Read on Twitter
Warning: It's time for a slightly whiny rant...
The appliance repair guy came to the house this morning.
I'm a remote worker who was either traveling or working from home even pre-pandemic, so though the travel is still stopped, my being home wouldn't have been unusual before.
The appliance repair guy came to the house this morning.
I'm a remote worker who was either traveling or working from home even pre-pandemic, so though the travel is still stopped, my being home wouldn't have been unusual before.
I, of course, know this. But the appliance repair guy does not. We don't discuss any of this, of course, because it's irrelevant to what he is doing. Still, I feel a sort of guilt by association, as if by the mere fact I'm working from home paints me a happy lockdown elitist.
This is the drill across America now, and for 11 months. The "essential" trade worker does his job as normal, repairing ovens and dryers. The white-collar set is not essential by name, perhaps, but considered "superessential" by pedigree - so essential that no risk is acceptable.
What an utter load of crap.
I'm not afraid of the risk at all since it's so extremely low for me, but regardless, how is it okay for me to stay home forever to avoid the normal risks of daily life, while the guy without a B.A. is fair game?
I'm not afraid of the risk at all since it's so extremely low for me, but regardless, how is it okay for me to stay home forever to avoid the normal risks of daily life, while the guy without a B.A. is fair game?
But thanks to our infernal, unfair, ridiculous "new normal," I peck away on my laptop and in virtual meetings, feeling secret solidarity with the tradesman and feeling like I look like an idle jerk. I know I am not idle, and I try hard not to be a jerk, but still, appearances...
I'm no more important nor more worthy than the professional who works in the trades. For him to get ill would be every bit as bad as for me to get ill. No more, no less. I am also still young(ish) and in excellent health. I am at low risk. As is he, probably. Yet, I'm cloistered.
This is not the way we are meant to live. It is not a healthy way to live, physically or emotionally. It is subliminally pitting classes of people against each other.
Vaccines are available for the most vulnerable, or are about to be. The medical system was never overwhelmed. Most of us truly are not unsafe. The "new normal" is a crime against humanity. It must never be considered normal. Ever.
Let us out.
Let us out.
