To those with a distinct dislike of science fiction *cough*Kelli*cough*:

See post from July 9th, 2003.

Science fiction allows the author to create a perfect environment for the message that he or she wishes to communicate via an entertainment item to the reader, which happens to fulfill criteria for utilitarianism, upon which much of our culture is based. This is possible in very few other genres. Historical fiction may present errors of the past, but those may appear trite and overused as well as containing myriad variables, which are often limited in science fiction. Romance offers only advice or moral related to relationships, as is the very premise of the genre. Science fiction can present novel ideas that teach a lesson. (Ex. Dune.)

Science fiction also allows the author to incorporate most other genres. For example, you could have a historical event changed, which would lead to this effect in the future. Since that often deals with scientific predictions, it could be considered science fiction. You could have science fiction romance like in Stargate, where Daniel Jackson's extraterrerestrial (human) wife is killed, and he risks all to revive her in a life-giving machine. You could have a science fiction mystery crime, science fiction horror (quite popular in the early 90's), or inspirational or spiritual science fiction like City of Dreams. Science fiction is almost an add-on to any possible genre on the face of the planet.

The vast terminology associated with science fiction is really no different than the vast terminology incorporated into, say, crime novels or TV shows like "West Wing." It names scientific theories that people have been thinking up since the scientific revolution in the 1800s. Wormholes have been soundly considered, as have faster-than-light travel, often known as "hyperspeed" or "warp speed." It allows for an almost acedemic kind of entertainment, forcing able viewers or readers to expand their minds and consider new possibilities, a main point in most Star Trek series and many grade B movies.

I think an underlying fear for many who are hesitant about joining this hundred-year-old craze is that many of the ideas courted by science fiction might interfere or contradict religion. Maybe they do. But then again, how weak minded do you have to be to worry about some kind of entertainment challenging your religion? If you whole-heartedly believe what you do, sit back and enjoy the show! (You might have a chance of putting down other religions. While I'm not officially suggesting that everyone should go out and do that, I know that mine is the right one and everyone else is, well, wrong. If you have a bone to pick with me about it, they sell bones at Wal-Mart. Pick one up and pick away.)

Science fiction explores possibilites that are not possible in other genres while incorporating those genres into it. In truth, science fiction probably shouldn't even be a genre! Merely describing a movie as science fiction does not tell you much about it, as romance might. It just says that the movie probably incorporates a higher level of technology into the setting. Wow. Setting. Such an important part of the movie to base assumptions on, Kelli! Are you not going to go see a movie because it takes place in the woods or in a big city or in a desert? I don't think so.

In short, any prejudices against science fiction are absurd. For more information about the infallibilities of bias, check out Hot Pink at http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1537310.

Remember: if you think science fiction is stupid, you're probably not (yet) at a level where you have the capacity to understand it. I like to recall that I'm not completely incapable of higher academic writing, and I grew up reading mostly science fiction.