Math and magic: Nnedi Okorafor's Binti trilogy and its challenge to the dominance of Western science in science fiction. Issue 4 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burger, Bettina
• Is Part Of: Critical studies in media communication. Volume 37:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 364
• Page End: 377
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Africanfuturism -- Nnedi Okorafor -- science fiction -- Binti -- multi-species entanglements; Mass media -- Periodicals; 302.2305
• DOI: 10.1080/15295036.2020.1820540
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1529-5036

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nnedi Okorafor's Binti series (2015–2017) weaves advanced mathematics, multi-species entanglements, and futuristic modes of communication into Africanfuturist narratives; the series' devotion to mathematics in particular has even led to its inclusion into the Scientific American 's Math Reading Challenge 2020. This article sets out to analyze Binti 's depiction of mathematics as an almost magical skill that allows users actively to influence, shape and change their environment. Moreover, the article explores how Okorafor presents connections and communication systems between human and non-human agents, and the conglomeration of various identities—also spanning multiple species—within an individual, initially human, body. Both of these aspects in Binti's futuristic world are connected through their rootedness in African cultures, histories, and spiritualities, which marks Okorafor's work as a central work of African-inspired science fiction.