This year a lot has happened, and I’m thankful for being a part of The Young Folks team. I’m thankful for the new Emeli Sande album after having waited so long for it to come out. I’m thankful for films like Moonlight, Moana, Under the Shadow, and Zootopia. I’m thankful that I’ve become more engaged in social media this year. I’m thankful that in doing so, it’s allowed me to become even more hyper-aware of the double standards minority characters face in film, TV, and criticism. I’m thankful for Mr. Robot and for Rami Malek being the first Arab-American to win an Emmy for outstanding lead actor. I’m thankful for film festivals such as DC Film Fest’s Arabian Sights, which spotlights films from the Middle East. I’m thankful for superhero shows like Luke Cage and The Flash. I’m thankful for female characters like Iris West, who represents what a generally well-rounded woman of color on a superhero show can look like. I’m thankful for La La Land, which reminded me why I love musicals and the magic of movies. I’m thankful for getting to see Aladdin on Broadway for a second time. Finally, I’m thankful to have met so many great people through writing about movies and TV! – Mae Abdulbaki
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