Futures

Exploring Time: Cycles, Reclamation, and Jenny Odell’s Insights in Saving Time, (from page 20230505.)

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Themes

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Summary

The text explores the concept of time as a cyclical rather than linear experience, drawing on various cultural perspectives, including those of ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and queer and disabled communities. It discusses Jenny Odell’s book, “Saving Time,” which critiques the modern clock as a tool of colonial control and argues for a re-examination of how we perceive and experience time. Odell suggests that traditional notions of time are informed by social and political factors, and she emphasizes the importance of recognizing different frameworks of temporality. The text also addresses the challenges individuals face in reclaiming their time in a capitalist society, while highlighting the need for both personal and structural changes to achieve true leisure and freedom from the constraints of modern timekeeping. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper understanding of how time impacts our lives and how we can potentially reshape it.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Cyclical Time Awareness A growing recognition of time as cyclical rather than linear, influenced by various cultures. Shift from a linear understanding of time to a more cyclical perspective. In 10 years, societal norms may embrace cyclical approaches to time, impacting work-life balance. Cultural movements promoting alternative views of temporality and personal identity. 4
Reclaiming Time Frameworks Emergence of frameworks like crip time and Afrofuturism which challenge traditional time perceptions. Transition from a one-size-fits-all approach to time to individualized frameworks based on identity. In a decade, diverse communities may have their own recognized frameworks for experiencing and valuing time. The need for marginalized communities to assert their temporal experiences against dominant narratives. 5
Social Media Symbolism The use of ancient symbols like the ouroboros in contemporary social media contexts. From traditional symbols to modern interpretations in digital spaces reflecting timeless human experiences. In 10 years, symbols from ancient cultures may be integrated into digital narratives for existential discussions. The blending of history with modern communication methods in social discourse. 3
Critique of Conventional Clocks A critique of the modern clock as a colonial tool that subdues marginalized people. From acceptance of linear time to critical examination of its historical and social implications. In 10 years, there may be a shift towards more flexible, culturally relevant timekeeping methods. A growing awareness of socio-political histories and their impacts on daily life. 4
Emphasis on Leisure and Rest An increasing focus on the importance of leisure and rest in a productivity-driven society. Shift from viewing rest as laziness to recognizing its vital role in well-being and creativity. In a decade, leisure may be redefined and valued as essential to personal and societal health. Cultural shifts towards valuing mental health and well-being over constant productivity. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Colonial Inheritance of Time Perception The Western concept of linear time is a colonial construct that marginalizes diverse temporal perspectives, potentially leading to cultural erasure and psychological distress. 4
Temporal Disparities Different communities, including marginalized identities, experience time differently, raising concerns over equitable access and recognition of these distinct temporal experiences. 5
Work-life Balance Crisis The societal expectation of productivity can result in chronic stress and burnout, limiting individuals’ ability to reclaim their personal time and rest. 5
Impact of Climate Change on Time Perception The urgency of climate change creates a heightened awareness of time scarcity, influencing social behaviors and mental health. 4
Neoliberal Time Constraints The commodification of time through labor can stifle individual autonomy and creativity, reinforcing systemic inequities, particularly for marginalized groups. 5
Resistance to Leisure Cultural conditioning prioritizes busyness over rest, leading to discontentment and mental health issues even in the absence of labor constraints. 4
Lack of Structural Solutions The absence of tangible solutions for reclaiming time amidst societal and structural constraints may perpetuate existing inequalities and personal frustrations. 4
Potential for Revolt Social and economic downfalls might necessitate revolt as a means of enacting large-scale change, raising concerns about societal upheaval. 3
Intersectionality and Time Understanding how multiple identities affect the perception and experience of time could highlight systemic inequalities, but lacks broader societal recognition. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Cyclical Perception of Time Embracing the idea that time is cyclical rather than linear, influenced by various cultural perspectives on temporality. 5
Reclamation of Time Communities and individuals are seeking to reclaim their time from societal and structural constraints imposed by capitalism and colonialism. 5
Queer and Crip Time Frameworks Recognition of diverse experiences of time, particularly among queer and disabled communities, that challenge mainstream notions of temporality. 5
Artistic Contemplation of Time Increasing engagement with artistic and literary works that explore the nature of time and challenge conventional perceptions. 4
Political and Sociological Analysis of Time A growing trend to analyze the socio-political implications of how time is measured and experienced in contemporary society. 4
Vertical vs. Horizontal Time A distinction between labor-oriented time and a more reflective, leisure-oriented perception of time, promoting a different relationship with temporality. 4
Focus on Structural Change Advocating for structural changes to support individual and community experiences of time beyond the corporate model. 5

Technologies

description relevancy src
A framework addressing how disabled and neurodivergent individuals experience time differently than neurotypical people. 4 047936a2b08c1b5dda3018bc98dc1d9b
A cultural movement that envisions futures for Black people free from historical oppression. 4 047936a2b08c1b5dda3018bc98dc1d9b
Concepts differentiating between labor-defined time and a more holistic experience of time. 3 047936a2b08c1b5dda3018bc98dc1d9b

Issues

name description relevancy
Cyclical Time Perception The shift in understanding time as cyclical rather than linear, impacting various cultural perspectives on temporality. 4
Colonial Constructs of Time Recognition that linear time is a colonial construct, influencing marginalized communities’ experiences of temporality. 5
Afrofuturism and Queer Time The frameworks of Afrofuturism and queer time, highlighting different experiences of time related to identity and history. 4
Crip Time Framework The concept of ‘crip time’ emphasizing the unique temporal experiences of disabled and neurodivergent individuals. 4
Impact of the Modern Clock Critique of the modern clock as a tool of oppression that commodifies and controls human experiences of time. 5
Reclaiming Time in Labor Challenges faced by marginalized groups in reclaiming their time from systemic oppression and labor exploitation. 5
Vertical vs. Horizontal Time The distinction between vertical time (rest and leisure) and horizontal time (work and productivity), affecting quality of life. 4
Need for Structural Changes The necessity of structural changes in society to allow individuals to live on their own time rather than the imposed corporate clock. 5
Psychological Conditioning to Busyness The societal conditioning that makes individuals uncomfortable with rest, impacting mental health and well-being. 3