Cultural appropriation by SF writers

[taraswizard]

A topic that has fueled some recent on-line discussions is cultural appropriation by SF writers; meaning when a writer incorporates elements of an existing human culture, into their text in order to create an alien culture. Let me offer two obvious and well known examples: Star Trek, the Klingons as originally protrayed on TOS were patterned after North American Indians, and Dune, Herbert took hugh chunks of Arab Islamic culture to create the Fremen's society. Furthermore, in Dune, as an additional parallel the Fremen have the potential to completely control a sole commodity that is essential and critical for the continued existance of the societies outside Arrakis.

Is cultural appropriation an unavoidable element of writing speculative fiction? Why? Are there instances when it should not be done? Is it unavoidable because the range of human cultures are so diverse and varied that to create something new is nearly impossible.

This should not be a discussion of cultural essentialism and I do not want to suggest that only Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due can write Spec Fiction that deals with African or African American appropriations.

[I'm Murrin]

Hal Duncan had a good rant about this a month back. It's worth reading, along with all the discussion in the comment thread below.

[Loredoctor]

Is cultural appropriation an unavoidable element of writing speculative fiction? Why? Are there instances when it should not be done? Is it unavoidable because the range of human cultures are so diverse and varied that to create something new is nearly impossible.

My view is that sci-fi has not even touched the tip of the iceberg in terms of alien cultures. There is so much more we can create, envision, that has not happened on Earth.

[The Laughing Man]

I agree, but how can you give a human a good idea what an alien is, or what it's like to be one? Any description must be used with the verbal terms (if any) and within the physical parameters (if any) of that alien life and their world....how does one accomplish this?

[Avatar]

Interesting thread...complements our 'Tank discussion of cultural theft in fact.

it's an interesting question. It's been done so often by so many, from, as Taras said, Trek and Dune to Feist and Jordan.

I'm not sure though really. I'll read the link Murrin posted when I have a chance, but in the meanwhile, I don't know.

Speaking as a reader, I usually like it. I like being able to identify elements that are in common with our world, sometimes changed so drastically by the passage of time in sci-fi that they are barely recognisable.

I wonder too if it makes a difference between sci-fi and fantasy? As Esmer said, we only have human frames of referencew. I've long held that our "aliens" are not all that alien, because they're human-conceived, and therefore cannot exhibit truly alien motivations.

Hmmm....

Also, Herberts use of Islamic Arabic culture wasn't to depict an alien culture, but a human one, albeit much changed by time and environment. Does that make a difference? (I never spotted the spice/oil parrallel before though...good one.)

Are there cases in which it shouldn't be done? Like I asked in the thread in the 'Tank...where do we draw the line? Forbid the use of common knowledge in writing fiction? Seems a bit extreme...

--A

[Loredoctor]

I agree, but how can you give a human a good idea what an alien is, or what it's like to be one? Any description must be used with the verbal terms (if any) and within the physical parameters (if any) of that alien life and their world....how does one accomplish this?

True, but Donaldson gave us a huge hint at this in the Gap series. I refer to the Amnion 'framing effect' - that is, their way of thinking places certain limitations and stresses on language. For me, language is the key to understanding psychology.

Good post, Esmer.

[gyrehead]

I think even in terms of alien cultures, if you introduce humans, the humans are going to react and perceive with what humans know and have some sort of identity to prase and associate. Something that resonates with the human experience. That is how we operate after all. We have an ability and a need to identify with something unless we totally reject it. We find a common root. Something that feels familiar even if in terms of cultural and societal history as opposed to experience. There have been several really good short stories in science fiction that deal with the matter. C.J. Cherryh rather cleverly deals with the subject in a couple of her works. From the early and while wonderful rather "green" Faded Sun series to her current Foreigner/Atevi sequence.

I'm continually amazed at how much ranting and raving there is going on in the genre. Writing is an art and all art involves the ego in all its hissy-fit fragility. But it seems like more and more authors are trying to co-opt the whole process with what is "right and wrong" even while they strain their gonads patting themselves on the back for "breaking rules" and being such a maverick. I like what I like. And many times that includes a great culture and society that is always going to be some kind of amalgamation if not outright affiliation to something that has already existed. Either in print or in thought or in the real world. One can only write what one knows. What's next? Fear that use of behavioral appropriation is leaving hive mind creatures exploited by sci-fi writers? That insectoid aliens clearly influenced by insects on our own planet are perpetuating a bigoted stereotype against the poor wasp? Or that the over-use of our own marine life as templates for vast all-wise ocean dwelling creatures is not giving equal time to the overlooked and ignored kelp?

I think the subject itself is fascinating to watch others go at over, but all in all I think it is much ado about nothing. Too many writers seem to be more worried about what "others" are doing, instead of just sticking to what they thesmelves are or should be. In breaking all the rules and capering around making sure everyone sees what a new, fresh and unique voice they are, it seems many of the these same fresh voices are determined that only their voices are considered what matters. Or are heard. Considering the debate on two othr major boards and I can only say. These people need a hobby. Much of their raised social conscience comes off as the old man who screams "get off my yard" than someone truly involved in considering the matter in a thoughtful and objectful manner.

[Avatar]

Good post GyreHead.

--A

[duchess of malfi]

I agree, but how can you give a human a good idea what an alien is, or what it's like to be one? Any description must be used with the verbal terms (if any) and within the physical parameters (if any) of that alien life and their world....how does one accomplish this?

Some of David Brin's books; Startide Rising and others in his Uplift series manage exactly that. He creates many completely alien races and makes their cultures come vividly to life. One of the ways he does this is to use their very different physical senses (such as responding to odors or chemicals) and reacting to them.

And Gyrehead, all I could think of when reading your post was China Meiville and Terry Goodkind. Now there are two writers who have high opinions of themselves.

[Fist and Faith]

Let me offer two obvious and well known examples: Star Trek, the Klingons as originally protrayed on TOS were patterned after North American Indians,

The obviousness (obviousosity?) of this escapes me. Can you give me any specifics?