Planetary Exile: From Aliens to Otherness

 WEEK 9

    Ramzi Fawaz traverses through the intersection of science fiction, queer theory, and social activism in American culture through his book “Space, That Bottomless Pit.” The book examines how science fiction has been used by queer writers and artists to imagine alternative futures and challenge existing power structures that perpetuate social inequality. He explores how science fiction has provided a space for queer creators to envision new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

    Through the film Alien (1979) Fawaz relates it to Space is the Place and Brother from Another Planet and how signs of black, queer, and woman are ‘policed’ in those movies but ‘implode’ in Alien. He also draws on themes of planetary exile through black science fiction works and how they intertwine through these films. The theme of planetary exile has been used to explore the experiences of black people who have been historically marginalized and oppressed by colonialism and other forms of systemic violence. By using science fiction to imagine new worlds and possibilities, black writers have been able to challenge dominant narratives of power and to imagine alternative futures that center the experiences of marginalized groups. The character of Ripley can also be seen as representing the experience of planetary exile. Ripley is forced to confront the dangers of the alien creature and navigate the challenges of surviving on an unfamiliar planet. Her character embodies the resilience and resourcefulness that is often necessary for those who are forced to live in exile.

    In terms of queer identity, some interpretations of Alien suggest that the film represents certain anxieties around sexuality and gender. The creature in the film, for example, has been read as a metaphor for the fear of sexual violation or penetration, while the character of Ash, has been interpreted as a representation of repressed homosexuality. Additionally, some have pointed to the film's exploration of the concept of "the other" as a potential allegory for queerness. The alien is portrayed as a foreign and dangerous presence that threatens the safety and stability of the ship and its crew, which some argue can be read as a commentary on the fear and ostracization faced by queer individuals in society.