Comments on: Speculative fiction and the nature of the current crisis http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/ Blogging politics, culture, sociology and life from Brisvegas Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:02:08 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jane http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-573450 Jane Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:38:36 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-573450 Adrien @30, The Trump should never keep his wig. He and it should be sacrificed to the sun god on the roof of whichever Trump Tower is still above water. Or alternatively to the shark god if they're all under water. Adrien @30, The Trump should never keep his wig. He and it should be sacrificed to the sun god on the roof of whichever Trump Tower is still above water. Or alternatively to the shark god if they’re all under water.

]]> By: zorronsky http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572835 zorronsky Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:03 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572835 Wot's needed are Sweeny Todds y'Know too many people!! Wot’s needed are Sweeny Todds y’Know too many people!!

]]> By: Adrien http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572821 Adrien Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:25:51 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572821 <i>Um PC, in the dystopian globally warmed future I can assure you that Adelaide residents will not be burning anything for heat. </i> . Yeah. There won't be any. There will be the movie: <i>Ghost City</i> about mutant zombies with fluro green skin and eyes that glow red in the night. They crawl over the rubble in search of Anglican churches, arts festivals and flesh. :) Um PC, in the dystopian globally warmed future I can assure you that Adelaide residents will not be burning anything for heat.
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Yeah. There won’t be any. There will be the movie: Ghost City about mutant zombies with fluro green skin and eyes that glow red in the night. They crawl over the rubble in search of Anglican churches, arts festivals and flesh. :)

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572652 David Rubie Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:10:51 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572652 Maybe we could genetically engineer our pollies to make chook poo? You still have to burn something to get the refrigeration going though. Maybe we could genetically engineer our pollies to make chook poo? You still have to burn something to get the refrigeration going though.

]]> By: Paul Burns http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572633 Paul Burns Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:47:47 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572633 Well, why not? I mean, we already have bull-shit powered Govenments. Well, why not? I mean, we already have bull-shit powered Govenments.

]]> By: David Irving (no relation) http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572608 David Irving (no relation) Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:08:37 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572608 Dr Cat, seeing as Goyder's Line is rapidly moving south to its final position along the cenreline of Melbourne St, I don't think we're going to be <em>cold</em> in Adelaide. Mr Rubie, there's plenty of ammonia in animal manure, I believe, so we could have bullshit-powered air conditioners ... Dr Cat, seeing as Goyder’s Line is rapidly moving south to its final position along the cenreline of Melbourne St, I don’t think we’re going to be cold in Adelaide.

Mr Rubie, there’s plenty of ammonia in animal manure, I believe, so we could have bullshit-powered air conditioners …

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572603 David Rubie Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:57:16 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572603 Steam age refrigeration required? It's <a href="http://www.michaelorgan.org.au/nicol1.htm" rel="nofollow">already been done</a>. Now, you just have to source the ammonia... Steam age refrigeration required? It’s already been done. Now, you just have to source the ammonia…

]]> By: Pavlov's Cat http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572600 Pavlov's Cat Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:52:57 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572600 <blockquote>Um PC, in the dystopian globally warmed future I can assure you that Adelaide residents will not be burning anything for heat. Now if you know how to rig up a solid fueled airconditioning system…</blockquote> Oh -- I thought it was 'extreme weather events' we were looking forward to, rather than simply things getting uniformly hotter. My understanding was that that means extreme in more than one direction. And it does get bloody cold here in the winter sometimes. <blockquote>What an odd sentence that is about ‘decaying Dickensian cities’. Presumably Dickens wrote about a decaying Dickensian cities (London) because he lived in it. And he wasn’t really noted for indulging in speculative fiction.</blockquote> I automatically read that sentence as referring to the futuristic dystopias of people like Angela Carter, TimT -- surely 'Dickensian' in this context is just a descriptive adjective? <blockquote>I don’t buy all this stuff about economic or environmental collapse.</blockquote> Come over to my place for afternoon tea, and I shall show you what's happened to my garden and my superannuation.

Um PC, in the dystopian globally warmed future I can assure you that Adelaide residents will not be burning anything for heat. Now if you know how to rig up a solid fueled airconditioning system…

Oh — I thought it was ‘extreme weather events’ we were looking forward to, rather than simply things getting uniformly hotter. My understanding was that that means extreme in more than one direction. And it does get bloody cold here in the winter sometimes.

