Episode 38: The new anti-capitalist science fiction
Detail from the cover of Docile, by K.M. Szpara
There’s been a renaissance of anti-capitalist stories in science fiction and fantasy in the U.S. But these aren't tales of violent revolution or faceless corporations. We discuss Utopia, community, and how group therapy is the opposite of authoritarianism. Also, we’re joined by K.M. Szpara, who talks to us about his steamy forthcoming novel Docile, whose tagline is, “There is no consent under capitalism.”
Links, citations, & etc.
Fredric Jameson talking about Utopia
Jameson’s classic book Postmodernism, or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism
Want, by Cindy Pon
Broken Earth Trilogy, by N.K. Jemisin
The Summer Prince, by Alaya Dawn Johnson
An Unkindness of Ghosts, by Rivers Solomon
The Good Place, created by Michael Schur
Walkaway, by Cory Doctorow
The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion, by Margaret Killjoy
Waste Tide, by Chen Quifan
Avatar, dir. James Cameron
The Expanse, created by James S.A. Corey
Sourdough, by Robin Sloan
Black Hole, by Bucky Sinister
Docile, by K.M. Szpara
Direct Action, by L.A. Kauffman
Downsizing, dir. Alexander Payne
Us, dir. Jordan Peele
Bitch Planet comic book, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Valentine De Landro
Rosewater and Insurrection, by Tade Thompson
Everfair, by Nisi Shawl
Trail of Lightning, by Rebecca Roanhorse