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I've taken a bit of time off from writing recently. Part of this is due to work on other projects, and part of this is due to the enormity of caring for and worrying about at-risk family members during this pandemic.
As such, I'd like to say a few things.
As such, I'd like to say a few things.
This is a disease of ignorance and indifference as much as it's a disease of the respiratory system.
This is plainly apparent to many, but not everyone seems to be getting it. And we will likely see close to half a million deaths by the end of the year because of this.
This is plainly apparent to many, but not everyone seems to be getting it. And we will likely see close to half a million deaths by the end of the year because of this.
This is a disease that requires local and national cooperation and unity, and yet it's hit us at a time when we are most divided.
We can't talk to each other anymore. We can't even agree on shared truths or even resembling a shared reality.
We can't talk to each other anymore. We can't even agree on shared truths or even resembling a shared reality.
This is a disease that almost feels like a specific indictment on a uniquely selfish and self-interested society. It almost feels like punishment. It almost feels biblical.
And it's easy to be angry at this or angry at our neighbors.
And it's easy to be angry at this or angry at our neighbors.
But anger, even if it feels deserved, is not a way forward.
This isn't to say that anger isn't justified, but it won't cure this pandemic or keep your grandma safe.
What will help are the hard conversations. The emotional labor. The awkward dinner table discussions.
This isn't to say that anger isn't justified, but it won't cure this pandemic or keep your grandma safe.
What will help are the hard conversations. The emotional labor. The awkward dinner table discussions.
We need to be able to talk to each other. We need to find common ground. We need to recognize that we're being manipulated and put the righteous hatred aside for a moment.
This means that someone has to be the bigger person and find peace and compassion when they feel otherwise.
This means that someone has to be the bigger person and find peace and compassion when they feel otherwise.
This means turning the other cheek. This means endless patience. This means Jesus shit.
And I'd like to suggest a script for these conversations.
You can just say, "You know, I think I might disagree, but I'd like to understand where you're coming from."
And I'd like to suggest a script for these conversations.
You can just say, "You know, I think I might disagree, but I'd like to understand where you're coming from."
And then try to understand and identify a common value.
Then try saying, "I understand. You think this because you're worried about... your children. Okay. Well, I would also like a better world for your children."
Then try saying, "I understand. You think this because you're worried about... your children. Okay. Well, I would also like a better world for your children."
Does this work every time? It does not. Does it help if the person is dead-set on hating everything about you? Maybe not.
But will hundreds of thousands more people die if we don't make some attempt at reconciliation and understanding one another? Yes.
But will hundreds of thousands more people die if we don't make some attempt at reconciliation and understanding one another? Yes.
And it's clearly up to us to do something about it, because the leaders at the national level are doing absolutely fuck all.
Anyway, that's it. Try to have these conversations. Try find some common ground. And try to fucking care about each other. Even when it's hard.
Anyway, that's it. Try to have these conversations. Try find some common ground. And try to fucking care about each other. Even when it's hard.
