By Sean Harris ’11
THE ROUNDUP

Come Dec. 21, 2012, the world will witness Y2K all over again.

Or so we are told.

For anyone who has been living under a rock, 2012 refers to the “end of days” that is said to be caused by a planetary alignment. When the planets align some theorize it could create a black hole or lead to a geomagnetic reversal, which would reverse the North and South magnetic poles.

Some people believe 2012 is the beginning of a new era. Others believe that it is the apocalypse and a third group laughs at the rather ridiculous claim.

Yet the paranoia continues.

According to Google Trends, searches for “2012 End” in America have seen an upward rise since 2007.

Not helping this confusion is the movie called “2012,” on its way to theaters starting Nov. 13.

With all the paranoia and attention given to 2012, some consideration needs to be given to why people are overreacting.

It could come from the fear of death. If everyone is to die in 2012, then what comes after?

This is one of mankind’s oldest questions and therefore everyone is anxious to learn the answers.

It could also stem from the fear of the unknown; because it has not happened yet, people cannot confirm or deny the validity of it.

These two points are made even clearer when you consider why people are worried about 2012. If such claims are true, there is nothing we can do to stop it, so why worry about it unless you are concerned about something else entirely?

In my opinion, mankind has been through this time after time.

Before 2012 it was 2000, the date that was said to crash computers all over the world. Even in between those two dates, the National Inquirer has predicted numerous apocalypses, yet the planet is still here.

People should be able to recognize a trend when they see one.

All this stress is not needed over something so small.

In a world where there are tangible fears such as a failing economy, a seemingly endless war and most importantly homework, it makes no sense to worry over something that will blow over the next day.

So here’s my advice: Just deal with life one day at a time and pay no attention to those claiming “the end is near,” because if it is there is nothing we can do to stop it anyway.

Editor’s Note: “A Man and His Movies” is a regular feature in The Roundup. You can reach reporter Sean Harris at roundup@brophyprep.org or post your comments below.