Obsessions with the Fantasy & Sci-Fi genre

[Sensi Star]

Based on depictions of INTPs along with personal observations, it seems we have a proclivity towards Fantasy and (unrealistic) Sci-Fi media. Examples are Star Wars/Trek, Superman/Batman, Anime, comic books, etc.

Well, I am a textbook INTP and I just don't get it. I have never been entertained by this genre. It all just seems so silly. I can't see what fascinates people so much about this kind of stuff.

I do like realistic fiction however. I am most drawn to deep, analytical reflections of the real world, which may explain this opinion. Maybe I am just too practical and uncreative to appreciate it.

Could it be that this genre's abundance of super-human characteristics provides a cathartic compensation for the short-coming of INTPs, such as the INTP experiencing these privileges vicariously? Could someone explain what the allure is?

 

[DannyBoy]

I hate sci-fi..

 

[Cogwulf]

Lots of people like sci-fi and comics.
I don't think any more INTPs like star trek or batman than any other type does.
I'm sure however that INTPs like "proper" sci-fi, things like Arthur C Clarke and Stephen Baxter more than other types do.

On the other hand, I'm guessing the "deep analytical reflections of the real world" that you read aren't the sort of books that the majority of people would read either.

INTPs don't prefer any one genre, they just prefer quality of writing.

 

[Jesse]

I like fantasy and some sci-fi stuff. I think it has to escapism as a kid but as I get older I look for writing with deeper issues or intense character studies. I have read some historical fiction stuff but it doesn't interest me as much mostly because I gt so interested with the actual events instead of the characters or story of the book.

 

[Architect]

Just having a type doesn't lock your interests down.

I love sci-fi and fantasy. I read Lord of The Rings probably 50 times, had to stop because basically have it memorized.

On the other hands INTP's generally like puzzle games, but I don't. Never saw the point, never played much chess or anything. Don't know why that is, I just feel it's a waste of time.

 

[SpaceYeti]

I like sci-fi and fantasy because it doesn't really limit your imagination. Anything can happen. As long as it's internally consistent, everything and anything's allowable. The real world is limited by it's physical properties. Fantastic realities are not. Or, at least, you can make up whatever kind of physical properties you want, anyhow.

 

[descendant]

I like sci-fi and fantasy too
sometimes it make me think that they're really possible and I would try to learn more about the underlying theory that made up the story

 

[Cavallier]

Wait. What's "unrealistic" about Star Wars?

 

[Zionoxis]

I have always had a deep entertainment of fantasy. I don't know that I take a liking to sci-fi as much though. For me, I still search for a deeper storyline than the obvious. An example is that though many claimed Inception to be a deep movie, I considered it slightly better than the rest of Hollywood crap. I think INTP's in general prefer something that at least provides them with some sort of mental challenge.

I guess I will have to turn back to books soon to quench my thirst for real stories. Movies just don't seem to do it for me anymore. I want something that isn't completely predictable and may actually have the character be human thoughts and feelings. I just have to be thankful that people as a whole are much more complicated than Hollywood portrays them to be.

 

[AnAudienceMember]

well i always enjoy a good well-written, sci-fi/fantasy. i enjoy Sci-Fi a slight more because it takes the technology in our world and builds on top of it. also aliens! wit fantisy... there seems to be a set, set of creatures (centaurs, faeries, elves, ect. new ones come in every one in a while but not enough for anyone to take notice) whereas in sic-fi you cant take an alien that has already been used, you get your ass sued off!

also the fact that something in relation to Sci-fi has the possibility of actually existing someday!

 

[SpaceYeti]

Wait. What's "unrealistic" about Star Wars?

That smilie indicates a joke, right?

 

[Cavallier]

Could be. What does this indicate?

In all seriousness I love science fiction but could never bring myself to sit through an entire episode of Star Trek or a single one of the Star Wars movies. I prefer Arther C. Clarke and the ilk. I enjoy science fiction and fantasy because it allows the author to be creative without the restrictive fetters of loftier genres.

 

[Thoughtful]

I do like realistic fiction however. I am most drawn to deep, analytical reflections of the real world, which may explain this opinion. Maybe I am just too practical and uncreative to appreciate it.

So what you're saying is, you do like Sci-fi, and fantasy, but 99% of authors in the genres are unable to suspend your disbelief. Am I correct?

 

[Melkor]

I only like historical fiction, obviously.

Anything else lacks fact and thus must be burned or destroyed.

 

[Jesse]

What about hard science fiction? Or is that the same as lying and therefore must be burned and sent to Christian hell.

 

[stig]

Sci-fi/Fantasy. I'm a pretty big fan of it, but I wouldn't say I've ever been obsessed with it.

Fantasy is less appealing now than it was when I was a kid, as the formula really gets repetitive after a few dozen reads. But what was initially appealing in the genre were probably the deep characterizations, exaggerated moral dilemmas, and the escape from a harsh reality into a more interesting, full, and balanced world. It's not unlike being locked in a cell (reality), and imagining what the world is like outside your cell window, I suppose.

Sci-fi is definitely still my favorite genre. A good sci-fi book not only has the same benefits I mentioned for the fantasy genre, but is chalk full of deep symbolism, explores the human mind far beyond most other genres, and can act as a metaphor for real life issues and cultural beliefs. It's all in the lack of limitations. Sci-fi has no limitations, and therefore allows the author full creative license to explore the bigger questions shackle free.

 

[Sensi Star]

Sci-fi/Fantasy. I'm a pretty big fan of it, but I wouldn't say I've ever been obsessed with it.

Fantasy is less appealing now than it was when I was a kid, as the formula really gets repetitive after a few dozen reads. But what was initially appealing in the genre were probably the deep characterizations, exaggerated moral dilemmas, and the escape from a harsh reality into a more interesting, full, and balanced world. It's not unlike being locked in a cell (reality), and imagining what the world is like outside your cell window, I suppose.

Sci-fi is definitely still my favorite genre. A good sci-fi book not only has the same benefits I mentioned for the fantasy genre, but is chalk full of deep symbolism, explores the human mind far beyond most other genres, and can act as a metaphor for real life issues and cultural beliefs. It's all in the lack of limitations. Sci-fi has no limitations, and therefore allows the author full creative license to explore the bigger questions shackle rafree.

This was perhaps the most helpful explanation. It seems the appeal lies in its escapism to offer some degree of respite from this cold-hard-reality, while simultaneously reflecting and symbolizing real world humanist themes.

I can certainly relate to the need for escapism as I too see reality as a prison. However, I indulge this need with film involving escapes and residences into the wilderness, preferably scenic and paradisaical (such as a lush rainforest). So I guess this is more of an escape into the more tolerable parts of this reality rather than into a new one.

 

[myexplodingcat]

I WRITE fantasy!

But I hate it when people think I'm just another Twilight freak... why does the idiot vampire want to hit on the idiot teenage girl? It maketh no senseth!

 

[SpaceYeti]

Fantasy's the shit to write. If I would stop writing erotica when I sit down to write, that's what I'd pump out instead.