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First, it's harder to write a compelling story in a utopia. The late Ian Banks's Culture series does a good job of it, though most of the books deal with the Cu
by ggreer 12y ago
First, it's harder to write a compelling story in a utopia. The late Ian Banks's Culture series does a good job of it, though most of the books deal with the Culture's interaction with less-enlightened societies. After all, that's where the action is.
Second, I'm not sure if media really is much bleaker than it was during say, the cold war. The threat of nuclear annihilation permeates many stories from that time. Moreover, many stories from the past (even rather optimistic ones) contain blatant sexism and racism.
- MichaelGG 12y agoI'm half way through the Culture series, and it really is one of the most uplifting things I've ever read. So much of everything he describes is just so spot-on. It is not often I find science fiction that just sounds so plausible and so right. Especially when it has been written more than a decade ago. There's usually things that seem slightly out-of-date or plot-driven. Or worse, grabs onto a current trend or fad. But Culture seems to nail it and just makes you want to live there, no reservations. In fact, it's hard to stop and realize we still have so many problems to solve.
- chiph 12y agoI've read the Culture series (Ian will be missed), and it certainly is very utopia-like. But at the same time, you have to wonder if the Minds are actually the ones in control. While most of the ships are on the up-and-up, the ones that are members of Special Circumstances seem to be much more pragmatic about achieving their desired results.
- MichaelGG 12y agoI'm half way through the Culture series, and it really is one of the most uplifting things I've ever read. So much of everything he describes is just so spot-on. It is not often I find science fiction that just sounds so plausible and so right. Especially when it has been written more than a decade ago. There's usually things that seem slightly out-of-date or plot-driven. Or worse, grabs onto a current trend or fad. But Culture seems to nail it and just makes you want to live there, no reservations. In fact, it's hard to stop and realize we still have so many problems to solve.
- eli_gottlieb 12y ago>First, it's harder to write a compelling story in a utopia. Ok, so write a story in a setting that's neither utopian nor dystopian, but perhaps merely positive as a way of looking forward from the present day. Things can be good without being perfect. Personally, I'd just like to see a scifi story that doesn't assume capitalism will last forever...