Controversial subjects
My next essay is on the way in which genre allows writers to "safely" tackle controversial subjects through simplification of the subject, universalizing it, and analyzing it. Simplification comes through the removal of real world context, such as historic precedent, political complications, etc. Universality comes through use of "others" to avoid vilification or victimization of any specific extant group. The analysis is perhaps the biggest part, since it is the direct commentary, the reflection of the writer's opinion on the chosen subject, and really depends on the first two points to really be fully accepted by the reader.
I found a Nobel lecture to use some excerpts from, regarding censorship and propaganda in literature, and I may take a look at the banned book list, particularly why certain books were banned, and see if I can't draw some parallels.
The book I've chosen as my main resource is Terry Pratchett's Feet of Clay. It's a decent example, I think, examining slavery. I was wondering, though, if anyone might have something from the sci-fi world, since most of what I read in that field tends to be space opera. Any ideas?
I found a Nobel lecture to use some excerpts from, regarding censorship and propaganda in literature, and I may take a look at the banned book list, particularly why certain books were banned, and see if I can't draw some parallels.
The book I've chosen as my main resource is Terry Pratchett's Feet of Clay. It's a decent example, I think, examining slavery. I was wondering, though, if anyone might have something from the sci-fi world, since most of what I read in that field tends to be space opera. Any ideas?