Standard fare for the science fiction writer is the
prediction of the future. For the most part, these predictions typically don’t
stretch all that far into the future or conversely they stretch inestimably
beyond our scope of years. The writers that are given credit for being the best
at their craft are the ones that tend to be accurate in their predictions, after
all, it is important to think that the future of our lives is something that
is not all together alien from what we now know. So, sitting around and reading
lately has raised some interesting questions in my mind.
Almost all science fiction writing in the last century, which previously wasn’t really identified with science or technology as such so probably doesn’t count, generally involves some form of revolution. It is not always a violent, nor even particularly noticeable event, but it invariably tears down the walls separating the world from its future.
More specifically it seems that certain things are overturned. Specifically war, inequality of all types, need and want, and generally money. And almost always sexual and social hang-ups. Those seem to be the first thing up against the wall when the revolution comes. A certain type of person would say that is most likely because the people that write science fiction and the people who purchase and therefore support said writers are lonely, pathetic people that wish these things could be removed so that they could get some action and not be ashamed of playing dungeons and dragons. But, I do not think that is the whole point, seeing as though I love science fiction, openly play dungeons and dragons, and well…um, huh, never mind.
However, these hang ups take off well before any reform takes place that would seemingly be of more consequence, such as economic stability and whatnot. This clearly illustrates how important this concept is to the minds of this particular segment of the world. It does seem to beg the question of whether or not we should do away with all of this sexual and social nonsense; if someone is doing something enjoyable and not hurting others, of what import is that to anyone else?
But, there is always a general mention of some better off forgotten period where this new way of thought is being accepted into the larger world. The book I’m reading now, "Childhood's End," by Arthur C. Clarke mentions that “The patterns of sexual mores – insofar as there had ever been one pattern – had altered radically……….The first was [the result] of a completely reliable oral contraceptive: the second an equally infallible method…of identifying the father of any child.”
Now, contemplate that statement for a minute. Try to appreciate the full impact that would have on so many different lives in the world. Understand that these two things have already taken place in the form of the birth control pill and DNA testing. While you can make the argument that the pill is not 100% I would argue that I have never heard of anyone getting pregnant while properly using the pill. But, these things lead us to a startling conclusion.
The truth is that shows such as Jerry Springer are the revolution taking place. While they are currently viewed as lowbrow by the “better” non-NASCAR watching portion of society, they are simply ringing in better days for all mankind. Indeed, the better portions of society generally don’t have a question, or perhaps want the true answer, to who sired their spawn. The people that are typical viewers of the popular daytime shows wherein we find who slipped one past the goalie, on the other hand, may have more reason/desire to question the genetics of their little mewling monsters.
So as things such as these and perhaps even Janet Jackson’s breast raise controversy in our conservative country and backward thinking lives, they are actually subtly working over our mores and bringing us into the brighter future that awaits us. The time of the future is at hand and all that is keeping me from my freaking hover/flying car is the fact that more people are not supporting daytime television, pornographers, catholic priests, and other assorted revolutionaries. Never forget that the people that are condemning the forward thinking are keeping you from all sorts of the finer things in life, things that these people already possess. WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THE FUTURE?