6 Things That Need to be Left Behind in 2017

We’re already on our third week of January, but the month feels as if it has lasted about five years, just like some extended 2017, and that year wasn’t very popular. This was very disappointing because, after the horrible year that was 2016, we were hopeful 2017 would be better. Poor unfortunate souls, we were indeed. However, it’s time to catch a breath! With 2018 having just started, there’s still time to improve the year and make it a thousand times better than 2016 and 2017 combined (is that asking for too much?) Either way, there are plenty of things that made 2016 and 2017 bad years, but these there are things we can remove so 2018 is a rockin’ year!

So… 2017, welcome to your listicle.

1. Overpriced bras and underwear

Can we just take a moment for all the money spent on articles of clothing that are necessary to our everyday life? I mean, bras are a tad expendable, but underwear does come in handy from time to time (like all the time). Yet, these can really leave a dent in your wallet even with the “super sales” most stores have. It’s difficult to find bras and underwear that are equally affordable and cute! That doesn’t seem to be in the equation for bra and underwear production in these companies—I’m looking at you Victoria’s Secret! Ban it! 2018 should be the year of pieces that make you feel sexy and happy with your fine self without having to spend $100. You know it can get that expensive. While we’re at it, we also need deeper pockets in our jeans. Thank you!

2. Body shaming

Leave the skinny girl alone. Leave the thick girl alone. Don’t make fun of women’s cellulite, thick thighs, thin thighs, or their stretch marks. Don’t shame a woman for wearing or not wearing makeup. Let them do whatever they want! Why is this still pointed out socially when speaking of other people or even saying it to said person’s face? Telling a thin person that they need to eat more or telling a thick person that they just have a pretty face should stop being a cultural norm. Every woman is beautiful, and 2018 will celebrate that.

3. Abandoned Pets

Let’s stop abandoning pets on the street. You will find dogs and cats wandering the streets alone and sometimes they might even have a collar. I worked at a pet shelter, and the amount of dogs that are received is jaw-dropping. Create more consciousness among your community, friends, etc. Let’s stop having animals that do not understand what is going on suffer through this injustice. 2018 says this is canceled.

4. Politics

The political atmosphere these past two years has been very charged, and this can be a huge cause as to why so many people are upset. Some examples include our governor’s many decisions, Carmen Yulin Cruz’s odyssey after Hurricane Maria, President Donald Trump’s lack of consideration for the Puerto Rican people, la Junta de Control Fiscal, the fight for Net Neutrality, and many many more things. It seems as though these worrying conflicts and situations won’t be stopping anytime soon and we can’t necessarily leave politics behind. That is not the answer, but things need to change and improve. We need to start stepping up even more, not less. Every single act against human rights this past year needs to stop! More men and women need to continue to speak up in 2018 because change is coming!

5. Hurricanes

I think this one is self-explanatory even though it’s not possible. Don’t get me started on tsunamis. Oh, and let’s fix the street lights because this game of frogger Puerto Rico’s got going on at every intersection has got to stop.

6. That’s So Basic

If someone likes something, and it makes them happy, their eyes light up, and has them talking for hours enthusiastically don’t shame them for it! Telling someone that they’re “basic” for liking something that the mass seems to like is insensitive. If they like Disney movies, that’s cool. If they’re into Stranger Things, that’s awesome! Ask why they like it, and try to understand them instead of brushing it off as trying to be “trendy.” Let people like things. Let people love things, and let people be happy about things. If you find something “basic”, it doesn’t give you the right to shame them for it.

All in all, the new year is filled with hope and new beginnings. Let’s leave the past in the past and look forward towards better things.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7.