Looking Back

Previously, in Time Square… (Photo from Wikipedia: ‘Time Square Ball’ article)

2012 is only weeks away. Christmas is less than a week away. As 2011 draws to a close, I decided to cover the holidays and the last few days until 2012. Because of the Global Recession, the Arab Spring, the death of terrorists and dictators, the Fukushima Nuclear Accident, and many other events in 2011, this Christmas will be like no other. I decided to cover how Americans will spend their last days of the year, and how events that took place this year will influence their holiday plans. Because I covered important events during 2011, I thought it would be interesting to see how the events I reported on would influence the lives of many Americans.

Shopping & Gifts, 2011


For many Americans, Christmas and New Year shopping is an almost-ritualistic event. I went to Soho, one of the most popular shopping districts in Manhattan, to see how events of 2011 influenced the shopper’s purchases. Soho has traditionally been a shopping district for expensive clothe boutiques, such as Armani and Prada, and had little (if at all) inexpensive clothes stores. However, I was surprised to find several buildings that housed inexpensive clothe stores. UNIQLO, a Japanese clothes firm that sells relatively inexpensive clothes, has recently opened for business in Soho. I was also surprised to see that many of the inexpensive stores were packed with customers, compared to their high-end counterparts.

This rule also seemed to apply to many shoppers I have interviewed. Out of 30 shoppers, 25 have said that they have spent less in shopping this year than the previous year. 20 have said that they have spent less than the previous decade. “I can’t afford gifts that I could have bought before the recession,” explained a New Yorker. “I just plan to buy gifts for my family and my girlfriend,” stated a college student of NYU.

However, the obstacles of the recession did not seem to affect the purchase of smartphones. In fact, the death of Steve Jobs and the release of the iPhone 4S has increased fervor in Apple products. “My kids want the newest smartphones, and you know, it’s Christmas,” said a haggard mother with her children in the Apple store. “The new functions in the 4S are worth the purchase,” said another customer. When I asked him which particular “function” made the purchase worth it, he refused comment. The release of many other products, such as the Samsung Galaxy 2S and the new 4G smartphones, has only increased the demand for smartphones.

Travelling, 2011


Many Americans used to travel to other vacation spots during the holidays to rest and escape the cold weather. However, there is a severe decrease in holiday trips compared to previous years. I asked 15 interviewees across Manhattan (Union Square, Rockefeller Center, and Zucotti Park). Out of 15 New Yorkers who travelled to foreign destinations last year, only 7 were planning to take a trip this year. Many stated that their economic situations did not give them space to travel. “I need to save up money whenever I can,” said an office worker. “I can’t even afford the airplane tickets this year, let alone travel,” said another. “Buying presents is hard enough – no travelling.” Decreased number of air commuters has only made airline tickets more expensive, as airline companies try to cover up losses with increased prices.

However, for some of the travelers, the reasons were somewhat different. One New Yorker, whose family lives in Greece, decided not to go and visit his family during the holidays because of the situation in Greece. “Have you seen the news? Greece has hit the can,” said the Greek immigrant. “There’s just too much violence and instability.” Another family, of Japanese origin, gave up on a family trip to their native Japan. “My parents lived near the Fukushima nuclear plant, and they had to evacuate,” said the father of the family. “We do not wish to burden them,” added his wife, “and the radiation emitted may be harmful for our children.” A college professor outside New York, who came to New York to visit relatives, told me that she had to cancel her trip to Egypt because of the violence and turmoil in Egypt. “I wanted to learn about Egyptian history and see the pyramids up close, but it looks like I will have to see Egyptians making history from my home TV.”

Many of the New Yorkers told me that they were planning to stay in New York instead of travelling to other places. “I’m just going to skate in Rockfeller Center with my girlfriend,” said a New Yorker. “It’s not the place that counts, it’s the mindset.”

Homecoming & Family Time, 2011

Quality family time, unaffected by the recession or downturns across the world, is better for many Americans this Christmas. A few days ago, the last of US troops have withdrawn from Iraq and will be able to spend Christmas with their families. I was able to meet an Iraqi veteran who was with his family in New Jersey, and I asked him how he felt to be back with his family. The veteran gave me a large smile, and said “there’s no place like home.”

