Do we grip the past or does the past grip us? Do we stop aging beyond the time that we feel was the best in our lives (and role play the
rest) or do some of us actually live each moment in complete mindfulness; aware
of our spatio-temporal existence changing each moment?
I came across the concept of ‘temporal drag’ in the
writings of the queer theory scholar Elizabeth freeman. According to Freeman, temporal drag is the
“stubborn identification with a set of social coordinates that exceed[s] our own historical moment.” However, she uses this term specifically with regard to
art practice that takes into discourse the subject of queer.
To my mind, The word “drag” brings associations of expansion or stretching of time; perhaps a possible
connect between the past and the present. it is a lot like being stuck in the nostalgia of youth, like having a splintered soul or a fragmented mind. It’s
a feeling of being in between places or a few paces out of sync, desperately
trying to catch up with life (it holds true for me and I am hoping I am not
the only one here). The dissonance between the physical reality and mental/psychological state is, interestingly (for me), not as disturbing as it should be. Although I cannot help but think that this creation of a comfort
zone in the past hinders looking to the future. After all, many motivational
speakers and new-age guides talk about living in ‘day-tight compartments’.
Still, it
intrigues me and I wonder what creates this ‘drag’ in my mind. I wonder if it is more
for some and less or none for others. When and where does this separation
being? Is it the failure to realize the aims you set up or the inability to
accept that failure and move on with a new plan?
