As I sit staring at this blank page considering the year that was, the overriding feeling that lingers is … 2018 was The Year of Second Thoughts.
Thanks to Gareth Williams
Internationally there were a couple of memorable rethinks in the sporting arena. Such as Usain Bolts sidestep into soccer, which was over almost as quickly as one of his famous dashes up the straight. Or Serena Williams’s “I’m a mother” outburst at the US open after being accused of receiving coaching during the match. At the same tournament Aussie John Milliman had us eating our words as he beat Roger Federer. However, the top sporting backflip must go to the Australian Cricket team for the ball tampering, and ‘failure of leadership’ fiasco.
The world of entertainment provided more examples. First up there was Rosanne Barr’s racist tweet which saw the star axed and the show taken off air. More significant was the continuation of the #MeToo phenomenon into a worldwide movement, which left even the most honourable of men questioning their actions.
Politically, we watched on as Trump’s relationship with Kim Jong-un seesawed until they both “fell in love”, apparently. All this against a zeitgeist of Americans reconsidering their initial ticking of the Trump box.
For me though, the worst international “in hindsight” moment was the deaths of 72 innocent residents, and another 70 injured, in the horrific Grenfell Tower fire. While the fire broke out in June 2017 the repercussions were still being felt in 2018 when an injury and commemorative hearings took place. As a result, Councils around the world reconsidered the materials employed.
On a more positive international note, the Invictus Games had us all reconsidering what people with disabilities can achieve.
And then there was the Thai Wild Bores cave rescue that captivated the world for 18 days. Eighteen days during which the young boys, coach, and parents must have all reconsidered their decision to go on the trip, and into the cave. No doubt the rescuers, including Australians Dr Richard Harris and Craig Challen also had many moments of indecision until the soul-stirring outcome.
But perhaps the most enthralling international about face was, and continues to be, Brexit, which seems to be entering its second, third and fourth about faces.
Meanwhile back in Australia.
We’ve almost forgotten those dark days, or should that be day, of the total removal of plastic shopping bags. With no Instagram or Facebook evidence can we be sure this actually happened?
The supermarkets also gave us the heart-warming sight of consumers risking their own lives to support local strawberry growers. A myriad of thoughts went through our heads as we played Russian Roulette with needle laden strawberries.
Away from the shops and after years of waiting, we had to concede that new oval was a good development, even if there continues to be indecision about the name. Where else in the world does a stadium change its name depending on the event being held? We also had to concede that the Matagarup Bridge was a good edition to Perth’s skyline, particularly its kaleidoscope of colours.
Politically we had Mark Lathan reconsidering his allegiances, again, this time joining Pauline Hanson, we think. Deputy Barnaby Joyce reviewed his “error of judgement” then, perhaps urged on by his “error of judgment”, appeared on television and wrote a book to ensure we didn’t forget. Amidst this, the then PM Malcolm Turnball asked his colleagues to rethink their work sexual proclivities, while they rethought his position as Prime Minister. Clearly someone missed the “no shafting” memo.
Entertainment wise Boy George had to rethink his comments when Perths’ own loop artist Sam Perry took out The Voice. Married At First Sight villain Dean showed he was capable of more backflips than an Olympic gymnast when he rethought his commitment to his new bride within weeks. Meanwhile, The Bachelor Nick Cummings had us all second guessing ourselves when he went off script to pick mates and me time over marriage. Thankfully 62-year-old Shane Gould saved the reality day by winning Australian Survivor, and in the process made us rethink the meaning of a “seniors moment”.
Later on in the year, Sandgropers redefined loyalty when we flocked to Langley Park to cheer home our majestic Eagles after winning the AFL premiership.
Later still, we watched on as drug mule Renae Lawrence was released to freedom, only to find she faced other charges.
But the doozey of all local second thoughts must go to Nova DJ and ex Dockers player Shane McManus, who moments after throwing away his wife’s winning Melbourne Cup ticket, realized what he’d done.
Oh yes and let’s not forget there was a royal baby born in 2018, Prince Louis Arthur Charles. No doubt, like all new parents, sleep deprivation may have seen William and Kate have momentary second thoughts.
But the biggest second thoughts moment for 2018 must go to Harry and Meghan. As the tradition-defying young couple sat in St George’s Chapel and knowing the world was tuning into their special moment, you can’t tell me they didn’t have second thoughts when Bishop Michael Curry took an eternity to remind us that “love is the way”. After all, 1.9 million viewers surely did.
For me the standout moment of 2018 was the two Invictus wheelchair tennis players. Realizing a low flying helicopter had triggered UK competitor Paul Guest’s post traumatic stress, Netherlands competitor Edwin Vermetten threw his racket to the ground and stopped the game. Foreheads pressed together they ignored the world and sang Frozen’s “Let it go”, until he did. No second thoughts there.
Thank you for reading my scribbles for another year. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, safe holiday period.
