2017: Looking Back

2017%3A+Looking+Back

2017 is coming to a close and, boy oh boy, has it been a wild ride.

At the end of 2016, most people were hoping for 2017, claiming that the upcoming year could in no way be more insane than 2016. As the year progressed, however, this hopefulness was crushed as 2017 was probably even more insane and zany than 2016.

Starting off the year, a stunning final conclusion to the 2016 presidential election saw candidate Donald J. Trump officially inaugurated as president of the United States, and the global women’s march launched immediately after.

As the year continued, Trump’s administration rattled Washington. The numerous controversies surrounding his administration, along with conflict in Congress and numerous tweet storms, has led to a constant stream of juicy media coverage to entertain us all.

Back in April, Trump approved the launch of 59 Tomahawk missiles at an air base in Syria. Other highlights of the administration include pulling out of the Paris Agreement in June, heightened anti-North Korean rhetoric, and questions regarding Russian collusion during the 2016 presidential race. The future of Trump’s administration and America as a whole remain uncertain, but many Republicans point to tax-reform legislation recently passed in Congress as a sign of good to come. Either way, the political scene in America has probably been the most entertaining part of this year.

Positions of power this year have seemingly begun a massive cultural shift over the past few months. Starting with allegations against Hollywood icon Harvey Weinstein, more and more actors, politicians, and other powerful individuals have been accused of sexual harassment. Everyone from Kevin Spacey to George Takei has had victims come out against them. Many are shocked to find their beloved celebrities on the firing end. Whatever way this all turns out, it is undeniable that a major change among norms within the elite is changing rapidly.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of the past year is the rise and fall of the fidget spinner. Earlier this year, these small toys, claimed to help those with ADHD, were found in every classroom. It’s almost guaranteed that at one point this year, a guy wearing a “Supreme” shirt sitting next to you had one of these. Sadly, as with all fads, the fidget spinner is something we will think of and ask “why?” for years to come.

As the year steadily began to come to a close, Americans were hit with several historic events. On August 21, The Great American Eclipse made its way across the states, making for one Hell of a view. Unfortunately, the southeast was later struck by hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Harvey. Luckily, Americans have proven yet again that we are an incredibly resilient people.

 

Photo by Dylan Featherston

 

2017 will definitely be a year to bookmark. From political turmoil to America’s first eclipse in forever, this year has constantly been interesting.