Summary

The article humorously contemplates how social media might have been used to cope with and comment on the Bubonic Plague, drawing parallels to modern pandemic experiences.

Abstract

The piece imaginatively explores the potential reactions of different social classes during the Bubonic Plague if social media had existed at the time. It satirically presents how lords might have advised on social distancing from their castles, contrasting with the cramped living conditions of peasants. The article also humorously touches on the challenges of homeschooling, the perceived futility of panic-buying, and the essential workforce's plight amidst the crisis. It reflects on the irony of medical advice during the plague, the societal pressure to maintain normalcy, and the grim reality of the disease's progression. The satirical tone underscores the historical disparities between the wealthy and the poor, as well as the universal human experiences of coping with a pandemic through humor and resilience.

Opinions

The article suggests that humor and social commentary would have been prevalent on social media during the Bubonic Plague, much like today's pandemic.
It implies that social distancing advice would have been impractical for the poor living in close quarters, highlighting class disparities.
The wealthy are portrayed as being out of touch with the realities of the common folk, especially regarding the feasibility of social distancing and self-isolation.
There is a critical view of the medical community's response to the plague, with doctors being depicted as unhelpful until it was too late for patients.
The piece reflects on the idea that essential workers during the plague, then as now, had no choice but to continue working despite the risks.
It also pokes fun at the human tendency to panic-buy and hoard supplies during a crisis, suggesting that such behavior is futile.
The article humorously compares the struggle of modern homeschooling to the imagined challenges of educating children during the plague.
There is an underlying commentary on the societal expectation to carry on with normal activities, even in the face of danger, as seen in the mother's response to her child wanting to go out dancing.
The satirical portrayal of the rich being oblivious to the struggles of the poor hints at a desire for social change and justice.
The final opinion expressed is a dark humor acknowledgment that sometimes it takes a catastrophic event for the working class to see improvements in their circumstances, as implied by the "eat the rich" sentiment and the mention of better pay after widespread death.

If Social Media Existed During the Bubonic Plague

Laughter is not actually medicine but it helps some people, especially peasants, cope

I believe if social media were readily available during the Black Death people would be saying similar things to what we’re seeing now.

Lords from their castles: Social distancing is key! Keep six feet away from other peasants at all times!

Me living with my entire family in a one-room hovel:

The wealthy when they realize that by social distancing they will have to do all their own chores:

PSA for all those folks out there panic-storing.

How I imagine I’d feel when homeschooling my kid.

How I actually feel.

When I told my friends I was going away to live a life of solitude and become a monk they all laughed at me. Who’s laughing now?

Seriously! Cancel your pilgrimages! God doesn’t want you out there trailing your sinful, diseased-ass across the world. Does he have to make it rain frogs to keep you home?

I don’t get to shelter in place, since my job is deemed essential. FML. By the way if anyone’s vassal lord won’t let them skip rent, we’re hiring like crazy right now. Must be able to lift heavy loads.

Doctor: Don’t come in unless you’re sick.

Us peasants: I have these lumps under my armpits and around my groin.

Doctor: Sorry! Not sick enough yet.

Us peasants: I got bit by a rat and now I can’t stop coughing.

Doctor: Sorry, you still look pretty healthy.

Us peasants: I have broken out in sores and can barely breathe.

Doctor: Oh no! Really? Nothing I can do for you now, you’re too sick. You should have come in earlier.

My mother: You want to go out dancing? At a time like this? Would you be willing join a dance with death himself? If so fine, go ahead and go dancing with your friends.

Me after a 2 weeks of isolation:

Mood when you’ve prayed for better pay but God has got to kill most of your friends for you to get it.

Eat the rich and their lutes too.

Thank you for reading!

Your Daily Itinerary If You Were an Evil Stepmother

You must maximize your time if you want to make your stepdaughter suffer

medium.com