Science fiction is surprisingly effective for presenting challenging social issues.
Approx. 350 words; 2 minutes read time
When portraying things like discrimination and persecution as “real life” drama, these stories only reach a limited demographic. But immerse these themes in a sci-fi world and they become easier to swallow, like sugar-coating a pill. Lessons cloaked in sci-fi are particularly accessible for younger audiences.
For a great example, look to the 1980-1990s television series LA Law (8 seasons, 172 episodes from 1986-1994) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (known to fans as “TNG”; 7 seasons, 178 episodes from 1987-1994). Both covered similar hot-topic issues, including alienation, discrimination, and persecution. In LA Law, the most critically acclaimed crime drama of the time portrayed these stories in the streets and courts of late 20th Century Los Angeles. TNG, on the other hand, took many of these same themes and depicted them amidst the awe and wonder of the 23rd Century. Just a kid when both aired, I never watched a single episode of LA Law. But I watched every installment of TNG.
Of the two, LA Law had higher ratings at the time. But TNG remains wildly popular today – now thirty years on – and is arguably more popular than ever. This sci-fi series holds a much higher rating on IMDb (8.6/10 with nearly 100,000 reviews) when compared to LA Law (6.9/10 with only 4100 reviews). And TNG is available to stream on many primary services right now, including Amazon Prime, CBS All Access, HULU, and Netflix. LA Law is not possible to stream at all.
TNG’s enduring appeal has exposed many more viewers to its relevant messaging than LA Law ever did. I would say this is a testament to the power of science fiction. By attracting younger audiences, sci-fi is not just good entertainment but also socially responsible storytelling.
That’s good medicine to be sure.
How do you take your medicine? Have a favorite sci-fi story with a message? Please share in the comments section.
Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.
JRC