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Is being “delulu” the “solulu”?
When it comes to solving some of the island’s biggest problems, it might be.
Being “delulu” means to embrace a “delusional” mindset – and, far beyond an insult, its Gen-Z originators credit it as an essential ingredient to success in whichever domain they choose to sprinkle it.
Living in a fantasy world or ignoring reality altogether it isn’t – instead, it’s about daring to dream big, keeping laser-focused on that goal, and refusing to be constrained by naysayers, conventional wisdom or limited thinking.
In the social media landscape, the “delulu” poster girl is Sabrina Bahsoon, a young law graduate whose viral videos of dancing and pouting to her phone camera on the London Underground – much to the bafflement of her fellow passengers – saw her go in a matter of months from twirling commuter to snagging runway spots, and an array of fashion and beauty brand deals.
But so potent is the philosophy that it has defied the usual trend lifespan and even leaked into the business world, with the Wall Street Journal, Fortune and the New York Times analysing and extolling its virtues.
It’s easy to see why.
It’s a pattern of thinking inherent in trailblazers and innovators that has become increasingly difficult to find in a crisis-scarred society where risk aversion has become endemic – but precisely the quality we need as we seek prepare for the future catastrophes barrelling towards us.
Crises like the limited supply of affordable housing. A supply chain in need of bolstering. The Bean Drain. A rapidly ageing population.
…Which brings us onto a tunnel between Jersey and France.
There is a very good case for it, and its proponents argue it well (News Focus, P18) – but there’s no getting away from the fact that it just feels bonkers.
Whether or not it is the solution, what we must credit its proponents for is building a vision that has captured the imagination of a whole community. Such thinking has brought urgent attention to the fundamental questions we need to solve for Jersey to continue to thrive in future – now, everyone’s asking, ‘If this isn’t the answer, what is?’ And that’s important.
It's a strong example of where a truly pioneering mentality is making a welcome comeback locally in 2024.
Another can be found in our cover stars, Intrepid232 – a team of Jersey mums who recently became the oldest female crew to cross the Atlantic. We meet the team and tell their story in a special edition of Unplugged (P4), which is accompanied by a QR code to an exclusive video podcast.
I challenge you to watch and not be inspired.
