Diana Kim
Editor in Chief '17
Editor in Chief '17
Mass shootings, terrorism and havoc dominated the headlines of 2016. The year was marked by the deaths of beloved cultural icons like Muhammad Ali, Prince, Alan Rickman and David Bowie, to name just a few. Worldwide, there was the Zika Virus outbreak, Brexit and bombings in Brussels to name a few. The political landscape has been absolutely embarrassing, both at home and abroad. It has not been difficult to reflect on the doom and gloom incessant this year.
The year 2016 can be described in various euphemisms, obscenities, few accolades and copious commiserations. The year 2016 has left many distraught and others fending for their wellbeing to a point where people have to question where did we go wrong as a race? Ironically, we millennials have been warned of the consequences of 2016 since the commencement of online harassment. This idea of the bystander extended its existence to a new technological realm, where people have been deceived to believe that a simple like on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter is enough commiseration. These online bystanders are caught within this perception that their active stands online are enough to inspire change. It is true that awareness proceeds activism, but awareness does not replace activism, as many mistakenly believe today.
John Oliver, host and political satirists of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, said it best when he plead his viewers, “We’re going to have to actively stand up for one another. And it can’t be just sounding off on the internet, or sharing think pieces or videos like this one that echo around your bubble. I’m talking about actual sacrifice to support people who are now under threat”. The year of 2016, though dreadful has taught one important lesson. That is, we must not hide behind our screens. This year has shown that activism behind our devices raises only awareness and procures little tangible activism. Come 2017, there lie the consequences of 2016, Trump to name a few.
The year 2016 can be described in various euphemisms, obscenities, few accolades and copious commiserations. The year 2016 has left many distraught and others fending for their wellbeing to a point where people have to question where did we go wrong as a race? Ironically, we millennials have been warned of the consequences of 2016 since the commencement of online harassment. This idea of the bystander extended its existence to a new technological realm, where people have been deceived to believe that a simple like on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter is enough commiseration. These online bystanders are caught within this perception that their active stands online are enough to inspire change. It is true that awareness proceeds activism, but awareness does not replace activism, as many mistakenly believe today.
John Oliver, host and political satirists of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, said it best when he plead his viewers, “We’re going to have to actively stand up for one another. And it can’t be just sounding off on the internet, or sharing think pieces or videos like this one that echo around your bubble. I’m talking about actual sacrifice to support people who are now under threat”. The year of 2016, though dreadful has taught one important lesson. That is, we must not hide behind our screens. This year has shown that activism behind our devices raises only awareness and procures little tangible activism. Come 2017, there lie the consequences of 2016, Trump to name a few.