10 Big Things That Happened in 2015
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

10 Big Things That Happened in 2015

What a time...to be alive!

25340
10 Big Things That Happened in 2015

With the close of one year and start of another, we can look back at an exciting news reel for 2015. From scandals, to music, to terrorism, this year has brought us news and events that will affect many beyond the time span of one year, but rather a lifetime. Here is a timeline of events that broke the internet in 2015:

1. Left Shark

On February 1, pop star Katy Perry took the take stage for her halftime performance on Super Bowl XLIX. To much surprise, Katy Perry was not the star of the show, but rather one of the backup performers now virally known as “left shark.” Social media went crazy over the performance due to left shark’s confused and random not-quite-dance moves.

2. The Dress.

When a picture of a dress went viral on February 26 everyone began questioning each others sanity and color-blindness. Due to some scientific, biological explanation, some people view the dress as black and blue and others as white and gold. After much debate, the argument came to end it when it was discovered that the real dress was black and blue (#whiteandgold team 4ever).

3. Meet Caitlyn Jenner.

After months of speculating tabloid stories, the Olympic gold-medalist and reality star formerly known as Bruce Jenner came out to the public as transgender during an interview with Diane Sawyer on April 24. Caitlyn Jenner debuted her transformation on the cover of Vanity Fair on June 1. On that same day, @Caitlyn_Jenner broke Obama's record when she joined twitter and acquired one million followers in just four hours (took @POTUS five hours to reach the one million mark).

4. Same-Sex Marriage is Legalized Nationwide.

One of the biggest civil rights fights of this era came to end on June 27 when the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry in all fifty states. Many donned the rainbow colors, which are a trademark for the gay rights movement. The White House also showed its support by casting the rainbow colors on the house the night of the ruling.

5. Josh Duggar Sex Scandal.

After user information for infidelity website Ashley Madison was released due to a security hacking, Josh Duggar, TV personality on the now cancelled TLC show "19 Kids and Counting," was discovered on the list of users on August 20.

This story came out a few months after allegations were made that Duggar sexually abused minors when he was a teenager, including his own sisters. He admitted to the sexual abuse, as well as cheating on his wife using popular website Ashley Madison. These events came as a huge shock seeing as the Duggar family presents and prides themselves on their conservative values.

The Duggar family reportedly visited Josh Duggar on Christmas Day, though it is unknown if his wife Anna accompanied the family during the visit to Josh's rehab facility in Illinois.

6. Lamar Odom Fights for His Life.

Former NBA professional basketball player and reality TV star Lamar Odom was hospitalized after being discovered unconscious at a brothel on October 13. It was later revealed that Odom had overdosed on several drugs resulting in multiple strokes. Amidst these events, reality star and wife Khloe Kardashian called off their divorce and remained by his side. Lamar remains hospitalized but continues to recover.

7. Hotline Bling Music Video.

The release of the highly anticipated music video

for Drake’s hit single "Hotline Bling" on October 20,went viral on the internet, mostly due to Drake’s interesting dance moves and choice of attire. The video resulted in some hilarious video edits, memes, and one of the most popular Halloween costumes of the year.

8. Paris Attacks.

The deadliest attack on France since World War II occurred on the evening of Friday, November 13, in Paris, the country’s capitol.

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks rocked the City of Lights when suicide bombings and mass shootings injured 368 and killed 130 people. Several Syracuse University students who were studying abroad in London were visiting Paris that weekend.

When asked about being in the city during the attacks Hannah Gardner said, “Being in Paris during the attacks was a terrifying and unforgettable experience. For over an hour, I was unaware of the location of my classmates and feared something had happened to them. It was the most difficult experience I had while aboard in terms of being separated from my family, whom were far away in the States worrying about me.”

Fortunately, all SU students safely returned to London when borders opened the following day.

9. Jared Goes to Jail.

Former Subway spokesman Jared Fogle was sentenced to 15 years in prison for federal charges related to child pornography on November 19. Fogle pleaded guilty to the charges and his attorney fought for a five-year sentence in court. However, Fogle was sentenced for 15 years and eight months which was harsher than the 12 and a half years requested by federal prosecutors.

10. Adele Returns.

After having a baby and going on hiatus for three and a half years, Adele returned to the music scene with record breaking sales. She first released number one single and music video "Hello" in October and released her full album "25" on November 20, making it the highest selling debut ever.

On that note...Hello...it's 2016.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

38819
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

114237
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments