When you think about how we all live in 2021, it’s just hard to wrap your head around it. The age of advanced technology, social and gender equality, creative economies, possibilities, you name it. So how on earth does it have a place for things like telemarketing and unpaid overtime?!
When someone asked “What has no reason to exist in 2021 and yet it does?” on r/AskReddit, the answers started rolling in and each was more eye-opening than the previous one.
I mean, people are not saying 2021 is totally overestimated, but in many ways, it kinda is. Let’s see some of the most thought-inducing responses right below and be sure to add a thing or two to this list in the comment section for everyone to see!
things-that-have-no-reason-to-exist-in-2021
This post may include affiliate links.
Taking 3-5 days to put money back into my account after you took it instantly.
I went to test drive a car recently and the dealership wanted a £500 deposit. It was for the insurance (rather than pay it in event of a crash) but they said it could go towards the car if I liked it. I asked them if I don't like it how long would it be before I got the money back. They told me at least 7 working days. Politely declined and walked out.
The fact that some people still don't have access to fresh water.
Or to close water : having to walk daily more than 10 km to get water from a well
Unpaid overtime
Homophobia. Seriously.
New Zealand is currently working on a bill to make 'conversion therapy' a criminal offence. Hopefully other countries will do so as well.
Why insulin is so expensive
It is not. It is cheap or free in every country but one. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/cost-of-insulin-by-country
Having to call to cancel a subscription you signed up for online
Netherlands: You must be able to cancel a subscription in the same way you started it and cancelling must be just as simple as starting. So 1 click to start, means 1 click to cancel.
Single use plastic
Once upon a time, a lot of items came packaged in glass, paper, or metal containers. Many of the glass containers were collected, washed, and refilled by the manufacturers. People found uses for containers that could not be returned or recycled. Then there were concerns about the environment...yes the environment. Plastic bags were a response to cutting trees for paper. As plastic was light, disposable, and cost less to ship (no return or deposit), manufacturers switched to these for cost and convenience. The idea was it saved trees, fuel costs of shipping, and emissions. The extent of the damage the overuse of plastic causes was not known. Now we are back where we started with environmental impact.
Paying $4.99 delivery fee to the pizza place, and they say DELIVERY FEE IS NOT A TIP FOR THE DRIVER. The drivers use their own cars and pay for their own gas, and they sure as hell aren't getting any of that $5.
Poverty and homelessness
At least in California, a lot of homelessness is caused by drug addiction that caused a downward spiral in these peoples lives to the point of where the addiction was so strong, they lost everything to get their fixes. Need more drug rehab programs among many, many other programs to help curve homelessness.
Fax machine. Some doctors won't accept email only mail or fax. Some govt related stuff too
Good grief, most of ours is online. We can book online, even have online appointments (face to face), renew prescriptions etc. All in a portal called My Health connected to your own medical centre.
TELEMARKETING
I don’t even get any other type of call, yet I still get this s**t daily
I don't answer calls from numbers I don't know for this reason, and now there's been a wave of scam phone calls in the last few years.
Convenience fees being applied when you pay a bill online.
For profit prisons.
Having no idea how much you'll pay for a minor medical procedure
40+ hour work weeks. The technological improvements should have made it so we could have a more leisurely society where we could dedicate less of our lives to pointless work, not so they could increase profits indefinitely for the business owners while we spend all our waking hours on labor that doesn’t even need doing at this point.
E-ticket processing fees. Seriously, do these have any function other than making money for some middle man?
Your race on forms. I'm so mixed I just check them all.
Most ethnicity forms here don't have me as any option aside from "Other". Sometimes not even that and then make it required. Ew. Why do you need to know that I am Malay, company not allowed to discriminate based on ethnicity?
Why? It's exactly because the company is not allowed to discriminate based on ethnicity. Say your town is 10% Malay, but the forms show that only 2% of your company's workers are Malay. That could 1. Inform the company there could be discrimination embedded in their hiring processes. Hopefully they'll want to fix that. And 2. It could create the base for the government (or legal team depending on where you live) to intervene if this becomes a prolonged and unresolved issue. Questions about race can feel gross on forms, but really, the only reason they're there is to ensure equity.