What an odd sentence that is about ‘decaying Dickensian cities’. Presumably Dickens wrote about a decaying Dickensian cities (London) because he lived in it. And he wasn’t really noted for indulging in speculative fiction.

I automatically read that sentence as referring to the futuristic dystopias of people like Angela Carter, TimT — surely ‘Dickensian’ in this context is just a descriptive adjective?

I don’t buy all this stuff about economic or environmental collapse.

Come over to my place for afternoon tea, and I shall show you what’s happened to my garden and my superannuation.

]]> By: feral sparrowhawk http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572574 feral sparrowhawk Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:22:22 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572574 "Well, I shall be burning mine for heat, and no you may not sit near the fire. It’s mine, I tell you, mine." Um PC, in the dystopian globally warmed future I can assure you that Adelaide residents will not be burning anything for heat. Now if you know how to rig up a solid fueled airconditioning system... “Well, I shall be burning mine for heat, and no you may not sit near the fire. It’s mine, I tell you, mine.”

Um PC, in the dystopian globally warmed future I can assure you that Adelaide residents will not be burning anything for heat. Now if you know how to rig up a solid fueled airconditioning system…

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572532 David Rubie Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:13:48 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572532 I dunno Tim - without a proper literature survey I think it'd be hard to class the 17th and 18th century birth of science fiction writing as being biased towards utopian ideals (and our current time to be biased towards dystopias). After all, we're in the age of Star Trek (ostensibly a utopia) and other space operas. I'd be surprised if it wasn't evenly balanced once you remove all the satire and irony. I dunno Tim – without a proper literature survey I think it’d be hard to class the 17th and 18th century birth of science fiction writing as being biased towards utopian ideals (and our current time to be biased towards dystopias). After all, we’re in the age of Star Trek (ostensibly a utopia) and other space operas. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t evenly balanced once you remove all the satire and irony.

]]> By: TimT http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572525 TimT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:04:03 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572525 Dave Rubie, Wells initially thought that a socialist world state was achievable, but become progressively more cynical about this as he get older. If you want a 19th century fictional Utopia without Morlocks and without any real technology, try William Morris (News from Nowhere.) Utopian beliefs were current in the 19th and early 20th centuries and were closely allied with the development of science fiction and fantasy. Dave Rubie, Wells initially thought that a socialist world state was achievable, but become progressively more cynical about this as he get older. If you want a 19th century fictional Utopia without Morlocks and without any real technology, try William Morris (News from Nowhere.) Utopian beliefs were current in the 19th and early 20th centuries and were closely allied with the development of science fiction and fantasy.

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572517 David Rubie Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:55:08 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572517 Yep, those Morlocks sure sounded like a paradisical future to me. I'm pretty sure Tony Abbott is a Morlock already. Yep, those Morlocks sure sounded like a paradisical future to me. I’m pretty sure Tony Abbott is a Morlock already.

]]> By: TimT http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572479 TimT Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:50:10 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572479 What an odd sentence that is about 'decaying Dickensian cities'. Presumably Dickens wrote about a decaying Dickensian cities (London) because he lived in it. And he wasn't really noted for indulging in speculative fiction. I don't buy all this stuff about economic or environmental collapse. We're being warned of these things constantly by people who, 999 times out of 1000, derive a clear political or professional benefit from scaring us. But there is an interesting historical phenomenon at work here. One hundred, two hundred years ago science-fiction utopias and grand visions of a paradisical future were common: the future was depicted as something to be desired, something to work forwards to with urgency and ardour. Now, it is being increasingly portrayed as something to avoid, something terrifying or at the very least miserable and disappointing. What an odd sentence that is about ‘decaying Dickensian cities’. Presumably Dickens wrote about a decaying Dickensian cities (London) because he lived in it. And he wasn’t really noted for indulging in speculative fiction.

I don’t buy all this stuff about economic or environmental collapse. We’re being warned of these things constantly by people who, 999 times out of 1000, derive a clear political or professional benefit from scaring us.

But there is an interesting historical phenomenon at work here. One hundred, two hundred years ago science-fiction utopias and grand visions of a paradisical future were common: the future was depicted as something to be desired, something to work forwards to with urgency and ardour. Now, it is being increasingly portrayed as something to avoid, something terrifying or at the very least miserable and disappointing.

