Man vs Nature

           In the novel, "Solaris," by Stanisław Lem, a team of scientists aggressively try to force communication with a large, powerful alien creature to no avail. This forced communication and short-tempered method of scientific procedure is, of course, highly unauthorized along with traumatic for the creature they are "studying;" perhaps signifying how various advancements in humans' understanding of the natural world has come at the distress of it. Humans have been able to attain unimaginable power and influence both around the world and direct power to alter and control the world but at the cost of horribly scaring its ecosystems and lifeforms; similarly to the way the scientists in this work abuse their power and technology to advance humanity.

            Humanity's lack of cooperation with the natural world, instead choosing to subjugate or "domesticate" anything they can't or won't kill off completely, is explored to great lengths in this novel. The story presents another case of humans trying desperately to understand and bring another species into their domesticated collective, but with the twist that in this instance it is impossible for them to do so. This creature is simply too massive, independent, and powerful to be brought under boot by this collection of scientists, and instead flips the table unto these scientist through showing them their own greatest failures. Through showing how these characters end up facing their own harsh pasts after not being able to conquer this lifeforms, the novel holds a mirror up to our own reality, where massive climate change and world-wide extinctions are on the brink of happening almost on a yearly basis. The novel forces us to question what will happen when humanity is no longer able to just brute its way through other species in order to climb ahead the evolutionary ladder. What happens when a planet fights back?

Bloodchild in class questions

1. What was your reaction to the text?

I was pretty shocked by the graphic nature of the text, be it the vivid depictions of gutting animals and humans to the amount of detail describing the disgusting, gore soaked "worm" alien babies; the story defiantly wanted to graspe and hold onto the reader's attention. I was at first confused as to what kind of story this was, it seemed to have basic elements of science fiction, (aliens, different planet, etc) but upon reconsideration it appears like the focus really isn't on any of these or even the horror aspects of roping animals and people "from neck to anus;" more so focused upon the ideas of racial/species treatment found in the narrative. In this case the humans are subjective to the aliens of the text, and treated much in the same way we would treat a domesticated farm animal or even a slave. Humans of this world are meant to breed, do work, and die, all while being told they are living fulfilling lives and further made passive by heavy use of narcotics to keep them dumb and unacting. I found the story's ability to deliver shocking graphic depictions, a mysterious atmosphere, and themes of racial treatment all at once to be truly spectacular!




2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the story with which you were able to connect?

Initially confused, then for a part of it all horrified, I think that I now see the themes behind the gore and strange "customs" described in the story. I mostly saw the story as a series of themes relating to how varies ethnic minorities or civilizations have been treated by more dominate civilizations throughout the centuraries. Be it Africans in colonial America or Mexicans in modern America, an unfortunate amount of "ugliness" has occurred between the dominant and minor races. White slave owners would impregnate and/or sell their slaves all while keeping them ignorrent of survival and living skills to keep them and their children as dependent upon a "caring master" as possible; all the while claiming saintness over their "property," the same way the aliens depicted in this story do so with humans.


3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium and what changes would you choose?

I would think this story could be turned into a science fiction television series, mostly due to its overarching themes of racial tensions and histories but carrying elements of science fiction as well; both very popular and relevant to modern audiences. Especially with many shows being able to get away with graphic depictions or controversial storylines by being exclusively offered by select services like Netflix or Hulu, we would be able to show every last detail of the authors original story without worry if networks claiming it to be too graphic. We would have to probably expand upon the story in order to translate it into a mini-series while still keeping it open ended, (much like its original "ending") to leave open the possibility for full series possibilities or maybe even a movie.

 All in all though, this story could use a few updates in terms of science fiction elements, while the much calmer, somewhat realistic nature this story takes upon science fiction is good, I do feel modern audience would prefer sormthing more "flashy." Possibly relocating the story from alien farm/country land to sprawling alien city, (still keeping the main point of humans being slaves and all) would keep the original values and themes of the story while also making it visually interesting for audiences.

I Am Human

                The story of "Lilith's Brood," written by the author Octavia Butler, tells of a world where humans own self destructive tendencies have lead to an apocalyptic landscape with little hope for the future. The book introduces aliens who agree to help the humans restore their society but only if they are willing to breed with the aliens who are fascinated by the humans' "skill in cancer." Throughout the book various groups of humans give commentary and commitments that explore themes of race and gene science, touching upon a multitude of various areas. In some instances the idea of cross genetics with the aliens seems entirely positive, they are more advanced than humans and can selectively choose and remove traits; however some groups find this to be unnatural and strive to prevent this selection of future traits. 

               These selective genetic aliens remind me of all of the new advancements in genetic research and development being made yearly by biologists around the world; domestic animals are specifically breed in order to be most useful to humans, what happens when people decide to build every aspect of other humans as well? Surly some aspects of selective genetics is great, a world without physical deformities or mental handicaps, but what would happen if individuals decided to make their own vision of a "perfect" being? Especially in the real world where certain genetic traits like high intelligence, naturally advantageous muscular/bone structure or even sexual preference is scrutinized and debated upon heavily by the masses; a book that throws the absolute extreme of handpicking genetics is exhilarating to say the least.

                While reading the book I'll admit to never being particularly invested in yet another alien science fiction story, but the themes I found within the novel were especially interesting. The authors ability to create a (mostly) open ended source for ideas about various themes concerning what makes a human, "human" are ingenious. While not the only author out there to explore selective genetics through the introduction of alien life or extreme technological advancement, I can give the author credit for making this variant upon the themes exciting and attention grabbing at every turn. If you've ever questioned what makes you, "you," then please, explore "Lilith's Brood."