International year of ...

I saw that 2011 is "International Year of the Forest."

Who cares?! Seriously! Does that even mean anything?

I looked at the UN website. Apparently 2011 is also "International Year of Chemistry" and "International Year for People of African Descent." Really. What's the point of these designations.

2009 was "International Year of Natural Fibres," among other things.

The most hardcore was 1982, "International Year of Mobilization for Sanctions Against South Africa." I think that's the only country to ever have a year internationally declared condemning it. Reminds me of the Spitting Image song I can still remember from childhood.

It's not just years though, there are days and weeks and decades. The first week of august is "world breastfeeding week". 2001-2010 was "Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa" Roll back malaria? Sounds like a Wal-Mart commercial. A smiley face will float around and cure sick black people.

Sure, in some cases the causes are worthwhile, but naming an international year of something just doesn't seem that meaningful.