Are Religious People Scared of Speculative Fiction?

So this question was sparked by a discussion I had today with a black co-worker, who said he had not watched the last few Kanye West videos because of the "devil worshiping theme." I of course said, "huh?" Then he proceeded to explain how the "phoenix" the pagan god on Kanye's chain (the Egyptian Horus) and the women with horns were all Satanic.

I'd just write him off as a bit extremist (tho' dude listens to gun-hyping 50 Cent without concern), except there's a small but growing faction of black people online who actually think Kanye does worship the devil--because of the elements in his videos that many of us would associate and even *applaud* as speculative fiction (magical realism, etc.). Some black pastors have even set up websites.

This isn't the first time I've encountered this kind of spec fiction-phobia from fellow black folks. I've gotten wide-eyed negative reactions when I mention a story I've written with orishas, or vodun, or Egyptian gods, or anything relating to magic/mysticism. I was even once warned that writing these things might "invite" the devil into me (wouldn't that make an awesome story!).

Now of course, black folks don't have a market on this. The Harry Potter series brought out book burners of all hues who saw its "witchy" spells as indoctrinating children into the occult. I have a good friend who has not let her 10 yr old daughter ever read or watch a Harry Potter movie---tho' she herself admits, guiltily, to reading those Twilight vamp books.

As creators of spec fiction, is this a problem or theme anyone else has noticed in engaging some black folks with your work? Have any potential readers been turned off by the fantastic or magical, based on their religious beliefs? Ever been accused of consorting with nebulous otherworldly bad guys? And how do you deal with it? Just curious...

Forums

Are Religious People Scared of Speculative Fiction?

Replies