Ahira's Hangar

Ok, everyone, here comes a doozy. Do any of you think science fiction and fantasy have an inherently political bent to them, either conservative or liberal (progressive)? Of course by equating liberal and progressive I am probably showing my own political proclivities. I will cite several examples, Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle (when it comes to the "hard" scifi revival of the early seventies, IMO two of the best) both very self admitted conservatives. Another example, the currently popularity of military scifi, David Drake, John Ringo being the current favorites of this sub-genre.

Examples to the other side. China Mieville, admitted socialist, and sometimes socialist party candidate to the House of Commons, gay rights activist, peace activist, keeper of an artists social consceince.

Well, anyone else want to weigh in on the topic. For example, if you want to wade into some really murky and unclear ideas on this topic, venture some comments on what one might presume to be Robert Heinlein's political feelings were. taraswizard
Allan Rosewarne N9SQT/WDX6HQV
Chicago area
W/T forever, always
Plan C - http://planc.bravepages.com/main.html<i>Edited by: taraswizard at: 9/16/03 9:21 pm
</i>

Sure it's the right place! If I remember correctly Assimov and Heinlien were strangely conversative. But both were major space program backers especially in the medical research field. Herbert and Clarke, perhaps, thought byond themselves as far as political and environmental issues are concerned. Philip K. Dick was such a true rebel towards almost everything that even Alan Ginsberg and Abbie Hoffman might have welcomed him with open arms. And who in the world can read where Harlan Ellison is coming from unless u take A Boy and His Dog as cynical gospel... And now Danlo looked in that direction, too. He remembered that snowy owls mate in the darkest part of deep winter, and so along with this beautiful white bird perched in a tree a hundred feet away, he turned to face the sea as he watched and waited.

Ahira, Ahira, he called out silently to the sky. Ahira, Ahira<i>Edited by: danlo60 at: 9/23/03 9:27 pm
</i>

I have always thought of Lord of the Rings being at least partially inspired by the events in Europe in World War 2...with the two lone Western nations standing together to fight back a sea of spreading darkness and evil... Our lives are the songs that sing the universe into existence.~David Zindell
****Tavern Wench of DOGMA, the Defenders of George Martin's Art****<i></i>

I think most of the SF writers that we would consider "conservative" are really libertarians (economically conservative, socially liberal). Heinlein being a good example.

The main political bent I detect in SF&F is a bias against social conservatism, which makes a certain amount of sense considering the antagonistic relationship between religious faith and speculation. There are exceptions of course.

Economically speaking, I think both liberals and conservatives are well represented.

I'll leave it at that for now, but this is definitely an interesting topic, so I'll probably chime in later with some discussion of specific authors.

<i></i>

danlo wrote Quote:If I remember correctly Assimov and Heilien were strangely conversative. But both were major space program backers especially in the medical research field Robert A Heinlein is one tough cookie to classify, graduate of the Naval Academy, one would think Arch Conservative if there ever was one. However, when he first moved to California in the early 1930s he supported Upton Sinclair for Governor of the State as a socialist. That was before he met his wife Virginia, and I read either in Locus or Chronicle that he credited Virginia influence as his abandondment of socialism.

Issac Asimov is a bit easier. I am also an on and off member of a Worldwide Social Group of which Mr. Asimov was an honorary Vice President for many years of his life. The Group the Mensa Society. For those who do not know the Mensa Society in the States is a nest of 'new right' political sentiment that rivals anyother place I have seen. And one time Mr. Asimov was asked why as the society's perhaps most well known member he was not more active in the groups everyday social activities. His reply revolved around the group's political sentiments. (at the time the response centered around support for Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign).

Sorry to butt into these very good replies. I have enjoyed reading everyones comments. Keep them coming. taraswizard
Allan Rosewarne N9SQT/WDX6HQV
Chicago area
W/T forever, always
Plan C - http://planc.bravepages.com/main.html<i></i>