This past week has definitely seemed less chaotic than the ones preceding it. Things may be crazy out there, but in my little corner of the woods, circumstances haven't changed much, and we're settling in fairly well.
We've taken a few walks. My mother casually searches for bears in windows ("I saw a thing about it on the news!"), while I search for cats.
It's interesting, in a nauseating sort of way, to see what kind of garbage lies alongside the roads. This has never been the cleanest neighborhood (or city) but lately it feels like people, in their panic to stock up on toilet paper and maintain 6 feet of distance from other humanfolk, have also forgotten that garbage cans still exist.
Twice, now, we've gone out there with gloves and a garbage sack and done our best.
There may be a bit less traffic than usual, but those that are out there are definitely acting like it's the end times. Speeders, ahoy!
On the TV news, the police captain came on and tried to be reassuring: "You still need to follow the law! We still have the SAME NUMBER of police officers out there as we ever did!" he informed us.
That number, in case you were wondering, is six.
Speaking of TV, a bunch of companies have made new commercials that reference our current circumstances. They either tell us how we can still use their product/service ("we deliver!") or they try to give out a positive message. In that regard, it feels a little bit like the TV atmosphere in the months just after 9/11.
It's crazy reading the news online. Everyone is arguing about who knew what, and when, and what things we should have done, but didn't, and who screwed up, and who is may be actively trying to kill us all? (Hint: His last name starts with a T.)
On social media, no matter what you say or what opinion you express, someone will come along and declare the exact opposite. Here are just a few of the disagreements I've seen lately:
* * *
On the subject of
Medical Professionals
Person A: "Our doctors, nurses, and medical professionals are on the front lines dealing with this virus first-hand. Let's give a round of applause to these amazing heroes!"
Person B: "Please, could everyone stop using phrases like "heroes" or "front lines"? You imply that our medical professionals signed up to go to war. They are not soldiers. They became doctors & nurses to help heal people, not to die for them!"
* * *
On the subject of
Homeschooling
Person A: "Here are some helpful suggestions for homeschooling your kids while schools are closed."
Person B: "How dare you suggest I should be homeschooling my children during this stressful time?! I can barely put food on the table, and you're going to shame me for not teaching them algebra?"
* * *
On the subject of
Boredom
Person A: "Bored out of your mind while quarantined? Here are some ideas for fun things you can try!"
Person B: Excuse me!?!?! We are experiencing TRAUMA, here! Nobody in this house is having any of that so-called FUN!"
* * *
On the subject of
Self-Care
Person A: "In this post I will share some ideas for self-care during this epidemic."
Person B: "How dare you encourage me to self-care, you over-privileged piece of trash? I barely have enough toilet paper to wipe with, and you want me to try yoga?"
* * *
On the subject of
Face Masks
Person A: "Be sure to wear a face mask if you need to go out in public."
Person B: "Face masks are ineffective!"
Person C: "Medical professionals need those face masks more than you do!"
Person D: "YOU SHOULD NOT EVEN BE GOING OUT IN PUBLIC IN THE FIRST PLACE!
* * *
On the subject of
Teddy Bears
Person A: "Hey, everyone! Put teddy bears in your windows so kids going on walks can do a Bear Hunt!"
Person B: "People should not be leaving their homes! Don't encourage them by showing your bears!"
* * *
On the subject of
Staying At Home
Person A: "Everyone needs to stay home!"
Person B: "Excuse me?!?! Some of us don't have the ability or privilege to stay home! Some of us need to keep our jobs, and our jobs require that we show up to work each and every day! How dare you tell me to stay home? YOU DON'T KNOW ME."
* * *
On the subject of
Humor
Person A: "Here's a funny cat video to lighten the mood!"
Person B: "Why are you posting things like this? This is no time for laughs! PEOPLE ARE DYING! THIS IS SERIOUS!"
That's it for now. In my next epidemic-related post, I'll tell you all about the time my great-grandmother got the Flu, then pneumonia, and still managed to recover and have seven more children. The year was 1918...
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