Aptly named the Science Fiction and Fantasy Club (SFFC), the organization was created in November 2001 by co-chairs Raquel Cardona '04 and Peter Bulmer '04 to provide a forum for the lovers of these genres. "We thought that there wasn't an organized or respected science fiction representation at Amherst," Bulmer said. "This will be an opportunity for people who love science fiction, or are just curious about it, to come together."
The club has only had a few meetings thus far but all have been well attended. "It's becoming a very discussion-oriented club," Cardona said. "People get excited to talk about different aspects of science fiction and the ideas that come up."
The SFFC plans to do more than just debate the social issues that arise from Ted William's Otherland. Beginning this semester, the club's activities will include bi-weekly film screenings (with movies ranging from "Back to the Future" to "Pi"), science fiction card-playing meetings and lectures by local science fiction, fantasy and folklore authors. The SFFC will also be a connection between Amherst students and the Five College Science Fiction Convention, and plans to send students to the tournaments that the convention holds.
But why do people love this genre so much? "I like the idea and the study of science in fiction," Cardona said. "Plus, it comes up with cool ideas-it's a philosophy, really. It models society's problems and points them out in subtle ways."
"Good science fiction talks about important issues in a more fun manner. It portrays our world in a really interesting way and it shows where we might end up in the future," Bulmer said.