It seems that most things have gone wrong in 2016.
Some are more trivial. Harambe was immortalized as a meme, Ted Cruz was crowned the Zodiac Killer, Gary Johnson didn't know what Aleppo was.
However, many events in this past year have been marked by tragedy. Our future President is surrounded by controversy, taking stances that I, and many others, strongly oppose. We experienced the deadliest mass shooting in United States history in Orlando. Hate crimes against Muslims and the LGBTQ+ community have increased.
It’s difficult to see any joy in the midst of this events — I was in a deep depression for the two weeks following the election. Many people have called this year an impressively shitty one, or even the worst year ever, including John Oliver and Buzzfeed. But, as we approach 2017, it’s important to recognize the good, no matter how cheesy that may seem (and, believe me, I know it seems cheesy).
For me, Spotify spurred the process of redefining this year.
I was sent an email entitled “Your 2016 in Music”, which lists the artists and songs I have listened to the most in the past year. This includes a playlist of my top 101 songs (some more embarrassing than others). Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” is my top song, one that has been blasted nonstop in my dorm. Second is Prince’s “Stare”, and third, “You Were Meant for Me” by Jewel. Among my top five is also Ms. Jackson by OutKast, and there are way more country songs than I’m willing to admit included in this playlist.
Spotify has given me a collection of music that has made me happy, that I have listened to over and over. These 101 songs narrate my 2016 which, while filled with horror, was also full of great music and great moments. They represent another aspect of my year, a year full of R’n’B, rockabilly, folk, and angsty pop punk. Grace Jones, Waylon Jennings, D’Angelo, Little Dragon, and numerous others have given me the support I’ve needed while walking to class, folding my laundry, and doing other mundane tasks. I’ve had music in my ears while writing most of my assignments, which was how I got through my argumentative research paper.
It’s critical to remember the good things as well, and not just get lost in the sadness. This year, a new Harry Potter movie came out. Tiger numbers are increasing after declining for a century. Manatee populations have rebounded and they are no longer endangered. There is a new drug for Alzheimer’s that has shown extremely promising results. On July 12, California’s solar power plants generated enough electricity for six million homes.
On a personal scale, I have a strong support system. I have the ability and resources to go to school and learn what I want to. And sometimes, I get to see puppies. I listen to George Jones as I draw, I have the Roots playing when I’m rushing to class, Erykah Badu helps me with homework, and sometimes Reba McEntire sings as I try to decipher my assignment for German.
It’s true that this year has been full of atrocities, and I will be glad to see it end. However, it is important that we also recognize the good that this year has brought us.
