Changing the world through (fan-)fiction
Paul '@pjf' Fenwick http://lca2018.linux.org.au/schedule/presentation/131/ Fiction exists to entertain its audience, but it is also fundamental to shaping the evolution of society itself. Much fiction is based around the concept of new ideas; movies like The Matrix had us consider whether our world was a simulation, and the contemporary Westworld has sparked many a discussion about consciousness and personhood. Yet fiction gives us something even more compelling, and more powerful, than merely exploring new ideas; it gives us stories about how to live our lives. Popular fiction provides society with scripts on what to expect, how to act, what's important in life, how to form relationships, what to aspire to, and commentary and scaffolding on almost every other part of our lives. Intertwined with this has been the long, long tradition of writing fan-fiction; using an existing story or world to expand, explore, or re-invent. Disney solidly highlighted the power of fan-fiction by creating animated films that re-interpret fairy tales that were already familiar to audiences. Modern fan-fiction—while sometimes occupying a niche role—has taken this even further; and is now a powerful vehicle for the exploration of new concepts and ways of living our lives. The creation of fan content also provides an important entry-point for many people—especially young women—into technical skills including programming, front-end development, media editing, and content management. We'll examine how current attitudes towards fan-content are directly damaging to diversity in the tech industry, and society as a whole. A reading list and further resources will be provided for those wishing to learn more. This talk was given at Linux.conf.au 2018 (LCA2018) which was held on 22-26 January 2018 in Sydney Australia. linux.conf.au is a conference about the Linux operating system, and all aspects of the thriving ecosystem of Free and Open Source Software that has grown up around it. Run since 1999, in a different Australian or New Zealand city each year, by a team of local volunteers, LCA invites more than 500 people to learn from the people who shape the future of Open Source. For more information on the conference see https://linux.conf.au/ #linux.conf.au #linux #foss #opensource
Paul '@pjf' Fenwick http://lca2018.linux.org.au/schedule/presentation/131/ Fiction exists to entertain its audience, but it is also fundamental to shaping the evolution of society itself. Much fiction is based around the concept of new ideas; movies like The Matrix had us consider whether our world was a simulation, and the contemporary Westworld has sparked many a discussion about consciousness and personhood. Yet fiction gives us something even more compelling, and more powerful, than merely exploring new ideas; it gives us stories about how to live our lives. Popular fiction provides society with scripts on what to expect, how to act, what's important in life, how to form relationships, what to aspire to, and commentary and scaffolding on almost every other part of our lives. Intertwined with this has been the long, long tradition of writing fan-fiction; using an existing story or world to expand, explore, or re-invent. Disney solidly highlighted the power of fan-fiction by creating animated films that re-interpret fairy tales that were already familiar to audiences. Modern fan-fiction—while sometimes occupying a niche role—has taken this even further; and is now a powerful vehicle for the exploration of new concepts and ways of living our lives. The creation of fan content also provides an important entry-point for many people—especially young women—into technical skills including programming, front-end development, media editing, and content management. We'll examine how current attitudes towards fan-content are directly damaging to diversity in the tech industry, and society as a whole. A reading list and further resources will be provided for those wishing to learn more. This talk was given at Linux.conf.au 2018 (LCA2018) which was held on 22-26 January 2018 in Sydney Australia. linux.conf.au is a conference about the Linux operating system, and all aspects of the thriving ecosystem of Free and Open Source Software that has grown up around it. Run since 1999, in a different Australian or New Zealand city each year, by a team of local volunteers, LCA invites more than 500 people to learn from the people who shape the future of Open Source. For more information on the conference see https://linux.conf.au/ #linux.conf.au #linux #foss #opensource