Ah, the year 2020. A time that many will remember with a mix of disdain and disbelief. Amidst the chaos, moments of joy were often overshadowed by a multitude of challenges. Successes were celebrated, but only when viewed through the lens of significant loss. We often talked about “surviving” the year as a form of success, yet felt guilty when reflecting on how many people didn’t even achieve that basic level of well-being. It felt wrong to have had a relatively decent year while countless others faced unimaginable hardships.
And it wasn’t just the pandemic. The tragic murder of George Floyd reignited discussions about systemic racism, leading to protests across the U.S. and around the globe. Wildfires devastated the West Coast, displacing families and wildlife alike. The passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her subsequent replacement by a conservative judge added to the turmoil. Misinformation and absurd conspiracy theories captured the attention of millions, leaving many scratching their heads.
However, amid the turmoil, I emerged with one significant takeaway: clarity. The events of 2020 revealed the true nature of those around me and illuminated the behaviors I am willing to accept. It felt akin to coming out; I discovered who truly supports me and who harbors beliefs that contradict the love they profess.
As the pandemic escalated in March and April, it became increasingly evident that some individuals in my circle were motivated by their political or financial interests to disregard science. “Willful ignorance” became a recurring thought in my mind. It’s one thing to be misled; it’s another entirely to seek out fringe “experts” who validate your biases while ignoring a wealth of empirical evidence. I’ve realized I have no desire to engage with those who choose ignorance. Goodbye!
And then, there were those who revealed their hidden prejudices. It’s one matter to be misinformed; it’s another to dismiss the lived experiences of countless individuals striving to shed light on their realities. The blatant denial of systemic racism by some white individuals, who cherry-pick evidence from fellow white sources, is infuriating. Amplifying the voice of a lone outlier in the Black community while ignoring the overwhelming consensus is unacceptable.
I also noticed a surge of performative allyship. In 2020, many who had previously remained silent suddenly became vocal about systemic racism and police brutality, likely because it became socially acceptable to do so. While I acknowledge that some people might have been previously unaware of the severity of the issues, many knew the truth and remained silent until it became beneficial for their image.
Conversely, the visibility of queer individuals did not diminish, but the enthusiastic support for them did. Homophobia and bigotry persist, and organizations like the Family Research Council are still pushing their anti-queer agendas. If you were a vocal ally in 2019, particularly if it garnered likes and attention on social media, but have gone silent in 2020, trust me, we noticed.
I once thought many people were intelligent, yet I’ve seen them fall for a myriad of conspiracy theories, from absurd claims about celebrity pedophilia to the notion that the coronavirus was engineered for sinister purposes. Seriously? The government already tracks our actions through social security numbers and smartphones. It’s baffling.
My tolerance for certain behaviors has diminished significantly, and I’m okay with that. I find myself more vocal about my discontent, more willing to call out nonsense, and more inclined to hit “unfriend” or “block” on social media. My circle has shrunk, but I’m comfortable with that. I still seek out information, but I prefer to do so from less personal sources, as it shields me from the disappointment of hearing these views from former friends.
Is this intolerance? Perhaps. But that’s part of the clarity I gained in 2020: my mental health is paramount. If someone’s racist, homophobic, or conspiracy-driven rhetoric harms my well-being, I’m stepping away. I simply won’t tolerate it any longer.
While 2020 may have been a catastrophic year, from its ashes, I’ve emerged with a clearer sense of self and a commitment to no longer entertain the nonsense of others.
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Search Queries:
- How did 2020 change perspectives on friendship?
- What did we learn about systemic racism in 2020?
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social relationships.
- Understanding willful ignorance and its effects.
- The importance of mental health in navigating social issues.
Summary:
The tumultuous events of 2020 brought significant clarity regarding relationships and personal values. The pandemic, social justice movements, and the spread of misinformation revealed the true nature of some friends and acquaintances, leading to a reevaluation of tolerances and connections. Many showcased performative allyship, while others displayed hidden prejudices, prompting a deeper reflection on what it means to support marginalized communities genuinely. Ultimately, the year underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health and distancing from negativity, resulting in a clearer, more focused approach to friendships and advocacy.
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