In Focus (Monthly)

YEAR  2020 (Expectations and Anticipation)

We are on the fast lane towards the year 2020 and time is running forward full throttle. As the final bead of the running decade is soon to be woven all the political analysts, ecologists, economists, meteorologists and fortune tellers are gearing up data to make predictions as to what is to be expected from the upcoming year. Moviegoers are looking forward to most anticipated movies of 2020 to hit the theaters. Bookworms are jet-set to grab the latest editions and new volumes of their favored authors and books. Gaming enthusiasts are busy saving up to grab the latest consoles and gears before they are sold out, fashion freaks are waiting to ride the freshest fashion bandwagon to not be left behind and techno geeks are planning to hoard newest high-tech gadgets and knick-knacks to show-off.

There is no shortage of events and happening phenomena for the year 2020. For anyone connected with any profession, occupation or even hobbies, better prospects, innovations and new reforms are being lined up one after another. Nevertheless all is not daisies and roses and as humanity is accelerating in terms of science, commerce and technology.There are some areas where we are lagging far behind the acceptable quota.
There will always be outward expectations and celebrations for humanity’s endurance and survival however we cannot break free from our primal inhibitions and orthodox convictions lest a filter for internal expectations is installed individually.

Here are a few aspects in which we can ensure personal growth and at the same time avoid missing out on the big picture.

1.Movies and theater:

One of the largest forms of social influence can hands-down be awarded to the movies and popular series of the time. While many issues are encouraged to be addressed today relating to positive social reform like positive body-image, environmental hazards, women empowerment, racial equality. Many social boundaries and civilities are being sacrificed to justify the top ratings. Many important issues like class conflicts, quality and availability of education, political bias and cyber crime are not given a justifiable screen time. On the other hand much of the attention given to important topics is base, careless and misguided. It is our responsibility to expect as a viewer to disapprove and demote these types of  propaganda, so that there is a demand for more responsible and sincere content.

2.Books and Authors:

In general there is an utter and complete absence of book-friendly impositions. We in our societies feel the pressure of wearing a certain brand of clothing, driving a certain value of car and maintaining a lavish lifestyle to be accepted and sought after. Our students and pupils are entirely consumed with attaining an above average passing grade and the schools and colleges have become a jail where inmates are to serve the labor of studying until the end of their terms. A book “worm” is a person who is labeled as a social outcast, introverted and stereotyped as an abnormal. It would be a most welcome and rewarding change to promote this positive trait rather than alienating it, add it to our social spectrum and advocate it in a more positive light.

3.Gaming and Sports:

Gone are the days when parents brood over the fact that games spoil and ruin a child’s mental development and limit their potential. Provided that a healthy balance and boundaries are set, games actually help with neurological development and cognitive functions. There is always a question of moral boundaries and violence exposure but it is nothing that cannot be handled. Gaming companies now introducing physical activity integration with the games have added more value and merit to the art of gaming. It should be refreshing if the long forgotten board games are not left behind and have a much anticipated revival in the gaming community, to be furnished with advanced themes and improvised interface.

4.Fashion and Social trends:

Social media and fashion trends go hand in hand. Everyone posts everything they eat, everywhere they have been, everything they feel and everything they wear or want to buy online these days. It is a matter of personal preferences as long as social boundaries are not crossed and personal limits are not violated. Fashion industry has adopted a more flexible outlook by discarding the ideal body image and slight social expectations. However commercialization has made people enslaved to brands, who in turn are charging astronomically for their goodwill. We as the recipients of fashion and social trends need to push back on the thoughtless practices and need to adhere to bold reasonable opinions which can ensure our economic and psychological welfare.

5.Technology and modification:

 It is the age of technology. 4G is a tale of old days already and holograms are about to be commercialized. We are yet to have the flying cars but alternative fuels are underway. More sustainable energy resources, lighter and better electronics and even genetic modifications are being popularized with each passing day. Time always flows forward and those who do not equip themselves to keep up with the pace, may perish in the past. However as masses we should not be so reckless as to become dangerously dependent on technology in various aspects of life so much so that it will be rendered useless in the event of its possible absence. Instead of making human beings a puppet of technology we should be working on mending our flaws and old lingering problems like autoimmune diseases, nuclear sterile, deforestation, fresh water reserves, recycling of industrial waste and many more. Our technology must not be abused and tamed to serve humans only but it should be expected to bring us into harmony with the world and all its inhabitants.

There is going to be a grand celebration as always since we are entering the year 2020 with pride and valor as the conquering race humanity. It makes our responsibility all the more important and only our combined efforts in the right direction can ensure our livelihood for eons to come.