This weekend I presented at Boskone, a science fiction conference I really enjoy. Similar to its World Con cousin, Boskone brings together an eclectic group of scientists, writers, artists, musicians, and gamers. While Comic Cons are fun (you can’t beat the energy, cosplay, and merchandise!), Boskone brings an intellectual depth to the event that the big celebrity Cons lack.
I had the good fortune to moderate several panels this year. My favorite was titled Libraries and Archives in Speculative Fiction. Among other things, we talked about the evolution of information exchange and storage with the advent of the digital age, the role of libraries past and present, and how we can imagine storytelling in the future. At some point, we discussed how information, even blatantly false information, can be amplified quickly and exponentially in the modern age. How, then, do we meet this era of ‘fake news,’ and counter the idea that opinion is truth?
As a fiction writer, I am interested mainly in telling a good story. I explore topics through my characters and plot action that interest me. I hope my work is both entertaining and thought provoking. As a citizen, I feel a different responsibility, and that is to engage responsibly and authentically with the issues of the day.
My personal commitments include finding opportunities for thoughtful discussions at conferences, book clubs, and lectures, listening to experts in their fields, and taking time to fact-check sources before amplifying any particular piece of information. I will continue to stretch my own understanding, expose myself to differing perspectives, and recognize the difference between my opinion and fact.
Speaking something loudly enough doesn’t make it the truth. Our discussion at Boskone reinforced my commitment to participate responsibly in social discourse, and to remember, as someone who wields words for a living, the extraordinary power of words.
“The crisis we face about ‘truth’ and reliable facts is predicated less on the ability to get people to believe the wrong thing as it is on the ability to get people to doubt the right thing.” - Jamais Cascio