We All Need to Care about Each Other
If we are really going to overcome this COVID-19 pandemic, we, as a society, are really going to have to step up how we treat each other. We need to care for the well-being of others, just as much (if not better) than those we care about and ourselves.
One of the reasons that this pandemic is as bad as it is (both in scale and duration) is that people have not been doing what they needed to do to protect other people and themselves. First, it was staying home to reduce possible infections with other people. Then it was being physically distant from others (also to reduce the risk of transmission). Then it was wearing a mask (which has unfortunately become politicized instead of a public health tactic). Many people were doing this, and slowly, as time went by, people got tired, and lost their vigilance. Others just refused to comply. They started hanging out with friends without appropriate distancing, they stopped wearing masks because it was inconvenient, and some people refused to believe that COVID-19 was a real problem.
How we treat each other reveals the character of our society. We can either be a society that is compassionate or one that is selfish. We can wear masks and practice safe distancing to decrease other people’s chances of catching COVID-19, or we can increase their chances by doing the opposite. We can either be a caring society or a narcissistic one; our actions toward each other reveal that.
We need to care not just about ourselves, but for our communities. The people around us, whether we like it or not, affect us. Their health affects our health, which is why it’s dangerous that COVID-19 is so widespread.
The people in our communities are human beings. They are sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, and more. Many of them are our friends, and others are potentially friends that we haven’t met yet. They have families, friends, and share this world with us. Our world would be a lot better if people cared a little more about the well-being of strangers.
Most people know that in order to help protect other people (and themselves), they should wear a mask, practice safe distancing, and good personal hygiene. If you’re sick (or possibly have COVID-19), stay home until you are ready to do so. Recklessly going out puts others at risk.
I know that the pandemic can be disheartening, but I still care. I hope you all do too.
Roderick Conwi is the Executive Editor at Nourishment Notes. He is also the author of The Procrastinator's Quick Guide To Getting It Done. To get powerful insights that enhance your day, join his free newsletter.
