Discovering Science Fiction's Re-emergence and Re-assessment in the USA

Science fiction has emerged as acceptable in the literary cannon with the inclusion of a wide selection of science fiction writers as worthy of studying. At least this was one of the facts I learnt of a genre which I had for long associated with popular thrillers when we discussed Contemporary American Literature in the US a year or so ago.
Science fiction is a broad genre of fiction often involving speculations on current or future science or technology usually in books, art, television, films, games, theater, and other media. In the age of television, computers and other technology, the fascination of contemporary fiction writers with technology has become an extension of the sphere of social realism for the exploration of writers..
Science fiction is akin to fantasy. But it differs from it in that, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically postulated laws of nature though some elements might still be pure imaginative speculation.
Science fiction is largely then writing entertainingly and rationally about alternate possibilities in settings that are contrary to known reality including:
o A setting in the future, in alternative time lines, or in a historical past that contradicts known historical facts or archaeological records
o A setting in outer space, other worlds, or one involving aliens.
o Stories that contradict known or supposed laws of nature.
o Stories that involve discovering or applying new scientific principles, such as time travel or psionics,
o Stories that involve the discovery or application of new technology, such as nanotechnology, faster-than-light travel or robots,
o Stories that involve the discovery or application of new and different political or social systems
Science fiction also involves imaginative extrapolations of present day phenomena, such as the thoughtful projection forward of contemporary medical practices such as organ transplants, genetic engineering, and artificial insemination or the evolving social changes such as the rise of the suburb and the growing disparity between the rich and poor.
Science fiction has a widening range of possibilities in themes and form. It embraces many other subgenres and themes.