Day 10 - More on that Apocalypse

Initially the apocalypse was a vehicle to lend drama to this study of abundance.  Many people I discuss this project with get hooked on the nature of the apocalypse.  I can understand that what it looks like is important for thinking about what is available and how to develop rules that can mimic such a thing.

However, I have to ask: Does the apocalypse have to be as dramatic an event as the word implies? Is it possible we are already living it without the go-ahead from network media?

We live in a 'zombie' culture of over-consumption.  We commodify and then energetically devour each other.  If you have ever worked a minimum wage job, you know exactly what I mean.  If not, just observe the next clerk you encounter.  Many of us have this Pavlovian relationship with our cell phones, automatically interrupting real face-to-face conversations when we hear that diminutive electronic chime.  Some of us drink/eat/smoke/watch tv excessively to avoid feeling, avoid living.  I'm not a doctor, but I'm going to say this general lack of awareness and mindfulness is symptomatic of the walking dead. 

More practically, there was that whole economic crisis where a lot of people lost their homes and their jobs.  Dumpster diving, charitable donations, and foraging is probably a reality for many in this situation.  In fact, in On a Dollar a Day the authors posit that for many families living around the poverty line, food is the first expense to go.  Families who receive food stamps do purchase food, but as the authors cover: food stamps are meant to be supplementary, meaning that there are definitely days without meals.

I apologize for the less-than-uplifting rant.  I feel that this project has gained a new level of relevance and usefulness.  For something a little more fun: (Waffles!)

I love waffles!