Science Fiction as Escapism

I was reading an article about escapist fiction the other day and I began to wonder how it relates to science fiction. Why create a negative label such as that and then apply it to sci fi? I enjoy reading and watching science fiction because I like to dream about the future and dream about what life on other worlds may be like. I realize that some science fiction can be disturbing, especially works with a dystopian society, but I have always been able to draw a lesson from that kind of fiction. I have read or watched sci fi since I was a youngster, and I never considered it escapism as such, but a form of entertainment that could build not only my imagination but also my vocabulary and reading comprehension. It never occurred to me it could be considered escapist fiction, but I ask myself, aren't most forms of entertainment to some degree escapist? I mean, we enjoy doing something entertaining such as seeing a movie or reading a great book, going out on the town or taking a vacation to think about something other than our daily routine. I enjoy a good book or watching sci fi on television because I don't feel like thinking about current events in that moment. If I did not have fiction as an outlet, I would go nuts. Having a good sci fi book or watching a show feels like a mini vacation to me. I don't go out as often as I used to, but getting involved in a futuristic story takes me out further than I could physically travel. I know that sounds corny but I also think labeling certain forms of fiction as "escapist" is going too far in a quest to label anything with a negative slant. Why not have a healthy form of escape? In fact, certain science fiction shows and literature are very positive about the future and can provide hope to someone who may feel like they are losing hope. I have heard of people who have felt very blue and ended up watching Star Trek and their down mood disappeared because they felt they had hope once again. I have a friend who watches Star Trek eveytime he feels down and he tells me his mood goes right back up and he feels positive about life again. If science fiction and fantasy can do that for people, I see nothing wrong with it being called escapist if it can give peace of mind for even a moment. Any healthy form of escape in this day and age is necessary and a good book or show can be the perfect solution.