Was 2021 as Bad as 2020?

2020 and 2021 were crazy years. But, through all the obstacles, changes and hardships, humans have adapted and grown stronger. As for 2022, the future looks promising. Photo by Cynda Allen.

2020 and 2021 were crazy years. But, through all the obstacles, changes and hardships, humans have adapted and grown stronger. As for 2022, the future looks promising. Photo by Cynda Allen.

The year 2021 was a lot. It definitely went by fast. But the question is, was it as bad as 2020? Everyone can agree that 2020 was a very bewildering year. 2021 was a year when people were hopeful of the future. Of course, COVID-19 was still around, but people had access to at-home COVID testing kits and convalescent plasma treatments. All seemed to be going well until the Delta variant arrived, killing more than 800,000 Americans.

In the first week of January 2021, an unexpected event occurred that caused a lot of backlash. At the U.S. Capitol, Trump supporters went to stop lawmakers; over 600 people who were there were charged for the event.

A couple of weeks later, the newly elected President Joe Biden and first Black and Asian-American Vice President Kamala Harris signed a $1.9 trillion economic package for pandemic relief. Many Americans were jobless and suffered from the effects of the global pandemic. President Biden sent out large sums in hopes of helping individuals get back on their feet.

There was a conflict between Trump and Biden which was ongoing for over a year dealing with potential voter fraud. In April of 2021, the U.S Military removed its troops from Afghanistan. During this time of removal, the Taliban took control of the country, which led to the death of 2,500 U.S service members.

There were not always bad times; there were some memorable times too. When Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 19, 2021, it was significant for the African American community. It was called “Jubilee Day” which celebrates the end of slavery.

The 2021 Olympics in Tokyo finally happened. The U.S. won most medals. Not only that, but American swimmer Caeleb Dressel set two new world records.

Adele’s fifth album, “30,” was dropped on Nov. 19, 2021. Olivia Rodrigo released “Sour” in May. It became number one on “Billboard 200.”

Finally, “normal” came back day by day. But does this mean that 2021 was as scary as the year before? Or was 2021 a year where new beginnings happened despite all hardships? Although everything changed, 2021 was neither a bad nor a good year. It was a year of bouncing back. This year, changes are in the making. 2022 will be a year of definite change.