“Clearing the way for the future” (FERMA Corporation).

The city I knew is being made over, re-invented, re-routed for new purposes. A city known for its revolutionary ambitions, humbly charming beauty and character, and artistic uniqueness from patient and graceful cultivations. It saddens me to see so many of its roots and foundations being stripped and torn to keep up with the unprecedented speedy lifespans of trends, fads, and demands.

Utilitarianism is all I see. Is that all we believe we deserve to see and surround ourselves with in metropolitan cities? Optimal comfortable efficiency with minimal concentration and conflict? Of course it’s pleasurable, but the cost is the loss of pleasurable achievement, connection, and frolic just to name a few fleeting joys. The city I once knew is dying. Suffocating while being buried alive with its own former body used to seal its grave, all in the name of efficient innovation.

In attempts to “liven” the desolating city, man-made beaches, landscaped nature parks, and vibrant-green lawns in the winter allow for the “frolic” of domesticated animals and detached humans; shortcuts taken to comfortably create the illusion of modern and cohesive interconnectedness. 

I love disturbances to this “utopia” that’s trying to be built in front of me. Natural tendencies, unrestrained impulses, and non-conforming liberation disturb the fragility of this artificial reality like weeds breaking through the driveway of a multi-million dollar home; the facade only lasts for so long. Even with too many obligations to maintain the illusion of its validity, many play their roles with fervor out of desperation to attempt the unattainable: “Absolute Perfection.” 

A new day begins and I see people rushing from place to place, appointment to appointment, scene to scene like the chaotic bustle between scenes of a play. “Places everyone!” The lights turn green. “Action!” And the scenes roll on.