Disch subtitled his book How Science Fiction Conquered the World. His theory of Persis Khambatta (RIP) is the most memorable of Disch's many arguments along these lines. A science fiction character starts a fashion trend that results in Sinead O'Connor. Those who are not fans of the chrome-domed, politically active Irish singer might wish that the creators of that character had gone back to sleep after that particular dream. The following paragraph sums up Disch's argument and range:
"...some of the most remarkable features of the present historical moment have their roots in a way of thinking that we have learned from Science Fiction-to wit: the razing of the Berlin wall; the rise of millennial cults with homicidal agendas; Oliver North's testimony before congress and his campaign for a senate seat; Madonna's wardrobe and Sinead O'Connor's hairstyle; celebrity murder trials; compassion "burnout" for refugees in Rwanda; the deaths of the Challenger astronauts; toxic waste cover-ups; and much too much more."It seems that Science Fiction is responsible for quite a bit of current social contumely. I had no idea.
Alas, Disch's powers of persuasion fall short. He rarely brings up opposing arguments or incorporates alternate visions of cultural trends and antecedents. The lack of balance or rebuttal is a nagging flaw throughout, a sure sigh the author's arguments have failed to convince. Disch seems to have written this book intentionally for "golden aged" SF readers, i.e. 12-14 year-olds. If it weren't for the chunks of autobiography it might have been marketed as such. The joy in the book came from the back-handed compliments, catty gossip, personal anecdotes, and general erudite bitchiness Disch displays at his best (and worst). To wit-
"It [grass] was there the one time I met Theodore Sturgeon and was persuaded to sample the nudist lifestyle and invited to stay overnight for a threesome with Mrs. Sturgeon (an invitation I...)"
While most of Disch's arguments are specious, his opinions are still seductive. And it doesn't hurt that Disch is a marvelous writer. The book has the comfortable feel of sharing a night of pints, arguments and reminiscences with a sharp-witted, opinionated and gifted story-teller. Certainly a delightful way to spend an evening. However, readers with a preconceived desire for a serious and critical analysis of Science Fictional antecedents in contemporary culture are in for a grave disappointment. But readers who approach this book as a sort of backdoor autobiography, without expecting too much in the way of social critique, are likely to find it gratifying (if slight) entertainment.
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