the past: > Delany came of age at a time when the genre [of science fiction] was indeed characterized by gee-whiz futurism, machismo adventuring, and white, heterosexual heroes. is contrasted with the present: > In the contemporary science-fiction scene, Delany’s race…

The final comments also support the theme: Some of the more conservative authors presently complaining are doing so, Dulaney thinks, because they fear the growing presence of a more diverse community and a wider acceptance of the same. Trends which will continue to grow into the future.

I think this might be attributing too much malice to the author in question though; Larry C seems more like a somewhat thoughtless writer annoyed that his low-brow entertainment books are not considered to have the same merit as Dulaney's stuff, backed up by an echo chamber online community.