A (Very Brief) Wrap Up of 2020
BY SAMUEL LIU '23
REVISED BY MICHELLE GONG '21, ANUSHKA WANI '21 & JOE MAFFA '21
2020 has reshaped our idea of “normal”—no, it really smashed, trampled, and drowned our definition of normal. Though many looked towards 2021 as a fresh start, our new homeostasis continues to plague us in the new year. But what really happened during these unprecedented times (besides the overuse of the phrase “unprecedented times”)?
Let’s address the elephant in the room...
The most prominent disruption in our lives has been Kim K and Kanye West’s divorce. Just kidding: I’m of course talking about the pandemic—an immense barrier standing between us and a simpler time. People have grown more and more restless, wondering when, or if, the world will return to “normalcy.”
However, in order to restore an environment where all students can return to campus without masks or social distancing, we must all contribute. From simply wearing a mask to only buying one bottle of Lysol wipes (save some for the rest of us, please), there are many steps that you can take! Above all, remember that these times are often short-lived, and that we will one day return to our pre-pandemic lives.
Even in the present, the world is already looking brighter. The COVID-19 vaccine has been created and is being distributed across the world, carbon emissions are decreasing, and TikTok has not been banned yet. Just stay positive and think about the Bernie meme, not our dying economy!
Now let’s talk about the orange elephant in the room...
Describing the political environment of 2020 as “crazy” would be a massive understatement. As the presidential campaigns continued throughout the year, tensions slowly mounted, boiling over when Joe Biden earned 270 electoral votes on Election Day. It became clear that a stark divide was beginning to split the nation in two: Trump’s refusal to recognize the election’s results infuriated Democrats, while Republicans challenged the efficacy of mail-in ballots and Trump’s consequent loss.
Both sides’ anger reached new limits, culminating in the Capitol building riots on January 6th, 2021. The timing of these riots was no mistake: it was National Cuddle Up Day! Unfortunately, Congress members didn’t get the memo—instead, they were planning on tallying the electoral votes. Enraged supporters of cuddling protested at the Capitol building. Over forty cuddle enthusiasts even attempted to ascend the Rotunda Steps but were stopped by Capitol police, who forcibly hugged the rioters to contain their “passion.”
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times, especially when you can’t find a pair of Bernie’s mittens. But remember that we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it be politically, economically, or environmentally, real change is happening in the world—for example, Minecraft getting a cave update. So don’t give up on 2021 just yet.
Let’s address the elephant in the room...
The most prominent disruption in our lives has been Kim K and Kanye West’s divorce. Just kidding: I’m of course talking about the pandemic—an immense barrier standing between us and a simpler time. People have grown more and more restless, wondering when, or if, the world will return to “normalcy.”
However, in order to restore an environment where all students can return to campus without masks or social distancing, we must all contribute. From simply wearing a mask to only buying one bottle of Lysol wipes (save some for the rest of us, please), there are many steps that you can take! Above all, remember that these times are often short-lived, and that we will one day return to our pre-pandemic lives.
Even in the present, the world is already looking brighter. The COVID-19 vaccine has been created and is being distributed across the world, carbon emissions are decreasing, and TikTok has not been banned yet. Just stay positive and think about the Bernie meme, not our dying economy!
Now let’s talk about the orange elephant in the room...
Describing the political environment of 2020 as “crazy” would be a massive understatement. As the presidential campaigns continued throughout the year, tensions slowly mounted, boiling over when Joe Biden earned 270 electoral votes on Election Day. It became clear that a stark divide was beginning to split the nation in two: Trump’s refusal to recognize the election’s results infuriated Democrats, while Republicans challenged the efficacy of mail-in ballots and Trump’s consequent loss.
Both sides’ anger reached new limits, culminating in the Capitol building riots on January 6th, 2021. The timing of these riots was no mistake: it was National Cuddle Up Day! Unfortunately, Congress members didn’t get the memo—instead, they were planning on tallying the electoral votes. Enraged supporters of cuddling protested at the Capitol building. Over forty cuddle enthusiasts even attempted to ascend the Rotunda Steps but were stopped by Capitol police, who forcibly hugged the rioters to contain their “passion.”
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times, especially when you can’t find a pair of Bernie’s mittens. But remember that we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it be politically, economically, or environmentally, real change is happening in the world—for example, Minecraft getting a cave update. So don’t give up on 2021 just yet.