How many times have you heard people say that 2016 has been the worst year of their lives? (Probably more than you can count on one hand). This year has brought a lot of good memories, but it has also been one of the most controversial years in decades. So to bring in the new year, here is a list of things I definitely won't miss about 2016.
1. Harambe.
The death of the beloved gorilla has affected the lives of many. As unfortunate as his untimely death was, the memes are getting old, contrary to popular belief. I sympathize with those who are still torn up about his death, but it's been a year, now. The memes can stop. Please.
2. Tragedies/Unnecessary Attacks.
This year has had an incredibly high number of tragedies around the world that have killed copious amounts of people. All the way from the Dallas police shooting, to Nice, France, to the Orlando Pulse shooting, to the Gatlinburg forest fire. Violent outbreaks have got to stop. Hate crimes have got to stop. Terrorism within our own country has got to stop.
We can't fix all the problems in the world; but we can make a difference and collectively work together to stop contributing to violence and violent outbreaks, especially with fellow Americans.
3. All Lives Matter vs. Black Lives Matter.
This one is hard to put in here because by no means am I saying that we have to stop talking about racism and racial differences and racial targeting. However, I think that the new year is a perfect time to put the "which lives matter" differences aside and understand that no matter whose life you think matters or not, you still walk the same earth as they do. Regardless of if you think that black lives matter or not, or whether you think blue lives matter or not -- these people are our neighbors, our employers, our teachers, our president. We have to respect our differences and learn to live comfortably with them.
4. Spongebob Memes.
I don't even know where this trend started... but, like... why? Spongebob is still a relevant show, but we're making memes out of episodes from the early 2000's. At least keep the memes relevant, too. Or just stop making them all together. I don't understand why this is a thing, why is Spongebob a normal thing for 20 year-olds to enjoy? Chill with the Spongebob for 2017, folks.
5. Campaign Ads.
Regardless of which candidate it was for, I didn't care either way, I was just trying to watch Friends. I am so ready for 2017 to be free of those "approved by" messages and leaving me more time to enjoy my favorite guilty pleasures.
6. Celebrity Deaths.
This is quite possibly one of the most "deathly" years to date. To name a few icons that have passed on this year: Prince, Florence Henderson, Alan Rickman, Alan Thicke, Leonard Cohen, Arnold Palmer, Gene Wilder, Elie Wiesel, Christina Grimmie, Muhammed Ali, Doris Roberts, Joey Feek, Glenn Frey, and David Bowie.
Though death is inevitable, some of these people were too young to die, and with all the deaths so close together, this year took a hit from some of the most iconic human beings going too soon.
7. Choccy Milk Memes.
Honestly I don't even understand these and I don't know where they came from but they need to stop immediately. Come on, people.
8. Donald Trump.
This is self-explanatory.
As 2016 comes to a crazy close, I think there are plenty of wonderful things that have happened this year, with it's fair share of unfortunate things. Let's enter 2017 with positive minds and open hearts and make it a year to go down in history.
