I enjoyed the introduction of fictional sources and perspectives presented by the readings for this week. For one, I always find mid to late 1900s science fiction stories entertaining, as often these stories are filled with futuristic sounding technology, but only that which could be imagined within the context of the real life technology of the time. For example, the super advanced, fully closed resource recycling system in Asimov’s Strikebreaker, that happens to be powered by coal?
Regardless of these technological discrepancies, I believe fictional mediums play a super valuable role in the environmental movement. As discussed in class, fictional stories lack the boundaries of truth that sociological or scientific studies are bound by, and yet, if written effectively, can leave a reader with a similar level of understanding or concern. They also have the added benefit of completely fabricating the surrounding inputs, often bending the rules of nature we see in our actual world in order to further emphasize the message the author is trying to impart. Once again, Strikebreaker does an excellent job of both of these aspects. While the specific technologies, methods, and customs mentioned throughout the story are at times less than realistic, they all serve to add to the dramatic demonization of waste, and individuals who interact with waste in a routine basis.
Fictional stories also have the added benefit of being more widely accessible to a diverse audience. While studies can often remain firmly stuck in academia, fictional stories are more widely read for pleasure and communicate a similar message, even if in a slightly less overt manner.