So, it's been a while. I know, I know. I need to be a bit more consistent with this "updating the blog" thing before I distribute the zine more widely. That way there is actually something to see when people check out the link that's on the back page.
So, in an effort to achieve consistence, I am posting something. Something good.
Jumping on the whole "OH MAN IT'S 2010 AND THAT'S, LIKE, THE FUTURE" train, may I present the things we wish had been invented already:
1. The Jetson's Briefcase Car: this would really save the hassle of parking, and would save a TON of space in large cities. plus it would just be really really cool.
2. Flying Cars: My grandmother said she has been waiting for this for a long time. she always assumed that if she lived to see the year 2000 that this would have become a reality. i think she's a little pissed at Science for not making this happen yet.
3. Brain Recording, You Know, For Dreams: this would be amazing. that is all.
4. Food Pills: Richard suggested this. i personally think food is way too good to take in pill form, but i can see the benefits. we'd probably all be a lot healthier if food came in a form that allowed for calorie/nutrient control and was viewed as fuel rather than something so closely tied to our emotions and moods.
5. Recipe-Figure-Outer-Plus: Jenny says- "I just want a machine where I can put in samples of food, and it can figure out the recipes and duplicate them. Also a laundry basket that walks and does laundry, and hangers that pick up my clothes for me." I like it.
**the up-coming issue will expand upon this!**
Earlier this week, I was reading my new issue of Relevant magazine, and it brought up an interesting point. Let me preface this by saying that I am an internet fan, of course. But still, I recognize that there are hazards as much as there are benefits, just like anything else. A writer for Relevant suggested that there is the possibility that the internet, and the democratic nature of sites like Twitter, Livejournal, Blogger, Facebook, etc., might actually do more harm to the political democratic process than good. The thought is that as my generation grew more and more connected, we have put more and more personal information out into the e-world where it can potentially live forever. I know there are some ridiculous things that I have put on-line, things from my college years that I was thinking about and working through that were rather personal. Of course, I limited who was able to read them, but still they are there somewhere. If I were ever to run for an elected office (I won't, but if I were to) those things would be there for people to find and display for everyone to see. On the one hand, the point the writer makes is that we will become disenchanted with political leaders- we will stop seeing them as true leaders and won't be able to see them as heroic. That seeing all their past mistakes or strange thoughts will make us less comfortable with seeing people as capable of important political positions. And of course, since soon everyone will have said or done something stupid and put it on-line somewhere, we won't have faith in anyone having that level of responsibility, and will become disillusioned with all of it.
The other possibility is that it could be positive. Perhaps it will allow us to have a more realistic view of politics. Or maybe it will help us feel more connected to elected officials and thereby more connected to the process. It could serve as a reminder that we're all people, all going through life trying to do the best we can, sometimes making mistakes, but still wanting to do good. Maybe it will even make the whole process more truly democratic. If the internet makes it harder for connected/moneyed people to hide indiscretions, perhaps other people will have more of a shot in politics eventually.
So here's what I ask of you, whoever you are, who may be reading this: Do you think that all this openness and access to other people will be negative in politics? Will we be hurt and disenchanted by the lack of space between ourselves and those we might elect? Or will it be a positive thing, giving people the opportunity to get a real sense of the person we might elect? Will it make us feel more connected to the process of democratic election to feel like officials are real people, too?
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