It’s 2020 and the world is amazing and crazy

It’s 2020. TWENTY-TWENTY.

It’s the start of a new decade and initially, I had a whole post about new year’s resolutions and making sure your goals were specific and measurable. But honestly, while those things are definitely still important, the start of the year for many of us has had our priorities shift.

The Australian bushfire crisis is still breaking my heart.

I don’t think I can add anything to the bushfire crisis that hasn’t already been said, but I do encourage whoever is reading this to not fatigue of it. I know it’s saturated in the media right now, but that also means it’s easy for people to become “bored” or “disinterested” –  leading to inaction, lack of support and lack of DOING SOMETHING by our government.

If you’re not sure what else you can do, I encourage you to write a letter to Scott Morrison and your local members of parliament, insisting they take immediate action on climate change policies. If you don’t believe climate change has anything to do with the state of our planet, then fine (CBF arguing today). But surely, looking after the planet can only be a good thing that will lead to good outcomes. Use your brains – we don’t have a back-up planet for fuck’s sake. RAH. Despite all of the heartbreak, the unity of people in support for the firefighters and all those helping the cause has been absolutely heartwarming.

Donald Trump is still a lunatic.

But he’s still in power and based on the very basic knowledge I have of American politics, I suspect he will win again at the end of this year. He might be arrogant, obnoxious and speak like a billionaire who’s lost his marbles, but he’s not a politician – that’s why so many people like him.

As Joe Rogan so eloquently put it, with politicians, you can see, hear and feel the bullshit coming out of their mouths. Trump might talk shit, but he’s blunt, says what he’s thinking without all the waffle and makes decisions. I think that’s why so many people like him. And whatever he’s doing is greatly helping the American economy. I don’t like the man, but something’s working. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Harry and Meghan have basically quit being royals #sussexit #megxit

Note: the BOTH of them made the decision. I’m sick of this narrative that women creep into men’s lives and then bewitch them into making decisions other people might not like. Harry is a grown man, who knows firsthand how brutal the media and royal life can be.  Let them get on with it FFS.

While these headlines have been taking up space in my brain, so have thoughts around my own choices and behaviours.

As Australia Day approaches, I have found myself once again, thinking about how I fit into it. As I am not Indigenous, I don’t really feel like I can lead a conversation on it. All I’d be giving is my white, immigrant opinion, and there are plenty of those around.

Let me just say that my attitudes have shifted about the day over the past couple of years. I’d like to think that because I’ve been reading more, engaging in intelligent and thoughtful conversations in forums online and just being more self-aware generally, that I feel differently about Australia Day now.

I love Australia. My parents and I immigrated here when I was a young child and I am so grateful that they did. That has always been the crux of why I have celebrated the day. I love being out in the sun, with my friends, drinking beer and taking moments to stop and appreciate how much I love this sunburnt country.

Now that I’m older and wiser (kinda) I am much more aware of how many people don’t feel that way. Some people celebrate the day to the extreme: their inner racist coming out for everyone to hear. Others participate in protests and try to educate others about the genocide that occurred in the past, about why it’s not a day to be celebrating. Others ignore the day completely because they want to avoid conflict. And I get it.

I don’t have a be-all, end-all solution, but I’m willing to work on one.  I’d love to have a day that is more inclusive, without hate or arguing, where EVERYONE can come together and enjoy this land for what it is. The name might change, the date might change and I think I’d be okay with that. Even if you don’t agree, try and remember that Australia Day can be tough for some people, so it’s always nice to be considerate.

I am following in Triple J’s footsteps, like lots of people, and will be celebrating my love for Australia tomorrow, the 25th January 2020. It’s the Hottest 100 Countdown and I CANNOT WAIT. For me, it’s so fun spending the day swimming with friends, having some beers and trying to outwit each other in guessing which songs kicked ass the year before.

Whatever you’re doing and however you’re celebrating, at the very least, just try and be respectful.

Han x