Many people assume bloggers are these hedonistic, selfish creatures that must write about themselves, some times in the third person, to feel validated by the world. Opinions are doled out freely and without restraint so we all end up bombarded with knowledge that we may not want nor have a healthy means to process. Writing can be a cathartic experience for those who seek absolution; to those who need to find solidarity inside the masses to protect their sanity. We aren’t the only ones going through XYZ nor the only people in the room who love/hate/study/feel/think this way, no?
In my case, I would like to consider this blog as archeological and anthropological data that could be used by scholars, erudites and future nerds to have a glimpse into the ghosts of geeks past. By the time this blog turns 10, the worldwide political and social climates may be very different from today’s, better or worse depending on the circumstances. With Trump as the POTUS from 2017 to 2020, the public and historians of the times will have a hard time pinning down the exact damage done. Reality TV at its best, but with nuclear warfare codes and real life spies.
Who knows! By 2025 studios may even be rebooting Wonder Woman or Harry Potter and we will all be left in shock when they announce the casting. Heck, the DC cinematic universe could have surpassed Marvel’s success. *Gasp* For sure, Han Solo will not have been uniquely portrayed by Harrison Ford since Disney is screenwriting his origin story trilogy as we speak. Who will be the next Tom Cruise? The next Brad Pitt? The possibilities are endless.
Just like Randy Pausch aspired to create a living breathing record of himself for his children, I am creating a treasure chest of experiences and photographs that could be used and shared by generations to come. My immediate family will have a record of who I was and how I presented myself to the world, especially if they ever need to justify or communicate my state of mind. Reading back on some early pages, I can already see improvements to my personality and writing. Expressing myself helps me grow and conduct introspective experience the readers can benefit from. We are not in this hurling rock full of magma in a vacuum. Sharing is caring!
I take my role as a historian very seriously. I weigh opinions and encourage commentary. The discussions may not lead, unequivocally, to the points I find important but they always teach me about my peers and their views based on their analysis of the human experience. Dissent is normal and expected, and whenever possible it is addressed with an open mind and aplomb. (Unless I am overly passionate about the subject, I tend to be rational.) The exchange is the outcome; the metaphorical journey we need to enjoy instead of focusing on the destination.
Feel free to open your own lines of dialogue and write your own thoughts on the web. History is dictated by the victors. Hopefully we are not abusing our share of the responsibility of documenting the past and present for future generations. Fortune favors the bold though, and the pen may still be mightier than the sword so take back control of the narrative. Lead the way and make sure to remove any unnecessary bias and remain faithful to the story.
The truth is out there.
Mrs. Enginerd - Nerd Whisperer 