Diversity and inclusiveness have become such important topics now more than ever. If mass actions are any indication, the two divergent words have become the flashpoints of the past few years. With a raging pandemic in our midst, it does feel like 2020 may possibly be a culmination point of sorts.

In fact, diversity and inclusiveness have become the hallmarks of important debates and legislation around the world. And they show no signs of abating. Rather, they appear to be here to stay.

And that’s why it would do well for government leaders, legislators, and law enforcement to take the matter seriously. For the more something serious is ignored, the more blatant it tends to reveal itself. A sympathetic or emphatic ear is required these days.

Being different is no longer a crime, if inclusiveness is to be believed. No doubt, these are exciting times. Old beliefs are being questioned. In fact, statutes and statues are being uprooted in the name of liberation or the greater good.

When will it end? Well, it all looks to be an unstoppable force. There’s no doubt about it; these are uncertain times. True, the changes have been exacerbated by a virus that has triggered economic upheavals everywhere. And yet, the undercurrents of discontent have been sown long before.

The year 2000 now all seems to be a memory, and all the more when compared to 2020. Clearly, change is in the air. So anyone who still believes that things will go back to normal is sadly mistaken.

Welcome to the new normal. No one expected that the present year will be an ordinary one, even though nobody saw an epidemic coming. It’s time to really believe that anything can happen.

For instance, the space race is happening whether we like it or not. The quest for the moon and for Mars is here to stay. Budgets are already set and plans are already in motion in countries, space administrations, and private corporations.

There’s no stopping all that now and for a good measure. The world needs a Planet B. After all, when times are uncertain, it pays to have a Plan B. Another planet may be far, far away. Even more so for the nearest exoplanet or Earthlike destination.

Still, humanity needs to try. Remember, the first major journey for us was hopping into the next body of land, but clearly it doesn’t stop there. As the old saying goes, the more things change, the more they remain the same. We have always been space-faring creatures. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be celebrating year after year.