Like me, you have probably read or watched close to ten of these, "Things We Need to Stop in 2017," articles or videos. But let's be honest, most, if not all of those things on those lists are trends (or fads) and will fade away eventually.
I'm going to talk about the things that have been going on for a very long time that we humans need to CUT in 2017.
1. Dirty female restrooms: Do I need to say more?
2. #AllLivesMatter: While I do believe and defend the statement that ALL lives matter, I do not like or support the #ALM movement. I'll tell you why. Can you recall an instance before the Black Lives Matter movement where people were protesting that All Lives Matter? Exactly. The Black Lives Matter movement never claimed that black lives matter more or that only black lives matter. They said that black lives matter period. For the All Lives Matter movement to be created after this movement says that there are people who do not believe that black lives matter. While it's sad, it's the truth.
3. Romanticizing abusive partners: I refuse to see another meme about a person enjoying it when their partner forcefully interacts with them. Abuse is not a joke or romantic. We need to stop sending a message to younger people especially that abuse is acceptable in a relationship.
4. Getting upset at people's beliefs without educating them: Someone once told me that they believed Rachel Dolezal was justified in pretending to be black. Although I was very irritated and annoyed by their comment, I chose to educate them on why Dolezal's actions can be seen as offensive and hurtful to the black community. Whether that person chose to cling to their opinion is thei business. I know that I did my job in explaining my truth. 2017 should be a year of intentionally teaching and learning. You don't like someone's ideology, don't call them names and make the situation worst. Educate them!
5. Pretending that we don't need gun control laws: Approximately 15, 000 people died from gun related deaths in the US in 2016. I'm done pretending that we don't need reformation.
6. Using social media as reliable source of information: Ironic I know. We believe anything we see on the internet. We have become sloths in terms of doing research. Don't bring any meme based information into a conversation this year. (You may laugh but it has happened.)
7. Glamorization of lack of communication: Raise your hand if you have seen at least a dozen people of social media claim to be cutting people off in 2017. (*slowly raises hand*) I know I have. While it is okay to cut people off who hold you back and bring you down, it is not okay to not communicate your feelings to those people first. It may be hard to believe but sometimes people hurt you and they don't realize it. Communicate how you feel first before deciding whether or not to keep them in your life.
8. Cultural Appropriation: Let's ALL be aware of the cultures we might appropriate for our own pleasure this year willingly or ignorantly.
9. Putting emphasis on outward appearances: I think we are slowly realizing as a society that what's inside is more important than what's on the outside. Let me be clear that I do not mean we should stop wearing makeup or spending time putting together an outfit. I am saying that while those things are fun and a great way to express ourselves, it is impossible to hide an ugly personality under those things.
10. Police Brutality.
