A look back at the Annus Horribilis called 2020

To know that a virus was the ultimate Goliath has been both humbling, and a long time coming

- Amit Vaidya

2020 was, without doubt, a global shitshow, and not the kind that you can’t take your eyes off of, but the kind that is usually left for soap operas and reality shows. A pandemic like no other literally grabbed us all by the balls, and had us on our knees. To know that a virus was the ultimate Goliath has been both humbling, and a long time coming.

Of course, we’ve found ways to cope and survive. Masks, gloves, and sanitisers became staples instead of eccentricities of those with OCD. Zoom became the ultimate boardroom, office space, and hangout zone. And what is probably the most amazing thing — our dependence on others to provide entertainment hit a crossroads.

Gone were the blockbusters, and instead, we had Tiger King and The Queen’s Gambit. Music shifted from stadiums to Instagram live shows. Netflix binges were no longer a weekend phenomenon. Fashion houses went from making luxury goods to PPE equipment.

Compassion became a trademark, and not a publicity stunt at the bequest of a CSR initiative. Businesses grappled with harsh realities about being able to stay afloat, while individuals became increasingly troubled as their options and savings diminished in front of their eyes.

So now, almost a year later after this began in China, has the world fundamentally changed?

It’s tough to say, as we’re just now starting to see the vaccine make its way. With new strands of the virus too making its way through the world, it feels like 2021 is a race between the virus and the vaccine.