by Gabrielle Alli
2020. Australian bushfires and US wildfires, the death of icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg, murder hornets, a tumultuous presidential election, and not to mention, a global pandemic. Many of us saw things we never thought could be true. It was painful.
2021 gives us hope for a fresh start and many new opportunities. Although these times have been overwhelming, we still have each other. And despite the heartache deeply rooted in last year, there are still bright moments to look back on.
1) Drive-in movie theatres made a comeback.
With many public places shutting down in light of the pandemic, drive-in theatres began popping up in the Northeast. Empty fields in farms, parks, and parking lots began to be utilized for the big screen and a little nostalgia.
2) Many discovered (or rediscovered!) fun hobbies.
Who could forget the beginning of quarantine and the sudden boom in breadmaking? With a lot more free time on our hands, many were able to get back to the pastimes they used to love, as well as discover new ones. Some got into knitting, scrapbooking, and so much more.
3) Parasite was the first international feature film to receive the Academy Award for best picture.
A decision many agreed was well done, director Bong Joon-ho held the award for Best Picture proudly at the show alongside his cast. This Korean film is commended for many things, from its production design to its talented actors to its thrilling plot. When I saw it, I especially enjoyed its clever commentary on social classes. Every twist had me on the edge of my seat.
4) Zoom weddings became a thing.
Many started using virtual conference apps to avoid gathering in-person in light of COVID. While it hurts to be apart during these special moments, Zoom offered the next best thing. Couples were able to tie the knot with ecstatic family and friends watching.
5) Netflix docuseries Tiger King brought us all together (somehow).
This show centering around Joe Exotic and big cat breeding became an instant hit, with 34 million tuning in within ten days of its release. Twitter went crazy, cast member Carole Baskin ended up on Dancing with the Stars, and the rest is history.
6) Seamstresses across the country prepared masks for distribution.
Despite all the heartache, many throughout the world teamed up to try and help out one another during these difficult times. Those with sewing skills in the US worked to make their own masks and distributed them. This assisted with initial shortages and preserved N-95s for medical workers.
7) Crayola launched a box of crayons for diverse skin colors.
Crayola CEO Richard Wuerthele said the release was done in hopes that it will “increase representation and foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance.” They aim to let kids express themselves in a more inclusive and creative way.
8) Music was released left and right.
Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Carly Rae Jepsen all released albums in 2020. K-pop favorites BTS, Red Velvet, and Blackpink also released new songs. And just in time for Christmas, SZA came out with “Good Days.''
9) The Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ employees are protected by civil rights employment statutes.
Way back in June, the Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ workers are protected from being discriminated against based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This is under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The decision is a huge step towards equality.
10) Upticks in pet adoption have emptied animal shelters.
More spare time and a growing need for comfort have led to people taking in new furry friends. In turn, pet rescues have been more popular than ever before. Outdoor meet-and-greets as well as socially-distanced pickups have been created to accommodate this influx.
And for a little extra positivity...
11) The world saw a record drop in global carbon emissions.
Stay-at-home orders led to reduced amounts of pollution that result from our day-to-day transportation. Global greenhouse gas emissions decreased by about 2.4 billion tons in 2020. With environmental stress constantly increasing over the years, it was nice to give the world a little break.
2020 was a dark, difficult year. But there were still many silver linings. As we head into 2021, let’s keep this in mind. Happy new year, everyone.