Throughout our history, big changes have occurred politically and socially. Somehow, little is remembered because of the overly bright highlight that is shined on useless trends set to distract the general public from the real issues.

Trends include the “Yanny vs. Laurel” and the “Black and Blue vs. White and Gold dress” debates. We see more people concerned about what color the dress really is and who hears yanny rather than laurel instead of the debate over guns and what should be done to limit mass shootings. While comic relief is essential, especially in a world where bad agendas are brought into reality, it is equally necessary that the public becomes aware of what is happening around them and are being assured that their government is taking extensive measures to help the nation recover devastating tragedies.

The masking of real issues with trends was first criticized by Childish Gambino in his new song, “This is America.” Throughout the music video, the way Childish Gambino dances mimics Jim Crow laws. He starts his music video with a sweet, soulful, choir and a trumpet player to represent the misconception of America. It is believed in his lyrics, “this a celly that’s a tool,” he is referring to Stephan Clark, who was killed by cops who thought he was armed. However, police came to find that he only had his phone on him. In the video you can see black men filming the turmoil on their cell phones, to expose police brutality towards African Americans.

His dance, along with the busy background that includes the choir and gunshot, displays the violence that occurs every day in America. Especially towards African Americans while the government, does nothing but “dance” around real issues.

America is known for its perseverance and thirst for democracy. Recently, it seems as though our ideals have changed. School shootings have become a norm and our biggest issue has become a color of a dress that isn’t even fashionably appealing. It is time to focus on the many real issues we face every day, whether it be school shootings, police brutality or the fight for equality.