saturnspacecatdet

[saturnspacecatdet]

SZA's Saturn, The Space Cat, & The Obsession with Aliens

Recently, I have been practically obsessed with anything involving the stars. I've found myself indulging in any media that I can find discussing the universe - treating myself to the idea that I can one day see Saturn's rings myself. I got a tattoo of a cat in an astronaut suit on my lower forearm. I've started to actually believe in aliens, ad put Interstellar on my movie watchlist. Earth is no longer interesting to me.

However, when reflecting on why this new found interest has sparked, I took a nosedive into the deeper meaning of what the idea of space cultivates for the public, existentially. This reflection began when listening to SZA's song "Saturn", which discusses the helplessness the artist herself feels when living here on Earth. She wishes to escape to Saturn, describing her grievances by stating:

"If there's another universe Please make some noise Give me a sign This can't be life....

I'll be better on Saturn None of this matters Dreaming of Saturn, oh..."

Along with SZA's space input, I also reflected on the popular culture artifact of the "Space Cat". Although most people find it to be quite silly, the space cat represents the wonder that exploring the universe brings people. Cats are fundamentally curious, as are humans about exploring what we have yet to discover. Through this cute animal lens, humans parallel what it feels like to explore beautiful sights, and experience the grander parts of life. Once again, we wish to enjoy what we don't already have - wanting more of life.

And of course, this feline astronaut analyzation lead me to the biggest question and phenomenon when it comes to space - aliens. For centuries, humanity has been obsessed with if there is other life in our universe. From Alien documentaries to alleged abductions, aliens remain one of the biggest discussed and puzzling mysteries. Every discourse surrounding aliens brings back the ultimate life-long question everyone is dying to know the answer to - are we alone?

However, my question does not align with whether or not we are alone here on Earth. Through these three reflections - I've realized that my obsession with space belongs more to why people are so obsessed with it. Essentially, why are people so obsessed with leaving Earth? Why are we so desperate to find confirmation that aliens exist? Why are we dreaming of Saturn?

My theory? We are all nervous for the future of Earth. War, political unrest, and social division create a paradox of anxiety that the public can't help but want to escape. People wish to escape what they feel they can no longer fix. Doomsday feels closer ahead than a plausible soultion.

I'm curious to know your thoughts on this! Comment to start the discussion. :)