A Farewell and A Greeting


New crystals fitted for the Times Square Ball of 2012 (image from Long Island Press)
 
         Looking back, personal and global events have changed our lives as well as those around us. Dictatorial milestones like Kim Jong Ill and Muammar Gadhafi are no more, while we increasingly rely on social networking sites for our social lives. Arab nations greet democracy as the Arab Spring rages, while we said farewell to Elizabeth Taylor. US troops in Iraq were able to come home, while refugees from Northeast Japan may never see their homes again. On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we will have much to think about. We have much to reflect on. We will have much to look forward to.
 

 


"Abilympics" is the combined word of "Ability" and "Olympics".

The first International Abilympics (IA) was held in Japan in 1981 to celebrate 'The United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons.' Its main goal was to support full participation of persons with disabilities in our society and promote their self-reliance and has been held every 4 years in various countries. This year, the South Korea hosted the Abilympics to the world.

 


At center in Yangjae, Seoul                                                             Opening ceremony of the 8th IA

The 8th International Abilympics 2011 was held in Seoul, South Korea from the 25th to the 30th of September which took place at the AT Center and at the Olympic Park Stadium (Olympic Hall).

57 countries participated and the world’s most highly skilled contestants with disabilities gathered. Skills of contestants are put to test; there are 40 categories of skills competition.

On September 26th, a spectacular opening ceremony at Olympic Park, Seoul marked the beginning of the 8th International Abilympics.

 

In the event, Yoon Ok Kim, the first lady of South Korea, the president of IA, and the chairman of the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled addressed a welcoming speech. After the official schedule, there were special performances that showed Korean traditional culture.


 

The contest began on Sept 27th at the AT center, Seoul. From Basket making to computer programming, there was a wide variety of tasks that took place during the contest.

Competitions took 5 hours long on average; contestants were totally focused and put a lot of effort into each assigned task. I was so touched by their passion and their great skills. They made so many creative objects, painting, and even furniture.
Many other different programs were also held. There was a Theme Park in which contestants from all over the world could experience Korean culture.
 


Also, many booths were set which exhibited various cultures and traditions of other participating nations. This enabled contestants to enjoy other cultures, widening their perspectives. Furthermore, contestants could get work experience such as crafts, cooking, cake decorating and balloon art.

The contest provided contestants with great opportunities to learn about careers and skills which could further be developed.

 

6 days of the 8th International Abilympics in Seoul culminated in success on Sept 30th as followed by the closing ceremony at Olympic Hall, Olympic Park, Seoul. Awards were given to all winners. There were a total of 23 gold medals, 22 silver medals, and 15 bronze medals—South Korean contestants received the most.

After the Award ceremony, all participants, delegations, and guests enjoyed a special farewell banquet and had a time to interact with others from different countries.


After the party, I happened to interview one contestant named Herman Gatete from Rwanda. I asked short questions since he had to get into the bus; his interpreter was next to him while translating his responses.

He has a hearing disability and participated in ‘Wood Carving’.

 

After the party, I happened to interview one contestant named Herman Gatete from Rwanda. I asked short questions since he had to get into the bus; his interpreter was next to him while translating his responses.

He has a hearing disability and participated in ‘Wood Carving’.

 

Did you enjoy the 8th International Abilympics in Seoul?

: Yes, I felt really comfortable for the last six days because all Korean staffs were nice and the AT center was well prepared for the contest.

What is the meaning of this contest to you?

: This is my first time participating in the IA. So, this contest is especially meaningful to me. I could be more confident about myself and it gives me a kind of hope in which I can dream what people without disabilities dream of becoming.

 

I was also happy to meet people with disabilities from many different countries.

 

He seemed very satisfied with the contest in Korea and I was so glad to hear that Korean volunteers were friendly. Not only the contestants but also volunteers learned valuable things from the showcased event.

 

Lee JooSil who volunteered as an interpreter said “The contest gives the message that contestants have infinite possibilities by offering many different job experiences. I was also impressed by the contestants’ talents. It a beautiful experience to witness. IA contestants faced challenges and developed special skills, even though they are physically disabled.

 

There is one thing I learned from them as I worked as a volunteer in the contest. We tend to misjudge and have prejudice towards people with disabilities, who seem to be inferior to those who are not physically or mentally disabled. We encourage disabled people when they try to do things that normal can people do. But the thing is, they can outshine people without disabilities in many aspects, only if they’re given enough opportunities in our society, like the International Abilympics.


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