Last week Debby Giusti blogged about using the pandemic as a backdrop to our stories. Today I want to take you in a different pandemic direction.
I'd like to chat about story worlds and our real world in light of the strange situation we find ourselves living in. I want us to envision the new world we can create for ourselves just like we create our story worlds.
I'd like to chat about story worlds and our real world in light of the strange situation we find ourselves living in. I want us to envision the new world we can create for ourselves just like we create our story worlds.
Here in NY, in just over one month, we went from having no diagnosed cases to (at last count) having 251,690 confirmed cases and 14,828 confirmed COVID-19 deaths.
I realize that might make my reality (not leaving the house except to walk the dog for 6 weeks now) different from the reality for a lot of others. I would like to hear what life is like for you.
So where am I going with this?
I've read a lot of articles in the past few weeks speculating on what life will be like once we get past this pandemic. People are wondering if we can ever go back to who we were several months ago.
I think the question really is - do we want to?
Have we learned anything in the past 6 weeks?
I listened to a report earlier today by someone who was commenting on how 3 months ago, no one would have believed you could so effectively shut things down and have people throw themselves into self-isolating.
I've also seen lots of speculation about what kind of people we might be when we emerge. Will this experience have fundamentally changed us, or will we shrug it off and move on?
Peter C. Baker, in his article in The Guardian stated, "Some believe the pandemic is a once-in-a-generation chance to remake society and build a better future.
Designer Fabio Novembre went one step farther. He put a call out. "We are dreamers. Let's try to dream about a different world, a better world," he said. "This is the greatest chance we might have."
All this discussion reminds me of Five for Fighting's song World.
"World"
Got a package full of Wishes
A Time machine, a Magic Wand
A Globe made out of Gold
No Instructions or Commandments
Laws of Gravity or
Indecisions to uphold
Printed on the box I see
A.C.M.E.'s Build-a-World-to-be
Take a chance - Grab a piece
Help me to believe it
What kind of world do you want?
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...
.
What kind of world do you want?
I have some questions I'd love for us to discuss, so I hope to hear from you.
We're pros at building the kind of fictional worlds where people long to live. How can we turn that talent on our real life problems?
How can we use our stories to build a better world? Can we deliberately craft a message in the hope of inspiring people?
What kind of world do you want? If this really is a chance for people to stop and think and reimagine our world, what would you keep? What would you change?
Hi Cate:
ReplyDeleteWhile a writer can create the kind of world she wants in her fiction, that would only work in the real world if we were all of one mind. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most minds will not have changed on the most divisive issues.
In one person's ideal world abortion would be ended and the slaughter of the innocents would cease forever. In another person's perfect world abortion would be a right never mitigated, and always allowed on demand at any point and always paid for by the government.
The flu kills up to 60,000 people in the USA a year. While there is a vaccine for it, it has been reported that 50% of the people do not bother to get a flu shot. What change has the flu brought besides flu shots?
I really don't expect there to be many lasting changes when all is said and done.
I believe that a more likely question is this:
"What kind of world are we actually going to get and how can we best survive in that world?"
I do expect one type of changes and that will be a substantial agreement on how to best prepare now to prevent such pandemics in the future. Just like the changes in security at airports, we can expect many changes that will be taken to better prepare for future pandemics.
By all means, write books with better worlds and better humans. Light the way and there will be some who will follow.
Vince
Hello, Vince. I'm sorry I didn't get back to respond before now. I have online classes and they require intense concentration.The ten minute breaks in between don't really allow more than time to stand and stretch.
DeleteSadly, I agree with you. I think we can see it even now in the contradiction between states wanting to reopen and the ones that are begging people to stay closed.
I think I disagree about the flu shot in part. I personally never get it because I'm allergic to the serum it is made in. The more people who can get it who do, the better for me. But I think so many people have been burned by getting the shot and still getting the flu that they don't have the confidence in it. I pray that whatever vaccine they come up with for COVIS-19 will be more effective.
