The year of 2008 is the most discouraging, most hopeful, most controversial, and most joyous year in American History. During this time history seems to repeat its self in many occasions. The beginning of the worse recession since the 1930's sparks in the Summer of 2008. The first black president dubs the chant "Yes We Can" in hopes of a brighter future, similar to President Reagan's campaign slogan in the eighties "It's Morning Again in America." Themes from previous years are played out in movies and in music. 2008 was the year for change in America, but no one forgot about the past.
The Summer of 2008 has been one of the hardest times in America. In the last leg of the 2008 election, the housing market crashed triggering the collapse of banks and the stalk market. Leaving Presidential debates solely concerned on how these candidates would help rebuild America. The question of would we return to old traditional values? Or would the country vote for change? On November 4, 2008 all types of social, economic, and age groups voted for a new, better America with the first African American at the forefront. Even though there were many new and some controversial events during this year, like the pregnant man, but American's did not fail to remember earlier years in its history. Hollywood thrived and movies like The Dark Knight and No Country for Old Men won oscars and made millions at the box office. These movies are their own twisted take on old Hollywood movies, The Dark Knight has said to be similar to an old gangster movie made in the thirties or forties. No Country for Old Men- which won the oscar for Movie of the Year- has an old, classic, western vibe with modern ideas. The Beijing Olympics also happened in the Summer of 2008. American Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in multiple swimming events, being the only Olympian ever to win eight gold metals. Making the Beijing aquatic center his domain and becoming the world greatest olympian. In the moments of darkness he lit up hope and brought spirit back to America.
2008 brought change and excitement while still keeping American ideals. Barack Obama used his slogans "hope" and "the change we can believe in" to better the country. This year is the most important in American history because we see how previous events reoccur and how the government and the people used their power to change it for the better. With the first black president to be elected in history, with new policies and a new view on politics. Brought people together to get the change everyone needed to see in America. People like Michael Phelps and Thomas Beatie ( "the pregnant man") sought out to change the place they live in, spark controversy, and shed hope.
2008 changed lives in drastic and often terrifying ways. It brought all different types of people together and it proved that America can improve without loosing sight of where its history. It was full of downfalls but many times over and over again, America was seen a prosperous.
