These Are Unprecedented Times
The Coronavirus Has Brought Major Changes
Although a pandemic happened a hundred years ago, it is almost unbelievable that the world has now come to a near standstill in many respects. These are unprecedented times. The world has changed dramatically. Who would have ever thought such conditions would exist with all the advancements and technology in the world today? Something like this could not have been imagined in this modern world — until it actually happened.
The global pandemic and coronavirus scare had people in a nervous state of affairs. Then racial tensions were escalated with the killing of George Floyd when a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on his neck until he died. Many people have engaged in the peaceful protests to bring further attention to the racism and police brutality against Black men which has occurred for far too long. Some protests have turned out to be violent with criminal behavior resulting in destruction and arrests. Life has become much different than it was a few months ago.
People are experiencing hardships from stay at home measures and loss of employment. Severe changes in lifestyle are causing some to suffer greatly. It has been devastating for people with savings and investments to see the value of their funds drop drastically. Retired people have seen the value of their retirement money reduced. These situations cause people to feel anxiety and depression with the uncertainties surrounding them.
Those who are able to work from home and still receive a paycheck are fortunate. People can feel thankful if they are able to work at their jobs, but many people are at risk as they are required to interact with the public on a daily basis in essential services.
Health care workers are especially placed in dangerous conditions as they care for those who are ill with the coronavirus. They should be thanked profusely for their dedication in caring for those who are sick when they are putting their lives in danger everyday. They are some of the real heroes in this time of crisis and change.
Some people have likened the coronavirus pandemic to what happened when the events of Pearl Harbor and 9–11 occurred. Life changed after Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. That was especially true for the American citizens and immigrants of Japanese heritage. Although they were totally innocent of any wrongdoing and there were never any cases of espionage proved against the Japanese Americans, they suffered greatly. They lost their homes, their jobs, their businesses, their livelihood, their pets, their freedom, and nearly everything for which they had worked hard. Their lives were forever changed with the unjust incarceration into camps in remote and desolate parts of the country. It was an egregious act of the government because of racism and hate. Some of the older people were never able to recover from the ordeal. It is hoped that people will be able to recover from this current crisis.
American Muslims and anyone who had physical characteristics similar to that of the terrorists found that life was difficult after the unfortunate incidents of 9–11. People were often unjustly suspected of being terrorists with many arrested for minor infractions. It was a racist action against innocent Americans due to hate and intolerance.
This pandemic is different in that it affects everyone, not just certain segments of society. Everyone is in danger of being exposed to the coronavirus. That is why renowned doctors and health care workers have continuously stressed the need for wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands. It is surprising that so many are opposed to following the guidelines. They feel it infringes on their personal rights, but it is a matter of trying to save lives.
It is not known how long the problems from this pandemic will continue. No one can say for sure when and if life will get back to what was normal. It may be a new normal with people being more cautious about safe practices such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks to stop the spread of the virus. People may be more prone to save for a rainy day and be better prepared in case anything of this magnitude happens again in their lifetimes. People may cherish their time together more and appreciate others because they were kept from regular gatherings.
Let’s all hope for a return to normal sooner rather than later after this pandemic is controlled. People will suffer greatly, but hopefully they will be able to get back to a good place in their lives where sunshine and flowers abound.
