What are people thinking and doing?

February 17, 2021

What are people thinking and doing?

This is quite a question, I’m sure you’ll agree. Truly, the current global situation adds something inexplicable to this line of inquiry: now is a better time than any to delve into people’s minds. I decided, therefore, to test my journalistic qualities by going out there and asking the questions that matter, in order to get to the bottom of the titular musing. By ‘going out there’ I mean, of course, talking to my mates on social media - and the ‘questions that matter’ pertain to not much more than pop culture and football. Obviously, I can’t take the public temperature without talking about lockdown (I’ve been a little retrospective on 2020 too, I’m afraid), but I’ve tempered the despondency of these topics with more light-hearted questions (as alluded to above). I’ll admit, talking exclusively to young males with shared interests (which is what I’ve done) isn’t really conducive to properly answering the key question, but that was the best I could/wanted to do. On that topic, I’d like to thank everyone who agreed to take part in this article! Let’s find out what they’re thinking about and doing, shall we?

It wouldn’t make much sense to jump straight into the juicy bit without introducing the people who let me into their minds, now, would it. That said, I got longer answers than I bargained for (which I’m delighted about, don’t get me wrong), so I don’t really have any words to spare - you’ll have to make do with only a brief profile for each interviewee, is what I’m getting at. I’ll start, then, with the person I questioned first: my friend Iwan. Iwan is currently a second year English and creative writing student at Nottingham Trent University, who recently started his own podcast (‘The Student Angle’) which you can listen to here. I got him on board with this article because, frankly, I wanted the student angle on current events - and that’s exactly what I got. In the style of Guardian interviews, I’ve gone for a ‘questions in bold, answers in italics’ format. Without further adieu, here’s what’s going on with Iwan:

How do you feel about 2020 coming to an end?

I felt positive initially, start of a new year and all those common sayings. However the new year hasn’t exactly brought too much positivity so I would describe myself as being underwhelmed.

Have you got anything to look forward to in 2021?

I am looking forward to continuing my degree. I am most looking forward to the prospect of open days for my Masters qualification that I wish to complete after I graduate. (Iwan is eyeing up a potential Masters degree in Political Literature) I am also looking forward to spending quality time with friends which I haven’t done for almost a year now!

Have you got any big plans for ‘The Student Angle’ in 2021?

I hope to develop the student podcast this year. It’s a project I’m going to work as hard as I can on. I will obviously have a dissertation to write at some point in the next year, but I find it quite a good side thing to do. Ensures I keep informed, and also allows me to work creatively, especially when I focus on political literature. Being able to have a hobby that enhances my knowledge for a degree is beneficial.

What did you watch in 2020?

I watched a lot of Black Mirror. Reflects highly on society, and predicts slightly dystopian settings. I keep bringing up my degree, but in reality that’s totally enveloped my life. It’s very similar to the type of fiction I like to read.

What are you looking forward to watching in 2021?

I’m looking forward to getting back to the theatre. To see what, I am yet to decide. In terms of Netflix, I’ve been watching Nightstalker. I’ve been really intrigued by the work of Freud and the psyche in general, so probably more along those lines.

Any advice for coping with lockdown?

Call your mates. Find a hobby you can do while in a lockdown scenario. I plan my goals for the week. Ensures I always feel as if I’m working towards something.

Are Tranmere getting promoted, and who’s going to win the Premier League?

I think Manchester City will win the Premier League, and yes the Rovers are going up. I am hoping automatic but it would be nice, if restrictions allow, to have another Wembley visit.

Who can you recommend from Spotify?

The Mysterines - a local band who I’ve really been into recently. They’re very good.

Thanks for answering my trivial questions Iwan!

Continuing in chronological order with the ‘interviews’ I conducted, I now present to you the thoughts and opinions of my friend Josh. Before you read Josh’s answers, you should know that he has a job, and that he’s fanatical about tennis. In this way, he gave me a slightly different perspective than Iwan (here I’m trying to convince myself that talking exclusively to young white men is enough to answer the titular question.) I asked Josh the same questions (more or less) that I asked Iwan.

How do you feel about 2020 coming to an end?

Very glad 2020 is over as its been a horrific year for everybody and one that we will remember but not for good reasons. It’s been a year filled with pain, suffering and sadness and has put our country under an immense strain. Hopefully the worst of it is over and we can gradually look to move forwards and get through this.

Have you got anything to look forward to in 2021?

I’m looking forward to getting back to sport once we are able to (I second that!) Sport is a big part of my life and is instrumental to me. I am also intrigued to see what 2021 has in store.

(He’s also looking forward to a clean slate on fantasy football, as he’s currently miles behind me. In his words: “Didn’t get off to a great start this season and I’m paying the price”) He’s enthusiastic about his new year resolution, which is to have no fizzy drinks for the whole year and eat healthier.

Can we expect to see you in any tennis Grand Slams in 2021?

