Here we go, one more year winding down and a new one fast approaching. As is custom at this time of year we look back at what was and look forward to what might be. It is a time where we celebrate our past victories and resolve to have more in the time to come. In church today I learned that January is named after the mythological god Janus, the god of the doorway with two faces. One face looks back and reflects upon the past while the other looks forward into the future. Quite appropriate (and now I have taught you something, and on my vacation from teaching no less!). As I look back and forward I am struck by the reality of the present moment and wonder. I wonder about what I have learned and how it might be used to face whatever is coming.
To say that 2013 has been anything less of interesting and event-filled would grossly inaccurate. Much has happened in the world. There were new discoveries made, of which the ancient platypus was one of my favourites. Politics proved entertaining, usually for the wrong reasons. Nenshi proved to us in actions what makes a great mayor, while over in Toronto their Chris-Farley-Tribute-Mayor has given our country international attention of the most undesirable kind. Justin Trudeau came out in favour of marijuana legalization (the dope) and Harper's government is being rocked for a Senate scandal. South of the border we saw the government shut down because neither side wants to play nicely with each other, and people overall became even more disillusioned with politics. The entertainment world brought us more of the same in music, movies, and TV. We had the Boston marathon bombing, a royal prince born, and we paid a sad farewell to Nelson Mandella, undoubtedly one of the 20th century's greatest champions. The old pope resigned, and a new perspective came with the new pope. Lance Armstrong fessed up to cheating in the Tour de France (another dope). Floods hit southern Alberta with a vengeance. Syria continues to be embroiled in civil war. The Parti Quebecois proposed a Charter of Values that is as discriminatory as they come and ignited a national debate on secularism vs freedom of religion. Yet with all this going on, the world pushed forward. We saw heroes emerge from many of these tragedies. We watched people come together in peace and understanding. Still, I have to admit that on a global scale I think 2013 took as back a few steps as a society.
On the personal side, 2013 was a great year. Barbara turned 1 and went from crawling to walking to running. She is talking more and more each day. The best experience of the year with her was at teacher interviews earlier this month where Heather brought her by so we could have dinner together, and when Barbie saw me across the gym called out "DADDY!" and started running towards me. I went to the temple almost every week (several times twice a week), and visited the temples in Salt Lake City, Oquirrh Mountain, Jordan River, and Las Vegas. The zoo was shut down by the floods and several animals from the South America building had to find homes in other zoos, so I was forced to say good-bye to the male white faced gibbon Tunku who was a key piece in my personal healing when I first moved to Calgary. School went great, church has been wonderful, and I have had great reunions and experiences with friends and family. Most notable of those was my trip to the Vegas Star Trek convention with Matt Harker, where we met almost the entire DS9 cast and had our photo taken with William Shatner. I met Weird Al Yankovic, Wil Wheaton, Garrett Wang, and others at two comic expos. My gal bladder sad "adios" in May and put me out of commission for a few weeks, and I was able to live a dream by playing Chef Louis in my school's production of "The Little Mermaid" just a few weeks ago. Heather and I were happy to announce the impending arrival of our second sometime around May 13 next year. So while the rest of the world stepped back a bit, our lives went forward in so many great ways.
So as I look back at what was, I turn to what I would like to see change. Here is my Top Ten List of Things I Saw in 2013 That I Don't Want to See Again in 2014 (and yes, I know that we will see these things, or at least similar things, and that I personally have no control over it. It's simply a wish list).
10. Bro Country. I am a country music fan, and I must admit that this year much of what I heard was disappointing. From a hip-hop tone to every song sounding the same I find this new "Bro Country" as it is called lacks the soul and heart that drew me to country music initially. I have actually begun listening more to CBC Radio than Country 105. What was wrong with mainstream country music this year? Well, I could make a list, but this video sums it up for me:
Suffice it to say, I do not identify much with much of what's on country radio these days. Yeah, I feel this way because I'm getting older.
9. YOLO, which in case you did not know, stands for "You Only Live Once". While the slogan itself is not at issue, it is how I have heard it used, usually by teens. They use it as a reason to justify doing stupid things. They will make a decision that they know is wrong and brush it off with a casual "YOLO". Well, guess what, it's true, you only live once, but why intentionally make so many stupid choices that leave you with regret and pain. you are not being funny or clever. You are admitting that doing the wrong thing has no consequences. I would rather you use YOLO to justify making the right decisions. Standing up to the bully, telling the truth, holding back unnecessary harsh words, those are the things that you should do because you only live once.
