A Call to Action: Acknowledging 2020's Lessons for a Brighter Future
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on 2020
As we welcome the new year, I find myself perplexed by many who are quick to cast blame on 2020 while eagerly embracing 2021. Indeed, the past year felt overwhelming, resembling a catastrophic saga with its own plagues, disasters, and losses. With a global pandemic affecting our lives, it’s understandable that people desire a fresh start. However, labeling 2020 merely as a year of "bad luck" diminishes our understanding of human agency and responsibility.
Much of the discourse surrounding 2020 paints it as a malevolent force. Upon examining the myriad challenges of that year, a consistent trend becomes apparent: we tend to shift blame away from ourselves. I acknowledge my own failures in this regard. If we dissect the so-called misfortunes of 2020, we find that they stemmed from our own choices and actions.
I am not suggesting that 2020 was devoid of difficulties. Rather, I argue that every challenge we faced was a consequence of our collective decisions. By confronting our culpability in the events of the past year, we can harness our inherent power to forge a brighter future.
In my exploration of the significant crises of 2020—racism and political division, the environmental emergency, and the COVID-19 pandemic—I discovered that each issue was a product of human actions. Fortunately, experts have already proposed feasible solutions to tackle these pressing problems. In the following sections, I will outline the various measures we can adopt to rectify our past mistakes and work towards a better future together.
Section 1.1: Addressing Racism and Political Division
To begin, let's focus on an issue we can all acknowledge: racism and the political divide in America. These are human-created problems that we can collectively resolve. This divide is particularly critical, as a unified political landscape is essential for addressing larger global challenges.
Our political rift is often attributed to the opposing party. Liberals criticize conservatives for being uneducated and intolerant, while conservatives argue that liberals are condescending and overly politically correct. Bridging this gap is imperative. David French highlights the need for intentional care for the state of our union in an article for Time.
In order to move forward, we must educate ourselves, engage in political discussions, and exercise our right to vote. My generation is increasingly participating in the political process, as evidenced by the election of diverse representatives like Mauree Turner and Cori Bush in 2020.
Moreover, active participation in our communities is crucial. Engaging in difficult conversations and genuinely seeking to understand differing viewpoints is vital. I have personally joined Facebook groups where respectful debates occur across the political spectrum. While we may not agree on every issue, understanding diverse perspectives is essential for crafting solutions that benefit all.
Imagine the power we could wield if we collectively fought for a shared vision of America instead of fixating on minor disagreements. The first step is to foster open-mindedness and reach across party lines, enabling us to guide our government towards equitable solutions for the other challenges that emerged in 2020.
The first video, "2020 is OUR FAULT. We are SO SORRY, so here's our Top Ten Games To Watch [Indie Game Roundup]," addresses the collective responsibility we share for the events of 2020 while highlighting some uplifting content from the gaming community.
Section 1.2: The Environmental Crisis
While COVID-19 dominated headlines, 2020 also witnessed unprecedented natural disasters, the likes of which we haven't seen in decades. Human-induced climate change is driving stronger hurricanes and wildfires.
Many people disregard climate change due to its abstract nature. We empathize more readily with images of suffering children than with the slow, creeping destruction of our planet. Ignoring this issue allows us to continue harmful habits without considering the long-term consequences.
Data may be the key to shifting our perceptions. Although the environment itself is not inherently human, the crisis it faces is intertwined with issues of inequality and human suffering. Communities of color often face the brunt of pollution, leading to health disparities that exacerbate the phrase "I can't breathe." The catastrophic natural disasters of 2020 only serve to illustrate how inaction can lead to real, tangible suffering.
We must advocate for comprehensive environmental reforms, as failure to do so will continue to affect vulnerable populations worldwide. The causes of climate change are within our control, which means the solutions must come from us as well.
Experts have outlined a variety of political, community, and individual solutions that we can adopt in the coming year. While significant societal changes are essential, every small step counts in reversing this crisis.
The second video, "New Rule: The Fault in Our Stars | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)," explores the broader implications of our actions and their consequences, urging viewers to reflect on their personal role in addressing these pressing issues.
Section 1.3: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Finally, let’s discuss the pandemic, the most notorious scapegoat of 2020. Blame has been cast in all directions—Trump blamed China, while others pointed fingers at various sources, even the animal kingdom. Ultimately, the real culprit is human behavior.
In his book "Eating Animals," Jonathan Safran Foer discusses the inevitability of future pandemics tied to our treatment of animals. This warning has been echoed by experts for years. We had the foresight and yet remained inactive. Now, we can utilize this knowledge to prevent future outbreaks.
How can we combat future pandemics? Scientists indicate that our food production methods play a significant role. The overcrowding in factory farms contributes to the emergence of virulent diseases, and addressing these practices is crucial.
Political proposals, such as those by Corey Booker, aim to phase out factory farming and promote safer food sources. However, real change may take time. In the meantime, individuals can take immediate action by reducing meat consumption. Researchers suggest that a predominantly vegetarian diet can lead to healthier lives and mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
Fortunately, addressing the pandemic threat is more straightforward than tackling political or environmental issues. You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle; simply reducing meat intake can make a significant impact.
Moving Forward
Though 2020 has ended, the pandemic, environmental challenges, and political divisions will continue into 2021 and beyond. These issues will persist unless we actively work to address them. The good news is that solutions exist for these human-made dilemmas, and experts have laid out a roadmap for us.
The trials of this past year may linger, but my research has instilled a sense of hope for the future. Together, we have the power to overcome these challenges and build a more resilient post-pandemic world. The journey ahead may be arduous, but it promises to be rewarding. As we step into 2021, I carry the lessons of 2020 with me, eager to embrace the future with optimism and determination.