Buzz
As we close the first chapter of the 21st century, it’s fitting to reflect on the milestones that have profoundly influenced our globally connected culture. A decade ago, the world celebrated the new millennium with unparalleled grandeur, from Tokyo to London, New York to Sydney, and beyond. Who could have predicted the ubiquity of smartphones, the internet’s integration into every facet of life, or even the Rolling Stones still rocking stages? This list highlights the ten defining moments, ideas, and innovations of the decade, categorized into ten themes, each with notable runners-up.
10. Literature July 21, 2007 – The Last Harry Potter Book Hits Shelves
Runners-up: The Da Vinci Code, Oprah’s book club.
In 1997, Joanne Rowling, a previously unknown author, achieved her breakthrough with the release of her novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which she had spent seven years writing. The series, initially planned as seven books, sparked a worldwide sensation. By 2007, when the final installment was published, Rowling had become a billionaire, a runner-up for Time’s “Person of the Year,” and the most influential children’s author of her time. An entire generation grew up alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione, devouring thousands of pages in an era dominated by television. The series garnered a cult-like following, with millions of children lining up outside bookstores for midnight release parties. Translated into 67 languages and selling over 400 million copies, the franchise, including merchandise and films, is valued at approximately £15 billion. Despite attempts by some groups to ban the books for allegedly promoting magic and the occult, their efforts were largely ignored, especially by college students playing quidditch and the Oxford English Dictionary, which added “muggle” to its lexicon in 2003.
9. Television October 5, 2001 – Pop Idol Premieres
Runners-up: Lost, The Sopranos, Family Guy.
Reality TV, arguably the most polarizing entry on this list, has reshaped television over the past decade. While various shows fall under the reality TV umbrella, the genre truly began with the UK’s Pop Idol in 2001. Will Young, the first season’s winner, has maintained a modest career since. American Idol launched a year later, consistently drawing more weekly votes than US presidential elections. Other reality shows like Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and The Real World also gained traction, significantly influencing the TV landscape. Jeff Zucker, a rival network’s CEO, once stated, “I think Idol is the most impactful show in the history of television.”
8. Film November 12, 2008 – Slumdog Millionaire Hits Theaters
Runners-up:
Danny Boyle’s 2008 film, Slumdog Millionaire, is a cinematic triumph. Adapted from Vikas Swarup’s novel “Q&A,” the movie follows a destitute young man who gets a shot at fortune on India’s version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Through a series of questions tied to his life experiences, such as recognizing the face on a US 100-dollar bill, we discover his true motive: reuniting with his lost love, portrayed by Dev Patel. The film captivated audiences worldwide, earning $377 million and sweeping 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Hailed as a glimpse into the future of cinema due to its global cast, crew, and appeal, critic Joe Morgenstern dubbed it the “world’s first globalized masterpiece.”
7. Sports October 17, 2004 – Boston Red Sox Launch Historic Comeback
Runners-up: Spain Wins Euro 2008, Zinedine Zidane’s Headbutt, 2008 New York Giants.
Trailing three games to none against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees, in the American League Championship Series, the Red Sox were on the brink of elimination. However, in their final inning, the tide turned. Despite facing Mariano Rivera, one of baseball’s greatest closers, the Red Sox managed to tie the game and clinch a victory in the 12th inning. Game 5 stretched to 14 innings, and Game 6 was narrowly decided by two runs. In Game 7, the Red Sox dominated with a 7-run win, becoming the first team in history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit. Their journey didn’t end there; after an 86-year World Series drought, they swept the St. Louis Cardinals in four games to claim the championship, a feat later hailed as “the greatest story baseball ever told.”
6. Music October 23, 2001 – Apple Unveils the iPod.
Runners-up: Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl Show, Live 8, Napster, death of Michael Jackson
Steve Jobs didn’t create the mp3 player, but he transformed it. In October 2001, Apple unveiled the iPod, a device that would redefine portable music. Before the iPod, mp3 players were plagued by poor battery life, fragility, and lack of style. Apple addressed these issues, creating a sleek, user-friendly device. Today, it’s rare to find a teenager or young adult without one. With over 220 million units sold globally, the iPod dominates the digital audio player market. It also revolutionized the music industry, allowing independent artists to share their work on iTunes and potentially achieve fame. Some studies suggest iPods have made younger generations less social, as they often retreat into their music. Whether you’re a PC or Mac user, there’s no denying the iPod’s monumental impact.
Runners-up: HD TV, high-speed internet, Wikipedia.
4. Economics January 1, 2002 – Euro Officially Adopted
Runners-up: Dotcom bust, real estate collapse.
The euro, the world’s second most widely used currency, was officially launched in 2002. Primarily adopted by European Union members, it is also utilized by millions outside Europe. While 16 EU nations are required to adopt the euro eventually, the United Kingdom and Denmark have opted out. Many African countries unofficially use it, and some nations have negotiated its usage. Today, 23 countries have currencies directly tied to the euro. As the second-largest reserve currency after the US dollar, the euro also boasts the highest value in circulation globally. With nearly 500 million users worldwide, the euro’s growing influence is expected to foster macroeconomic stability and shape the future of global finance.
3. Politics November 4, 2008 – US Presidential Election
Runners-up: 2000 Bush/Gore Florida election, 2009 Iranian Elections.
In a historic step toward racial equality, the United States elected Barack Obama as its first black president in 2008, overcoming a legacy of racial division. President Obama secured a decisive victory in the Electoral College, outpacing Senator John McCain by 192 votes. His message of “change” resonated globally, with an international poll showing 49% support for Obama compared to McCain’s 12%. As President Obama outlined ambitious plans for the future, the world watched to see if he could deliver on his promises.
2. Nature December 26, 2004 – Indian Ocean Earthquake
Runners-up: Hurricane Katrina, Victorian Bushfire, Climate Change
On December 26, 2005, the Indian Ocean experienced the second-largest earthquake ever recorded. The ensuing tsunami claimed nearly 230,000 lives and displaced over a million people across fourteen countries, with Indonesia bearing the heaviest toll. Among the victims were thousands of European tourists traveling during the holiday season. This disaster stands as the deadliest natural catastrophe since the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, leaving entire cities in ruins and rural areas obliterated. Global relief efforts exceeded $10 billion, yet the affected regions continue to rebuild, with some areas forever changed.
1. International Affairs September 11, 2001 – Terrorist Attacks on the United States
Runners-up: Darfur Genocide, Benazir Bhutto assassination, London train bombings.
On September 11, 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by Muslim extremists. Two planes struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the fourth, after passengers intervened, crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the attacks. Al-Qaeda, led by Osama Bin Laden, was held responsible. The New York Stock Exchange, located near the WTC, saw its largest single-day drop upon reopening. In response, President George W. Bush launched the War on Terror, leading to prolonged conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The repercussions of 9/11 continue to shape global politics and security.
