Our Opinions Are Correct

Some science fiction books are still fascinating after 200 years, while others make us wince after just a decade on the shelf. What makes an SF book stay relevant? Hint: it's not the book's ability to predict the future. Your hosts Annalee Newitz and Charlie Jane Anders talk about the themes and ideas that make books last, and offer lots of suggestions for your summer reading lists! Show notes: www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/shownotes

There's something distinctly science fictional about how Facebook has been used by governments, politicians, and private companies to manipulate people's perceptions--and even affect the outcomes of elections. In this episode, we talk about how science fiction stories from 1984 to They Live deal with the idea of digital propaganda. Often, stories about propaganda merge with stories about mind control. Indeed, the concept of psychological warfare was invented by a science fiction author, while he was working for the US military. What does scifi tell us about how propaganda works, and how we can stop it? Show notes: www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/shownotes

Join authors Charlie Jane Anders and Annalee Newitz to explore storytelling, science, and cultural meaning in science fiction. In our first episode, we discuss the inaugural season of Star Trek: Discovery. Is Michael Burnham the greatest hero? Why did we have to stay in the Mirror Universe so long? How does this show fit into the Star Trek pantheon? Is there too much fan service in this series? What is a Klingducken and why do we care? All these questions and more will be answered, or at least asked, and possibly mocked. Show notes: www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/shownotes