Apathy. The rock bottom lack of emotion that surrounds itself in de-sensitized blubber and isolates itself from change. Without it, human beings react with emotions that tug on heartstrings or infuriate the mildest of tempers. Prior to the twenty-first century, mankind has endured epidemics of illness, war sagas, industrial advancements and the consequences, and political inability- leaving a legacy of perseverance; however, the greatest challenge facing the contemporary globe is apathy. Unable to contain it by walls, force, or intimidation, the foe of the globe is lethal if not dealt with in the most abstract tactic possible: pathos. Yes, the nepenthe is apathy, the antidote love. Icons who sip of apathetic poison are victims of numbness colder than Siberian tundra and as nonchalant as a Humphrey Bogart role. The concerns of the globe concern them not: the hemisphere of their surroundings has a perimeter as out-stretched as their worldview. The diplomatic decisions of other countries are filed unannounced in a cabinet of ignorance. According to victims of the apathetic complex, common misconceptions of culture are the gospel truth. Causing headaches of indifference and miscommunication across the globe, apathy is the ringleader of numerous historical fiascos. During the Industrial Revolution in Britain, social Darwinism of the late eighteenth century culminated through industrial breakthroughs matched with technological innovation. Workers rights were violated as the apathy of government mimicked the individualism of laborers and entrepreneurs in a dog eat dog environment. In the same vein of apathy, the Vietnam War scene resounds. Plastered on posters of protesters against the Vietnam War, the motto “Make Love, Not War” sensitized the American realization that the war was being fought half-heartedly. Without the support of the public, unlike the united effort of victory gardens and ration stamps from World War Two, and the apathy of the government to loss of human life, patriotism decreased. Likewise, modern examples of apathy are caused by a dense comfort zone saturated in security or by a recalcitrant resistance to change clenched around tradition; the stimuli have changed but not the apathetic condition. Electronic conveniences provide encounters to violence on a daily basis that numbs the emotional reactions of human beings. When visual or verbal abuse is delivered on screen, the mind registers a memory that could potentially re-emerge upon second-view of the same type of scene, therefore weakening the judgment between reality and reaction. In this process, apathy is pandemic. Wrapping itself around the social, political, and economical qualities of the globe, if left unattended, apathy overpowers the impulses of sensation and fulfills the role of a parasite intent to feed upon compassion. Challenging the world of the twenty-first century, apathy has thrown down a gauntlet at the globe and taunts it to react. Shall the contemporary world rise to the occasion? After writers block and lack of time, I finally am updating this journal. To keep everyone up to speed, I listed recent occurences as they would appear in the table of contents in a college textbook. For the scholars, I"m sorry this is oh too familiar. Without this trivial mode of organization, I would unarguably win the most disorganized sixteen year old in the world prize. I digress. Sushi... traditionally a triad but branched into the realm of sorority with two Elizabeths. A change of scenery from Osaka Inn to Sushi Yoshi. Dorian Gray... i adore you, Oscar Wilde. Someone asked me why I chose a singular novel from his more famous plays of notoriety. I simply answered the gingerly wording of phrases. Elephant...numbing. On the backrow of a Nickelodeon theater I realized the frailty of life. A week later, I borrowed Bowling for Columbine from Casey which further prompted me to affront head on the severity of aniimal like predator v. prey cruelty in America. Governors school...signed, sealed, and to be delivered April 9. I am looking forward to it with much anticipation. To have a supportive friend coaching you every step of the way gave fortunated assurance of things to come- thanks a million Emily! European... my academic pride and joy! Unfortunately a take home test double checked by majority rules significantly lowered my A average to a dismal B. A few more DBQs and free response will guarantee restoration. Junior miss...no comment. The gears of the unit are consuming my life: advertisments, talent, music dubbed and under the 90 second maximum, on stage and off stage outfits, interview, questions, poise, fitness, service project about self esteem,....and last but not least... my sanity. A shot in the dark....the new object of my caffeine affection. On Friday night, Whitney and Casey met at my house for croque monsieurs (les sandwiches wiz cheese and la moutarde wiz zee provence herbez) followed by A Mighty Wind. Feeling lackadeisical and peevish...nasty, brutish, and short (Hobbesian quote) we sought solace at a coffeeshop in Lexington, "Carliana's". The caffeine sent endorphins through the roof. The night ended, morning began. I have to share something heart-warming. Usually I wake up to incessant chatter, the cacophonous booming of a leafblower, or coldness from a fan I forgot to turn off. Not this morning. My little sister tiptoed all the way to the bed. She pulled back the comforter then wedged beneath the covers. In stead of abruptly shaking me from sleep, she whispered in my ear until i opened my eyes. I was wide awake the entire time, I just wanted to savor one of those joyously embottled moments. Ah, la vie est belle. Journal footnote: This was my third attempt to post an entry. And, the essay was written as part of my governors school application, in response to "what in your opinoin is the greatest issue facing the 21st century?"