Why trends do not deserve a wholly negative image

The word ‘trends’ can bring forth a variety of reactions. Teenagers, giggling, might throw out words like “Tide Pod challenge” or “ water bucket challenge”. Frowning parents will probably pontificate about the dangers of social media and trends. A banker may tell you about economic trends and patterns. However, there is another way to look at trends. Trends have the ability to change the world’s political landscape and push for change to create a better future.

  Imagine you have a time machine. Now, put yourself a hundred years back in time. You will most probably be horrified at what you see – sexism and racism running rampant. Asians are known as Orientals. Women do not have the right to vote. Rosa Parks is still an unknown name. What caused all the drastic changes that we see in today’s society, you might ask? The answer: trends. 

  The Women’s Rights movement started as a trend. So did the Civil Rights movements. Indeed, most of the positive change we have seen over the decades can be attributed to trends. Rallying citizens is the most effective way to change mindsets and achieve goals. Humanity has known this since the beginning of time. One could even argue that Caesar’s assassination was the result of a trend. Perhaps in the 21st century, it would be called the “Stab Caesar Challenge.”

  Trends of this variety can still be seen today – perhaps even more than ever with the advent of social media. International borders are no longer an obstacle. Trends of the global variety are happening more and more. For example, the famed “Me Too’ campaign, where countless women across the world came forth to share their stories of sexual assault, from those living in third world countries to A-list celebrities. This made waves and headlines everywhere and was seen as women reclaiming their own story. No doubt this has made an imprint in many young girls’ minds. 

  Trends can also help to save the world. The “No Straws” trend has quickly spread and even prompted the manufacturing of the more environmentally friendly metal straws.  Through the power of social media, this trend became so widespread that even huge corporations such as McDonald’s and Starbucks started to make changes. The effects seen are humongous and cannot be denied. In conclusion, trends are a powerful tool that enables us to make positive changes for the future and create a society that values equality, environmental awareness and other values that are necessary in this day and age. Trends do not deserve their wholly negative image, and we should start looking at this word through a different lens.

Ashley Sia

2 Purity