Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Anti-Racist Statements

Whether or not this was his intention, I think that Poul Anderson did in fact make two very powerful anti-racist statements in his Technic History. 

First, although he had originally introduced the Merseians as standard sf pulp villains, he later presented the integration of beings of Merseian descent into the political and economic life of the human colony planet, Dennitiza. See:

Dennitzan Cultural Blending

A Powerful Anti-Racist Statement By Poul Anderson

Khyrwhedin

When Dominic Flandry and Kossara Vymezal enter the Dennitzan Parliament as part of an ychani (Merseian) demonstration and delegation, Flandry knows that his only certain ally in the Parliament is Merseian by descent.

Secondly, Anderson introduced the Ythrians as primarily alien and different: flying carnivores, therefore territorial, therefore possibly waging a war for territory. Surprisingly, Avalonian Ythrians welcome large numbers of human beings, flying with antigravity belts, into full membership of choths. If there was ever any opposition to such recruitment, then it has been left far behind between instalments.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Kaor, Paul!

Or, just as likely, it's possible not all choths on Avalon accepted human recruits or members.

Ad astra! Sean