]]> By: Adrien http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572098 Adrien Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:27:49 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572098 In that event does Donal Trump get to keep his wig or should we burn that too? Should we burn it anyway? While he's still wearing it? In that event does Donal Trump get to keep his wig or should we burn that too? Should we burn it anyway? While he’s still wearing it?

]]> By: Pavlov's Cat http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572096 Pavlov's Cat Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:24:36 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572096 <blockquote>What’s going to happen to all those books about gritty decaying Dickensian cities once we’re all actually living in one?</blockquote> Well, I shall be burning mine for heat, and no you may not sit near the fire. It's mine, I tell you, mine.

What’s going to happen to all those books about gritty decaying Dickensian cities once we’re all actually living in one?

Well, I shall be burning mine for heat, and no you may not sit near the fire. It’s mine, I tell you, mine.

]]> By: Adrien http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-572082 Adrien Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:02:10 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-572082 <i>What’s going to happen to all those books about gritty decaying Dickensian cities once we’re all actually living in one?</i> . It stops being speculative fiction and becomes social realism? :) What’s going to happen to all those books about gritty decaying Dickensian cities once we’re all actually living in one?
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It stops being speculative fiction and becomes social realism? :)

]]> By: Lowly Clerk + Mucker-out, in Piratickal Ladies Employ http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-571942 Lowly Clerk + Mucker-out, in Piratickal Ladies Employ Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:13:37 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-571942 Recently demoted from HRO (PL). Thanks very much lads! Yes, it was the botty s** that did for me. I mean, the talk of it, not the doing. Fearful tongue-lashing from a Pirate Lady. Don't snigger. 'Twas not pleasant. 'Twas not the sort of tongue ...... No, I must NOT descend to reverie. There are cutlasses to sharpen, floors to sweep, muck to tip, fires to tend. I hated HR, really I did. Shameful acts I saw and did, them so rotten as ye'd not credit. Recently demoted from HRO (PL). Thanks very much lads! Yes, it was the botty s** that did for me. I mean, the talk of it, not the doing. Fearful tongue-lashing from a Pirate Lady. Don’t snigger. ‘Twas not pleasant. ‘Twas not the sort of tongue ……

No, I must NOT descend to reverie. There are cutlasses to sharpen, floors to sweep, muck to tip, fires to tend.

I hated HR, really I did. Shameful acts I saw and did, them so rotten as ye’d not credit.

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-571939 David Rubie Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:10:04 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-571939 FDB wrote: <blockquote>What happens up the mizzenmast, stays up the &c &c</blockquote> Oi, That's dirty joke shipmate. Nobody has mentioned booty carvin' yet. What'll be my share o' the booty? Or will we be castin' lots at booty call? FDB wrote:

What happens up the mizzenmast, stays up the &c &c

Oi, That’s dirty joke shipmate.

Nobody has mentioned booty carvin’ yet. What’ll be my share o’ the booty? Or will we be castin’ lots at booty call?

]]> By: Sloop Doggy Dogg http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-571934 Sloop Doggy Dogg Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:04:03 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-571934 So THAT'S who ate up all of my grits! While I share not his distaste for the act, I agree with DR that any more talk of botty sex is likely to earn us a stern admonition from Kimberella. Me first! So THAT’S who ate up all of my grits!

While I share not his distaste for the act, I agree with DR that any more talk of botty sex is likely to earn us a stern admonition from Kimberella. Me first!

]]> By: David Rubie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/comment-page-1/#comment-571927 David Rubie Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:54:05 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/12/03/speculative-fiction-and-the-nature-of-the-current-crisis/#comment-571927 Having been undone by ladies lashes in the past, I prefer the leather kind but not needed on contract. No further comment on playing on the poop deck, lest ye want a lashing yerself. Them cabin boys will not be required in me bunk, just reg'lar subscriptions to "Pirate Queen Esquire" and occasional shore leave in suitably squalid ports'o'call. Now hoist up your John B Sail, see how the mainsail sets... Having been undone by ladies lashes in the past, I prefer the leather kind but not needed on contract. No further comment on playing on the poop deck, lest ye want a lashing yerself. Them cabin boys will not be required in me bunk, just reg’lar subscriptions to “Pirate Queen Esquire” and occasional shore leave in suitably squalid ports’o'call. Now hoist up your John B Sail, see how the mainsail sets…

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