Based on our fatal and cataclysmic 2016, here is what we can see in the next year.
Last year was the year of realizing stuff. We realized that the world is actually a horrible place. C'mon, how many mass shootings does the global community need to go through before we are "woke"? How many mass suicides are needed before we try to fix the problem? While many of us were tweeting about the latest meme, millions of Syrians (ahem actual human beings) were being evicted from their own homes and communities since their lives were in danger. Where did they go? I don't know, and I'm pretty sure they do not know either. And don't our taxes pay the police to protect the innocent? Oh, I forgot that innocent people are only white.
Quick question. Have we lowered the standard of giving a (insert profanity)? Have we? We care about celebrities and make-up trends more than we care about the place we live in. Last year, the Great Barrier Reef went through human homicide! A living being that had colors not even Crayola can concoct, is now covered in a dusty shade of human error and guilt. Yet we do not act guilty. 2016 was something else, I tell you.
Last year was the year we lost. We lost some of the greats such as Prince, David Bowie, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Alan Rickman. And sadly, that list goes on. But also we lost in the sense of sanity, empathy, compassion, humility, responsibility. And guess what! You are darn right, that list, too, goes on.
Also, last year was the year where we found out that we really did not change. If society changed, then how come my next president is a corrupt, racist, sexist, idiotic, homophobic, psychotic shriveled up leather? I must have missed the memo where we physically go into the new year, but mentally and socially stay in the 1950s. People really do miss milkshakes and white power. Plus, his cabinet and Congress all wave the Republican flag proudly while waving their cash behind the scenes. The bizarre horror of the 2016 election really brought out the skeletons from the closet. What is more terrifying is that half of America want to act as if the skeletons are part of the decorum.
To top it all off, 2016 was the year of the meme and internet fame. Imagine that in your grandkids textbooks. "Damn, Daniel" and Harambe were everywhere. Twitter, Vine, Ellen. Is that what determines what is important? Is that where our attention is? Daniel is not even that cute, and Harambe was not even supposed to be in captivity. Gorillas should not be in captivity. And if you pull the receipt that says gorilla population has forced activists and zoos to protect them, then I'll pull the receipt saying that poachers and hunters deserve to be put in cages. Who exactly is the animal in the situation?
Yes, we did get great music. And I am hoping it will get better. But looking at release announcements for 2017, I am not holding my breath. Sure we got some cool shows and funny comedy. And the highlighter trend is by far a keeper. But, isn't it a little depressing that we need laughter and songs to make us forget the horror we allow to happen behind our backs.
A little cynicism for you.
Based on the previous year, I realized that humanity needs to get a grip of the situation and grow up. Grow up! Those idols who you thought were woke, never were. I am looking at you Kanye a.k.a President Elect's BFF. Also, do not justify stupidity based on how famous someone it. F.Y.I., culture appropriation will always be culture appropriation. And white people. Haven't you guys learned by now that you are not the ideal race? Have you not seen #BlackGirlMagic? Have you not been to South America or even anywhere in Asia. Colored people slay. Y'all ain't all that.
We need to stop looking at the famous to make a stand, when the common people can make the same impact. We need to stop wanting the fame in order to speak when we ourselves have mouths and voices. 2017 is going to be the year where we either allow things to further divide, or we try to mend the lashes we inflicted ourselves.
Take last year as an example of what not to do. Do not neglect people. Do not put people down. Do not kill your home. Allow things to go. We need to learn from our mistakes and grow up.
