Science fiction has historically been perceived as a genre of the fabulous, a form of writing far outside the cabin of literature, one that lacks boundaries, connections with reality or formal precedent. To some, that perception may be a vital attraction or a critical downfall. What is the purpose of a genre which deals with the extremes of our imagination? Indeed, is there a purpose? Does science fiction or Sci-fi as popularly called exist as a socially acceptable method of expressing those wild ideas?
Admittedly, many sci-fi narratives are romantic fantasy, that is, they present caricatures from the human imagination yet, the sci-fi genre cannot so easily be reduced to an assembly of remnants from other styles of writing mingled with exciting gadgets and exotic backgrounds, nor it's appeal and longevity be dismissed as the lure of scientific romance. Sci-fi is responsible for opening a variety of legitimate cultural discourses. It is in these cultural disquisition that we discover the fundamental power and rationale of a genre that ultimately contributes to the knowledge and awareness humanity has of itself.
Despite it's ambience of fantasy, sci-fi is not the literature of ageing children. It is frequently brutal and condemning as it examines our today and our tomorrow through the microscope of the future and equally as often, through the lens of the past. It permits us to see more clearly what we have been and what we may become. Through all the good that we are now or could produce, or the evil that we may consciously or unconsciously tolerate, humanity years for revelation of itself. With the curiosity of the sentient, we are always fascinated by our reflection and sci-fi provides mirrors that stretch to either end of our existence