[This post is from a series written during the first weeks of the COVID crisis.]
A very interesting reality is emerging from the progress of this pandemic.
Different “populations” are experiencing the pandemic differently.
People of color or lower socioeconomic class have been hit disproportionately.
Reasons range from a preponderance of preexisting conditions to inadequate health care.
But the really interesting perception is that these individuals can not afford to stop working, so they are (and have been) at constant risk of infection.
Is this fair? Having a sacrificial class of people?
Look further.
We have “first responders” without access to adequate supplies and gear, and in many cases, not even access to health insurance.
We have the suddenly unemployed, by the millions. (What, exactly is supposed to happen when your entire industry—shuts—down?)
We have parents now coping with work (or no work) and children at home.
We have children who can not experience society or interaction outside the family, if they are lucky enough to have one.
We have the elderly, locked in, isolated, and dependent as never before.
What of all these cohorts: these demographies?
These people...this new “us.”
Separate all the discussions of command and control (“Do this,” Do that,” “Reopen,” “Stop reopening”) what are we doing about these people?
These people who count.
These people who matter.
Do not reduce them to a weeping undifferentiated whole, pleading upward, with a hand out.
See them as they are and come to their aid.
“Family” icon by Adrien Coquet, The Noun Project, https://thenounproject.com/search/?q=man%20woman%20child&i=1034122
I just modified it to give the family black eyes and add a male child.
Boxing Gloves licensed from Shutterstock, 1136886392.