QuadBlog Ep. 50

I think this has to be said…

Coivid raises many questions, and not only about the disease itself (and origin) but in many ways it’s becoming of true test of our societal integrity. Like can we band together to defeat a common enemy or will we let it our-run us and steal the lives that we once knew? Also, two other very important questions come to mind here: what’s more important, quality of life or life itself? And, are we a people of compassion or one of self-interest?

It just seems to be the nature of the disease that brings about this type of polarisation, as in sure the strong and healthy will probably survive, however for the elderly and immune-compromised citizens (the weaker and more vulnerable parts of our society) this can and has been a death sentence. Which, now this is where the compassion part comes into it, so are we prepared to risk sacrificing these demographics within our society? Living and breathing human beings, a mother, father, sister or a brother, and at what cost or benefit? Like a lot of people have been talking about the economy lately – which is something I’ll get to later.

But first, truly this is a once in one-hundred year event (or at least as history shows, ref Spanish Flu), and strangely no-one seems to have acknowledged just how lucky and well situated we are to combat this. Our generation has PPE, computer technology and communication, medical expertise and strict societal structure, whereas the Spanish Flu era had… umm face cloths!? Also, a bit different but in the same vein, part generations were out fighting world wars, going through The Great Depression, food shortages, and here we are being asked to stay at home and watch Netflix… umm!? Maybe we should ‘man up’ just a little!?

And don’t get me wrong here, there are so many people out there who are doing the ‘right thing’ it is amazing (and somehow I think should and could be thanked way more often – which, thank you right now from me!). Only what is the right thing? Well, obviously hygiene, social distancing, blah blah, but again I really think that it again comes down to this question of compassion versus selfishness. In fact, I believe that’s the global challenge right now even above and beyond Covid. This pandemic has simply been the catalyst to bring this question into plain sight.

Then, again what is the right thing? Well as a society I believe that it’s time to answer this question and conform accordingly. Are we one or are we many? And as individuals, are we a cancerous cell or a cell willing to work harmoniously towards longevity and peace. Or to put it bluntly, is spring break more important than your grandmother’s wellbeing? Anyways, I believe that Covid presents this rare opportunity to answer such a question, what is more important, compassion or self-interest? And this should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Oh but what about the economy? Like what if some type of lockdown lasts for months even years – which who knows may be the case without a vaccine? And sure I completely concede that there will be some financial turmoil ahead, however is this what primarily holds our society together, money and greed? Which as a complete concession, money is very important, however this whole stock market, futures market, perceived values thing is a bit of a farce. And in America they’ve been artificially pumping up the economy for months, even making some gains amidst a pandemic. Seems a bit strange And that debt clock is an absolute joke.. But at the end of the day, should this be what we’re prioritising over human life?

We’ve lived, survived and survived for centuries without all this hoopla. In fact, it’s like we’ve forgotten just how strong and resourceful we are as human beings. We have become way too comfortable, and we’ve become way too materialistic and sensitive (I’m guilty of this myself). But the bottom line is that we’re just animals, very smart animals, and all the money or priviledge in the world won’t be able to save some people from Covid. Much like disability, viruses don’t discriminate. It could be an acquaintance, it could be a neighbour, or it could be you. So what are ‘we’ going to do? Are ‘we’ going to band together, show some compassion and unity, and after a long tough slog win? Or are we going to whinge about a swab up the nose or how hard it is to breathe behind a face mask – to which I say ‘get some real problems’.

Okay that’s enough of a rant, but truly I just hope it was a little thought provoking and insightful. Because now, right now, this is most likely going to be the biggest test and most defining moment of our generation. And what’s weird, in many ways we’re being forced to sit in solitude, reflect and ponder, and really think about what sort of world we want to create for the future. Which again I’ll bring attention to that initial question, would you want to live in a world filled with compassion or self-interest? Because, right now (brought about by Covid) this appears to be the tipping point. So which way will you go??

Nope, we don’t always get what we want much rather what we need.