Shock Doctrine, COVID-19

Summary

The poem "Shock Doctrine, COVID-19" by Jenny Justice reflects on the societal and governmental response to the pandemic, highlighting the prioritization of economic interests over human life and the resilience and self-reliance of the poor and working class.

Abstract

The poem expresses a critical view of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting a stark contrast between the value placed on human life and economic concerns. It suggests that the government is more focused on financial gain than on addressing the suffering caused by the virus. The poem calls for remembrance and solidarity among the people, especially the poor and working class, to save themselves and to remember the power they hold even after the pandemic subsides. It serves as a reminder to not forget the lessons learned during this time and to use them to prevent similar crises in the future.

Opinions

The government views people as numbers, prioritizing economic interests over human life during the pandemic.
There is a deliberate creation of division and enemies to distract from the human suffering that could be addressed with compassion.
The government is portrayed as serving the interests of a select few, ensuring their needs are met at the expense of the people's lives.
The poem criticizes the use of the crisis to promote policies that are detrimental to the public and increase inequality.
It emphasizes the importance of collective memory and action, suggesting that the poor and working class must rely on themselves for salvation.
The author calls for resistance against the normalization of such crises and encourages the use of the pandemic's lessons to foster change and prevent future occurrences.

A Poem

That feeling when you know And see That to your government There are numbers that are people People that are dying And there are numbers that are money And the numbers that are money Are the ones that get the most attention While the numbers that are people Are told What do you have to lose In this war, this war this war that is set up To make enemies To avoid seeing human suffering As something we can address with compassion People pitted against people while The government assures their owners They will get all they need As soon as enough people die and die and die And the rest of us forget and forget and forget I am asking we don’t forget I am asking we don’t die I am asking even if it turns out that again as usual the poor and the working class have to end up saving ourselves that most Americans have to end up saving ourselves As corporations get bailed out and flee the scene As our leader spouts hate and racism and uses the crisis to push policies that rob us all I am asking that we do not forget That we save ourselves Just because we know we have to And that we remember it later That we have the power to shut this all down again Even when the pandemic is done, even when we have a vaccine, even when we are bruised and hurting from the memory of all this and the allure of shiny things and entertainment Call to us to put it behind us That we remember So that this never has to happen again

Jenny Justice, Poet. Author of Love in the Time of Climate Change and Reveal. You can read more of her poetry at Justice Poetic. Sign up for her newsletter here.

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