>UFOs, as symbols of advanced technology, could resonate with this imperialist mindset, reinforcing hierarchies. They can, but I disagree they do, universally,

>UFOs, as symbols of advanced technology, could resonate with this imperialist mindset, reinforcing hierarchies. They can, but I disagree they do, universally, in all cases. UFOs do tend to follow the cultural zeitgeist and reflect people's fears and stereotypes, maybe about themselves or their own government, but in a broader and more complex sense than "all of alien lore is about racism" would imply. I tend to slot aliens in the same cultural headspace as angels/demons or fae/cryptids, like Jacques Valee (except I don't believe these beings are actually real and imitating our folklore, so much as actually just being folklore.) For instance,it's interesting how one doesn't hear about alien abductions as often as one used to. Now it's all "interdimensional NHI" and psychic bonding. As if the dehumanizing trauma narratives of Communion served some cathartic purpose that we're now we're moving on from. Also we've moved on from saucers. No one sees saucers anymore, it's all spheres and tic-tacs and "jellyfish."