Inspired by his readings about the Civil War here in the United States, Josh Whedon set out to create a show depicting similar conditions in the distant future. Is it true that the more things change , the more they remain the same?

Firefly documents the tale of the birth of a subculture based on those marginalized from mainstream society following their losses in major conflict. Having attained cult status, Firefly is an ideal cultural mirror, and cultural teacher. It truly can be classified as participatory, progressive, myth. Firefly is an anthropological dream in how it utilizes the human past and present to tell the story of humanity in the future. Discussion focuses on Firefly as both a cultural mirror and teacher, as well as differentiating between morals and ethics and how each relates to localized and globalized cultural arenas, as well as to the larger global political landscape.

Also included is a discussion on the subculture of fandom that Firefly has spawned.