Coming home from errands around town yesterday (hardware store, grocery) : I say to myself "We are never going to get this pandemic under control because of ignorance or malice. We are a failed state--with repercussions of that failure killing us." Scenes: at the hardware store --an obviously ill sales clerk--underweight perhaps from chronic malnutrition, feverish, coughing, mask failing off his nose gives me directions to aisle 10. He is probably part-time (to save store from sick leave), making a low wage, and at work because he cant afford not to be. A friend refers to "Plantation America." I think of Dickens, Bleak House, death of Jo, the lowly crossing sweeper, by smallpox that also infects his "betters". Then there are always one or two enraged customers barreling into the store mask-less, daring anyone to cross them, and the sales clerks making too little money to enforce store policy or state ruling. So I head home, masked, slathered in hand sanitizer and wonder will I now end up intubated in 14 days because I needed a carton of milk and a bag of potting soil?
January 1, 2021
Yes, let's talk about racism. I've not seen messages or memes about the COVID pandemic that seem racist or offensive, but I am glad that conversations about racism are happening. Awareness is being heightened (once again) about racial disparities whether regarding health care, educational opportunities or economic challenges. It's right that these conversations are happening. I've chosen books like 'Caste' and 'White Fragility' to help me gain a better understanding; I've engaged in conversations about the topic; I search for ways to be of support for those in need. May conversations move - albeit slowly - toward actions that foster equality.
October 7, 2020