Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema

Aliens R Us: The Other in Science Fiction Cinema

Pluto Press | ISBN 0745315399 | 2002-02-20 | PDF | 186 pages | 483 KB

This book stars from the position that Science Fiction is a reflection and reinforcement of cultural and political assumptions:

"Cultural production is not a neutral sphere, just innocent entertainment. Moreover, the artefacts of cultural production are thoroughly ideological, bound up with political discourse, struggles, agendas and policies." (p.46)

I'm sure that many SF fans would be initially bewildered at the analysis of Deep Space Nine, Space: Above and Beyond and Independence Day amongst others contained in this work. Yet each is closely argued.

The examination of the Borg as an enemy is eye-opening:

"the Borg represent the opposite of the Thatcher principle. Where the prime minister thought there was no society, only individuals, to our eyes the Borg appear to have only society and no individuals. They/it are the embodiment of the Western fantasy of communism/socialism, as well as virtually all Asian cultures, especially Muslims in their current incarnation."

(p.77)

NO MIRROR!