With 2015 drawing to a close, many Americans will begin setting their resolutions for the new year. When looking to improve oneself, it always helps to look back and see where exactly things could have been better. Everybody makes mistakes. Here is a list of some things you might have done in 2015 that you hopefully won't repeat in the new year.
1. You misgendered someone (on purpose)
In April, Caitlyn Jenner revealed in an interview with Diane Sawyer that she would be fully transitioning into a woman. This truly marked a milestone in media exposure for the trans community. The response was not entirely positive, however. Caitlyn Jenner may not be perfect, but that does not excuse anyone who decides to ignore her gender identity. It is never okay to call someone by the wrong pronouns. In 2016, let’s respect the trans community.
2. You bought a Confederate flag
In July, the Confederate flag was removed from South Carolina’s capitol building after being on display for 54 years. This was met with much rejoicing from most, but it prompted others to buy up as much Confederate flag memorabilia as they could get their hands on. This got so bad that retailers such as Amazon, Sears, and even Wal-Mart decided to pull Confederate flag merchandise from store shelves. If even Wal-Mart can get on the right side of history, so can you.
3. You appropriated a culture that isn’t yours
In June, former NAACP leader and professor of African Studies, Rachel Dolezal was involved in a scandal due to her race. While Dolezal now admits that she was “born white,” she previously claimed that she “identifies as black.” This is an example of cultural appropriation, which can be seen in other common things such as fashion, Halloween costumes, and pop culture. In 2016 we should be more respectful of cultures that we don’t belong to.
4. You supported the banning of an entire religion
Just weeks ago, Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump proposed the banning of all Muslim travel into the U.S. Despite this racist and insensitive proposition, Trump is still excelling in the polls. In 2016, let’s stop pretending voting for Trump is a good idea.
5. You used the phrase “all lives matter”
2015 continued to see unarmed black youth be gunned down by police. These unfortunate occurrences thrust the Black Lives Matter movement into the public eye. The movement, which seeks to combat the institutionalized racism against Black Americans, is very vocal on social media sites such as Twitter. This lead to the creation of the “All Lives Matter” hashtag by those who disagree with the movement (mostly white people). Nowhere in the Black Lives Matter movement does it say that white lives (or those of any other race) don’t matter. White people are not the victims of institutionalized racism in America, and therefore do not need to be a part of the Black Lives Matter movement. White people, I beg you, let’s leave “all lives matter” in 2015.
6. You deceived a nation
At the beginning of 2015, Brian Williams, anchor of NBC "Nightly News," betrayed the country’s trust when it came to light that he highly exaggerated reports of his experiences in Iraq. The anchor of "Nightly News" used to be considered by many to be “the most trusted man in the world,” but Williams seriously damaged the trustworthy reputation of the position with this scandal. In 2016, let’s all work on maintaining trustworthiness (I’m looking at you, Steve Harvey).
7. You believed Planned Parenthood sold baby parts
In 2015, Congress worked hard to defund Planned Parenthood. This received widespread public support due to rumors that the reproductive health provider was selling aborted “baby parts.” This outlandish rumor could even be partially responsible for the deadly shooting that occurred at a Planned Parenthood clinic in November. Planned Parenthood does not sell baby parts. Rather, the organization serves to provide millions with affordable health services, most of which help to prevent unwanted pregnancies. In 2016, let’s leave the crazy rumors behind, and tell Congress we support Planned Parenthood.
8. You shot a lion
In July, a famed African Lion named Cecil was killed by an American dentist. African Lions have since been added to the endangered species list. In 2016 let’s end trophy hunting, especially for endangered species.
9. You denied someone equal rights
2015 saw the U.S. Supreme court rule in favor of marriage equality, but that decision didn’t sit well with some government employees. Kim Davis, a county clerk in Kentucky, famously denied a same-sex couple a marriage license due to her religious beliefs. Hopefully, 2015 was the last year someone tries to use their religion as an excuse to deny someone their government-assured rights.
10. You raised the price of life saving medication
In September, “pharma-bro” Martin Shkreli raised the price of his pharmaceuticals company’s AIDS medication from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill. In 2016, let’s all work to achieve affordable healthcare for all who need it.
11. You defended a rapist
In 2015, numerous women came forward claiming to have been raped by Bill Cosby, who even admitted to drugging women in order to have sex with them. Despite this, some still support the once-beloved comedian, including some celebrities. It’s time to take the victims of sexual violence seriously. Let’s leave Cosby in 2015.
