How COVID-19 Divided Americans, and Brought Us Together

By Lauren Schnitzer

The rise of the global pandemic COVID-19 has turned the world as we know it upside down. People are falling ill and dying, restaurants are going out of business and stores are closing due to the financial burden of people having to shelter in place.

“The surgical face mask has become a symbol of our times,” said Vanessa Friedman in the New York Times.

Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are now coveted and scarce items.

Originating in Wuhan, China, the virus has swept the globe causing people to retreat to their homes, venturing out only for essentials.

There is mass panic and fear among countries as government and health officials scramble to find a cure and vaccine. Our future is uncertain, no one knows what will happen next, and people are scared.

In this unprecedented and frightening time however, people are coming together like never before to provide little moments of light in a time of so much darkness.

An incredible example of unity occurred in Italy, where “Italians sang out into the streets in solidarity during a nationwide lockdown;”

Celebrities are using their influence and platforms to spread positivity and hope, and our healthcare workers on the front lines are being appreciated more than ever.

With no clear end to the pandemic in sight, there is a sense of solidarity and community among people all over the world. In this fight against COVID-19, no one individual is above or excluded from the narrative; in this we are all the same.