Exit and data uncertainty

Talking to a couple of friends over tea made me realise how anxious we are in the UK about the possible exit from the European Union.

We don't seem to know much about what is currently happening or what could happen with immigration.

We would need more data.

The problem is that such type of data does not give much certainty.

I have received two leaflets:  One advocating staying in the EU.  Another opposing this.

They both expose short facts.

Am amazed that in this era of digital information, statistics, data mining and artificial intelligence, there does not seem to be data to help us make informed decisions.

Some could argue that this issue gets us into unknown territory.

True, but how could we learn from the past?  Is that now what technology would enable us in order to prevent rather than to react to situations?

Maybe I need to do more internet search about the issue.

Or maybe governments need to make data more available.  As a sign that they care about transparency.  Even if they do not know.

Some props please

2017 is to many an uncertain year.

Political landscapes of retreat and nationalism as well as those aiming for inclusivity have to deal with group conflict and misunderstandings.

More than in 2016 there is a need to restablish dialogue and communication, to slow down and listen to others and to oneself. 

We are in need of having some props to communicate.  Not those of a flag or a movement but those which enable us to show our scars and our humanity.

There is bravery in allowing others to see us as we are.  There is fear to show weakness or emotion.  That is why some cultures resort to props.  These are some aids to help us open up.  They are like neutral zones where we could strike a conversation, play, have a bit of banter and pretend to be involved in something.

Like a football match between enemy nations.  Or an improvised comedy over what we fear most.

Let us not take ourselves or the uncertainty too seriously.  

So now we are all connected

June and July 2016 will be remembered by a number of events. 

Brexit, Colombian peace agreement, terrorist attacks everywhere and run up to US presidential elections.

Those things happened on top of the ones we know: economic uncertainty and deterioration of communities.

So we are faced now with a blank canvas : we need to redesign our lives. 

And we need to do so in the midst of uncertainty. 

The good thing is that we know we are all connected. 

Not only because of what quantum or systems thinking experts would say. 

But because we know more than before that actions have consequences beyond our immediate vicinity or our present generations.

We got used not to see uncertainty but it has been part of our lives. Our dependence on ourselves is no more what should drive us. 

We might not be able to claim authorship for everything we intend to.

It is time to do what we can and trust that others will do the same.