Sci-Fi as a Gateway to Liberalism?
March 31, 2014
G.D.O'Bradovich III
1
I recently attended the inaugural Indiana Comic Con. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I realized, amid the noise and haste, that this event could not be held in a conservative country (I was thinking of Saudi Arabia), but could only be held in a country that is liberal.
The liberalism of Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) is two fold. Because it is a fiction and not reality, anything is possible. Unlimited possibilities are fertile ground where the imagination can roam without any restrictions of tradition or societal norms. The flaunting of tradition and normal society is a hallmark of Sci Fi. Since Sci-Fi can also be described as fantasy, there is no attachment to reality and men and women can be portrayed as equals. Based on my observations over three days, there is no doubt in this commentator's mind that these conventions are dominated by, and attended by, the Air signs.
The openness and lack of restrictions of Sci Fi and fantasy allows the Geminis, Aquarians and Libras the creative license to exploit the limitless potentials of “What if…”
Theses conventions would be poorly attended (if they would be allowed) in a conservative country. Women would not be able to wear costumes and could only be in attendance with a male family member. The idea of men wearing costumes would not meet societal approval-the outfits of fantasy characters alone would shock political leaders. One usually does not think of the US as a liberal country, but when compared to Islamic countries, the United States are liberal. This American Liberalism is the result of a tradition of limited government involvement in the lives of its citizens.
We later learned that he demographics of the convention was a High School diploma, the age range between 18 and 29 with 60% of attendees beings male. Even in this microcosm, we can see the relationship between education and liberality.
The subtle liberalism of Sci Fi is of this nature- One does not accost other participants because of a perceived poor character choice or poor execution of the “costume”
This lack of criticism can be explained by the liberal mindset of “live and let live”. This phrase is so much a part of Sci Fi that is has become cliché. Of course, Americans as a whole act upon this principle or myth of “Live and let Live”, so while were are not surprised to see this behavior in action at a Sci Fi convention. It is uncommon at, for example a GOP rally (no abortion, no gay marriage, Bible and guns). I doubt there are many Republicans who are Sci Fi fans.
As we quickly approach the age of Aquarius, I predict we will see the expanding influence of the Air signs, generally and the Aquarians, specifically. I am certain that if one were to poll the attendees and explain to them the hope of a future age of Man (Aquarius) and the promise of the fulfillment of human potential when compared to the previous ages of animals. (Ram, bull, crab), the response would be overwhelming positive. We can better understand how the liberalism and tolerance of Sci Fi and the hope of the New Age are handmaidens of the mind that
can, or eventually will, lead to the New Age that can only be the product of an unfettered creative mind.
If accepted astrology is correct, there are certain tendencies we can expect from the Age of Aquarius. If, however, one uses the summer solstice as the marker of of an age then the age of Cancer is ending and the age of Gemini is beginning. The tendencies of the Age of Gemini are already being manifest in today’s youth and the worst habits of the Crab (fearful, not trusting, reactive) could describe the behavior of the West’s dominant brand of Christianity, that is, the Roman Catholic Church.
In conclusion, the mass of attendees of comic con are to be seen as a predictor for the future age, whether it is Aquarius or Gemini, we are uncertain. However, we do know the influence will be in the form of an Air Sign and that this future age will be unlike anything in recorded history.
The liberalism of Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) is two fold. Because it is a fiction and not reality, anything is possible. Unlimited possibilities are fertile ground where the imagination can roam without any restrictions of tradition or societal norms. The flaunting of tradition and normal society is a hallmark of Sci Fi. Since Sci-Fi can also be described as fantasy, there is no attachment to reality and men and women can be portrayed as equals. Based on my observations over three days, there is no doubt in this commentator's mind that these conventions are dominated by, and attended by, the Air signs.
The openness and lack of restrictions of Sci Fi and fantasy allows the Geminis, Aquarians and Libras the creative license to exploit the limitless potentials of “What if…”
Theses conventions would be poorly attended (if they would be allowed) in a conservative country. Women would not be able to wear costumes and could only be in attendance with a male family member. The idea of men wearing costumes would not meet societal approval-the outfits of fantasy characters alone would shock political leaders. One usually does not think of the US as a liberal country, but when compared to Islamic countries, the United States are liberal. This American Liberalism is the result of a tradition of limited government involvement in the lives of its citizens.
We later learned that he demographics of the convention was a High School diploma, the age range between 18 and 29 with 60% of attendees beings male. Even in this microcosm, we can see the relationship between education and liberality.
The subtle liberalism of Sci Fi is of this nature- One does not accost other participants because of a perceived poor character choice or poor execution of the “costume”
This lack of criticism can be explained by the liberal mindset of “live and let live”. This phrase is so much a part of Sci Fi that is has become cliché. Of course, Americans as a whole act upon this principle or myth of “Live and let Live”, so while were are not surprised to see this behavior in action at a Sci Fi convention. It is uncommon at, for example a GOP rally (no abortion, no gay marriage, Bible and guns). I doubt there are many Republicans who are Sci Fi fans.
As we quickly approach the age of Aquarius, I predict we will see the expanding influence of the Air signs, generally and the Aquarians, specifically. I am certain that if one were to poll the attendees and explain to them the hope of a future age of Man (Aquarius) and the promise of the fulfillment of human potential when compared to the previous ages of animals. (Ram, bull, crab), the response would be overwhelming positive. We can better understand how the liberalism and tolerance of Sci Fi and the hope of the New Age are handmaidens of the mind that
can, or eventually will, lead to the New Age that can only be the product of an unfettered creative mind.
If accepted astrology is correct, there are certain tendencies we can expect from the Age of Aquarius. If, however, one uses the summer solstice as the marker of of an age then the age of Cancer is ending and the age of Gemini is beginning. The tendencies of the Age of Gemini are already being manifest in today’s youth and the worst habits of the Crab (fearful, not trusting, reactive) could describe the behavior of the West’s dominant brand of Christianity, that is, the Roman Catholic Church.
In conclusion, the mass of attendees of comic con are to be seen as a predictor for the future age, whether it is Aquarius or Gemini, we are uncertain. However, we do know the influence will be in the form of an Air Sign and that this future age will be unlike anything in recorded history.