A Bad Town for Spacemen

"A Bad Town for Spacemen" by Robert Scott is a science fiction short story originally published in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a dystopian future where returning space pioneers face hostility and resentment from the inhabitants of Earth. This work explores themes of alienation and racial tension stemming from societal changes in response to the advancements in space travel and the implications for those who venture beyond. The protagonist, a spaceman who has returned from a successful mission, finds himself confronting a new and hostile environment in New York. Once a place of admiration for space travelers, the city is now marked by disdain and violence as locals express their anger and frustration towards those who have ventured out to other planets. The plot centers on an encounter between the protagonist and a hostile patron in a bar, where the former's pride in his accomplishments is met with bitterness rooted in racial and societal prejudices. This encounter serves as a catalyst for the protagonist to reflect on the changing dynamics of Earth and to recognize that the real exiles are those who cannot adapt to the new world brought about by space exploration. Ultimately, the story highlights the complexities of progress and the human emotions that accompany societal evolution.