I grew up watching The Jetsons and was always a big fan of the show. I even went to see The Jetsons movie in theatres when I was eight.
Watching The Jetsons as a child made me think about what the future would be like. I wondered if, as an adult, I would be driving a flying car or if video-calling would ever be a real thing.
After the past year and a half, when many of us have depended on Zoom, we may have forgotten that in the 1980s, we marvelled at the thought of a video call.
Many everyday items we use today were part of the futuristic world portrayed in The Jetsons, including smart watches, drones, 3-D printers and robots.
Last week, many people around the world tuned in for the launch of Jeff Bezos’ rocket Blue Origin as it left Earth and carried the first civilian crew to space.
As I watched the Blue Origin launch online, it reminded me of my childhood, watching The Jetsons. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime.
During the past week, we’ve heard a lot about the three rich men in the race to space: Bezos, Elon Musk and Richard Branson.
I know that many people disapprove of this use and display of mega-wealth. Of course, there are many worthy causes that could benefit from that money.
Also, after the last heatwave we endured, we were all forced to stare climate change in the face. It was a reminder to all of us to do better and take care of our planet and home.
The launch of civilian space travel, however, opens up possibilities and opportunities. During our lifetimes, space travel will likely be solely for the elite, but there are children watching this event, and others like it, who can build on these discoveries and create opportunities for future generations.
I am fascinated at what children expect technology to be able to do. Often, I shake my head and think about saying: “Alexa can’t do that!” But then I stop and remind myself that it is these children who will eventually create the technological advances to meet their expectations.
When I was a child visiting the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, Alta., I remember looking at a dinosaur display that used a computer touchscreen. I turned to my mother and brother and said: “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could have a touchscreen at our house?” They both shot me down and told me how expensive touchscreens were and that no one would ever own one.
Today, most of us have a tiny touchscreen in our pockets at all times.
charla@makola.bc.ca
Charla Huber is the director of communications and Indigenous relations at M’akola Housing Society.
