A brand new year is upon us; a blank slate fresh with no mistakes (yet). For many people, New Year’s Day is a time for resolutions, turning over new leaves, numerous weight loss and exercise commercials, etc. The new year is also a time to analyze the previous year to decide what can be improved upon, forgotten about or remembered. While many take a look at his/her future year, it is also a great opportunity to propose some New Year’s resolutions for the media, Hollywood, and the NFL through the lenses of improving, forgetting or remembering.

The American media is arguably the most powerful entity in the country and perhaps the world. Although the first amendment grants the media freedom of speech, this group of people should remember that many Americans are tired of fake news; they could start by forgetting about the so-called scandal involving Trump and the Russians. New Year’s resolution for the media: improve upon positive coverage of the leader of the most powerful country in the world.

Is anyone else weary of the Toby Macguires, Madonnas, Ashley Judds, Meryl Streeps, and Kathy Griffins of the world? In 2017, actors and actresses like these have used their platforms (awards ceremonies, social media, street protest movements, etc.) to tear down ideologies not belonging to them. Unfortunately, Trump and his administration fell in their path this year and Hollywood’s greats got ugly. Hollywood should remember that at least half the country has a different ideology than they do, and that half of the country spends their money on entertainment as well. New Year’s resolution for Hollywood: forget about ideology, and remember your job is to entertain America, all not half.

How is it that a large group of men, making an average of millions of dollars each year, is so dissatisfied and disrespectful of the country that they live and earn their money in? Although the protests (via kneeling during the national anthem) began in 2016, NFL players took protesting to another level in 2017. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, had a not so exemplary visit to London for a game. While ALL of the players stood for “God Save the Queen” (Britain’s national anthem), many players kneeled during America’s anthem. After Papa John’s pulled their ads for the NFL, and after the ratings have fallen, the lure for protesting during the anthem has waned; however, a New Year’s resolution for the NFL is still in order (just in case): remember your audience in 2018 are patriotic and grateful for their service men and women!

2017 is over, but 2018 is fresh and new with no mistakes in it (yet). Let’s resolve to have a more peaceful and joyful year than before.