Dear 2015,
From the start, you were a year full of surprises. Though no one ever predicted that we would live in a world where the terms "on fleek" and "bye, Felicia" would be used on an everyday basis, you sure kept it interesting. Throughout the year, thousands of teenagers gave themselves blood blisters from doing the "Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge," while others chose to break their noses from falling off their new hoverboards. Because of this, it's clear that pop culture today doesn't even begin to compare to life as we’ve known it in the past. Though 2015 was most definitely not our best year, it's safe to say it wasn't necessarily our worst either.
A wonderful product of this year was the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States by the Supreme Court. The LGBTQ community and its supporters rejoiced, contributing to a movement of acceptance and perseverance of equality in our country. Moreover, 2015 will also be known as the year the Confederate flag was outlawed, aiding in ridding our nation of our past mistakes and lapses in judgement.
On a more solemn note however, 2015 was also a year immersed in grief, terror and injustice. Due to the numerous mass shootings in America and the incredible threat posed by ISIS worldwide, we have succumbed to a form of thought founded in fear and prejudice. With the presidential election in full swing, candidates like Donald Trump promote excessive racism and place blame on the Muslim community, causing issues like the Syrian Refugee Crisis to not be addressed rightfully. This political, physical, and emotional unrest is causing our nation and world to split apart, returning us to a primitive rationale based on assumptions and injustice. In 2015, we have forgotten the fundamental aspect of peace: compassion.
It’s easy when faced with such challenges and peril to fall victim to following the majority opinion on a matter. However, it’s integral that we remember the values this country has previously prided itself on. It’s seen that the U.S. is failing to represent a culture framed by freedom and unity and instead preaching one of disdain and discrimination. Though in 2015 we have made great strides in the LGBTQ world, racism is still extremely prevalent and wreaking havoc on our society every day.
Therefore, for the New Year, I invoke a call to action. Rather than passing judgement upon every person you meet, try to approach life more open-mindedly and attempt to see both sides of each situation. By understanding that one’s race, religion or gender does not define them, 2016 could potentially be a year full of forgiveness and reverence worldwide.
So 2015, we have seen your highs and low, and it is finally time for you to retire. Hopefully 2016 will be more progressive and harmonious, and we look forward to see what the future holds.
Best wishes,
Emily
