The ball drops and the clock strikes twelve. Champagne sloshes over the rims of clinking glasses as the end of the countdown is met with celebration of the New Year. I am bombarded by an exuberent (and oxygen-depriving) group hug and it seems all too surreal. I might as well be an extra in an episode of Gossip Girl, sifting through blurred memories of theatrics simmering throughout Upper East Side parties. Perhaps I should be giving credit to the nearly-empty glass in my hand, but it is as though I have been caught in a space/time continum, surging into the future. I'm sure Gene Roddenberry would be only too happy to tag along.
Despite the celebration and excitement, the next decade is under quite a bit of pressure, if you ask me. After hoardes of Top 10 best-and-worst lists being shoved down readers' throats (who are only too willing to be caught up in the hype), it's no surprise that most people are hoping for a brighter, faster, more convenient - and not to mention newsworthy - decade to come.
And all this at the stroke of midnight.
To be fair, it isn't without reason; the past decade has seen a multitude of events both monumental and horrifying; From the Al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Centre, ongoing politcal and military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the inaugeration of America's first black President and the rise of MAC in the world of technology and music have all made irreversible and unforgettable footprints, particularly in the history of North America's development. While making an arduous journey to survive the tail end of the worst economic downfall since the 30's, the people certainly have a right to hope for better things to come.
However, time is as much a mystical concept as a computer. It can be controlled and manipulated and technically speaking, created and 'uncreated'. By itself, it cannot instigate change; just because the clock has now struck twelve in each of the world's separate time zones, the second hand certainly isn't obligated to switch channels. Time is manmade. Numbers are manmade. And unfortunately for those who haven't caught on, that means relying on some man-made, people-influenced changes in the years to come. That will never change.
So, to quote an eagerly-followed book series of 2009,
"Hobey-Ho, Let's Go!"
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This was an excellent article! Your style of writing is deliciously entertaining and captivating. The tone is excellent and I could definitely imagine seeing this published in a magazine or newspaper.
ReplyDeleteYou really make it seem effortless :)
I like this article a lot too! It was really easy to follow, and had a great flow. I like how you took the event of a new year and looked at the big picture. You present insights in such an effortless way, that makes it enjoyable to read.
ReplyDeleteGood work.
The first paragraph of this is phenomenal and i am not exaggerating whatsoever. That opening paragraph flowed so wonderfully, I can't truly express how awesome I think it is! As for the rest of the article, well it was rather disapointing....or not! THe rest of your article is great, you are very consistent, which at times can be the downfall of writers, but it strengthens your writing here :D
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