Models of Identity in Science Fiction - Call for Papers

Call For Papers: Models of Identity in Science Fiction

International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts

Orlando, FL March 19-23, 2008


We live in a world where identity is an increasingly complex issue. As our awareness of ethnic, gendered, and class-based identity (among others) increases, our understanding of how these fit together must also change. Whenever we encounter those different from ourselves, we are forced to come to terms with this difference and incorporate it into our world view in some way.


Characters in science fiction, however, encounter the ultimate versions of “the other” in alien creatures and species. As a result, issues of identity construction and difference are of particular importance in these texts, and they must present ever more intricate schemes for making sense of an existence that is both increasingly multicultural and multispecies.

Encountering these “ultimate others” requires not just a greater degree of acceptance but a revision of identity as a general concept. What does it mean to be an individual when you are surrounded sentient computers, alien species, and cyborgs? In these cases, the very existence of and relationship between existing categories and concepts must change.


This panel will focus on how identity is constructed, particularly in the “big picture” sense: in terms of organizational schemes, theories of identity, and models for interaction. A variety of approaches and subjects are welcome, but possible paper topics could include:

cyborgs
cyberpunk
network theory
postmodernism


Please send a 100-200 abstract and a brief bio to mike.dubose@utoledo.edu by October 29th.


Mike S. DuBose
http://themikedubose.blogspot.com/
"too bad Baudrillard isn't around anymore. I hope somebody had the foresight to cryogenically freeze his head" --D. Heckman