What has this pandemic taught us so far? For many, it has been the realization that we are very much social beings. People still miss having habitual gatherings with family members and friends. They miss those carefree, leisurely outings. They miss attending special events. And if we think back to the very beginning of this whole ordeal, even a normal show of affection like being able to hug an elderly parent or grandparent was thwarted.
With the initial lockdown folks became keenly aware of what they personally consider to be . . .
essential, such as having a good stock of toilet paper in order to avoid having to ration squares. But if we think about the opposite side of all that for a moment, where we were able to make do with a little bit less during difficult times, why not continue these consumption habits? The earth, the environment and our bank accounts will thank us for it.
This historic phenomena has taught us what is most meaningful in each of our individual lives. It has taught us how much we cherish fundamental freedom in however many forms it may take, from freedom of choice to freedom of voice. However, we must not forget about respect in the process, it’s what keeps us human and humane.
It’s okay to be frustrated and tired of it all, it’s okay to want to stand up for the rights, the freedoms, to stand up for the things we believe in and are passionate about. But it must never be at the cost of or infringement upon anyone else’s fundamental rights.
In a broader view of the world in which we live, this calamity should also serve to teach us how co-dependent we really are. It should teach us how we need each other’s support, not only in difficult times, but in our everyday lives. It should also teach us how there are many benefits when we can compromise and promote peaceful solutions to the problems we are all currently facing.
Perhaps what this means, is weighing out all options before sending in the cavalry or resorting to forceful measures. Why, even the Quebec government has come to realize that implementing a vaccination tax could turn into another opportunity for people to express their mounting discontent and exasperation, which in itself is fine.
But when the wind gets in their sails, sometimes people tend to take on a “we’re going down with this ship” attitude and we certainly don’t need to add anymore casualties to the growing tally of pandemic-related collateral damage.
Carole St-Aubin
