There are very few answers to be found in speculative fiction, especially regarding the current crisis. But perhaps we can use speculative fiction as one of our tools to learn to ask better, more thoughtful questions. Clearly, it would be best if world leaders, in responding to the evils of September 11th, would ask themselves what their goals are and what consequences might accompany thoughtless action. It would also be good if we as world citizens could challenge and test our own assumptions and reactions to the tragedy. Each of us must be able to study and articulate our differing opinions of what the world response should be, with thoughtful reflection on the consequences of our action or inaction. We have a responsibility, as people living in a world in crisis, to contribute our ideas; how much better it would be if we have thought them over rationally, and explored their long-term impact. We are fortunate to have speculative fiction, a broad genre devoted to imagination and exploration, as a tool to help us discover our own answers.
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Chip Sudderth is senior development/PR editor for Strange Horizons. He thanks his friends at Turning Point for their advice and comments on this editorial.