There can be no one word used to describe the year of 2020, but if one had to be chosen, it would most likely be something along the lines of 'unexpected'. This time last year, we were inviting people to our homes for Christmas and New Year's celebrations and chatting excitedly of what the new year was to hold for us, with Covid-19 being nothing more than a few reports on news sites of a novel virus found in China. Putting aside the virus for a second, I have found myself on somewhat of a journey of discovery this year, as I observed how those around me and the world reacted to the tumultuous events of the past twelve months.
One thing I observed this year is that people are less intelligent than I thought. A lot less intelligent. Before this year, I truly believed that although humans had their faults, the vast majority of us could still be considered somewhat clever and wise. The events of 2020 were determined to prove my optimistic theory wrong. Through the midst of anti-maskers screaming “SHEEP!” and those that still believe vaccines cause autism, one finds themselves with a decreasing sense of respect for their fellow humans, and a kind of wonder that such ignorance can exist amongst a species that have continuously proven themselves to be smart and innovative. Unfortunate as it may be, foolishness is a human trait that has persisted over the years and is likely to stick around like a parasite on humanity for a long time.
Although I may have picked up somewhat of a cynical tone, I would also like to pay homage to those who proved to me that humans can still be decent people. Activism was on a high this year, with Black Lives Matter protests, petitions, and other forms of change around the globe. Frontline workers continuously proved their resilience and courage by working in the face of danger every day. Though this year has not been an ideal one, it has been proven that, in the words of the Persian adage, this too shall pass. Things will get better, and life will return to normal.
And so as I sit here, typing this up on the final night of 2020, I feel relief. Relief that a vaccine has been found, that the worst year of many people’s lives is ending, that life will improve. There is a sense of hope – the hope that 2021 will bring us the peace and stability we have been wishing for. Let us pray that this is not unfounded, and that the sun will rise on a better year.
