Science
Fiction as Modern Myth – Part II
In this
second of three parts on a brief discussion of science fiction as modern
myth, I will discuss a comparison
between the roles of science fiction and religion, or religious myth, as ways
of approaching the future.
Religious myth does not focus on the future, but it
does have a tremendous impact on how people think about the future. It is perhaps the earliest recorded form of
myth and to date, perhaps the most influential with respect to futuristic
thinking. Religion has served as a
blueprint for policy decisions on both a large and small scale with respect to
the various levels of decision makers in society. It also has served to guide individuals in
their everyday thoughts, actions, and beliefs about policies that impact the
future. Religion will continue to
remain a guiding force as long as the great majority of humans globally continue
to subscribe to some form of traditional religious doctrine. How does this though assist in adapting
humanity and preparing it for the future? How does it propel humanity into a
continued cycle of cultural evolution?
Adaptation and evolution are necessary if a system is to survive, if
not, cultures become stagnant and come to a point where they are unable to
adapt, eventually becoming extinct.
Science fiction is a rich source of the same types of ethics and morals
found in religious myth, it embodies many of the same qualities and social
strengths as religion, and may perhaps offer a better source of adaptations. It
may be better suited as myth to ensure continued cultural evolution.
Does religion really answer the deepest metaphysical
questions concerning human origins, the human condition, and the future of
humanity? It can provide this to some.
It can also provide individual meaning and offer a guide to personal or
cultural morals and ethics. To some,
religious myth connects them to others as well as to the long historical
narrative of humanity. Within religious
doctrines, connections to mythological narratives are often found which helps
to reinforce a belief and a particular set of values. Origin stories seemingly
connect the human past, present, and future. Religious myth addresses both the
emotional and intellectual realms of humanity.
Myth possesses an archetypal dimension, a
fundamental idea or theme represented through imagery, persona, or symbolism.
Themes such as death or the renewal of life, honor, bravery, temptation, good
vs evil, and origins are common threads.
These themes of the human condition are also represented by mythological
characters that provoke emotional reactions and an individual identification
with one or more of these characters.
The same holds true for science fiction. Just as
with ancient myth, the real strength and attractive force of science fiction is
its narrative form. Science fiction
appeals to the same aspects of both individual and culture as religious myth,
and especially to those who may reject religious myth. Science fiction creates
a life story as an option to the abstract nature of religious narrative.
Science fiction creates a highly complex story of the future based upon actions
in the human past or present. It also acts as a blueprint for ideas, thoughts,
and behaviors. It provides moral and ethical guides. It also serves as a mirror
into the overall human condition, where we have been, where we are, and even
provides insight into possible outcomes for the future depending upon the paths
humans choose. Also emphasized in
science fiction is the role the individual plays in cultural change.
Individuals act as role models and members of fandom form strong identification
bonds with individuals of their choosing that oftentimes shape the behavior and
values of those who identify with them. This
creation of personified characters creates a personal connection with the
reader, or member of fandom.
As with all myth, the stories of science fiction
express basic, fundamental themes and archetypes of the human condition. In both science fiction and mythology, both
the characters and settings are presented with the intention of symbolically
highlighting and discussing the human condition. Science fiction not only informs, but it
strives to also evoke strong emotional responses. The future of humanity is
presented in such a way as to inspire inspiration in those who are reading or
viewing the material. Science fiction is
indeed an integral component of culture today, both on local as well as global
levels. It provides the raw materials
for anyone participating in it to create and fully experience a personalized
journey and way of life.
Science fiction is the new mythology. It goes far
beyond traditional and now archaic myths of the past, myths based on archaic
thinking. They have lost their
applicability to current times and to the future. They no longer fit to
describe the human condition. They have
lost their ability to motivate, inform, and inspire individuals. Science
fiction has been able to maintain these abilities over the centuries and has
gained status as a replacement. Since it deals with the future, it will
continue to maintain itself as a global power and will continue to drive
cultural evolution for centuries to come. Science fiction provides mythical
stories informed by both science and contemporary thought for the purposes of
transmitting messages about the human condition.
For the third, and final, blog in this topic I will
briefly discuss the immense power and breadth of science fiction.
