You're not going: the irony of the space race and the reality of human cost
You've heard the exciting stories, right? How we, as a species, are going to hop on a rocket, wave goodbye to Earth and set up shop on Mars. Big dreamers like Elon Musk make it sound thrilling - from simple cave folk to spaceship-flying explorers, it's like the ultimate level-up in the game of life. But here's the catch that they're not telling you - you're not going.
What we need to understand is, those tickets to Mars aren't for everyone. They're not going to land in your mailbox one sunny morning. They're for the super-rich, the cream of the crop. The rest of us are left back here, picking up the pieces of their far-fetched dreams.
When we talk about 'progress at any cost,' it's not a pretty picture. Our world, all its beauty and life, is being torn apart to fuel this space race. And what's being used to power this race? Not some state-of-the-art space fuel, but us - our work, our resources, our time, and our lives. We're the batteries in this wild venture, only we're left drained and discarded once used up.
This captivating story of humanity's march towards the stars, it's not spun for folks like you and me. It's a narrative dipped in techno-optimism, placing technology as a torchbearer. But don't be fooled. This glamorous vision of space is essentially a high-priced ticket ride reserved for those who've got billions to spare. It's like a fresh coat of paint on an old Social Darwinism wall, where the delights of space conquest are a privileged party for those with the heaviest wallets. In our current world, where capitalism is running the show, this helps the rich brush off the harsh inequalities as mere bumps on the road to progress. Rather than tackling the immediate crises on our home planet, we're sold a dream of a starry future. This grand tale of us all destined for space is a bit of a trick—it's not an all-inclusive trip. The harsh truth? That pledge of a new life dancing among the stars, it's not in your hands. The captivating space exploration narrative conceals a tough reality: so-called progress that leaves the many behind, is just a fancy word for disaster. As this tale starts to fray, it's about time we wondered: who's really got the power to shape our 'destiny', and shouldn't it be a destiny that's got room for all of us? But in the end, remember this – it's not for you.
Are you listening? You’re not going.
Pictured here: Not you.
How about we talk about real numbers? The United Nations estimated in 2022 that a staggering 795 million people were going hungry, a number that has most likely escalated since then. And on the flip side, the billionaire brigade is shelling out a small fortune to chase their lofty space ambitions.
Here's where things get interesting. Remember when Elon Musk, with all his wealth, tossed out a challenge to the UN's World Food Programme? He offered up a cool $6 billion, on the condition that WFP could demonstrate how that cash injection would put an end to world hunger. And the UN didn't shy away: within days, WFP drafted a comprehensive proposal, delineating how the $6.6 billion would feed more than 40 million people teetering on the brink of famine across 43 countries.
This plan was met with, let's just say, a less than enthusiastic response from Musk. Despite his initial grandiose offer, the moment the UN stepped up to the plate, Musk seemed to retreat, leaving the WFP's proposition unanswered.
So, here we are, almost living in two separate realities: one where people are struggling to find their next meal, and the other where billionaires are fixated on their celestial aspirations. Doesn't that make you pause and question the state of things? The future that Elon Musk describes feels almost magical, brimming with promise. It's a world where limits are pushed and possibilities seem endless. But it’s a mirage: distant and unattainable for most of us. This new world we are promised to find captures your imagination, enchants you with what could be, yet the bitter truth is this: you won’t live there.
As a humanitarian, my experiences have shown me the transformative power of resource allocation. When utilized responsibly, they can elevate the lives of many. That's the crux of where our focus should lie. Instead of focusing on crafting extraterrestrial vessels for the ultra-wealthy, our attention should be centered on cultivating a better world right here, for each one of us.
Preservation is key. While the allure of the unknown has always been an intrinsic part of the human spirit, urging us towards new frontiers, we must remember the wisdom inherent in self-care. Before venturing to new worlds, we must 'secure our oxygen mask first.' It's essential to ensure the survival and flourishing of our humanity on this earth before we reach for the stars. Otherwise, there may be no humanity left to save when the time comes.
