Lilith's Brood Response

Reading, Lilith’s Brood, I was left with many unanswered questions regarding society and moral. For one thing, it seems some form of sexual violence is present within this story. It seems to be a metaphor of rape as it portrays human-Oankali interaction. Did Oankali force humans into the gene trade? Were their actions as a group morally defensible? And, were the principles of consent violated by the Oankali? What lead me to think about these things was an article, We Get to Live, and so do They, by Thomas Foster. I wanted to understand more about this trilogy, therefore, I researched more about it and other’s opinions on Octavia Butler’s writings. When the Oankali came to Earth, it was during a time that humanity was on the verge of being destroyed. And, as the Oankali arrived, it was known that they had enough knowledge about the humankind, enough to be attracted to them. While on the verge of destruction, the Oankali couldn’t discuss the merits of a gene trade with humans, therefore consent was not given. In the end the Oankali saved the human species from what could have been the end of humankind. The Oankali couldn’t save humankind without entering into a trade relationship. Not in the cleanest way for engagement but in a relationship, the Oankali did no wrongdoing, considering they created the Mars colony and allowed the human species the chance to continue independently.   

            I thought this was an interesting way to look at the triology and thought it could be a good discussion about morals. Was it okay that the Oankali gene traded without consent in order to save humankind

Snow Crash Response

Snow Crash was a really great read, in my opinion. I loved the comparison and the possibility of science fiction as fiction. I loved the deadpan humor Stephenson keeps in the story, because for me, it kept the story smooth and an easy read considering it’s a science related story (something I don’t typically choose to read). I thought it was so interesting how Stephenson viewed the future, such as there being one world (America) full of suburbia, all identical and the government is so small yet still inefficient. And to think of the internet as something completely different, Metaverse, in which you can access a virtual world as an avatar, however you want to look. To me, it’s not too far off of where the internet is heading in real life. From games like, The Sims, in which is being considered to become a free/open world gameplay for its 5^th installment, it’s very similar to what Stephenson wrote about in terms of the Metaverse. It’s almost crazy to think that a science fiction story can be so relatable in terms of where our world is heading today. I also really appreciated the character development in this story and the fact that every character crosses paths at some point. To me, having every character interact at some point without knowing too much of every person’s interests or loyalties, it keeps the suspense of the story and really brings the reader in to be fully invested in each character’s storyline. Although, my only critique of this story was the lack of development within the virus, such as I wanted to know more, like, what is, how it came about and what danger comes with it? I think Stephenson focused too much on explaining what exactly it is that he loses it and it’s hardly a conflict. But to me, especially now when reading this story, it would have been a really interesting idea to discuss. However, Stephenson’s descriptions of what the world has come to, was compelling enough and had me fully invested for the entire read. I love that he balances between his dead pan humor and making a social comment, combining something serious with some type of humor to cope. The story may at times fall apart because of time and it being maybe too simple or too predictable, although for me it was still an exciting read!