Haha, not sure about that. Who knows what would’ve happened if I didn’t take years out from playing (winking emoji).

What’s the best thing you watched in 2020?

There’s been so many it’s hard to pick one, but the best film I watched has to be Misery because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it and it was great to revisit it. Watching Tenet was also a great experience. Non film wise, I have to say Only Fools and Horses. It was so good watching many of the episodes back. It is also something very big within my family.

What are you looking forward to watching in 2021?

I haven’t looked at what is coming out in 2021, but I’m looking forward to another year of watching sport and I’m hoping there are some good films/series to come out.

Are you looking forward to the Euros?

Yeah I am actually.

Any advice for coping with lockdown?

Try and keep your brain occupied at all times and keep in mind the fact that all this will be over at some point, just remain positive.

Who’s going to win the League, and where do you think Everton will finish?

It’s a tough one, my money is on Man City. If injuries were not an issue for Liverpool, I really couldn’t call it, but seeing as injuries are an issue and their recent drop in form, I don’t think they will have enough to win the league. I may be wrong! I believe City have the consistency even without KDB at present, and given their experience of winning the league many times under Pep, I think they have got to be the favourite. I would give City a 60% chance and Liverpool 40%, however it is such an unusual, unique, and exciting season and anything can happen. It’s very exciting to see so much competition and there is an outside chance of a team such as Aston Villa or West Ham clinching European football. When it comes to Everton, I am pleasantly surprised by the season that we are having, however it is very frustrating with the inconsistency in results. As an optimist, I am hoping for a top 4 finish, but I think top 6 is realistic. Carlo has made a real positive impact and the group is looking better, however there is still a very long way to go.

Who’s going to win the Champions League?

Oooo, who I think will win the Champions League? I think Liverpool have a good chance again, but I have a sneaky feeling about Bayern for some reason. I also think Madrid have a very good chance. I can’t call it and it will be very interesting to see how it pans out. Truth is, I’m not sure haha.

I’m trying to get him to praise Liverpool but it didn’t really work. Thanks anyway, though, Josh.

Next I spoke with my cousin Michael, who is well on the way to becoming an internet sensation. With 11 million likes and 234,000 followers on TikTok, Michael brings more than a little star-power to this article. Beside his exploits on the aforementioned platform, Michael studies music at Liverpool Uni, and has built a reputation as a singer/songwriter. You can listen to his newest track ‘Divorce’ here (I highly recommend it, as well as all of his other tunes!) I was interested to find out if Michael felt hopeful for his chances of returning to the stage in 2021.

How do you feel about 2020 coming to an end?

I was pretty relieved to see 2020 wind up - although, not over the moon with hope for 2021 either ahahah.

Have you got anything to look forward to in 2021?

I’m planning to release my debut EP in May so that’s fairly significant to me. I’d say that is the biggest plan I have.

What did you watch in 2020?

I’d have to say ‘The Last Kingdom’. I never rewatch things but in this case I rewatched all 4 series. It was a fantastic period drama that I’d recommend to anyone.

What are you looking forward to watching in 2021?

I’m looking forward to the last season of ‘The Last Kingdom’ which is scheduled to come out. Also ‘Criminal’ is great so it’d be good to see a new series of that for sure.

Any advice for coping with Lockdown?

I’d make sure to try and get out the house at least once a day.

Who do you think will win the league?

My dad will kill me for this. City.

Can you recommend anyone from Spotify? (you can say yourself!)

I’m obliged to recommend myself but past that I’d encourage checking out Phoebe Bridgers if you haven’t heard of her before - her lyrics are unbelievable in my opinion.

My thanks go to my friend Luke next, who agreed to an interview at short notice. Like Iwan, Luke is currently in the second year of an English degree, which would have him in Lancaster if not for lockdown. If you’ve listened to any of my podcast episodes, you’ll be acquainted with Luke. He’s an authority on film and TV, and he has his own website (Hunting Bears – Prone To Spelling Mistakes. (wordpress.com)), which is home to writing of an excellent standard (unlike ‘The Monday Musings’). Here’s what he had to say for himself:

How do you feel about 2020 coming to an end?

Urm well I don’t really look at time in terms of the calendar year anymore I suppose. It’s just like pre-covid or during-covid or when will covid end. I would say I’m a bit apathetic towards it coming to an end because nothings really changed haha. At least compared to other years anyway, it’s less significant.

Have you got anything to look forward to in 2021?

Not especially, work through the academic year, try my hardest there. Ideally maybe try and dedicate more time for writing/career opportunities but I’ll just take that as it comes.

What’s the best thing you watched in 2020?

Got to be ‘Tenet’ (Nolan’s newest film) hahaha. Original plot line with a high budget is rare, even just a movie in 2020 is rare. Plus you’ve got a stellar A List cast and choreographed action/set pieces where Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography pays off massively, what’s not to love. (I agree) Probably Nolan’s best film since Inception (Luke added).

What are you looking forward to watching in 2021?

