Why a pop princess’s giant leap has caused fireworks
It’s used sparingly, but The Early Whistle does have a soapbox. It’s been most evident with sporting issues in the past, but when it comes to travel it’s rarely used, if ever. There’s no passion for politics here, but travel? Oh yes. Which is why, with the Jeff Bezos-funded, Katy Perry-and-company space journey having taken place, the Whistle had a duty to weigh in.
As we’ve already established, there’s no desire to take a stand on the headline issues, so this piece is by no means critiquing tech-billionaires, feminism or views on climate change. However, this all-female mission does raise some points which are wholly relevant to travel right here on planet earth.
It’s a relatively short time ago that another of the world’s wealthiest, Richard Branson, was heading skywards in a rocket, all in the name of a Sunday afternoon jaunt. This was perceived as good news, and why not? It’s his money and he can do what he likes with it. Yet how many times have celebrities (sometimes from the confines of their private jet) decided to lecture us on how Joe Public’s carbon footprint is fuelling climate change? David Attenborough and King Charles, we’re looking at you. It’s a bit rich (pun intended) to begrudge a working class family of four their annual all-inclusive holiday, but apparently not raise an eyebrow at Branson’s slightly extravagant hobby.
As a few wise TV personalities correctly pointed out, what was the Bezos mission actually in aid of? They were up there for an entire eleven seconds, during which the crew might have learned the opening chords to I Kissed A Girl, if they were lucky. Travel is a unique education, which is why we should try our hardest to preserve it in such a way that everyone can enjoy it. After all, the best way to appreciate our world is to explore it first-hand, which in turn fosters a deeper appreciation, which surely then makes us more dedicated global custodians. In debates over net zero, etc, ‘The children of tomorrow’ is a phrase often used to win the argument. How sad it would be if those children were stuck, their whole lives, in the country of their birth.
Speaking of arguments, one that gives the Bezos mission some clout is the fact that it was designed to give young women renewed hope that they too can become astronauts one day, despite the sexual bias in the industry. In other words, it’s empowering. Again, this piece isn’t here to agree or disagree, but to point out that as well as being educational, travel is also empowering itself. Going to such far flung places as Australia, Canada and India was way beyond our forefathers, unless you happened to be an explorer or serving in the army. Heck, even a trip to Europe from dear old England was out of reach for many. Wouldn’t it be sad to lose such a gift?
Because that’s what travel is, above all else: a gift. To many of us, it’s the most precious one of all, and it would be so so sad to see it become the preserve of the rich and famous; especially when it seems fine for them to take giant leaps for mankind, creating a giant carbon footprint in the process.
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