Friday, January 23, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 13

Today we talked about the story Getting Real. I thought that this story really depicted well the class struggle in our society. It looked at the homeless and how they are in a way alienated from the middle and upper classes. It showed how sometimes we don't view these people as real people and simply the bums of our society. This story showed how these people should be noticed and appreciated and how we should do something to help these people.

Thursday, January 22, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 12

After watching Trekkies today in class, it was hard not to laugh at the life style of these people who have dedicated their lives to Star Trek. However, these people have dedicated their lives to Star Trek because it gives them a sense of belonging. To them, it is a way to escape reality and really enjoy the world of science fiction through Star Trek. It is hard to take these people seriously because it isn't a social norm in our society and these people may be viewed as crazy or eccentric. I found it very interesting that the conventions are still going on years after the Star Trek series. Science fiction can and has changed people's lives, Star Trek is just one example of it.

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 11

I found it interesting talking about The Matrix today in class. When Neo is talking on the phone in the final scene, someone in class said that he was talking to the audience. This is hinting that maybe we are living in a matrix of our own in a sense. There are certain things in our society that give a sense of a control on our lives. Whether it be religion, socialism, or capitalism, we live in a society that is dominated by these things.

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 10

Watching The Matrix today brought up a lot of recurring themes that we have talked about in other SF stories. A dystopian society is shown in The Matrix in both the "real world" and in "the matrix." The real world has been destroyed by AI and technology. The matrix world seems to have a decaying society in which buildings are run down. Computer play a huge role in this movie for they are the way the "real world" people get in and out of the matrix. The matrix itself is run by computer programs that keep the people still plugged into it in a dream world.

Like Neuromancer, there is a dominate woman figure in the story of The Matrix. Trinity, like Molly, is a dominate, strong, and powerful figure. They are both highly skilled killing machines and very independent. Violence is one of the main themes in The Matrix as Neo and Trinity must fight their way past the agent programs.

Friday, January 16, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 9

Today I had a chance to get into my group to talk about our short story ideas. I suggested writing a story about killer asteroids. The plot would revolve around a man who has dedicated his life to hunting for these asteroids that could potentially destroy mankind. His dedication has hinder his life with his wife and his daughter. One night, he shocking discovers the presence of a killer asteroid on a direct collision course with Earth. However, he realizes that the asteroid to too close for any possible action to work to divert its path. He decides not to tell the world for he doesn't want to start global chaos. Instead, he decides to spend the remaining time he has with his family who he has neglected since starting his career. The next few months are filled with joy for both him and his family. On the day that he has calculated the asteroid would hit, he is sitting on the couch loving his family. A urgent news report comes on saying that a killer asteroid has just missed Earth by a few hundred miles. He is shocked that his projection was wrong and realizes that he was wrong but that he is now happier with his family.

Thursday, January 15, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 8

Talking about race today in class really got me thinking about just how science fiction depicts difference. I have come to realize that science fiction is totally open to any interpretation depending on the reader. With regards to race, i found it interesting that alien abductions can be compared to the times when slaves were abducted from their home and sent to the new world.

Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Science Fiction Literature: Day 7

I found it interesting today as we talked about the stort story Boobs. The story showed just how females can be treated in our society and how they are almost alien like in our society. Kelsey felt that her change to a wolf was more acceptable than her change as a woman. Moreover, I compared this story to the Columbine events. Kelsey, just like the boys of Columbine, felt that the only way to solve their problems and their alienation was to kill. I feel that this was the main call of change in the story and the implications on today's society.

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