Reflections on our New Year
By Safwan M. Masri
January 22, 2021
Dear friends and colleagues,
This is not the letter I had meant to send to you. My original letter was timed for the first week of January; a traditional new year salutation with thoughts on fresh beginnings. But on January 6th, insurrectionists stormed the US Capitol, and the earth gave way. Sometimes I wonder if it is part of human nature to believe that a change in one realm of our living automatically signifies change across all domains, as if it is a foregone conclusion that turning the page of our annus horribilis means that this year will automatically be better. Nonetheless, there is good reason to believe it will be, not least of which because I began rewriting this letter on January 20th.
Civilizations have long measured time by looking for celestial guidance. The lunar calendar proceeds through the phases of the moon rather than marching through the days of the Roman gods, the way the Gregorian calendars do. Measuring time by the light of the moon resonates for me; hinting that our vision waxes and wanes and is always a little dim—a reflection of the sun rather than the sun itself. But I also like the mythological heritage of January and the god of two faces. Janus, ruler of gates and doorways, looked in both directions, at all times. Doesn’t this emphasize a process of transition? There is no stark contrast between old and new, or beginning and end. The past comes with us – the losses and traumas and anxieties – and we are not yet in the clear.
It will take resolve to make 2021 a year that reflects our desires for a better world, one where everyone can freely breathe. If we want to gather in homes or classrooms and greet one another with open arms or see each other’s beautiful faces, there are major hurdles still to overcome, and the work is just beginning. My deepest hope is that our community – Columbia University and the Global Centers – will be of help to you, by inspiring or provoking new ideas, providing support and instruction, and guidance and friendship, through University expertise and global perspectives we will bring to you, mindful of the future we are resolved to build together.
Sincerely,
Safwan M. Masri
"For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it." Amanda Gorman, January 20th, 2021 inaugural poet