December 05, 2016

What do we need to do to make 2017 a good year?

editor:	Gurmeet Singh

Last week, I wrote a little about the nature of end-of-year lists, and how simple they are to construct, even when they cover pretty devastating topics. 2016 has been in many respects a pivotal year for the socially-liberal West - yet, the socially-liberal West will probably be the last to feel the consequences of this year. Syrians and refugees from the war, as well as people living in the world's hottest regions, will be the first.

Well, right now I want to ask what would actually go into making 2017 a good year. Rather than discuss Matteo Renzi's defeat in the referendum, or ask what made Austria reject the far-right (they probably came to their senses after seeing Trump et al), 2017 in many ways looks like it will be even more challenging than 2016.

Here's what I think are some of the most important things we can do to make 2017 a good year:

1) Stand up to bullshit: So much has been written about the Left's detachment from reality and its need to reconnect with working people. Agreed. I think that's something we need to do. But so does the Right. We need to stop playing the role of the idiot-victims of our own sense of superiority. I don't see the Right saying 'oh maybe we need to analyze our failures and shortcomings, our preconceptions and racial/ gender issues'. We need to face our issues, for sure, but don't make it all about ourselves. Stay as a part of the world.

2) Contribute to climate change movements: The world is changing, and the public will to limit climate change is threatened, as the American government looks set to revert to fossil fuel production. However, there is hope if we take action together, and support groups like 350.org and Greenpeace, as well as change our own behaviours to conserve energy. There's basically never been a situation like this before - where the facts are laid bare in front of everyone, and the world's most advanced power ignores them, as well as the people's will. So change, contribute and work towards limiting this inevitability.

3) Don't turn off: Don't retreat into quietism. Stay loud, stay active. Its tempting just to think 'forget this, I'm off on holiday' - but it's necessary to stay alert and alive to the issues ahead.

4) Take care of one another: This is for all years, not just 2017, but I feel that it was all too easy in 2016 to wail on social media about how cruel and strange the world was, and not do anything in real-life to help others. Nah. Stop that.

5) Stop putting things in annual brackets: 2017 is just another year. What matters is how we make shifts in our attitudes and in our willingness to take problems on. Next year won't be better than this one, unless we are willing to make it so, and to stop being passive recipients of news and culture - let's make it!