High-end AI systems can now process a gigabyte (billion bits) of data per second. In contrast, human attention spans have declined to an average of just 8 seconds, according to recent research—which, amusingly, is one second less than that of a goldfish.
In our increasingly complex world, this declining attention span is more than just an amusing comparison. It’s a problem.
Beyond Black and White
I recently interviewed Phil Grabsky, the award-winning British documentary filmmaker, about his film My Childhood, My Country: Twenty Years in Afghanistan. The documentary follows Mir, a boy growing up in war-torn Afghanistan, over two decades. Through Mir’s story, the film offers a rare, powerful perspective on a country that’s been heavily impacted by conflict. It’s been recognized with multiple awards, including a BAFTA for Best Documentary. Beautiful, gripping, at times funny, tragic, and life-affirming, I’d say it’s a must-see.
Sadly, most viewers in the United States will never see it on the big screen. Phil has been told that Americans are no longer interested in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that the U.S. spent over two trillion dollars there, losing more than six thousand military and contractor lives, public interest has faded. We’ve “moved on.” End of story.
But did we win? Osama Bin Laden is gone, and yet, the Taliban have returned to power. While the threat of suicide bombers may be low, conditions for women are among the worst globally. It’s a complicated reality.
Why We Can’t Use the “C” Word
The word “complicated,” though, has become anathema in politics. To admit a complex truth invites politicians and pundits to bulldoze the conversation with simplistic, black-and-white assessments.
While I fervently pray for the triumph of truth, compassion, decency, and respect for women and all people, I know that, regardless of Tuesday’s election results, the situation will remain complex.
We Go On
Recently, I’ve been reading a rich, absorbing history of five women artists in New York City in the first half of the last century (Ninth Street Women). These women fought to be seen as artists in a world that often viewed “artist” and “female” as incompatible. They witnessed women achieve the vote, help rebuild the country during the Depression, take on “men’s work” during WWII, and then be told by postwar propagandists that a woman’s place was back in the kitchen, focused on keeping her husband happy.
We’ve taken steps forward and steps back. Today, as a woman with no biological children and two dogs (what’s my category?), it infuriates me to hear women referred to as “breeders.”
Social change is a long game. Rooting out misogyny, racism, and hatred is a multi-generational project.
Even the best outcome in the next election won’t bring immediate transformation, but it could help accelerate progress.
I love movies where the good guys win and a better future is assured.
Real life, though, is beautiful, disturbing, awe-inspiring, at times tragic, and at times uplifting—in a word, complicated.
I hope we grow together to embrace that.
