2024 in Retrospect
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2024 was a whirlwind of milestones, memes and movements, leaving many with memories that they will carry well into the next decade. 2024 was one for the history books, so let us look back on what Northwest considers the most important events of 2024.
January: Rat Hole!
The year started with the strange yet oddly captivating “Rat Hole” meme sweeping the internet when it appeared in Chicago. The rat-shaped hole took the internet by storm as thousands came to see it and even put flowers or coins in it like a shrine.
February: Skibidi Toilet comes out and Gen Alpha’s ‘brain rot’ era starts, Kansas City Chiefs win the Superbowl and Kate Middleton’s cancer story comes out.
Gen Alpha entered its “brain rot” era with the release of Skibidi Toilet. “Brain rot” consists of weird types of slang or memes formed from expressions or short form content videos. The bizarrely compelling animation became a phenomenon overnight, with kids and adults alike quoting its absurd humor. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated a Super Bowl victory, making it their second year in a row, and shocking news emerged about Kate Middleton’s health battle, sparking an outpouring of support.
March: Ryan Gosling performs “I’m Just Ken” at the Academy Awards.
In a highlight of the awards season, Ryan Gosling surprised audiences by performing Barbie’s hit anthem “I’m Just Ken” live at the Academy Awards. The catchy performance became a viral sensation, solidifying Gosling’s place in pop culture history.
April: Chappell Roan debuts and Cailtin Clark gets drafted first pick. Taylor Swift released the Tortured Poets Department (TTPD).
April belonged to breakout artist Chappell Roan, whose electrifying performances cemented her status as pop’s next big thing. Meanwhile, basketball star Caitlin Clark was drafted as the first overall pick, marking a historic moment for women in sports. Taylor Swift surprised fans by dropping The Tortured Poet’s Department and TTPD: The Anthology.
May: Met Gala compared to the Hunger Games, Greenfield Iowa tornado, Coconut Tree meme!
This year’s Met Gala theme left the internet divided, with many joking it resembled The Hunger Games and comparing the celebrities to the high-end fancies associated with District 1 in the novel. A powerful tornado in Greenfield made national headlines and brought the community in Greenfield together. To end May, the rise of the Coconut Tree meme, which was taken from one of Kamala Harris’ speeches where she talked about “falling out of a coconut tree,” took storm with its playful absurdity.
June: Brat Summer.
The phrase “Brat Summer” became the vibe for June as Brat by Charli XCX came out. TikTokers embraced chaotic and unapologetic energy. Summer playlists were packed with rebellious anthems, and the carefree aesthetic defined the start of the summer season.
July: Donald Trump gets shot, Twisters comes out.
July delivered shockwaves when news broke of Donald Trump being shot–an event that ignited heated political debates and conspiracy theories. On a lighter note, Twisters, the much-anticipated sequel to the 1996 classic, hit theaters and dominated the box office.
August: Raygun at the Olympics.
August was all about athletic excellence and futuristic flair, as Raygun, a breakdancer, debuted at the Olympics. She brought some moves to the new event which took social media by storm as imitations popped up and mocked the dancer.
September: Moo Deng and Pesto, Demure Fall.
As summer faded, Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo, and Pesto, a king penguin, became social media icons while celebrities visited from all over to see these demure animals. Speaking of demure, “Demure Fall” became a new sensation as a video went viral, then so did the rise of demure. Demure generally signifies that something is quiet or very modest in character. Very mindful. Very demure.
October: Timothée Chalamet at the Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest, Jimmy Carter turns one hundred and P. Diddy allegations and conspiracy theories come out.
A bizarre highlight of October was the Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest, which saw uncanny doppelgängers of the star competing for the crown with Timothée himself showing up to the competition. Meanwhile, Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday was celebrated across the nation, and explosive allegations involving P. Diddy sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
November: Election results announced, Wicked comes out–deemed as a success.
November brought the much-anticipated announcement of election results, shaping the political landscape for the coming years. To end November, Wicked debuted in theaters, earning rave reviews and becoming one of the year’s biggest cinematic successes.
December: Era’s tour ends, Kirby, Luigi Mangione.
Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour came to a triumphant close in December, marking the end of an era (pun intended). Elsewhere, the internet fell in love or fear with Kirby, the elephant, and her scary eyes. To end December, the killing of the United Healthcare CEO sparked divided reactions from the internet. While some made memes of it, some crushed on Luigi Mangione which went even more viral.
When talking to students at Northwest, they considered these topics and decided that the following are the biggest and most important events of 2024.
1) Presidential Election
Alexis DeWaay, a sophomore at Northwest High School, stated, “I thought [the election] was extremely important and defined 2024.” Most Northwest students agreed the election and its outcome was the most important part of 2024 because of its impact on the future and anxieties about the outcome.
2) Brain Rot
Reese Connor, a sophomore at Northwest High School, described, “Gen Alpha has become more insane than ever [with brainrot].” Brain rot seemed to be everywhere and took the world by its virality.
3) Better AI
Ava Boldt, a senior at Northwest High School, explained, “With AI, everyone is using that now. With ChatGPT and the weird Instagram reels with AI. AI has really taken over and I don’t think it’s all that great for our future.“ AI got even more advanced and is being used everywhere, and especially had a presence in the 2024 year.
4) P. Diddy Allegations
Sophia Towns, a sophomore at Northwest High School, expressed, “Now you have to thank Beyoncé.“ The allegations have sparked a wide range of controversies and conspiracies about Beyoncé and Jay Z.
5) Chappell Roan’s Debut
Libby Dumstorff, a sophomore at Northwest High School, mentioned, “Her singing the unreleased song The Giver on SNL is the most important thing of 2024 in my opinion.“ Chappell Roan made a huge debut this year, and SNL was only a small part of her amazing journey.