I do think this was an eye-opening moment for a lot of people about how woefully unprepared we were to face something like this, so I hope you're correct and that, at least, changes.
In the meantime, at least we are lucky to have our fictional worlds to escape to.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
(Obviously overwinded, this is in two sections.)
ReplyDeleteWow.
This is a thought-provoking post from someone who lives, literally, on the front lines of this pandemic and your post has given me thought... because I would love to see some change, but I don't know if we'll see it happen.
First, change the logistics of our supply chain. I would love to see more things made in America, but that begs the question with some states demanding a raise in minimum wage, can we afford it? And will big Pharma cater to stockholders alone or realize that we're all in this together. Did anyone here realize that almost all of our meds are made offshore, and in China? I didn't. But interestingly enough, meds are not required to have a "Made in" or "Produced in" or "Manufactured in" label... your SHIRTS are required to have this label, as are your skivvies and your shoes and your pony-tail ties... but not the medicines that doctors prescribe to keep us alive. And that's an interesting fact we've all learned.
But we have a lot of choices other than China/Asia suppliers. There are countries south of the border who are closer and would greatly benefit from jobs that would pay a solid wage and keep PPE affordable. If you want to stop illegal immigration, give people the means and paychecks to stay home and rebuild their lives.
So I would spread out that supply chain, bring some home, and initiate businesses in Mexico and Central America.
Next, I would look at the obvious. Overcrowded cities are a harbor for trouble, and NYC government should know better. They understand better than anyone how tough their conditions are, and yet the population has continued to rise over the past decade with known numbers now encroaching 9 million, but 20,000,000 in the greater metro area.
Like building a city in a dish (New Orleans) or city sprawl at the base of a volcanic mountain (Seattle), eventually nature will be nature and things will spin out of control and people will perish and others will wring their hands and ask why????
Judgment is a very important part of building a civilization and because we're a "young" country comparatively, we haven't seen the disaster potential fully... so I'd like to see us be smarter. Spread out more. I'd love to see people realize that there are options spread across a great land, much like those pioneers did. And if there were more job opportunities in the Midwest and Southwest (bring those drug factories home), then folks would be tempted to spread their wings and find a new normal.
The funny thing is when you're in a big city, you see it as "normal" because it's your normal. It's your every-day. It's your go-to.
But there are so many choices out there besides hugely crowded mass transit trains and tunnels and busses and streets where you get scolded if you don't walk single file down wide sidewalks because there are just too many people coming your way from the opposite direction.
This isn't me hating on NYC. I've been there dozens of times over the past twenty years, with kids living there, but I've watched this problem growing and growing and no one (including the government which encourages the growth) has done a thing to curtail it.
Here's the rest:
DeleteAnd now this. And of course there's a blame game going on, but no one is talking the obvious disastrous potential of a problem with overcrowding... because it doesn't always fit a political agenda.
If a simple country gal like me could see this recipe for disaster, then the people overseeing the areas see it plainly.... they just hedge their bets and hope it doesn't happen on their watch.
But that waiting game is over at a wretched cost.
Not to them.... but to those people dying alone, to their families, unable to say goodbye, to those unclaimed bodies being buried in Hart Island because folks don't have money for funerals.
My utmost love and prayers for the people affected... but I have a big "shame on you" for the chains of government that knew the logistics of all of this and kept the plates spinning.
The virus is only one piece of the puzzle. Government and industry choices are two more big slices of this pie.
I've saved the longest for last. :)
DeleteI listened to Governor Cuomo's press briefing today and he said something Mayor DiBlasio has been saying all week - this supply chain has got to change. Today Cuomo was talking about once we can see our way clear of this making sure we never again have to rely on China for these things. I think a lot of people were caught unaware of just how bad it had gotten. Hopefully this realization will impact policy going forward.
One thing that totally impressed me in listening to the mayor's briefing was how they went about finding ways to begin manufacturing things in NY right now.