8. Reality Show Offs. There are too many reality shows that give an unrealistic representation of reality. If I see one more Honey Boo Boo, I'm going to lose it.
7. Miley Cyrus. Enough said.
6. Miley Cyrus. Yup, I repeated myself. That's how much I want to see her disappear.
5. Proper Top Billing in movies. Last Saturday I saw the Hobbit with my wife. Ian McKellan, who plays the important role of Gandalf, was only in the film for what seemed to be a fraction of the time that Martin Freeman, who plays the title character, was, and yet Sir Ian was the first name in the credits. Forget that Armie Hammer plays the Lone Ranger in this year's movie of the same name, Johnny Depp who plays the sidekick is better known so give him top billing. Please. I get it that in Hollywood image is everything, but I find it cheapens the movie a bit when the bigger stars in smaller roles are listed before the actors that play the main character. Of course, this is not new. In 2010 Alice in Wonderland the actress who played Alice was listed FIFTH after all the bigger stars, even though she was in the most scenes and played the title character. Ah, the egos of Hollywood.
4. Cyber-bullying. I have struggled for many years to come to grips with the effects of the bullying that I faced as a youth. I have made much progress, much of which came from helping students with bullying that they face. As I look back at this year, I am so grateful that there were no cell phones or the internet that could have been used against me the way I see it used today. There were some high profile suicides of teens who were bullied. As I listened to the debate, there are still some who feel that bullying and suicide are not connected. It saddens me that some will shut their eyes to the pains of bullying, and the internet allows many bullies to remain anonymous. And sadly it is more than the young who involve themselves in this. The way people treat each other in comment sections, chat rooms, etc. cause me concern for the future. I wish that all of us would use the internet with respect and compassion.
3. Profanity is Everywhere. I get it, people like to swear and cuss. Fine. For some, it is a habit, other times it is used to make a "point", and for some it is a part of who they are. What I am having issue with is that we are becoming more acceptable of it in places that used to be "kid friendly". I could turn on the radio and listen to music without having to hear certain words. The list of words I don't hear is getting shorter, and it seems that some artists just don't care anymore. Of course, that is because we as society are having more acceptance of it. People are allowing it, and when someone complains they are told that they are being too old fashioned. Hey, just because manners is old fashioned does not mean it is outdated.
2. The Idea that Uncouth is Cool. TV shows, music, comedy, movies, art, literature, etc. is become more ripe with envelope pushing. This ties into my #3, but encompasses more than just language. I have had people tell me that it is all about freedom of expression and against censorship. I get that. Does it mean I have to agree that it is acceptable to up the level of sex, violence, gore, vulgarity, etc., just to stay "On the edge" or "relevant?". Point in case, Miley Cyrus. To keep her career relevant, she needed to be controversial. Forget about relying on talent and ability, she felt that she needs to get rid of all self-dignity and become the anti-Disney. It shocks people, which gets attention, which then has us thinking that these things are acceptable, so that 5 years later some other up and coming talent has to raise the bar higher (or should it be lower) to make a name for themselves. When this becomes society's focus, is it any wonder that the world seems a bit murkier?
1. Strength Isn't What It Used to Be. Over this year, I have noticed that some societal voices have tried to redefine what strength is. There have been many different examples over the last few years of people who believe that to be strong means to be rude, belligerent, and to beat down those who oppose you. Yes, this is not a new idea, but it has become more than just the good guy rides into town and beats up the bad guys when they attack him. Look into the political ring, and you will see debate has degenerated into the exchange of insults and put downs. No new ideas are proposed, only degrading your opponent. I am tired of those who try to tell us what strength is. This new year, I want to get the message out that qualities like KINDNESS, HUMILITY, COMPASSION, and TENDERNESS are STRENGTHS, not weaknesses. There is more than enough crass in the world; what we need is more CIVILITY. There is plenty of disrespect with those who differ in opinion, belief, and culture; we need more HONEST RESPECT. There has been more than enough action taken without the care of consequences when what is needed is more THOUGHT and RESPONSOBILITY.
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