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21.12.2012

Is the end of the world near as predicted by some astrologists? Or, is it just hype falsely distributed? Seemingly, the world will be passing through mass changes in the next twelve months, which will culminate, according to these scientists, in a prophetic revelation - or - the end of the world.

A list of disaters are being pitched as the catalyst for the most catastrophic event in documented history. Take your pick; climate change, Tsunamis, earthquakes, the Freeze, volcanic ash, plagues and The Economy. The word on the street, is, however, that the world will go through a "major shift". And don't we need one? Aren't we all secretly dreaming of a world in which we do business differently?

We are so busy documenting what is happening now, that we are not discussing what comes next. Or, what kind of economic model(s) would suit this new visionary world - a world in which we've stopped to think how our spending affects our future. Is there anyone out there really talking about this? Or are we all too consumed by trying to make a buck out of someone else's misery?

Much cynicism is circulating in European and Middle Eastern intellectuals circles towards the Wall Street protests."It's become a bitching fest" was one comment I read on Facebook this week. But isn't it Wall Street where this all began?

The Wall Street protesters have an historic right to protest the way America educates future economists? The notion that we must find a rational way to live with capitalism is starting to resonate with many American consumers. And, it will be consumer patterns that dicates how globally dominant the US government may be. The narrative that consumerism takes a way the pain is changing.

America has been known to innovate through history because of people's movements, and this is not to dismiss its war like policies. But many of the interventions and occupations were tied into economic theory. On human rights, positive discrimination for minorities has pushed reform in many corners of the world. Perhaps, the US just needs to stop intervening in other countries economies? Wouldn't that be the end of the world as we know it?

The globalised world must find a way to regulate itself, while providing enough free space for innovation and creative action that can be admired by people and aspired to.

"Tactical Camoflauge" the name of a group action to dress Occupy Wall Street protesters in suits, is an astounding example of creative thinking. This is an admirable example of peaceful demonstration based on self-reflection. It pokes fun at "The capitalist" silently with visual aesthetics.

If the state continues to write off corporate debt and exclude people from this bonus scheme run by a group of bandits a deeper crisis may occur, say some economists. This kind of ignorance practised by the government could trigger millions of people to use traditional methods such as bankruptcy to write off personal debt, say the same economists.

It may not be a bad thing. This kind of revolt against the credit system needs to happen before a real "shift" can take place. Will it be the end of the world as we know it? Of course! But what will come next? The upside? We have at least twelve months to prepare, but who knows how many will survive.