This paper discusses O. Butler's "Kindred", a complex novel, which makes a strong comment that slavery continues to exist in 20th century America, manifested in the economic oppression of certain social classes.
Abstract This paper explains Butler's intent to explore the finer nuances of freedom is evident in the very fact that she chose the America's bicentennial year of freedom, 1976, as the time for situating her 20th century African-American protagonist. The author points out that, by using carefully chosen words and a matter-of-fact tone, Butler places, in perspective, modern day society, which treats certain classes of human beings as invisible people, undeserving of recognition and respect. The paper relates that the core of Butler's message is that the freedom finally obtained by the blacks was hard won and paid for by the suffering and loss of several lives, as symbolized by Kevin's scar and Dana's loss of one arm.
From the Paper "In fact, "Kindred "is full of such sleight-of-hand symbolisms. Take, for example, Dana's marriage to Kevin, a white man. Their union, in spite of the misgivings of both their families, is a rich metaphor for human integration the way it should be, free of racial, color or class barriers. Similarly, it is significant that Dana, a black woman, is the one summoned to rescue her white ancestor, Rufus, every time his life is in danger. Indeed, Dana's meeting with the child, Rufus, is her first inkling of the humiliation suffered by her ancestors. For, here was a small boy advising her that she had to address him as ?master,? while simultaneously calling her by the deprecating term "nigger" ."
Abstract A paper written in question-and-answer form where science fiction as an art in literature and films is explored. Subjects covered are works which have impacted viewers and readers over the years, themes of these works and dystopias. Example of questions are: Who are some of the great writers of the past in Science fiction?, What exactly is science fiction as compared to horror, mystery, or adventure novels?, What is the movie "Fahrenheit 451" about? and many more.
From the Paper "(14) What is the society in Fahrenheit 451 like? Everyone is told they are part of a larger family. They are all cousins. This Utopian society is actually a dysfunctional one in which people are hunted down on TV for any violation of the rules. In one scene everyone in a neighborhood is ordered outside the home to look for a runner. The people obey and stand outside their homes as ordered. It is reminiscent of a scene in China during President Ford's visit when an unexpected snow fell in the middle of the night. Block monitors alerted the people and everyone was out with brooms to clear the sidewalks. This is what a totalitarian society can do. It can provide what the state wants and control the actions of their people. Some people will accept this type of society but most will find it stupefying."
Abstract Discusses the movies "Blade Runner", "Bicentennial Man", and "2001: A Space Odyssey", and Philip Dick's novel, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep". Examines the common theme of what it means to be human.
From the Paper "Stories about artificial intelligence nearly always seem to be, in the end, stories about what it means to be human. In the works discussed here-the films Blade Runner, Bicentennial Man, and 2001: A Space Odyssey and the novel Do Androids Dream of ..."
Abstract This paper likens the condition of slavery to that of imprisonment, following the language of the 13th Amendment and the assertions of the first African American supreme court justice, Thurgood Marshall.
From the Paper "It is often noted that the Original Sin of the United States of America took place at its very inception. That the framers of the Constitution provided for slavery in this fledgling nation debased the loftier, nobler ambitions expressed in the founding ..."