Load More Replies...A lot of people seem confused by this. Post Civil Rights Act in the U.S., a lot of places pretended to ignore race but still definitely discriminated. Questions like these started popping up to prevent that. Information from these surveys can show who is really getting loans, getting grants, getting jobs, getting medical care, attending certain schools, etc. For example, if a town had 50% Black residents, but only 10% of employees at the largest company in town were Black (which you learn through these surveys), you'd suspect there's a racism problem at that company. Hopefully, HR sees that and fixes it. If not and if this discrepancy persists year after year, the company is setting itself up for a discrimination lawsuit. Stats like these are important. There is no wrong answer. If you're mixed race, check as many boxes as you want and write in the margins if that is more accurate for you. It can feel gross answering these questions, but the reason for them is important.
The race is great for tracking disparity in hiring and education. That check box is what is used for us to measure the percentage of different races who graduate, get jobs, houses, etc. Without statistics it would be impossible to prove systemic racism. Also would make affirmative action impossible. If you don't think we need affirmative action, then look at the statistics you just wanted to throw out the door.
This does actually have a use though- as so much stuff in the past was designed with straight white men in mind. It's important to know if some groups are not using a service so that they can find out if there are barriers they need to address. Even if it's a survey- the results aren't worth anything if you are only getting opinions from a skewed sample that don't represent diversity of the wider population.
Isn't that illegal? Where would that serve a purpose? (Only thing I can think of is in a hospital maybe? I know some disease are prevalent in some "races" only and your heritage may be so mixed you don't look the part, but may carry the genes)
Nope, it's not illegal, and it's extremely common in the U.S. Demographic forms are optional and submitted without names attached. Think about it. If you learned from these forms that 90% of upper management positions went to men, you'd realize there's probably a sexism problem in your workplace, right? The same is true for race. If 30% of your local community is Black but demographic surveys show that only 10% of your company's workforce is Black, there's probably a racism problem in the hiring process. Hopefully, you'll want to fix that. If not, and if the discrepancy remains large and unresolved, your company may be looking at a lawsuit.
Load More Replies...These questions are now optional (as least in the UK), along with questions about religion and gender identity.
When I got my first flat, I rang the council up to get the single occupancy discount. One of the questions was about my ethnic origin. Which has no bearing on getting a single person's discount
Load More Replies...I put White British because well, I am, and let's be honest, that's never going to detrimental to me, which is extremely sad but true, and being a dude as well, well I got the three easy ones right there.
the ONLY purpose for this is on medical forms. and even then that should just be screening for conditions (why check for adult-onset Tay-Sachs if the person is white?). These also never list my ethnicity, either.
My biggest annoyance with these is when they ask you to Mark One. I too am multiracial. Both my parents are multiracial (and one grandparent from each being also biracial and no one of the same background), I don't just "side" with a singular ethnicity. Not one is dominant. When it comes to social disparities and because I live in the US, I speak up and make sure people understand I am a proud Black woman, but medically speaking I can and do mark 5+ ethnicities that have higher genetic health risks that have affected close family members. My mom calls us "children of the world". We are not the oldest biracial/multiracial people nor the youngest, but we are increasing so these forms need to start recognizing that. Sadly it was only recently that the US Census included us.
In many countries in Europe it's not only straightly illegal to ask what your "race" is on a form, but using the word "race" is also considered extremely offensive. There's only one race (in this context), and it's "Homo Sapiens", or "human" for short. The... other thing, it's called ETHNICITY.
I get a bit annoyed at being just another helpful addition to their diversity quota so very occasionally I just full on tick the wrong box. Small wins and all that 😂
Actually, it can be valid. I filled out a job from for the government which asked for race . I'm white an they want to track unemployment by race since everyone thinks white people always have it good.
I have only seen this in the US. This is illegal in the EU. I have never been asked in Asian countries either.
