2026 = 2016???

Happy New Year, dear readers! I apologize for the tardiness of my first article of the year, but better late than never…right? As we embark on this new year, I have a few personal goals for my writing that I hope will also benefit you. One of them is to introduce a new word to your vocabulary each week, expanding our collective literary horizons. So, read on to discover the "Word of the Week" at the end of this article.

The start of a new year is filled with hope and promise for those with open hearts and active minds, and I wish you all the best as you navigate its blessings. As I've watched the world celebrate the year 2016 and reflect on its significance, I've had some thoughts of my own to share.

For context, I was twelve(12) in 2016, so my experiences and perspectives may differ from the widely celebrated aspects of that year. Looking back, I see 2016 as a nexus in human history. In Africa, The Gambia elected a new president after over two decades under the previous leader. Nigeria entered its worst recession in over three decades, while Ebola was declared over in West Africa. In Europe, "Brexit" dominated headlines, and multiple terrorist attacks shook Paris. Meanwhile, Portugal won the UEFA Championship, and the world's largest railway tunnel opened in Switzerland.

Often, we tend to remember 2016 through the lens of art and entertainment, as well as the nostalgia for things that were more readily available and affordable. The music scene was diverse, with artists finding their unique voices within popular trends to create timeless works. Celebrities felt more authentic, posting content that seemed personally chosen and captioned, rather than managed by online presence handlers. Regular people had their own styles and swags, and the language felt fresh and connected.

In my personal experience, 2016 was a time when I could safely play outdoors with my peers without fear. School parties encouraged social interaction and relationship-building among students. Teachers seemed to enjoy their work, and students were generally respectful. Even in the realm of social media, it felt social rather than a tool of propaganda, I think what the people long for is individuality rather than being stuck in a hive mind.

Of course, there were challenges, but overall, it was an exciting time to be alive.

Since then, the world has seemed to spiral downward, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Everything feels worse, and there's little to be optimistic about. Empathy is seen as a flaw, and helping others has become unusual. Kids lack manners, and art is undervalued compared to scientific pursuits. If we're truly nostalgic for 2016, perhaps we should focus on bringing back the common sense and empathy we've lost along the way.

I'm not trying to discount anyone's fond memories of 2016. It was indeed a remarkable year. All I'm suggesting is that if we're looking back at history, we should examine how far we've strayed from what made those times so special and strive to do better.

Word of the Week: Nexus

noun(plural nexus / nexuses)

• A central or focal point.

Until next time, Didi Khan.