Defining Afrofuturism
This term is described as a future that has already been stolen from the technologists, futurologists, streamliners, and set designers—white to a man—who have engineered our collective fantasies
What is Afrofuturism?
This individual, interviewed in the readings, mentions the lack of black presence in science fiction as a rise
Who is Mark Dery?
In "Black to the Future," this term is used to describe the merging of technology with specifically African American experiences
What is Afrofuturism?
The readings begin by questioning why so few African Americans wrote this genre
What is science fiction?
Mark Dery, in his introduction to "Black to the Future," notes the relative absence of this group in science fiction, leading to the emergence of Afrofuturism
What is Black people?
This science fiction author stated, "One only wishes there'd been a comparable rise in black SF writers" when looking at popular culture storylines
Who is Samuel R. Delany?
"Black to the Future" explores how technology, while potentially liberating, has also been used to reinforce these structures that have historically marginalized Black people.
What are oppressive power structures?
The text mentions this writer, along with Samuel R. Delany and Octavia Butler, as notable Black science fiction novelists
Who is Steven Barnes?
Theorists in "A Human Fairy Tale Named Black" discuss the core question "-------?" , a central theme often explored within Afrofuturism in relation to Black identity.
What is "What Does It Mean to Be Human"?
This cultural critic and staff writer for the Village Voice is mentioned as having suggested points of connection SF and Afrofuturism
Who is Greg Tate?
The narrative in "The Evening and the Morning and the Night" explores the ethical dilemmas and social anxieties surrounding this field as it impacts a specific group within the population.
What is genetic research or biological manipulation?
Mark Dery notes that the relative absence of Black writers in science fiction is especially perplexing in light of this felt sense for African Americans
What is an alien abduction or encounters with the Other?
This edited volume, from which our readings are excerpted, explores the discourse of cyberculture
What is "Flame Wars"?
This individual, also a staff writer for the Village Voice, is noted for their assistant professorship at Africana Studies and History at New York University and their work on rap music and the politics of black cultural practice
Who is Tricia Rose?
The exploration of cyberculture in "Black to the Future" considers how this space, while seemingly offering new avenues for expression, can also replicate existing racial biases and inequalities.
What is cyberspace or digital space?
Samuel R. Delany mentions that his novel, published in 1974, certainly raised a major plank in the question of black nationalism
What is Dhalgren?
This is the lie told repeatedly that eventually passes into history and becomes truth, according to a quote at the beginning of the readings
What is the lie that all records told the same tale?
According to this interviewee, focusing on the political oppression and disenfranchised discourse hidden in white SF may cause one to miss the material that is deeply concerned with the political questions and the oppressive discourse based on race
Who is Samuel R. Delany?
This individual suggests that digital music technology, like sequencers and drum machines, carries the tradition that these forces used in certain ways by black musicians in certain urban centers are themselves objects of the robot
Who is Tricia Rose?
The interviews in "Black to the Future" highlight a desire for ----- or ----- for Black science fiction writers and their unique perspectives on technology, the future, and the Black experience
What is visibility or recognition?