Are most Science Fiction authors and fans liberals/leftists?

[x]

The Azimov-Roddenbury generation was clearly dominated by liberal writers. But surely that was a reflection of where the country was in the 1960s. Liberalism in the aftermath of WWII and the age of the civil rights movement wasn't quite the same as it is now, and had a lot more appeal.

I suppose libertarians are overrepresented in SF, as they are among computer professionals. But fantasy fans, are they right or left, or somehow outside both? Does reading about elves and trolls make one squishy soft or encourage healthy reactionary feelings? And what about goths?

[grizzly84]

"the original star trek would have no invasion of iraq.

superior cultures don't disturb primitive cultures."

The prime directive doesn't apply to Humans. :P

[dfwright]

Is there a Sci-Fi ping list on FR?

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

I pretty much stopped watching B5 in the first season.

You missed the best part of the show, IMHO. B5 hit its stride during Season 2, and was simply great in seasons 3 and 4. Just my opinion.

[denydenydeny]

Center-right/libertarian SF writers that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread are F. Paul Wilson, James Hogan, and L. Neil Smith.

Ayn Rand's Anthem is science fiction of a sort.

Harlan Ellison is a crazy liberal (and getting crazier as he gets older) but "Repent Harlequin Said the Ticktockman" is a libertarian classic.

Isaac Asimov was definitely NOT a conservative. His editorials from the 80s in Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine were full of hysterical Reagan-bashing, as I recall.

[EveningStar]

"Is there a Sci-Fi ping list on FR?"

I looked for it but couldn't find it.

[EveningStar]

Back in the early '70s, Asimov appeared on David Frost's show. Frost asked Asimov that if he was President, what would be the first thing he would do. Asimov replied, "Fire Agnew." This was prior to the revelation that Agnew was a crook. My reaction was **** you, Asimov.

[dfwright]

I guess that was probably a silly question, this being a political/news site. LOL!

[EveningStar]

I do not base necessarily base my opinions on the SF works of these writers, but rather on their separate public political statements.

[EveningStar]

LOL! I have no idea what you're talking about and at the moment, I'm too lazy to look it up. :)

[Cold Heat]

I am a life long fan, since the first Arthur C Clarke book that I read as a child.

Like most students under the tutelage of mostly left wing teachers, I started out a bit left and did a U-turn during the Vietnam era when I came to despise democrats like John Kerry.

I still love sci-fi and stay glued to the sci-fi channel on most nights and some days.(DS-9 reruns)

But, having said that, I think lefties find sci-fi entertaining as well, and their are many lefties who are authors, writers and actors in sci-fi films.

I don't know why that is. Perhaps conservatism extends to more than just politics.

[EveningStar]

I'll have to reread "Repent Harlequin Said the Ticktockman". Yes, I know it won a Hugo, but a the time, I thought it was stupid.

[boris]

You must be joking. Read Heinlein.

[A Longer Name]

Well, Tolkien was religious conservative. The ability to enjoy fantasy and religious faith seem to spring from the same source and good fantasy literature may nudge one toward religion. C.S. Lewis knew that. I think it has to do with the sense of wonder and a feeling that there are powers beyond our knowledge and understanding. On the other hand, in sci-fi everything is logical and, well, scientific.

I am not too coherent today.

[parcel_of_rogues]

In the late sixties, most of the famous writers (organized by Asimov) took out 2 full page ads in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. One page was a list of those authors who supported the Vietnam War, the other was a list of those against it.

The only names I remember for sure was Asimov on the against list and Heinlein on the for list. I do remember being suprised by some writers politics.

[beaureguard]

Agree about Goodkind. If you look at his website, Ayn Rand is a heavy influence. Individual freedom and liberty is a heavy theme throughout all his books.

Guess he is more fantasy than sci-fi, though.

I think he is an excellent author.

[EveningStar]

I didn't mean "all." I meant "most." :)

[Starter]

I think the series is up to eight books now. I have the most recent waiting for me at home, I just have to finish "Blog" first before I start on it.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Heinlein was probably libertarian. I would call Bradbury a moderate."

Add to that list of DEFINITELY NOT LIBERAL authors:

S.M. Stirling

Michael Crichton

Orson Scott Card

[Starter]

Well, I'll go the non-snarky route here and note that Ringo's had a book published in June 04, July 04, October 04, February 05, and more scheduled for April, June and August. He may be a bit too busy to hang out here right now.