Wind's unruly behavior: A writer's perspective
Translated from Swedish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- The author argues that wind, unlike other weather phenomena, receives little critical attention.
- Wind is described as behaving aggressively, like a drunk, or temperamental, like a diva.
- The piece touches on the human impact on wind patterns, suggesting it will likely worsen.
The wind, often overlooked in discussions of unpleasant weather, is singled out for its often disruptive and unpleasant behavior. While cold and rain are common complaints, the author contends that wind gets off too easily, likening its actions to those of a violent drunk, an unwelcome personal trainer, or a spoiled diva.
Drawing on literary and biblical references, the writer illustrates the wind's capricious nature. From Shakespeare's "King Lear" to a passage in the Bible's First Book of Kings, wind is depicted as a powerful, sometimes gentle, sometimes forceful element. However, the author emphasizes its more negative manifestations, such as the brutal force of a blizzard seen in a polar research station clip, where it can strip flesh from bone.
More relatable are the wind's more human-like, and often annoying, behaviors. It can act like a barroom bully, carelessly knocking over tables and shattering glasses. Equally frustrating is its diva-like persona, creating drafts that scatter papers and demand attention. The writer particularly dislikes the wind's role as a personal trainer, relentlessly pushing against cyclists, making every meter a struggle.
Despite these frustrations, the article notes a significant development: humanity's lifestyle now influences wind patterns. The "good news" is that we can affect it. The "bad news," however, is that experts largely agree we are making it worse. This commentary serves as a wry observation on a force of nature that impacts daily life in often irritating ways.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
Image: Igor Sarozhkov