I recently had this thought while driving: It truly is an incredible time to be alive! For both good and undesirable reasons.
So much is going on in the world that seems so surreal – unbelievable. Pondering the events and news from all over the world, I realised we are actually part of a critical point in the history of humanity.
So I thought to put together a few key moments in recent times that justify the phrase: ‘What a time to be alive’. Here is my list:
1. The US presidential election
Whether you are a politics junkie or not, you know the name Donald Trump and you have probably come across Hillary Clinton at some stage in your life.
Why, you ask, is the US presidential election any of my business? The most powerful nation and economy in the world deserves your attention.
Ultimately, whether we appreciate it or not, the US dictates the world’s economic direction.
The US president – whoever it is at any given time – is referred to as the most powerful man (and possibly woman) in the world. That isn’t just a nice phrase – it’s true.
It is also critical to observe this process because the world may soon be led – heaven forbid – by billionaire and reality TV star Donald Trump.
What a time to be alive!
2. The South African political climate
Again, why is this relevant?
Similar to the US, South Africa is considered the most advanced African economy. One could argue that South Africa enjoys the same status as the US as a powerhouse, but in the context of Africa.
For those reading this from elsewhere, South Africa’s politics matters to Africa. As a leading African economy, whatever happens here sets the tone for other countries in many ways.
Currently, squabbles and various other political battles in the media and behind the scenes are creating the worst economic decline in post-democratic South Africa since 1994.
Why is this a bad thing?
Africa will have no one to look to for direction.
So far, the South African dream has been based on the “Mandela success story”. However it seems that every day, that dream is fading into the background while being undone by a unscrupulous few (according to public sentiment – just check social media).
As if this is not enough, FIFA, the body that governs world football, has recently declared that the 2010 World Cup took place because a bribe was paid (US$10 million) to host the tournament.
While South African authorities are refuting this claim, the evidence seems to be leaning in FIFA’s favour. We’ll have to wait and see where this FBI investigation leads.
3. Amazon wants us to pay using selfies
Yes, this is true. The multi-million dollar corporation is currently working on a proposal to make it easier for customers all over the world to pay using their faces – selfies.
Amazon are developing this because they argue it is much easier to be a victim of credit card fraud, no matter how secure the system claims to be. But if you have to pay with facial recognition technology, it is a bit more secure.
We are told that in some instances there may be certain instructions given to the customer – such as making a duck-face (a.k.a pouting) which will then allow you to process the payment. In other instances you may be asked to pull out your tongue or make any other expression or gesture with your face, just to pay.
I’m sure we can all agree, apart from being “secure”, it may actually be hilarious.
Imagine paying for fuel and having to pout into your phone before driving off – or having to do the same in a queue at the local supermarket.
What a time to be alive!
4. Justin Bieber endorsed
Yes, Bieber got the endorsement many can only dream of. Wait for it … Kanye West recently tweeted that Justin Bieber’s song What do you mean? was his favourite track of 2015.
Bieber merely took a screen shot of Kanye’s tweet and posted it on his Instagram.
This is a truly remarkable endorsement from the man who claims to be the “greatest rock star” of our time.
Bieber is currently on his Purpose World Tour, which seems to be going well.
Congrats to the Biebs and hopefully Kanye can finish mastering his latest album The Life of Pablo, which is already out!
Yeezy recently tweeted that he was on his way home from Paris and was excited to put the final touches on The Life of Pablo and his next season from the Adidas range. Hilarious! Who edits an album that people have already purchased!
What a time to be alive!