The Wild and Chaotic Year That Was 2020
When did the madness start, and when will it end?
You're reading J’Nae Writes a newsletter created by yours truly J’Nae Phillips. To get the latest editions delivered straight to your inbox, make sure you subscribe here.
I saw an IG post last week that went something along the lines of “2020 put on a wig and came back as 2021” and I felt that. 2020 had me questioning a lot of things, and brought to light issues that have been flying under the radar for far too long now. The first few weeks of 2021 have been chaos and madness, the car crash that was 2020 shows no signs of slowing down just yet.
Was it 2020 or was it anti Blackness and racist structures that are deeply embedded into our society?
Was it 2020 or was it broken prison systems and police forces that racially profile, brutalise, and victimise?
Was it 2020 or was it capitalism and a pandemic where the rules don’t seem to apply to the rich and famous?
Was it 2020 or was it underfunded health care systems that have been declining for years and are now on the brink of collapse?
Was it 2020 or was it the dominant ideology of patriarchy where men have always held power and excluded women?
Was it 2020 or was it social biases that have continued to work against the poor and disadvantaged, overlooking them when they’ve needed us most?
We blame all of our problems on 2020 as if the issues I highlighted began last year. If you’re not aware these issues exist, you must have been living under a rock for the best part of your life.
These issues are deeply ingrained into society whether we choose to acknowledge them or not, and when the clocks struck midnight ringing in the new year just a few short weeks ago, these problems didn’t disappear overnight. In fact, what small good that came out of last year was that these issues are finally being given attention and acknowledgement.
The conversations we need to have about racism, police brutality, poverty, capitalism, and broken health care systems but to name a few, aren’t going to be easy or comfortable. Biases will have to be confronted, stereotypes recognised and addressed. Entire systems, structures, and institutions need overhauling. We’re going to be forced to look within, and what we find may not be so pretty.
All of us have a part to play in this whether big or small. A hell of a lot of work needs to be done; but if we don’t act now, then when?
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter to see more of what I’m up to, and I’ll see you same time same place next week!
Catch you soon,
J’Nae
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING:
- This is a book I was eager to get my hands on, and whilst I’m nowhere near finished reading it just yet, it hasn’t disappointed me. A Promised Land by Barack Obama is a must read whether you’re into politics or not, it had me tearing up within the first few pages.
WHAT I’VE BEEN WATCHING:
- Who isn’t watching Bridgerton right now? The drama, the settings, the costumes, I’m here for all of it. Exactly the kind of escapism TV we need right now, I’ve got my fingers crossed for a second season.
WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO:
- I’m pretty late to the party when it comes to music, I like to enjoy it in my own time okay? But I love this song by WizKid ft. Tay Iwar and Projexx.
WHAT’S CAUGHT MY EYE:
- My fellow Capricorns will love this IG account @justasadcapricorn as it says what we’re all thinking without needing to say it, if that makes sense? As Capricorn season is drawing to a close, I felt it deserved a special shout out.
ON MY BLOG:
- My blog is back at long last! I’ve been quietly working on it over the last few months, with a complete redesign and overhaul of what I’m going to be posting. A brand new post just went live, I’d love to know your thoughts on it and on my blog's new look!
J’Nae Writes is a free weekly newsletter. If you like this newsletter and want to show your support, please consider buying me a digital cup of coffee. Thank you!