Feminism and Science Fiction

The great thing about being 30 is that you watch your friends trickle into 2 distinct pools, neither one categorically better than the other. One set has been in the workforce for a while now, by all definitions successful at their work, and are going through the motions for their MBA or some sort of advanced degree in finance, econ, accounting, etc. The overarching Goal of which I assume to be stability, family and legacy. You know, the American Dream.

But the other group is interesting, intellectual pioneers often finding their niche in academia. They explore the most unheard of specializations. One such friend I found will be a panelist on the "feminism in comics" workshop in this year's Feminist Science Fiction conference: Wiscon

I have yet to understand the distinct value of feminism in the arena of science fiction, but I'm someone who, upon hearing an interesting bit of information, will continue to look through that lens for a while afterwards. Within the same week, noticed an article on the 75th anniversary of the Nancy Drew series, seeing The Craft and its not so hidden message of feminism manifesting early on a wiccan practice, and understanding finally why Lady Gaga is such a rebel. I'll write a completely separate entry on Lady Gaga at a later point, because she is actually the worthy comparison to a modern Madonna, PLUS some.

I have to admit, I'm rather envious of those who feel at liberty to explore the world around us, taking delight in the shimmering niches one finds completely off-path. I've always straddled the two worlds I mentioned above - feeling best when I'm on the straight and narrow road but often bounding off with other friends to delight in complete intellectual and social freedom, unbounded by conventional mores and values or all the layers of expectation we accrue as adults.

However, I digress as usual. hopefully Ann will bring me a couple of books as I've requested and I can share with all of you what exactly "feminist science fiction" actually is!