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"A writer shouldn't be punished for his political beliefs."

Is that controversial? Maybe so.

Before I explain further, a disclaimer: I haven't read the novel at issue. I can't say whether I'd love, hate, or be indifferent to it. I don't know whether I'd cheer its message or be horrified by it -- or whether, in fact, it has a message. I don't know (or know anything about) the book's author. I do, however, agree with the sentiment that "A writer shouldn't be punished for his political beliefs."

August 14-18, 2014

Why mention it here, in an SF post? Because the subject of the controversy is a nomination for the upcoming Hugo awards at this week's Worldcon. See "Politics don't belong in science fiction." The controversy is especially ironic given that fen often credit the genre -- and themselves -- with being open-minded.

Is it human nature to favor the work product of people with whom we agree? Sure. To shun the work product of those with whom we differ? Ditto. Can those instincts sometimes deprive of us literature, movies, TV ... that we might otherwise enjoy -- and that might even cause us to rethink our preconceptions? Also true. That's one reason I try to stay unaware of the political leanings of writers, actors, and directors.

Looking ahead

Next item. I often link to articles from IEEE Spectrum, IEEE being the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (a professional society of which I am a long-time member). IEEE is observing the 50th anniversary of its flagship journal, and as part of the celebration produced a splendid anniversary edition.

Beyond fascinating speculation about technologies that we might see fifty years hence (excellent source material for any SF author), the issue's editorial cites SFnal icon Isaac Asimov on the perils of prediction. The issue also includes the dark, thought-provoking short story "Someone to Watch Over Me” by award-winning SF writer Nancy Kress. In an online companion piece, the magazine offers, "How Science Fiction Helps Us Rehearse for the Future: the author of “Someone to Watch Over Me” explains why sci-fi is more important than fantasy."

While we're in a genre-introspective mode, let's also consider io9's list of "21 Books That Changed Science Fiction And Fantasy Forever." I've read a majority of the 21; based on that sample, it's a great list. (But as for Samuel R. Delaney's Dhalgren, I'm with Philip K. Dick, who once called it "the worst trash I've ever read." Except, unlike Dick, I couldn't even make it through. Curiously, none of Dick's own works made this list.)

Till next time ...