My first published SF story has appeared:

http://www.short-story.me/science-fiction-stories/210-when-life-hands-you-lemons.html

I can't help but read it and wince, but still.

What about using real pop culture characters/figures for near-time dystopic science fiction? Legally, it should fall under fair use, if I read the available material. But would a publisher avoid a small piece of fiction that did something like feature a violent gang that named itself The Boy Scouts?