Happy New Year, everyone! Well, now that we’re in the ’20s, the Roaring 2020s, let’s start predicting what’s to come for the next 10 years. The last decade saw the rise of things like social media, smart phones and streaming – and much of it happened fast, too. I mean, did we REALLY think Blockbuster was going to die? Or that we’d no longer require a phone to order a pizza? Heck, what about plant-based proteins? I certainly didn’t see it (but in 2010, I was too busy thinking about my wedding).
We know that 5G is coming this year. This means the possibility of drones delivering our food and Amazon orders. But how good would it be in its first year? I’ve been told that it could be very spotty. And though Apple is supposedly launching its first 5G iPhone this fall, I’m going to wait until my contract is up next year to dive into 5G. That 2021 phone would be much better. Predictions of self-driving cars, however, will probably have to wait until later in the decade. It’s just not going to happen now. Not en mass anyway.
Speaking of cars, what I really want to see in the 2020s is more people adopting efficient, environmentally-friendly vehicles. Whether it be electric or some other alternative fuel, we need to leave gasoline behind. I’d like to see more of that than, say, flying cars (yes, that’s supposedly in the works, according to this news release). Of course, there’s also autonomous driving. Technically, that already exists, but I see it becoming more widely adopted, likely first by ride hailing and cab companies (I know, I know, those will mourn about jobs lost, but that’s technology for you! I mean, who uses typewriters these days?). In terms of private ownership, self-driving cars would be amazing for seniors who can no longer drive themselves – provided that they are willing to learn new technology, it could help them become more independent rather than having to rely on other people to help them. Many people develop mental health issues because they’re unable to get out of the house.
Politically and philosophically, I’m hoping that people will become less…critical of others. People are consistently being shamed for their views and again, that is NOT GOOD FOR ONE’S MENTAL WELL-BEING. Just because you have differing ideas doesn’t mean you are right or wrong. So I prefer non-related kids address me as Ms. Cheng Mintz or Mrs. Mintz. Big deal. Don’t say that I’m being too “stiff.” And I also am not too “stiff” because I believe in dress codes and that I think there’s a time and place to wear certain articles of clothing (e.g. business casual AT MINIMUM for a meal at a nice restaurant. And definitely NO non-religious headgear). And yes, I DO “glare” at people (and think #whateverfloatsyourboat) if they at all don’t look “typical” – like the guy I see around Yorkville with the purple and silverish hair and OTT coat (dude, are you some sort of influencer? Attention grabber? Because you’re definitely the latter. But whatever you like….). Of course, there ARE times when one is most definitely WRONG. Like when people somehow think I’m “marginalized” because I’m female and of a certain ethnic background. Like, they TELL ME TO MY FACE. Jeez, why? And why do you make these assumptions? I don’t want to get into this because it’s a whole other post, so I’ll just stop at this: It’s demeaning. This is going to change once people, well, start using their heads (whenever that happens).
In the fashion world, I really want to see REAL size diversity. Short people have need better representation rather than being dismissed to the back corner and those of us who are small-framed ALSO need to be taken seriously (I have size 4 1/2 feet. Don’t tell me I have “cute feet” when shoes don’t even COME in that size). Size inclusivity and diversity isn’t JUST about the larger person. It’s about ALL SIZES. I hope people will eventually come to understand this and REALLY make changes. And yes, as a short person, I’d rather have my clothes in a DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT.
What are your hopes for the 2020s?
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