Ooo probably either ‘Dune’ or Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel’. I probably don’t need to explain Dune because it’s a good sci-fi book with Denis Villeneuve. But Last Duel’s screenplay is written by Affleck and Damon so hopefully it’s a return to form for them and the director. Also, It’s got Adam Driver in it. It’s about a medieval knight by the way I should mention.

Any advice for coping with lockdown?

Don’t make yourself feel bad for simply consuming the media you want to consume. Everyone’s going to have days of doing absolutely nothing and that’s totally acceptable.

Who’s going to win the League?

Man City look dominant, can’t see them losing points. (The shortness of Luke’s answer captures the depression of all Liverpool fans currently. You’ll see the same again in a minute.)

Who can you recommend from Spotify?

Guess I’ll say Ben Howard. He’s got a new album coming out in March, his first album is a very happy folk/acoustic sound but later on he sort of develops it with loops and more electronic sounds. Plus, he’s great for study music.

From one Luke to another, to finish off the round of interviews I completed for this article, I present the thoughts of another one of my friends (called Luke if you hadn’t gathered it yet) who also goes to Uni, as a Computer Games Development student. This Luke is also an authority on TV and Film, and you should follow him on twitter (@Luke_McEneany) for his thoughts on Liverpool FC and video gaming. This is what he thinks about things:

How do you feel about 2020 coming to an end?

In a general view I guess I would say I’m happy and somewhat relieved 2020 is over as it was quite a bizarre and hectic year. This would mainly be due to the pandemic as well as the lockdowns but also other various events that took place. Personally it wasn’t the absolute worst due to a variety of things that came out in the year that I was very much looking forward to, such as TV shows, games and also Liverpool winning the League. Even though the lockdowns gave more time for us to do whatever and catch up on stuff, it was still unfortunate we couldn’t go out properly to do football, meals, Uni etc.

Have you got anything to look forward to in 2021?

Erm, I guess I don’t really have any big plans for this year to be honest. The only plan/priority would be the Uni but I’ll see how it goes. Maybe a smaller plan or goal would be to try and exercise more and be healthier in general.

What’s the best thing you watched in 2020?

For me it would have to be ‘Better Call Saul’ Season 5 - this show is essentially a prequel series to ‘Breaking Bad’. The main narrative as well as the smaller plot points told within this show are so intriguing and well written. The characters are very well acted due to a fantastic set of actors and actresses. Season 5 ramps up the narrative, adds a lot of crucial plot points and sets up a bunch of things for the sixth and final season. There are familiar faces from Breaking Bad which are a great addition to the series. There are some good foreshadowing moments and references to Breaking Bad which I quite liked. The show has plenty of drama, comedic moments and tension. Each season gets better and better and I’d have to say that season 5 was the best one yet.

What are you looking forward to watching in 2021?

Because certain shows haven’t really got dates for when they’ll air or be back I guess I’ll say ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 and probably ‘The Witcher’ Season 2, which both happen to be on Netflix. I think they’re most likely to come out this year.

Any advice for coping with Lockdown?

Do something you know you like doing, whether that be watching films/tv, playing games, reading. You could try something you’ve been meaning to try out but never had the time to do it, providing it’s something you’re able to do during lockdown. Also you could listen to podcasts about whatever you’re into whilst you work, if you’re working from home (Try the Monday Musings podcast for instance).

Who do you think will win the league?

I hate to say it but I think it’ll be Man City. I just don’t see them bottling it. Could be wrong though.

Who do you think will win the Champions League?

If Liverpool don’t get any more serious injuries then I’d say they could potentially have a good run to the final, but I reckon the safest bet for who would actually win it would be Bayern. They’re top of their league and they’ve just won the Club World Cup so they’ll want to continue bringing in the silverware. Yeah I’ll say Bayern.

What have we learnt from these interviews, then? Well, a few things. First and foremost, I was unsurprised to discover that 2020 was universally unpopular - and there’s little hope for any improvement with 2021. The only solace that my fellow Liverpool fans and I had was the League success (there was also a great deal of decent media released throughout the course of the year, which you can hear me talking about below) Furthermore, tied into the gloomy cycle of ‘lockdown on, lockdown off’, it became apparent that there’s little scope for making concrete plans in 2021 (with a few exceptions). I didn’t really need to ask around to find these things out, though - it was just interesting to hear other people articulating their thoughts on the current state of things. That said, I’d hate to give the impression that my article was pointless. I don’t think my findings were as cut and dry as ‘lockdown bad’ - indeed, the multitude of lockdown tips I got, as well as all the enthusiasm for TV, would suggest that there’s remnants of positivity in the dreariness of life at present. I didn’t totally expect this, and I’m glad to have had this injection of optimism. We all have a raft of new TV and Film to look forward to now as well - alongside the promise of Man City winning the League this season.

I’d like to say one final thanks to all of the people who agreed to answer my questions. Your insight was more than interesting!

Thanks for reading.