London lability - Loncon3

I have been astonished at Loncon3 by the number of transformational talks and events included in the programme. They question the assumptions made about cultural identity and (for me) norms as identified by my family and culturally milieu

Image by SM Jenkin
London by night, near East India DLR 

To be honest it has involved a lot of thought to question a number of these, but environments such as loncon3 have given me a chance to question this safely,  without hurting others or making myself an object of ridicule. 

London has always (has it?) been on the forefront of these dialogues, chosen or forced. This is merely part of a continuing dialogue started (who knows when). But the point I an trying to explore is this...

Attitudes in London adapts and change. Is this part of the traditional British gentleness regarding identity or part of the international absorption of cities to form a cultural melange..  a global village. What do you think? Does this reflect your experience?

The PEN of HG wells

Audrey Niffenegger spoke at Loncon3, for the inaugural PEN /  HG Wells lecture. PEN is an international association of writers, and it works to promote friendship and cooperation,  as well as freedom of expression. Their HG Wells lecture will showcase visionary and independent thinking in the tradition of Well's own work.

Pen

Ms Niffenegger chose as her inspiration the short story The Door in the wall to explore the tensions between (freedom of) thought, solitude and action/public life and activity. It is hoped that a transcript will be available soon, either from a national newspaper or the PEN website.

One specific idea of note was that:
Science fiction  can predict, but it is most powerful when it tells the truth

This has been reflected in a number of the discussions at Loncon3,  positing the idea of science/speculative fiction as transformational/ having the capacity to challenge the status quo. It has been a thought provoking and full programme so far.

Does this potential for transformation in science and.speculative fiction reflect your experience of it, as writer or reader, or does the need to make a living wage diminish this potential?

Image sourced from morguefile