the Metaculturalist top 10 in the '10s (first cycle)

All hark! The fresh turning of the solar system is neigh! As my original intent for this weblog has remained as an encompassing monologue generally regarding advancement and the future, it seems only fit to record a few predictions upon this new year and compile them into a 'top 10' list, as per fine blogging tradition. These should be seen as general predictions or thoughts about various aspects of society and how they might change in the next decade.

i. Economic leveling. By now it must be obvious that the global economy in the 2010s will be vastly different than the one that has characterized america's late-capitalistic phase. The BRIC countries are all slowly shoring up their economic bases, and by the end of the decade world commerce might just seem a lot more..let us say 'market-driven?'

ii The decline and slump of the american empire. The united states' half-century hegemony is beginning to recede. Related to i., this concept encompasses the global zeitgeist as both product and substrate for the economy. Cultural trends have gradually begun to show signs of shifting away from americanized capitalistic ideals, and the cultural rise of asia seems poised to make a dramatic impact in their wake.

iii. Neo-medicine. Stem cells, genomics, and more will allow for unprecedented medical advances. The technologies will force humans to wrestle with issues unlike any before (voluntary limb amputation, anyone?).

iv. Governmental shifts. Whether it's filibuster reform or coup d'état, governments are unstable, and there's no sign of settling.

v. The internet evolves. Having invented a means for every single human being on the planet to communicate effortlessly with one another, the challenge of the next decade will be defending the human right to internet access as vigorously as we defend the right to a free press. And now that we have this tool, what will we do with it?

{In the spirit of this celebration of liminal states, the latter half of this list will be published..in 2011! Joyous liminal celebration, everyone!!}