Sanders Reflection

Eva Walters

Dr. Ellis

EN*376*01

27 September, 2023 

Sanders Blog Post

In our class so far, we have looked at different novels and stories that help to envision a future in which marginalized groups of people are viewed in a different way, such as Pasifikafuturism in the novel Na Viro, written by Gina Cole. The novel works to dismantle the colonialistic, western views that are infringed upon Indigenous groups of people. Similarly, the story Rhonda Honda by William Sanders displays a world in which gender-transforming surgeries are viewed without criticism and are readily available to society. 

In Rhonda Honda, the main character Noir is tasked with the mission of finding a missing woman named “immaterial”. Noir is told little information and must keep the mission secret, as per the requested orders. Noir eventually finds the woman, going by the name Rhonda Honda, in a “roadgrrl” part of town with bikers. Noir eventually discovers that Rhonda Honda is actually the president, and had recently run away after a male-to-female morph-surgery. Noir reassures Rhonda to return back to the white house and face the situation head-on. The story ends with Rhonda’s coming-out conference, in which she received lots of praise and the public was supportive of her decision. 

    William Sanders uses his story Rhonda Honda to depict a futuristic society in which gender-affirming surgeries and changes are equally celebrated and supported by the public. By establishing this idea through a presidential concept, Sanders shows that gender-affirming surgeries in this futuristic setting are supported so greatly that the highest political leader can receive praise too. Similar to Gina Cole’s themes, Sanders is also establishing hope for change and equality in the future through a science-fiction formatted story. 







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