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Cover of Blind Spot

Blind Spot

Written by Bascom Jones

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Science FictionShort storiesMars (Planet)Martians

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About this book

"Blind Spot" by Bascom Jones, Jr. is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of a Martian settlement, the story explores themes of discrimination and social relations between Earthlings and Martians. The book delves into the complexities of interplanetary governance and the ramifications of societal prejudice as it unfolds in a futuristic setting. The narrative follows Johnny Stark, the director of Interplanetary Relations for Mars' Settlement One, as he navigates his professional responsibilities while grappling with personal dilemmas. Stark's life becomes increasingly complicated when he discovers tensions sparking from a Martian's discontent with the New System, an oppressive regime affecting both Martians and Earthlings. As Stark prepares to announce his engagement to Carol, the daughter of an influential leader, he faces the harsh reality of societal biases, culminating in a confrontation that forces him to confront his own blind spots regarding race and identity. Ultimately, the story weaves together personal aspirations and broader societal conflicts, making a poignant statement about equality and understanding in a divided world.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Blind Spot, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • thought-provoking
  • tense
  • social commentary

Bascom Jones, Jr.'s mid-20th century science fiction novella, "Blind Spot," transports readers to a Martian settlement grappling with deep-seated discrimination between Earthlings and Martians. The narrative centers on Johnny Stark, Mars's Director of Interplanetary Relations, whose professional duties intertwine with personal challenges as he prepares for his engagement to Carol, the daughter of a powerful leader. Stark's seemingly ordered life unravels with the emergence of a Martian's discontent against the oppressive 'New System,' forcing him to confront the pervasive societal biases. This confrontation ultimately reveals Stark's own prejudices and propels him towards a poignant understanding of equality and identity in a deeply divided world.

“We build these settlements, but what good is a home if half its residents feel like prisoners?”

Key themes

Discrimination and Prejudice
This is the central theme, exploring the deep-seated biases and unequal treatment between Earthlings and Martians in the settlement. It delves into how prejudice manifests institutionally through the 'New System' and personally through individual 'blind spots.' The theme highlights the destructive impact of judging individuals based on their origin rather than their merit.
Social Relations and Interplanetary Governance
The theme examines the complexities of governing a multi-species or multi-origin society in a new world. It explores the challenges of establishing fair laws, managing diverse populations, and the potential for governance structures to become tools of oppression rather than instruments of justice. The story critiques governance that prioritizes order over equity.
Self-awareness and Personal Blind Spots
This theme delves into Johnny Stark's internal journey of recognizing and confronting his own unexamined biases and assumptions. It emphasizes that even well-intentioned individuals can harbor prejudices or be complicit in unjust systems without conscious awareness, and that true growth requires uncomfortable introspection and challenging one's own worldview.

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How does the 'New System' in 'Blind Spot' reflect real-world systems of oppression, past or present?

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