If you’re like me, some of your writing inspiration comes from the world around us. I’ve been thinking of  some recent changes for a while now, and since I write speculative fiction, imagining where this might lead is a natural.

I’m sure the election of a new Pope can hardly have slipped your notice. He promises to continue the conservative (and, to some, controversial) positions of the Catholic Church. Of course, the last election here in the U.S. was largely determined by the conservative attitudes of voters. Look at the election map; folks on the coasts may well be feeling as if they belong in another country altogether.

Here’s a little writing/thinking exercise.

Let’s assume that the conservative leanings continue in the U.S. and all over the world. You may think this is a good (or bad) thing, but most would agree that it will change our culture in profound ways.

Think about the world in ten years (or twenty, fifty, whatever)…

• What sorts of things will be illegal?
  • Abortion?
  • Birth control?
  • Promiscuity?
  • Divorce?
• What kinds of movies, music, books, etc. will be read?
• What will be the state of politics?
  • Will politicians be more or less honest?
  • How much influence will large corporations have?
  • How much influence will the average person have?
• What kinds of classes will your children (grandchildren, etc.) take in school?
• What will be the state of science and research?
• What will the U.S. medical system look like?
  • Will we have universal healthcare (or socialized medicine)?
  • What about controversial research (cloning, stem cells, etc.)?
  • Will any euthanasia be allowed?

Those are a few ideas, and I’m sure you’ve thought of a few on your own already. Whether you think it’s a step forward or a step back, I think most would agree it’s a step away from where we are now.