Afrofuturism intertwines African diaspora culture with science and technology, envisioning future possibilities. It is gaining recognition in both academic and creative circles. At the forefront of this exploration is Tech, where scholars delve into the nuances of Afrofuturism, emphasizing its potential to reshape societal understandings of science, technology and race.
“Afrofuturism has been developing, especially in the United States and the West, but really throughout much of the world for the last 200 years,” said Dr. Lisa Yaszek, a national figure and Regents Professor of Science Fiction Studies at the Institute.
This genre has received significant public attention over the last fifty years, finding robust expression in films, video games and literature.
Yaszek’s path to becoming a prominent figure in the study of Afrofuturism reflects a deep engagement with science fiction, literature and a commitment to highlighting the voices and experiences of the African diaspora within these fields.
Her academic pursuits and personal interests naturally guided her toward Afrofuturism. With a background in American literature, her initial focus was on the intersections of science, technology and literature.
This interdisciplinary approach led her to explore how different voices and perspectives, particularly those marginalized in mainstream narratives, engage with current and past scientific and technological themes.
Yaszek offered a comprehensive explanation to define afrofuturism, “It’s a kind of literature that blends together the themes and techniques of the modern speculative genre science fiction, fantasy and horror, along with African and Afro diasporic cosmologies,” she said.
This blending serves not only to entertain but also to challenge societal assumptions, encouraging diverse visions of the future.
Highlighting the genre’s unique perspective, Yaszek emphasized that Afrofuturism is “definitely very much about speaking, Black and…
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