This paper examines metaphorical representations of alien invasion and Indigenous resistance, focusing on extractive (as opposed to settler) colonialism, the outsiders’ inability to recognise Indigenous life and culture, and the agency of non-human(oid) life.
Paper long abstract
Alien invasion has been a striking metaphor for colonial expansion since H G Wells drew on the Tasmanian genocide for War of The Worlds. This paper examines the ravages of imperial invasion on Indigenous peoples and cultures using the example from Star Trek Discovery of the Mycelian network, and the intervention and resistance of the JahSepp. Key focuses will be extractive (as opposed to settler) colonialism, the outsiders’ inability to recognise Indigenous life and culture, and the agency of non-human(oid) life.