Through the last fifty years or so, there has been a steady increase of interest and popularity in the fictional realm that we call Science Fiction, known by its followers as Sci-fi. In my reference to Sci-fi, I not only include written works but also all forms of Sci-fi observance. This can include other forms of media like movies or video games, and even include dressing up for conventions. These particularly devoted followers have also become known by a unique title once used to represent social rejects and unpopular people, but are now pretty much the coolest individuals in the world. These followers are called nerds, and their passion for Sci-fi is often times a rather significant quality in their lives. Sci-fi may become such an important part of one’s life that often society will see a truly devoted nerd and deem him or her as a waster. Deeming them too enveloped in childish imaginations as to waste his or her life away on the foolish pastime of Sci-fi. Well if you are one of those who believes that Sci-fi is a ridiculous hobby meant for little children and not for adults, then this paper is for you. By the end of this paper I hope to show you the error of your ways in not believing the importance of Sci-fi and to prove the essential nature that it has come to play in the lifestyle of our day.

There are many who would hold the title nerd as a negative quality and believe Sci-fi to be a foolish pastime of children, but oh how wrong they are. Despite the many so called “intellectuals” who scoff at Sci-fi and put it off as ridiculous nonsense, Sci-fi lives on. Even the many parents who deny their children an opportunity to delve into Sci-fi have not brought an end to it. Consistent harassment like, “stop with those childish fantasies,” or, “when will you grow up and get a real life,” has not discouraged my fellow nerd brothers and sisters to forego their passions. In fact it is only getting stronger and more prominent in today’s society.

Some ask, “What is so great about Sci-fi that has people so enthralled in it?” There are varying answers to this question depending on individual interest but the all-encompassing truth is that Sci-Fi rocks beyond all belief! Where else can people escape this life of drudgery that we have and discover the mysteries of an expansive universe? Life in Sci-fi is not inhibited by practicality or accepted propriety. The girl, too shy to talk to that cute boy, can become an explorer of galaxies undiscovered by human kind. Or the quiet boy that no one knows can become the one person on the entire planet with the power to save humanity from galactic destruction, and then become the hero of our world. Even that kid always bullied and picked on by the jocks, that give him wedgies, steal his lunch money, and make him do their homework, can become the enslaver of entire alien races, ruling with a savagery that makes him a man feared by all who hear his name.

The imagination does not end with the transition into adulthood though. Some may choose to forget the fantasies and dreams of their childhood and “grow up,” but most will continue on in the life of glory and adventure offered by Sci-fi, and why should they not. We are all familiar with the monotony and stress associated with the rigors of being an adult. While “normal” adults would turn to boring means of respite like alcoholism or gambling, we nerds are able to use our more evolved imaginations to escape into worlds filled with thrill and excitement. I will not deny that it can be difficult at times to do this. It seems that ever more frequently there is some chore or work that steps in the path between nerds and their passions. I do consent that there is some need for moderation so that the works of life can be performed, but those needs do not qualify for a total revoke to Sci-fi observance. Those truly committed will always find time to build and cultivate their alter egos. Whether it is in the form of reading the next book in the massive Star Wars saga, or on the battlefield of two rival Space Marine clans, or even in a massive convention hall dressed as your favorite Federation Starfleet officer, you cannot be as completely and totally awesome in this world as you can be in the world of Sci-fi.

My own personal experience gives a good perspective to why Sci-fi has been important to me. When I was about ten, my family moved to a place that could be considered by most as the sticks. We lived so far out that we were using dial-up internet—imagine that, dial-up internet in our day. Now I am an outdoors kind of guy, but when your closest friend is a good 40 miles away and you’ve memorized every tree within a two mile radius, it can get kind of boring. But for my respite I had video games for entertainment. And there was no better game than the most awesome first person shoot, HALO!

Halo of course is just one example of the vast industry which sci-fi brings to the market. When considering the much longer sagas that have been produced through Star Trek, and of course the most excellent and best Sci-fi work ever, Star Wars, there is no doubt that a Sci-fi free world would mean disaster for the whole planet. I mean seriously, what would we do when aliens begin to attack our planet. If we never had Sci-fi to teach us how we could possibly fight back to defend ourselves then we would be doomed. Or how to survive the apocalypse when a freak strain of virus begins to turn all human life into zombies. I guarantee you that the first people to go are going to be all of those who laughed at Sci-Fi and thought it some stupid kid fantasy. Well you won’t be laughing anymore since then you will only be a slobbering, walking disease with a scrambled egg for a brain.