We’ve all heard the dire prediction: 2012, the end of the Mayan calender also signifies the end of the world. When there’s a movie about it with John Cusack, you know it’s getting serious.
The MY2K blog takes a closer look at the symbols that make up the calendar (known as ‘glyphs’) and the meanings behind them. They take the form of books, carvings on rock and drawings. The blog explores the Mayan culture in many incarnations: from modern art to ruins, from 2012 comic strips to ancient customs. It is incredibly readable because it doesn’t take itself too seriously while still conveying new and interesting information.
The blog’s author, Susan, first became inspired by Guatemala in the 1970s when she backpacked around Central America with her soon-to-be husband. That was her first experience with the glyphs: seeing someone do a rubbing of a small stelae type monument in the middle of the jungle, though they were hardly a rarity there. Later, she read a book about the Mayans which made a reference to the infamous doomsday date and made her realize the sophistication of the Mayan civilization.
The blog doesn’t follow strict guidelines when it comes to source material; instead, Susan uses most any literature that inspires further questions for her to consider. The fact that the entries make sense of a broad spectrum of material is the aspect of her blog Susan is most proud of.
The response from the public has been very positive; like Susan, they are fascinated by the subject material. Although many blogs exist on 2012 and Mayan culture, her’s remains popular because she chooses to focus on the historical realities of the Mayan culture rather than capitalizing on the sensationalism of an end-of-days prediction.
She doesn’t think the world will end in 2012, but the hype surrounding it will be enormous, which won’t hurt her blog’s success.
To continue reading about the MY2K blog, please follow this link.
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