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My struggle

Anonymous

March 19, 2025

My struggle

This image was generated with Dream Studio AI.

The world as it is now is better technologically, socially, medically and economically than it was a hundred years ago. But what we have imagined our contemporary world to be is far from what we are all currently experiencing. The future right now seems quite uncertain. In times where people witness on their mobile devices and in real time the destruction of nature, the pollution of our seas, skies and lands, the mass murders of children, women and animals all over the world, yet remain unperturbed, it's quite hard to imagine something can change.
Do we have to be completely and utterly shaken by all these events in order to wake up?
Do we have to be the ones filming atrocities to act? And how much more suffering do we have to witness to stop prioritising costs over lives, profits over well-being?
It can be so tiring and discouraging. Let's take a look at a few examples.

Every few years, there would be democratic protests in Eastern Europe. We fight against corruption, against malignant influence, against malpractices in various sectors and institutions. We fight for democratic values - rule of law, equality, education, safety for everyone and especially the vulnerable groups, liberty. And we always look to the EU, to Europe, to Western Europe. And we would politely ask Europe to hear us out, to listen, to show support. Only to be presented as corrupt, hostile and backward-thinking in the next annual summary. Because an MP would pick up on our movements just to further their own career or an agenda. In reality and unlike most people in the West, Eastern Europeans know and remember all too well the price of not upholding democratic order. We know it, we feel it, we remember it. We are no longer at the periphery of Europe, we are Europe. And it's disheartening when we see that when the much-needed help arrives, it tends to team up with the same corrupt interests we've been trying to deroot for decades. And one of the issues we notice here is inequality, Eastern Europeans are often seen as a cliche, as those that little to nothing depends on. But we are witnessing a shift in history right here, right now. Doing right by the East is a prospect for redemption. Having equal access to political, financial and economic opportunities will drive Europe forward and stabilise its positions.

A crucial point in covering safe environment for the current and future generations is environmental sustainability. There is a severe danger of extinction of plant and animal species and we must act now by initiating and maintaining practices that will help conserve nature, maintain biodiversity and diminish the consequences of industrialisation, pollution and energy consumption.

End to poverty and wars. Conflicts and wars lead to poverty, dicplacement of vulnerable groups, destruction of infrastructure, further pollution of the already endangered environment. Wars do not have place in a civilised world that aims to progress.

Animal safety. Even now we learn of thousands of animals being mistreated or subjected to cruelty. Whether it is in farms, homes and labs, financial gains should never be put before the well-being of animals.

Gender equality. Men and women should be presented with equal access to political, financial, health, education, social, and economic opportunities.

Acess to medical care for everyone.

Innovations that enhance environmental sustainability.

There are certainly a lot more aspects that we need to highlight and there is definitely work done on many of them, however, as we witness the changing world around us, it is just not enough and it might seem a little too late.

But isn't it darkest just before dawn?

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Mein evtl. Leben 2040
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The planet is saved. Global warming has been curbed. Peace reigns on earth because countries have chosen to help each other instead of fighting. Our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy pleasant living conditions. Endangered animal species are no longer threatened.
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In 2040, all people are finally equal. Everyone is individual and yet everyone is seen primarily as a human being and treated with respect. All children can achieve anything. No matter what gender they are, what skin color they have, where they come from and whether they have a disability or not. They all have the same opportunities, no obstacles are put in their way and they can pursue their dreams without being judged by others. Everyone is allowed to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't harm anyone. Everyone is allowed to love and be with whoever they want. Everyone has free access to education, assistance and medical care. Public transport is free for everyone. No one has to live in poverty or fear poverty in old age. All adults can vote as soon as they have lived in a country for 5 years, regardless of their nationality. There are no more stateless people, as it is easier to obtain citizenship, even without valid identity documents. Language courses are free, as is civil courage training. Crimes against people (such as sexualized violence and racism, ableism and queerophobia) are punished more severely than crimes against property such as theft. Women's shelters and other protective facilities are free of charge. There is enough psychological support for all people. All people can work what they want and what suits their talents and their work is valued. Everyone can make a living from their work. Care work is also remunerated and counted towards pensions. The data gaps on marginalized groups such as POC and women and trans people are reduced, medicines are optimized for all people and all needs are considered in urban planning and security facilities. People with disabilities are finally no longer marginalized but seen as full and equal human beings. Nobody earns a million or more a year. Tax money is used for everyone. Animals are no longer seen and exploited as commodities but as living beings with feelings. There are no more zoos or circuses with animals, only extensive reserves/animal parks. Vegan diets are promoted and subsidized. Climate justice is jointly pursued and declared a priority. Colonialism is reappraised, combated and included in the curriculum, just like the Holocaust. Colonial crimes are paid for with reparations and there is a European strategy to deal with and prevent racism and other forms of discrimination. This would be a world where I would worry less about having children and grandchildren.
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Utopia
I am 74 years old. Thanks to technological advances, you don't notice that about me. I fully enjoy my life as an aromatherapist and artist. Thanks to artificial intelligence, I have been able to build a beautiful career and live in complete freedom in all areas. I am still perfectly healthy and travel as often as I can, exclusively in sustainable ways. Gas is long gone. Public transportation is there for everyone and is super extensive day and night. Getting on a train or bus is only possible if you step through the control gates; checked by robots. Those who do not comply do not ride. Religion and war no longer exist; neither do borders (and therefore property). Everyone gets a basic income. There is only one government in region of Belgium. Everyone has solar panels and/or windmills. Organically grown food is the norm. On the health front, each person is looked at as a whole and complementary therapies are the main norm. Thanks to the use of stem cells, diseases have been eradicated. Every person is equal worldwide and can fully be who they are and live life to the fullest.
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