The setting of a science fiction story can be a vehicle for propaganda. A post - apocalyptic world where only the strong survive might be promoting a survival - of - the - fittest ideology. Or a story set in a space - faring civilization that values exploration above all else could be propaganda for the importance of exploration and discovery in real - life human society.
One common form is the glorification of technology. Science fiction often shows advanced technology as the key to solving all problems, which can be a form of propaganda for a tech - centric view. Another form is the promotion of certain social structures. For example, a story might depict a hierarchical society as the most stable and efficient, thus promoting that type of social order.
In science fiction, character archetypes can be used for propaganda. The heroic scientist who single - handedly saves the world is a common trope. This promotes the idea that science and scientists are the ultimate saviors. Also, the way alien races are portrayed can be propaganda. If an alien race is always shown as evil and a threat, it can be a way to promote a sense of unity and fear - mongering among the human characters in the story.
One common form is the hope for technological utopia. Writers often imagine technologies that can make life easier, like teleportation or instant food replicators. These ideas give the sense that we can solve all our material problems.
Telepathy is common. It enables direct mental communication between characters. Then there are high - tech gadgets like wrist - mounted communicators. And of course, there are often alien forms of communication that are unique to different species in science fiction universes.
One common form is the estrangement of space. Sci - fi often features strange new planets or dimensions. For instance, in 'Star Trek', different planets have diverse ecosystems, cultures, and species. This spatial estrangement forces the characters and the audience to adapt to new and unfamiliar settings.
Propaganda in science fiction can be presented in various ways. For example, through the portrayal of certain ideologies within a fictional society. In some science fiction stories, the government in the fictional world might promote a particular way of thinking or a set of values as a form of propaganda. It could be about the superiority of a certain species or the benefits of a particular technological system.
One main form is the televised spectacle of the Hunger Games. It's broadcast across all districts, which makes it a large - scale propaganda tool for the Capitol. Another form is the use of the stylists to create distinct looks for the tributes, which can be used to send different messages about them. Also, the pre - Games interviews are a form of propaganda where the tributes are made to say things that can be used to manipulate public perception.
In some science fiction, there are psychic or telepathic forms of FTL travel. Characters use their mental powers to project themselves or communicate over vast distances instantaneously, which can be considered a form of FTL communication or travel in a sense.
One form is the high - speed magnetic levitation trains that are often depicted as being able to travel at extremely high speeds across vast distances. For example, in some cyberpunk - themed science fiction, these trains can zip through neon - lit cities. There are also anti - gravity buses that float above the streets, providing a unique form of mass transit. They might be powered by some advanced energy source like fusion or zero - point energy. And then there are the giant airships which are used for long - distance travel and can carry a large number of passengers, similar to the dirigibles of old but with much more advanced technology.
In science fiction, one common form is the cyborg. For example, in the 'Terminator' series, the Terminators are part machine and part humanoid. They have a mechanical endoskeleton covered with living tissue, which gives them a human - like appearance while possessing superhuman strength and abilities. Another form could be a human mind uploaded into a robotic body, like in some stories where a person's consciousness is transferred to a mechanical vessel to achieve immortality or enhanced physical capabilities.
Often, economic slavery is depicted. In science fiction, a powerful corporation or group might keep others in a state of slavery for financial gain. They are made to work long hours in factories or on dangerous missions. Also, there's the idea of genetic slavery. If a society values certain genetic traits, those without them could be enslaved, like in some dystopian sci - fi stories where the 'imperfect' are made to serve the 'perfect' genetically.
One common form is through false appearances. In many science - fiction stories, robots or androids might be made to look like humans. This is a form of a tangled web of deception as it misleads other characters into thinking they are interacting with a real human.