Controversial subjects

[siren_noda]

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

Comments

[_orchid_]

So, are you looking for sci-fi that examines controversial subjects, or slavery in particular? Or censorship and propaganda? I definitely have some ideas for some of those, but not all! :)

[siren_noda]

Controversial subjects in general.

[_orchid_]

Dredging my brain for titles that I actually consider sci-fi or fantasy--lots I can think of that fit in the near-future, but I don't *really* consider those sci-fi unless it's obvious (aliens? Space travel? Time travel? Nanites who do Way Cool Stuff? No? Okay, probably not really sci-fi.)

I did come up with a few, but I can't remember the titles on two of them (part of a series of--well, maybe two). I did manage to find the titles for one, though! Heck of a title to try to spell: Libyrinth by Pearl North. Tor Teen, 2009. Deals with censorship, religion, and, to some extent, what counts as "human." Pretty sympathetic "bad guys," neat main character (and "sidekick" creature!). If you decide to read it, I'd love to hear what you think! It's been a bit since I read it, but I was impressed

[_orchid_]

'Nother one: The Android's Dream, John Scalzi. Religion again (addressed in a really interesting way: the "believers" know perfectly well that the text upon which their religion is based are the writings of a con artist, but they've decided to see if they can find more meaning than was intended, and if they can make some of the prophecies come true); genetic manipulation, human rights, intellectual property--stuff like that. One character death was not something I was okay with, both otherwise they made sense and I accepted them as part of the story.

[synn]

I've mostly read the same sci-fi you have (just a lesser amount) so I'm afraid I can't help there