It's almost funny how much little has changed in the course of one year. A year ago we were praying for 2016 to be over, which oddly enough is what we are praying again for at this moment.
2017 has come and gone, but it certainly wasn't a forgettable year. If you thought our politics were divided in 2016, take a look at this year. I mean, did we accomplish anything this year? Sure it wasn't all bad, but who would actually choose to relive this year?
For better or for worse, 2018 is at our doorsteps. Let's all take a moment and look back on the moments from this past year that we won't soon forget.
Trump is sworn in as the 45th President
He might just be the most divisive President in recent memory, but his path sure was an accomplishment in itself. Regardless of the crowd size, one has to recognize that he was the underdog story of 2016/2017.
The Women's March
In the day after Trump's inauguration, millions of people around the globe marched to show their opposition towards the new administration. Not only that, it was a show of unity against much of the problems women still face today. Once again, give credit where it's due, it was the largest single-day protest in American history.
Patriots come back to win Super Bowl LI
Now that the Warriors have practically erased their epic collapse, the Falcons are now the target of memes. Up 28-3 late in the 3rd quarter, the Patriots mounted what is now considered the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, winning in overtime 34-28.
The War in Syria
We all saw the chemical attacks. We saw our timelines covered with pictures of dying children. We remember when Trump launched a Tomahawk missile in retaliation. The Civil War in Syria isn't solely a 2017 event, but it sure escalated this year.
13 Reasons Why
There was a time where it seemed like everyone and their mother was watching this show. Though now the show faces backlash, it certainly kept the conversation about mental health going. You may forget the show, but you won't forget the message.
The Oscars Mix-up
First there was Steve Harvey's mix-up during Ms. Universe. Then the Oscar's said "hold my beer and watch this". In another awkward moment on live television, "La La Land" won best picture, and then didn't. An envelope switch caused the trouble, and moments into the acceptance speech it was revealed that "Moonlight" actually won. Though both are well-deserving of the title, we won't forget this any time soon.
The Hurricanes
Hurricane season is never a good time, but this year felt especially bad. Matching Katrina and Sandy, this year we saw not one but four massive storms. Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Jose all wrecked havoc here in the States and in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico and Houston will be feeling the effects for years to come.
Carnage at the Concerts
First, there was the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester where a bomb was set off, killing 22. Then there was the shooting in Las Vegas at the Jason Aldean concert, the worst shooting in U.S. history. It was a rough year for public venues, but in a way, it brought us closer together.
The Russia Investigation
Maybe the biggest story of the year, or not, depending on which side you lie on. There's been those who have taken the fall for all of this, such as Comey or Flynn. We may never come to a conclusion, but this uncertainty is sure to plague the Trump administration in the years to come. There's a reason this is being compared to Watergate.
Hollywood Shake-up and the #MeToo Movement
Socially, this is the biggest story of the year. Tying into the Women's March, there's been a lot of controversy concerning male-female relations in the workforce. Just when you think we are making progress, it feels like we are going back 10-20 years. What started with investigations into Trump and Weinstein ended in an explosion of people coming out reporting that they had been sexually harassed. What we can hope to learn from this is that people should feel comfortable coming forward. We also need to realize that so many things in the workforce are not okay.
Our society has been shaken up. Let's hope the dust can settle in the coming year.
