Marking, 1 July and G8
I picked up a rather large pile of marking when I arrived in Sydney on Tuesday and have basically been devoted to finishing it off ever since (except for a meeting with my supervisor and a trip down to Canberra for my Grandpa's birthday and a long overdue catch-up with my Mum). For some reason this lot of marking took forever, and I feel utterly drained now that I am finally finished.
One good thing about being so distracted is that I hardly had the time to notice that 1 July arrived and the Coalition now has control of the Senate. Of course, there is plenty of time left to dwell of on this particular issue and the horror that it means for Australia - particularly in terms of the changes to Industrial Relations, Welfare, and the latest joke of a budget. However, at least I didn't cry on Friday - which is an improvement over my reaction to the last two election results.
The other thing that basically went straight over my head was the Live 8 Concerts. This wasn't such a big deal entertainment-wise, because I am pretty uncool and don't really appreciate live music very much. What I am curious about is the impact that this will actually have (a) on the G8 themselves and (b) on public opinion. I have to admit to feeling a little cynical about at least (a), in that I'm not convinced that much is really going to be done to 'Make Poverty History' at the G8 meetings this week. I think that GW is too disinterested and that Germany is showing all the signs of being both disinterested and pissed off with Blair (enough to want to be actively uncooperative).
In relation to public opinion, I'm sure that people will 'sit up and take notice' of the issue, this week. But how long will that interest last and how much will it influence them? Will it change the kind of coffee or chocolate they buy? Will it change how much energy they consume - the kind of car they drive, the amount of packaging they purchase, how long they shower for? Will it change who they vote for?
I want to believe that it will, but I think that a campaign like this one is too superficial and gimmicky to have any long-term impact. I feel as though it is designed to just make people feel empowered to do something and then (in the same breath) happy with themselves for already having done enough. I hope that I am wrong.
Maybe I will feel much more optimistic tomorrow when I have slept. If so, I take it all back.
One good thing about being so distracted is that I hardly had the time to notice that 1 July arrived and the Coalition now has control of the Senate. Of course, there is plenty of time left to dwell of on this particular issue and the horror that it means for Australia - particularly in terms of the changes to Industrial Relations, Welfare, and the latest joke of a budget. However, at least I didn't cry on Friday - which is an improvement over my reaction to the last two election results.
The other thing that basically went straight over my head was the Live 8 Concerts. This wasn't such a big deal entertainment-wise, because I am pretty uncool and don't really appreciate live music very much. What I am curious about is the impact that this will actually have (a) on the G8 themselves and (b) on public opinion. I have to admit to feeling a little cynical about at least (a), in that I'm not convinced that much is really going to be done to 'Make Poverty History' at the G8 meetings this week. I think that GW is too disinterested and that Germany is showing all the signs of being both disinterested and pissed off with Blair (enough to want to be actively uncooperative).
In relation to public opinion, I'm sure that people will 'sit up and take notice' of the issue, this week. But how long will that interest last and how much will it influence them? Will it change the kind of coffee or chocolate they buy? Will it change how much energy they consume - the kind of car they drive, the amount of packaging they purchase, how long they shower for? Will it change who they vote for?
I want to believe that it will, but I think that a campaign like this one is too superficial and gimmicky to have any long-term impact. I feel as though it is designed to just make people feel empowered to do something and then (in the same breath) happy with themselves for already having done enough. I hope that I am wrong.
Maybe I will feel much more optimistic tomorrow when I have slept. If so, I take it all back.
posted by cristy | 7:52 PM
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