In these times of cynicism and despair, is 'hopepunk' the perfect antidote?
This morning I read a very encouraging article on the BBC Online. The author, David Robson, proposes that a new SF genre known as “Hopepunk” presents a positive alternative to the pervasive negativity in most modern fiction. He gives a few examples: The Martian, Lord of the Rings, Discworld, and surprisingly, The Handmaid’s Tale. I agree on at least two of those, but even though I haven’t read Atwood’s work, to me it seems a questionable choice. The one large body of work that is not mentioned, and to me epitomizes SF with positive outlooks, is anything by Robert J. Sawyer.
Even in his most recent work, “The Downloaded”, where the Earth is destroyed, the plot, intent, and outcome are positive. Yes, of course we have a plethora of problems. But that is even more reason to aim for the positive. With a positive perspective, one is likely to look for solutions instead of wailing “woe is me” and giving up.
When The Troubles descended on Northern Ireland, there were always those who aimed for a good future. The artist who painted the mural in the photo above did not give up. They painted a bright image to encapsulate the hope, the intent, of making a better future for their kids, and generations to come.
Most “classic” SF is more positive than not. The change to militarism, nihilism, and “grimdark” was, in retrospect, rapid. What was the cause? I don’t know, I’m pretty sure you don’t know, and I doubt anyone knows. Maybe the apocalyptic religious leaders poisoned culture with their expectations of imminent Armageddon. Maybe those of us who rejected that narrow interpretation of a certain fable got complacent. Maybe there really is a dark conspiracy. Although as we know, maintaining any secret plan when more than a handful of people are involved is a fool’s project.
In any case, I think it behooves those of good will to start speaking up. Challenge the nihilists. Confront religious fanatics of all stripes. Reject the fear-mongering politicians and their lackey media. Speak of the positive. Look for and expect the Light in others, not the dark. Publish stories of hope and adventure. Reject the slide into disaster. Build a glorious future, which will become a good present if we succeed.