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