The theme “Each and Other” invites us to explore the deep connections that bind us all, transcending the barriers of race, culture, species, or any other superficial differences. It challenges the pervasive tendency in society to divide and categorize, to label some as “Them” and others as “Us,” creating an artificial separation that often leads to fear, mistrust, and conflict.

Barry B. Longyear’s Enemy Mine serves as a powerful example of this theme. In this novella, a human soldier and an alien Drac are marooned together on a hostile planet. Initially, they are enemies, conditioned by their respective societies to see each other as monstrous and fundamentally different. However, as they struggle to survive, they come to understand each other’s pain, hopes, and fears. The story evolves from one of enmity to one of deep, mutual respect and even love. In the end, the barriers of species and cultural prejudice dissolve as they recognize their shared humanity—or, more accurately, their shared sentience.

This theme of transcending boundaries is not unique to Enemy Mine but resonates through many classic works of science fiction and fantasy. Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness explores similar ideas through the lens of gender and cultural difference. In this novel, the protagonist must navigate a world where the inhabitants are ambisexual, shifting genders throughout their lives. His journey from misunderstanding to acceptance reflects the idea that our differences are not insurmountable barriers but opportunities for deeper connection.

Similarly, in C.J. Cherryh’s Foreigner series, the protagonist, a human diplomat, lives among the Atevi, a species with a completely different psychology and social structure. The series explores the difficulties and rewards of bridging profound cultural divides, emphasizing that even when communication is challenging, empathy and understanding can lead to coexistence and mutual benefit.

These works and others like them challenge us to reverse the trend of othering, to reject the memes of division that would have us see those who are different as lesser, dangerous, or unworthy of empathy. Instead, they call us to recognize the shared experiences, emotions, and desires that unite us all across the vastness of time and space. Whether it’s the struggle for survival, the need for companionship, or the pursuit of a better future, these universal themes remind us that, in the end, we are all part of a greater whole.

By embracing the idea of “Each and Other,” we reject the simplistic narratives that seek to divide us and instead affirm our common bonds. We are not isolated islands of identity, but interconnected beings whose fates are intertwined.

We’re looking for stories to help us see past the superficial differences and recognize the profound similarities that define our shared humanity.

In today’s world, where division and alienation seem to be growing, the message of “Each and Other” is more critical than ever. It’s a call to recognize the “Other” in ourselves and the “Each” in those we might otherwise overlook. By doing so, we can begin to heal the rifts that separate us and move toward a future where understanding and empathy are the cornerstones of our shared existence.