Speculative fiction is an umbrella term meant to encompass the more fantastical fiction genres, including; science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The following is my own opinion on this matter.
The term has been used to express dissatisfaction with what some people consider the limitations of, or otherwise to designate fiction that is not easily categorised into, stereotypical genres. The view is that such work should not be pigeonholed within such categorical limits as "fantasy" etc.
Although the term may be used to signal a wish not to be pigeonholed as a fantasy writer, and a desire to break out of the genre’s conventions, I suspect it has more to do with a desire to escape the prejudice with which fantasy is often met by mainstream critics. Personally, I find this term generally offensive, as though fans of fantasy (and related genres) should be ashamed of their enjoyment of such a “frivolous” genre. Also, I understand the difficulty readers experience in finding books to their taste and I believe that placing all fantastical genres under a new umbrella term will make this process even more problematic.
The use of this term is bowing to the discrimination of the pseudo-intellectual. It is disguising the genres in a manner designed to lend some kind of literary merit in the eyes of such people. We should not demean ourselves in such a way. Fantasy is already an umbrella term that encompasses work with fantastical themes, and the sub-genres are there to help guide readers in finding their preferred type of fantastical work. Please do not bow to snobbery. Embrace your love of fantasy. Learn more about it and tell those who look down their nose at the genre to do the same. If they don’t that is their loss!
No comments:
Post a Comment