Welcome to the end – well, the end of 2018.
2019 is here, and I’m ready to have a lot of:
As we move on to the ‘new year, new me,’ let’s reflect on the crazy year of 2018. It’s been a great year for representation and culture but there was also tragedy and division. A lot happened this year, so let’s go over the biggest conversation starters this year. I’ll warn you: it’s a lot, but it’s mostly pictures, I swear!
(Although on that note, I don’t have the more representative pictures for some due to my fear of getting in trouble with copyright.)
Division
Net Neutrality
Net neutrality’s Obama-era regulations, or equal access to the internet, were repealed. This was a big debate this past spring and summer.
Immigration
Immigration was one of the biggest debates dividing our country this year.
Yanny v. Laurel
What did I just hear?
Taking a Stand
Nike’s Colin Kaepernick Ad
Whether you were empowered by the ad or started burning sneakers, this ad had people talking for weeks. Nike went viral by taking a strong position with Kaepernick.
#MeToo
Women are taking a stand. They’re speaking up. They won’t tolerate sexual harassment any more. While this started last year in 2017, this year marked a huge change when it comes to accountability.
Privacy/Security
Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica Scandal
Facebook sold its data to Cambridge Analytica, a data firm that was put under investigation for using Facebook’s data improperly in the 2016 election.
Big Company Mergers
AT&T and Time Warner merged. This brought up concerns about monopolies and the state of healthy competition.
Representation
Crazy Rich Asians
This was one of the biggest movies of the summer. Finally, Asians are seeing some representation in the media.
Black Panther
As with Crazy Rich Asians, it’s always nice to see people like you in the media. Black Panther does this and beyond as it celebrates black culture.
This is America
Childish Gambino’s music video for “This is America” gives viewers a portrait of the black male experience.
The Culture or Absurd? You Choose.
Fortnite
Even though it was released last year, 2018 was really the year of Fortnite. From the dances to the addicted gamers, it was a part of the conversation.
The Royal Wedding
Prince Harry married Meghan Markle this past May where just over 29 million Americans woke up early to watch the royal wedding.
iHob
iHop pulled off a brilliant ad campaign pranking the US by claiming that they were changing their name to iHob. The campaign was to promote their new burgers.
Ariana Grande & Pete Davidson
I actually wrote about this in my blog post here, but their whirlwind relationship took people by storm right to their heartbreaking break up and beyond.
Gritty
Okay, I’m from the Philly region, so I’m a little biased. But, the Flyer’s new mascot is an amazing creation that went viral very quickly. He eventually became an antifa hero.
Palessi
Payless created a fake luxury store for social media influencers to prove their affordable shoes are just as good.
Tragedy
Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael
These devastating hurricanes hit the east coast and left ruin in its wake.
Indonesian Earthquake and Tsunami
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami hit in Indonesia this September leaving more than 1,400 dead.
Avengers Infinity War
Marvel came out with another Avengers movie where the famous superheroes must band together to defeat Thanos. I won’t disclose why this is in the Tragedy section in case there are some who haven’t seen it yet, but it was another great summer blockbuster.
California Wildfires
These fires were deadly and displaced thousands.
Triumph
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLESSS!
If you weren’t able to tell from the Gritty section above, I’m a loyal Philly sports fan. The Eagles beat the Patriots 41-33! (Me at City Hall after the win
->)
Thai Soccer Team
All 12 boys and their soccer coach were rescued after being trapped in a cave. While a diver lost his life, it is miraculous that all of the boys made it out alive.
Beyoncé Performs at Coachella
Need I say more?