It has been said that, in moments of historical significance, one should frequently notate their thoughts and observations. Herein this blog series, I will state my thoughts on what is happening as I experience, potentially adding in some helpful information in relation to my studies/research at Harvard. If you or someone you know is teleworking, please feel free to contribute to my research project: http://irsurveys.stjohns.edu/S11/WorkingRemotely20/
There is little to report on the last week. It came and left in a blur.
Perhaps the most reflective, emotional change is a newly formed sense of frustration that I harbor. Not for the lack of control in an unforgiving universe, with infinite test, of which this is just one of. Rather, I am surprised that a greater unity in the fellowship of mankind has not yet formed.
In numbers, the story is plain and clear, these are tremendous times:
Sept 11, 2001: 2,605 U.S. citizen fatalities, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan Conflict): 2,353 U.S. fatalities, April 17th, 2020: 4,591 U.S. resident fatalities.
Still, countries point fingers, and our nation is divided on the seriousness of this disease and the weight between economic impact vs public safety. Following 9/11, it felt as if all Americans were unified toward a common enemy; today, a partisan debate ensues over a far more deadly foe.
As a privileged American, with various revenue streams which still provide for me, I look on with relatively little discomfort. A handful of local deaths hardly seem visceral, a perspective likely different from the grave diggers on Hart Island, NY, burying dozens of bodies a day. With little tangible, first-hand evidence of this serious disease, I suppose I can try to understand the mindset of Americans who are marching on state capitols, arguing that life return to normal.
However, I fear this petulant outburst from largely misinformed Americans will lead to an even greater situation. Perhaps when the conservative, southern municipalities act against the wisdom of genuine scientific authorities, they will face the reality of this pandemic head on. The cost of human lives that will result is incomprehensible.
Perhaps a positive crescendo, after this abnormality subsides, will be change in generational perspectives. Just as my grandparents, the Greatest Generation, grew up among global conflicts, soaring economic growth (and resulting inequalities), social discord, and rapid changes in technology, current generations may lay claim to similar experiences. It is also safe to say a neo-babyboom is in order, as a result of both months of cohabitation and the social reemergence soon after! Our society will grow, we will preserve, we will progress.
The months, and likely years ahead, are uncharted territory for reason human memory. But what an opportunity it is to live in such a pivotal time for our civilization.
“Twirling round with this familiar parable
Spinning, weaving round each new experience
Recognize this as a holy gift and celebrate this chance to be alive and breathing
The chance to be alive and breathingThis body holding me reminds me of my own mortality
Embrace this moment, remember
We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion”-Tool, “Parabola”