Do you mean as in "race" or as in wish country you are a citizen of? The former is illegal in EU. The latter has it's place if you (as an example) need medical assistance when abroad.
What o_0 who cares if I'm white, black, red or purple? seriously, where such racist forms exist?
If they don't collect this information, then how are we going to identify and root out social problems, inequities, and discrimination?
Load More Replies...Race is a social construct. Like money. Money is also a social construct. Both can have real impacts on how the world treats you.
Load More Replies...The US government requires you to disclose your race when you’re hired. It’s illegal to ask on an application.
I don't know why they always ask that. What does that have to do with me applying for a job, going to the doctor or signing up for anything ?
And gender. Why TF anyone need to know my gender identity? And other than my treating physician nobody needs to know my gender expression and sex assigned at birth.
Race has nothing to do with work experience very or being qualified for a job.
it is medically important to check the race. though theres so many mulatto people (which im happy for, mulatto women are the most beautiful) it should be included too. race can determine medication and treatment.
The only way to not discriminate based on applications, is to avoid name, age, gender, and race on these forms. They ask so they can fill spots with the "right" people to tick "equality" boxes, rather than employing the *right* people for the company.
Shouldn’t even be a question anymore, but unfortunately racism isn’t graveyard dead yet—-it just keeps f*****g reanimating. Sad thing is that it can be used by racists to exclude potential applicants, or lowball them on salary. Same goes for declaring gender and it being used to exclude or lowball applicants by both transphobes and misogynists.
It's illegal in most countries to discriminate against people due to their race. It's surveys like these that ensure that's not happening. A company may claim they don't discriminate. But, if a local community is, say, 30% Chinese but only 3% of the company's workforce identities as Chinese, you'd quickly realize this company does in fact have a problem with discrimination. Hopefully, through these sorts of surveys, the company sees that and fixes it. Otherwise, they may be looking at a discrimination lawsuit down the line.
Load More Replies...Door to door sales people. If I want lawn care I’ll google it dammit!
We used to have them. But that was back in the 1950's and 1960's. And they didn't try to sell idiotic stuff like lawn care.
I work for USPS. Went to request a day off and the form required carbon paper to copy.
My adult acne
I have noticed that since wearing masks I am breaking out a lot more, especially around my mouth and chin.
Tax software in the US. Seriously should just be a simple form on the internet that takes 5 minutes.
Netherlands: Log in into a secure site. Check what the government has already filled out. Let the program figure out in which way you get the biggest refund, electronically sign the tax form and submit it. Takes 15 minutes, if you're a slow reader. Wait a few months to get your refund in your bank account. No charges, no fees.
Gas stations charging 10 more cents per gallon for paying with a debit/credit card.
The credit card companies charge them what amounts to ten cents on each gallon, or 2.5 percent.
Lousy printers. It's like no one ever tried to build a good one and humanity just agreed they need to be louder than a Lambo for 2 minutes straight before they can print my Amazon return ticket.
Again a matter of watching what you're buying. My old laserprinter just makes a humming noise that's barely noticeable while printing .
Gas cans that seem deliberately designed to not work and that spill gasoline everywhere.
Yep...most can around here have some kind of vapor lock that makes it near impossible to use without spilling. Kinda defeats the purpose. On a side note, love the picture. I love my Jeep Cherokee.
A lot of these are only relevant in the USA, definitely the biggest 3rd world country
Came here to say that too. A lot of the problems mentioned here are very USA-centered.
Load More Replies...ABSOLUTELY !!! But then they would have to probably address the Child Cruelty and sale of women and children (Human Trafficking) that STILL exists and is ignored.
Load More Replies...They forgot Pay Day Loans. They forgot banks allowed to charge 27% and higher on a consumer credit card. Thank deregulation and your conservative sell outs in congress.
Royalty. Why do modern, progressive nations like Sweden and the Netherlands have to have a royal family?
Thank you! I find worship to royals even more disturbing than celebrities! Those are governance structures which have all been banned decades ago and I don't get why ppl who literally do nothing and are wealthy just for birth reasons, while having their diamonds and expensive clothes paid by society, are being worshipped!?
