“It’s only a matter of time.”

~ By Jim B. on 10/03/08 3:45 pm

Many aspects of the future as seen in Snow Crash are drastically different from the world we know today. Obviously, human technology in the novel is highly advanced compared to what most Americans today see and use in their daily lives. That being said, I find this level of advancement very plausible. Look at our history: invention and technology have always progressed by leaps and bounds, so it would follow that the people of the future will have some pretty crazy stuff to play with.

Following this theme of progression, let’s take a look at some of the motorists in Snow Crash -specifically those that drive what Stephenson refers to as “Bimbo Boxes.” Whenever Stephenson makes mention of such “Bimbo Boxes,” I find myself imagining a slow-moving, SUV-esque vehicle being driven by a rather non-attentive or careless person (Y.T. doesn’t seem to have any trouble hitching a ride behind them anyway). This image is strikingly reminiscent of a stereotype that has recently emerged in our culture today, that of the… oh, how to put this ? … dangerous female driver talking on a cell phone while nearly wiping out a crosswalk full of unsuspecting pedestrians. Justified or not, it’s a stereotype that seems to say “it’s only a matter of time” before we arrive at the era of Snow Crash.

Another somewhat shocking aspect of Stephenson’s future is the widespread substance abuse among teenagers. Well, maybe it’s not so shocking. It’s definitely not pleasant, especially because it’s already happening today. Children are becoming exposed to drugs and alcohol at younger and younger ages, and more and more supposed role models have been caught abusing steroids and the like. It’s a problem that doesn’t seem to be getting any better: it’s only a matter of time.

Aha, sorry to end on such a low note – Snow Crash seems to be full of ’em. 😀