The early 2000’s were full of wacky fashions and incredibly catchy music. The world as a whole, seemed more relaxed and at peace. It was a simpler time that many of us miss. With the inevitable end of 2017 and the imminent approach of 2018, we have some choices to make about the trends we are going to bring into the new year. Here are 5 trends from a decade ago that we must bring into the new year:

1. Does anyone else remember being obsessed with vampires ?

Ok, I know. You probably rolled your eyes the moment you saw the word vampires, but hear me out. In November of 2008 the world was forever changed by the epic story of a sullen girl. This girl falling in love with an equally sullen boy who happens to be a vampire that sparkles in the presence of sunlight changed everything in the cinematic universe. Not only does she fall in love with the vampire, she also catches the attention of a tenacious boy who can transform into a werewolf. Yes, I am talking about Stephenie Meyer’s 2008 film, Twilight. Although the movie has since become the source behind many jokes, when that movie first came out it changed lives. Entire families, friendships, and nations (ok, maybe not nations), were divided by the question of “team Jacob or team Edward ?”.

2. The music was actually good.

2008 was likely one of the best years for catchy songs and quirky dances. I doubt you even realize how many great songs came out in 2008. Do you remember dancing in the mirror to The Pussycat Dolls’ “When I Grow Up” or trying to memorize the dance from Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”? Maybe you remember screaming P!nk’s “So What” at the top of your lungs at least once a day. If that wasn’t convincing enough for you, you should probably know that the Jonas Brothers Burnin’ Up came out in 2008.

3. How can we forget the Boho fashion craze ?

In 2008 everyone between the ages of 14 and 40 thought they were bohemian. Traditionally, bohemians are individuals who live a free spirited life and believe in love and truth. The bohemians of 2008 did not seem to have any spiritual message other than “my aesthetic is better than yours”. Although the bohemian trendsetters of 2008 seemed obnoxious and outrageous, they did have a nice clothing selection. From the loose fitting floral outfits to the impossibly tight headbands, 2008 boho was a true fashion revolution.

4. The prehistoric social media was my favorite.

2008 was the very last year that the social media site: Myspace, was relevant. It was the last year that people could brag about how many page views they had without seeming like they just stepped out of a time machine. Myspace was a completely open form of social media where the owner of the page had ultimate control. You could change everything from the background graphics to the cursor that appeared on the screen. You could even decide the music that automatically played when people visited your page. Myspace was such a beautiful representation of what the internet could be if it was controlled by regular individuals.

5. Talking about politics was not scary

I am typically not one to discuss politics on the internet, but with the state of the nation right now, why not ? In 2008, the American public was tired of the dense 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. The American public wanted an entirely new state of affairs in the white house and they finally made this change in late 2008. In debatably one of the most important elections in modern history, on November 4th 2008 an African American senator from Illinois, Barack Hussein Obama, was elected President of the United States. Although he was not sworn in until January of 2009, the election of President Obama was historical, as it established for african americans like myself that success is possible even when the odds are stacked against us. The election also made Joe Biden, one of my favorite current memes, Vice President of the United States.

Although these trends seem so simple, they were momentous. 2008 was a time when individuality- something we are beginning to lack in 2017- flourished. People were allowed to obsess over fictional characters without the fear of being judged for it. The music was vibrant and evoked messages other than “lets take highly illegal drugs recreationally because its cool”. The clothing choices although tacky were fun and expressive. The internet and social media seemed so interesting and engaging, and The United States wasn’t, politically, on fire. In the years since 2008, it seems as though we have lost our individuality, sense of fun, and all around authenticity.

2008 was unknowingly one of the best years for the world and the trends of that year need to make a come back.