Here are some of my thoughts on the subject of genre prejudice, specifically, why some individuals refuse to read SF:

1) Many readers associate science fiction exclusively with other media presentations of the genre, ie. Star Wars ( actually space opera ), Star Trek, Lost in Space, Red Dwarf, etc.

2) Some readers have read only one form of SF, a form they did not appreciate: militaristic SF, tech-oriented SF, sociological SF, or whatever.

3) Some readers have been exposed to bad SF, and, admittedly, there is a lot of it out there! Much of it is actually a mixture of fantasy and SF, or badly-outdated science.

4) Some have it in their heads that SF is only for kids, or nerds, or science geeks, or that SF is too sophisticated to be enjoyable.

While there may be a small kernel of truth in some of these prejudicial attitudes, all SF is not alike. I dare say the genre has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure, action, romance, enlightenment, or mystery. Remember the old saying: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Let’s tweak that to: Don’t judge a book by its genre.

Funny that I’ve never heard a single soul say, “Oh, I don’t read mysteries—or romances—or fantasy,” etc. Hmmm! More food for thought!

All for now,

MRTighe