Summary
The web content reflects on the unexpected changes in daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including altered social norms and the adoption of new habits.
Abstract
The article titled "Who Would Have Thought This Was Coming?" ponders the unforeseen shifts in societal norms and personal habits brought about by the pandemic. It highlights the irony of predicting events only after they occur, as quoted by Eugene Ionesco. The piece questions the normalcy of not visiting friends and family, the transition to virtual learning, the perception of social gatherings as risky, and the decline of activities like window shopping. It laments the taboo of physical affection, the concealment of smiles behind masks, and the redundancy of makeup. The author concludes by acknowledging the human capacity to adapt and live without previously cherished aspects of life, suggesting that the pandemic has imparted valuable lessons on resilience and the essence of necessity.
Opinions
- The author expresses surprise at how quickly society has adapted to considering visits with friends and family as potentially risky behavior.
- There is a sense of irony in the fact that the virtual experience has supplanted traditional schooling, which was once unimaginable.
- The article conveys a sense of loss regarding the spontaneity of social interactions, which are now fraught with anxiety due to the pandemic.
- The necessity of wearing masks is presented as both a safety measure and a cultural shift that obscures human expressions and interactions.
- The author points out the futility of wearing makeup under masks, implying a change in personal grooming priorities.
- The piece concludes with a philosophical acceptance of the new normal, recognizing that humans are capable of adjusting to significant changes and living with less.
