Current Coronavirus Thoughts

 It has been about almost six months since we started to quarantine, in efforts to avoid the coronavirus and prevent its spread. It has been interesting to observe how my reaction to the virus is very different from many of the other people I know. I know I'm a fastidious person by nature, but I didn't realize how fastidious I would seem in relation to others. It's hard to feel so helpless in this pandemic when I see rising numbers, especially when I am trying my hardest at the same time to do as much as I can. 

I feel a keen sense of social responsibility in this pandemic. I also pride myself on being a consistent person, and sticking with something even when it is hard. I'm trying to just focus on this social responsibility and consistency from my individual perspective, and not feel disappointed or judgmental when I encounter others who do not act the same way that I do. But I have to admit that I do feel worn down and listless without the support of like-minded people. Today, when I made arrangements to drop something off at a person's house, they took the initiative to forewarn me that they would not be wearing a mask when they came to the door. That text message made me feel confused and deflated. Do they not believe in the virus? Maybe their personal comfort is more important to them than my health and well-being? It's hard to know how to interpret that warning, and I'm trying to just let it go and focus on what I can do.

While I am focusing on trying not to judge individual people, I do think that I can make an assessment on the American psyche from a historical standpoint. I agree with Martha L. Lincoln, a medical anthropologist and historian, who said that "national hubris and belief in American exceptionalism have served us badly" in this pandemic, and I agree. Ever since the colonial period, (white) American settlers promoted the ideology that America was different and special. And, assuredly, it was special to those who found refuge from persecution or a chance to start a new life. But, at the same time, it's important to recognize how this mindset led to a constructed ideology about America, which led to things like the Second Great Awakening and the belief in Manifest Destiny in the 19th century. As America grew in power and economic strength over the centuries, the hubris of our nation also rose too. And I think that has gotten us into trouble. Americans aren't known for their humility or malleability, which is a shame.

I would like a "quick fix" to the virus just as much as anyone else. Instant gratification is part of today's cultural expectation, and a vaccine for the virus would surely make things easy. But if I need to run a marathon, then I can and will. I can stay home and do my part. It makes me more uncomfortable to assume that I am an exception from other people.