A year in review

Twelve months on and I’ve now clocked another year of writing articles / blogs and reviews. But how much has the world really changed?Earlier in the year I attended the ‘Make Poverty History’ semi-launch in Trafalgar Square. It was great to see Nelson Mandela get up and give us inspiration to become the generation that will make the change happen.

Unfortunately, I have developed and even deeper cynicism since returning from India. It certainly not because today is New Years eve and I’m sitting in a transit lounge conforming to put up with a current four hour delay to return to London! The cynicism is based on hoping that desire for change comes from within…

My last two weeks (end December) in India (hence no articles / blog postings) consisted of going to Amirtsar, Delhi, Panji (Goa) and then finally back to Delhi. It has further opened my eyes to the appalling conditions that many people are in. The massive distinction between those that are extremely poor and those that live in their mansions is hard to come to terms with. People work, sleep and eat on the streets. Beggars often approach you by tapping you on your arm to request aid.

Even transportation is shock, not because it takes at least 2 days to become both acclimatised and confident to cross a road in Delhi! At one point in a certain part of Delhi I estimated probably twenty different types of vehicles in their hundreds competing for road space. There appears to be no discipline in a world where me first and the ‘horn’ is the only indication of one’s existence and your survival – God help those that are deaf!

Twelve months on and poverty still exists and human rights abuses are still occurring, even though we all know what countries are still maintaining their stance of denial.

Bottom-line – The world needs to change but the power from the people is not being exercised, instead our will has been exorcised/removed from our psyche, replaced by materialistic goals. Corporations are not interested in sharing or harmonising the world, yet the top US firms are keen to spread their market based culture – fast food rules in a world of mass consumerism and the introduction of the ‘no time’ culture.

Reduction of pollution is still not considered as a priority – Statistical arguments hide children that choke from the fumes.

The world is hungry and we standby with our declarations of the need for improvement.

Although the media in so many countries paints a picture of gloss, it covers the tracks of reality – the truth is out there and its strokes of pain are taken by barefoot and hungry souls.

We need change and it can come from a collaborative approach. We need to break free from the shackles / attitude of ‘we’re Ok and someone will sort it out’ and come to terms with demanding greater priority / accountability from the people we put in power. Can 2006 become a turning point for us all, only we can make it happen!