Load More Replies...I'm surprised no one said "cancel culture" or "social justice warriors".
"cancel culture" has a bit of a "mob mentality" to it that makes me uncomfortable, not to mention "guilty until proven innocent". Although I do appreciate people's frustration that this is the only method they feel they have "power" to influence change. As for "social justice warriors"... social justice is a good thing, always has been. Why would we want to stop promoting it? Would you prefer "social inequity warriors"?
Load More Replies...Half of these I agree with, half don't really apply as I'm not American
Do some places actually require you to select race on forms? I've only seen the question about whether you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia, which is asked because those who are, are entitled to certain things or there may be more relevant services for them
Load More Replies...The company "Autism Speaks" is one of them. They don't even support autistic people at all, they just continually call them burdens and even advocate for parents that kill their autistic children. I still can't believe it's not classified as a hate group yet.
It's called mass brainwashing and we are the results
Load More Replies...Today I learned about a High School Senior in my State, who is receiving a $600,000 + sign on bonus for major leagues baseball. THAT PISSED ME OFF ! when we have poverty, hunger, Outrageously priced medicines.....etc. IN AMERICA !!
Another BP article bashing the USA, it’s starting to get discouraging to come to this site. All everyone does here is talk down on the USA and it’s citizens.
Nobody actually mentioned the USA in the posts. Just because a lot of them are specific to the US, doesn't mean it's an article bashing the USA as a whole.
Load More Replies...Noting is wrong with socialism or communism, as long as the country is fully democratic. The thing that shouldn't exist is dictatorships.
Load More Replies...A lot of these are only relevant in the USA, definitely the biggest 3rd world country
Came here to say that too. A lot of the problems mentioned here are very USA-centered.
Load More Replies...ABSOLUTELY !!! But then they would have to probably address the Child Cruelty and sale of women and children (Human Trafficking) that STILL exists and is ignored.
Load More Replies...They forgot Pay Day Loans. They forgot banks allowed to charge 27% and higher on a consumer credit card. Thank deregulation and your conservative sell outs in congress.
Royalty. Why do modern, progressive nations like Sweden and the Netherlands have to have a royal family?
Thank you! I find worship to royals even more disturbing than celebrities! Those are governance structures which have all been banned decades ago and I don't get why ppl who literally do nothing and are wealthy just for birth reasons, while having their diamonds and expensive clothes paid by society, are being worshipped!?
Load More Replies...I'm surprised no one said "cancel culture" or "social justice warriors".
"cancel culture" has a bit of a "mob mentality" to it that makes me uncomfortable, not to mention "guilty until proven innocent". Although I do appreciate people's frustration that this is the only method they feel they have "power" to influence change. As for "social justice warriors"... social justice is a good thing, always has been. Why would we want to stop promoting it? Would you prefer "social inequity warriors"?
Load More Replies...Half of these I agree with, half don't really apply as I'm not American
Do some places actually require you to select race on forms? I've only seen the question about whether you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia, which is asked because those who are, are entitled to certain things or there may be more relevant services for them
Load More Replies...The company "Autism Speaks" is one of them. They don't even support autistic people at all, they just continually call them burdens and even advocate for parents that kill their autistic children. I still can't believe it's not classified as a hate group yet.
It's called mass brainwashing and we are the results
Load More Replies...Today I learned about a High School Senior in my State, who is receiving a $600,000 + sign on bonus for major leagues baseball. THAT PISSED ME OFF ! when we have poverty, hunger, Outrageously priced medicines.....etc. IN AMERICA !!
Another BP article bashing the USA, it’s starting to get discouraging to come to this site. All everyone does here is talk down on the USA and it’s citizens.
Nobody actually mentioned the USA in the posts. Just because a lot of them are specific to the US, doesn't mean it's an article bashing the USA as a whole.
Load More Replies...Noting is wrong with socialism or communism, as long as the country is fully democratic. The thing that shouldn't exist is dictatorships.
Load More Replies...