Social Customs in "Bloodchild"
Octavia Butler's "Bloodchild" is a science-fiction futuristic fantasy with a foundation in what people see as "normal" social roles and customs. In fact, the story explores the results when traditional social roles are reversed. The protagonist in this story, Gan, is a human being living in an alien world where the male humans give birth to alien grubs. First, the roles are reversed in this story, with the humans serving insects and men bearing children. This goes against traditional social customs and indicates how different roles are not so different when situations are unusual. It shows the adaptability of humans to adverse and extraordinary conditions, and what a species will do when survival is at stake.
There is another reversal in this story, and that is the insects are dependent on the humans for their own survival. This is another reversal of social customs and traditional roles that makes the story more interesting and effective. Gan grows up and matures as the story continues; he discovers the differences between the Tlic's and the humans, and how dependent they are on each other. He learns about his own feelings about maturing, and questions his acceptance of the insects as friends and mentors. The story makes the reader question what seem like "normal" relationships, and look at their own feelings of survival at all costs. It also indicates that many relationships may be more complex than they seem, and that traditional roles and social customs are not always appropriate or valuable to every culture.
Without the humans, the insects were dying, and now the humans serve a vital purpose in their lives. Ultimately, Gan accepts the humans' role in Tlic survival, and accepts the affection and nurturing of the insect who has cultivated him since he was born. He also realizes that his ability to incubate insect eggs means he is a mature man, and he must confront his feelings about that and the disturbing "birth" of the insects, which is obviously painful and frightening. Gan comes to terms with his role, and others reading this story may come to terms with their traditional roles and values in society as well.
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