What Will Be Trending in the 22nd Century?

I remember touring The Monsanto House of the Future an exhibit at Disneyland California in 1957 and being in awe. Such wonders.

The walk-through attraction gave visitors a glimpse into what the future holds for homes in the 20th century. It was also intended to demonstrate the versatility of modern plastics. It featured advanced products, such as microwave ovens, and other time saving marvels. The furniture was plastic - think the cartoon The Jetsons.

After reminiscing about the good old days, I got to thinking about the present and what the future holds for homes in the 22nd century. The problem is I'm not sure mankind will be around in the 22nd century. But for the sake of laughs I can speculate that humans will be still living in some sort of structures.

What kind of structures you ask?

Straight up...Caves. Designer caves. Multiplex caves. Caves for every social stratum of what society that still exists.

The scared surface outside the colonies of caves will be too unstable and radioactive to put up conventional houses.

What's Inside?

- Cave units come equipped with oxygen centers strategically stationed throughout the home. 

- TVs give way to hologram entertainment stations in every room.

- Kitchen appliances graduate to specialized robots who can wash dishes or cook a fair-to-middling meal.

- Bean bag chairs and couches are back! Every century they pop up like cockroaches. Don't ask me why. I can't even sit in one.

Fashions

- Long hair for men and women. It's a nod to the 60s and the 70s. And because there are no more barber or beauty shops anywhere it's easier to grow long hair.

- People routinely wear imaginative rubber masks to hid radiation burns. Some are so creative they have Masked Balls and award prizes such as extra food rations.

- Capes are worn by all the classes in Tunnel Towns.

- Sneakers are often banned in tunnel colonies in favor of the 50th itineration of Crocs.

Teenagers still say the darnest things...

Girl to Girl; "Whatever Mary Lou, why don't you go work at McDonalds?" No one is sure what it means but it has been elevated to fighting words in the 22nd century.  

Politicians are still stupid...

but people don't pay any attention to them. They live in different cave enclaves where their lies bounce off the padded walls in never ending arguments.

Finally, I suspect survival will still be trending in the 22nd century with its new challenges.

As it Stands, you may be thinking, the hell with the future what about right now? I don't blame you. I'm worried too. However, I thought a little dark humor might brighten your day.

A Conversation About Heros

Since the dawn of time heroes have appeared in every culture in the world. 

Sometimes their stories are buried in the sands of time without making a ripple, but many survive to become legends in countries across the world. (photo Christopher Reeves)

Both in fiction and real-life heroic figures are individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, bravery, and often selfless actions. 

In my life I've seen and met many heroes. I witnessed 18-year-old males commit acts of courage in the midst of a firefight in the jungles of Vietnam and Cambodia. I've seen homeless veterans across America clinging to their pride despite their circumstances. 

I've seen mild mannered individuals stand up to bullies, even if it meant getting their ass kicked. I've witnessed everyday citizens who refused to be bullied by corrupt governments despite being punished for their resistance. I've met and seen people with physical and mental disabilities that are everyday heroes getting by under challenging circumstances. 

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Their universal qualities are called archetypes.

The Classical Hero

Sometimes called romantic heroes, are everyday people that have great talent. The classic hero possesses an attribute or quality that distinguishes them from ordinary people, making them a hero. Your classic hero has gifts other do not.

The Everyday Hero

The "everyman hero" has no outstanding abilities or attributes. They are often put into an extraordinary circumstance where they must act with heroic qualities. I call them reluctant heroes.

Tragic Hero

It was the great philosopher Aristotle who first defined the ill-fated protagonist as a tragic hero, or flawed hero who evokes a sense of pity or fear from the audience. The hero of a tragedy has to be someone whose misfortune is brought about not by vice or depravity, but with some error of fate.

The Epic Hero

The Greeks are credited with defining a protagonist as an epic hero who is awe-inspiring and often depicted in epic poems. Their fortune is brought about by their admired characteristics. Think The Odyssey and the Illiad. The heroes are cunning, brave, humble, smart, and virtuous.

The Anti-Hero

An anti-hero, by definition, is a main character who lacks conventional heroic attributes. They range from being a good person with an unattractive vice to a criminal master mind who has a heart of gold.

The Superhero

Despite being fictional characters superheroes are extremely popular in cultures around the world. Think Superman and Spiderman. Their powers are diverse, from superhuman strength to X-ray vision. 

I think we all have heroes in our lives but don't always realize it. 

Some do. My Dad was my hero. Setbacks in life didn't slow him down or discourage him. He always plowed forward and managed to raise four children in the hardest of times.

As it Stands, one of my favorite quotes about heroes comes from the actor Christopher Reeves, "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."