I’m so over 2016
A lot happened in 2016 and, unfortunately, most of the events that occurred were not good. It seemed as if there were more death and chaos than usual this year. This could be because everyone now has a smartphone and can easily post videos and tell stories on their social media accounts. 2016 was rough for many people who felt pain from one or more events that happened this year.
2016 seemed to be the year of death. Black people formed together to create the Black Lives Matter movement in response to all the deaths within their community that involved police officers. Immediately following the Black Lives Matter movement was the All Lives Matter and Police Lives Matter movements. Everyone felt attacked and this led to many people organizing protests. However, in Dallas, Texas, the peaceful protests turned violent which led to more deaths.
Death was a common topic in 2016. There were the mass shootings at the UCLA campus, at a South Carolina school and at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Celebrities such as, Prince, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, Alan Rickman, Arnold Palmer, Gene Wilder and Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, passed away in 2016. Even at Disney World, a 2-year-old child passed away after being dragged by an alligator at the Seven Seas Lagoon.
This year was not rough just because of all the horrible deaths; it was rough because of all the events that left people angry, confused and unsafe. A state of emergency was declared in Flint, Michigan when the community did not have any safe drinking water. Celebrities and others boycotted the Oscars this year because of the lack of diversity. Some people even became angry with Beyoncé after her performance at the Superbowl’s halftime show. They expressed their outrage on social media by stating that Beyoncé hates all police and do not care for white people. A person hating Beyoncé just proves that 2016 really was a rough year.
Donald Trump confused America by running for president, and winning. Another confusing topic was bathrooms. Some people argued that if you identity as a female then you use the ladies’ bathroom. However, others argued that if you look like a man; you use the mens’ bathroom.
Another person who made the world angry was Brock Turner. Turner raped an unconscious woman in an alley by a dumpster, and he only received a six month sentence. What made people even angrier was the fact that Turner was released after three months.
2016 was rough, but some good things did happen. The world became obsessed with Pokémon Go, the NCAA Final Four took place in Houston and Harriet Tubman is now on the $20 bill; but even $20 dollars made some people mad. And do not forget, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce against Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt being single however, is not that horrible.
Is there anyone else ready for 2017, or are people mostly dreading events that may follow this year? At least 2016 is over and we can all look forward to the new year, let’s hope.
