CRISIS: WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?
These are extremely challenging times that we live in now. This current year so far has been a year of tragedy and loss, leaving in its wake many uncertainties. Many of us are uncertain of the present as well as the future due to the unseen enemy of COVID-19 which claimed so many lives with many more set in its path of destruction. We cannot find solutions or answers from government officials, scientists, doctors, analysts, or any specialists as countries are impacted throughout the world.
Our economy has suffered the greatest impact since the Great Depression. Thousands have lost jobs and felt the strain of joblessness seeking relief through unemployment. Companies have been forced to downsize and reduce labor through furloughs and lay-offs, ultimately left to shut their doors due to the strain and burden of costs that can no longer be managed.
The healthcare infrastructure suffered its greatest test as many individuals went seeking treatment and relief from this dreaded corona virus. We experienced people from all walks of life join in service and acts of selflessness helping others.
We also experienced the dark side of humanity from selfish political power trips, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, and the vicious racial divide and hatred that has always been woven into the fabric of this nation. We also saw the utter disdain and carelessness shown to our homeless population, seniors, disabled individuals, and essential workers. (Medium Project)
Marc Greenwood, former CTA employee, spoke on behalf of the transit workers and other essential workers while sharing his concerns about caring for his mother who is vulnerable more susceptible. Also during the interview, he shared his concerns about the treatment of the transit workers. He mentioned that the virus could have been controlled by reducing the amount of movement of every person in the city and surrounding suburbs. This was understood as the Chicago Transit System interconnects throughout the city and suburban areas but what was most concerning was that the transportation remained un-sanitized while constantly being mobile, thus potentially carrying the virus on surfaces which are used by every individual entering and exiting. During the interview he emphatically stated, “we need to solve the problem and solving the problem is not just sitting in the house. Shut down what the situation is! He went on to further express how, it is being transported, “its being moved from one side of the city to the next!”
He also mentioned how he is concerned for his mother and other loved ones who lives are at risk daily as the workers must serve others with the potential to carry the virus home to their loved ones. He shared his concerns regarding grocery store workers, delivery truck drivers, and even food delivery personnel.
Many have been impacted by the social distancing. Some have embraced it just as a new norm and used it as an opportunity to find their passion and cultivate the entrepreneurship spirit hosting zoom meetings, YouTube and other social media tutorials and engaging content. Others have fallen victim to the mental strain of isolation, internalizing it and falling into deep depression. The CDC recognized the effects of social isolation and quarantine and mobilized supports and resources for coping during the pandemic.
Often during times of crisis and stress, people look to faith to find peace and an answer to the mental anguish and uncertainties. Churches have been forced to close their physical doors while funeral homes are hosting groups of 50 and grave sites up to 10 individuals at a time. Pastors and other church leaders are left to decide what would be a reasonable response in their communities as many within the local churches are suffering the psychological, emotional, and economic impact of the pandemic.
Just as local businesses are left to determine how to manage the financial responsibility of their business, churches are left with this same burden as well as how to remain relevant and available to those who are in need during this time.
Racial disparities and inequalities have been exposed during this pandemic as African American communities have suffered both in health and extreme cases of prejudice and injustice which continues to plague this nation. Communities which have long been determined to be ineffective in standard of living due to overcrowding and poverty, in addition to lack of access to resources, healthcare, and healthy food choices continue to increase the spread of the virus in specific communities.
It is essential to understand that everyone’s experience during this pandemic is just not the same. For some, the social distancing and self-quarantine option is optimal. It allowed separation from those that were considered non-factors or not essential. It allowed a moment to step back and reflect, to re-connect and rekindle friendships and relationships and to just workout, relax, and take a break from the day-to-day grind. For others, this became a time of isolation, desperation, and crisis. Loneliness set in after day and created a spiral into deep darkness and depression for those who are living alone. Some had a much-needed break while others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or business loss.
Some families saw large stimulus checks while others received nothing. Some individuals were concerned about social media images while others were concerned about food to eat for the week. Some need to go back to work because they do not qualify for unemployment and are running out of money to survive. Others prefer to continue the quarantine.
Some have either experienced sickness and death on a personal level, not able to grieve properly either because their family member is too far away or unable to be located because they are just another person in a body bag stored somewhere on freezer truck, while others do not see the seriousness of the pandemic and consider it a hindrance and hoax. Many are afflicted and impacted in various ways, I just want to provide a voice to those who may not be able to articulate during this pandemic.
