Fiction and politics:

[underlankers]

There is to me an underexplored potential issue in terms of politics, namely the impact that fiction can and does have on it.

Comments

[mutive]

Over on Oh John Ringo No!, (well worth the read for reasons other than politics) the author discusses how all stories are biased somewhat (will agree), but that some show a more overt bias than others, and discusses how that often has to do with political leaning. (Essentially, liberals tend to be dominate writing circles, so tend to write less overt messages as they assume that their readers already agree with them, while conservatives tend to be more overt). I found the idea interesting (and am inclined to agree).

I personally don't tend to read anything that reads like propaganda. With that said, some bias is going to slip through almost inevitably. (Which in my mind, is a good reason to know a little about the author in certain circumstances, especially if you're trying to find the message/understand the bias.) And I can read and enjoy things that have a distinct bias, even if I hold the opposing opinion, provided that the argument is well constructed. (Certain pieces by Megan Lindholm/Robin Hobb come to mind. Although if you click on link, be warned that the story is rather graphic...) I also find it hilarious when fanboys/girls manage to completely misinterpret the message...