They put together a consortium of private labs, college labs and manufacturing companies to begin creating tests right here in the city. College chemistry labs will manufacture the reagents, others will make the swabs, others the tubes, etc. Resourceful!
They also bought USA made fabric from North Carolina and had UPS deliver it to NYC to begin mass-producing protective gowns. They expect to make 40,000 gowns and employ 500 workers to do it.
Everyone from high schools to colleges have been using 3D printers to produce face shields.
That is a positive takeaway.
The Mayor's goal was to make the city self-sufficient.
For example,
Reply Part 2 - I agree with you that overcrowding is a disaster waiting to happen, but I don't really know how the city government is supposed to stop it when people continue to flood the city in search of jobs. In the 30 years I have lived in my neighborhood (which has become SO expensive I could no longer live here if I hadn't moved in 30+ years ago), I have seen condo after condo built to accommodate all the young lawyers/accountants/financial workers who come here out of college to work in the big companies/firms. No one wants to go too far out because commute time is dreadful.
DeleteThe other side-effect of that is the middle income people who get pushed out and then they are forced into a lower standard of housing in a more crowded environment.
It's all messed up.
I can say that as someone who never wanted to live in the city. I was born here, but my family moved out to Long Island when I was a child. But my husband's work was here, so this is where we settled.
I hijacked your blog!!!! You know I was so tweaked about this whole thing, that I didn't think when I responded because your blog just hit a note with me.... OH MY STARS, forgive me, Cate.... You can delete me if you want, I came over this morning and reality hit me.... Shame on me! I hijacked my friend's blog!!!!!!!!
DeleteAnd I do love that they're all being more resourceful, looking for local or American materials, manufacturers, etc.
DeleteAnother thought on gowns... we used to use cloth gowns for patients, staff. Doctor's offices had washers and dryers and they either did the laundry or sent it out to a service and it was returned with fresh gowns every day. But then the state or feds made them illegal, you had to use disposable paper gowns for patients & staff as needed... But with hospital laundry services being so large, wouldn't it make sense to go back to those lightweight washable cotton gowns for PPE? That helps the fiber industry, the garment industry and they're washable and reusable. I'm done now. Hijacking, that is. Clearly I need more people to talk to, Cate!!!!!
You didn't hijack at all, Ruthy. I love your thoughtfulness on the subject. Obviously I touched a nerve - not hard to do these days. I think discussions like this are essential for solving some of our problems. So, thank you.
DeleteThat song by Five for Fighting is one of my favorites! I think of its message often. I hope we build a different world after this where people spend more time with their families - playing games, doing educational things together, taking walks, being in nature, calling family members who live far away, connecting. This "whole thing" has made us slow down and made us step back from busy lives and realize things that are more important. For that I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteValri, I think you're right that this time has made us rethink our priorities. I hope that part will stick.
DeleteValri, that is my hope as well. I was surprised when our Easter break ended to discover how many of my students really sincerely wished they were going back to in-person school. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?
DeleteCate, this is such a thought provoking post! I'm about to have an online meeting but will be back later to jump in.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Missy. I had online school myself so I'm just getting back to responding now myself. Online school takes A LOT more energy than regular school.
DeleteLots to think about, Cate. I also wonder how things might change, although I'm not sure if they will a whole lot. I think some people will decide to stay home more and spend more time with their family. I also think we might see more people wearing masks, especially during the usual flu season. It is scary times for sure right now. Here in Nebraska, the overall rates aren't as high as some states, but the meatpacking plants are being hit hard. My county sits in between two counties that have the highest per capita in the state of infections. One of those counties is now considered similar to Louisiana in the rate of infections and 39% of those infections are from one plant. They have tried all kinds of measures to protect the workers, but it doesn't seem to be working. So I continue to stay home. Since I have asthma, my husband is doing all the grocery shopping. He is still going to work everyday so he is out anyway. I hope all of you are staying well.
ReplyDeleteI've seen reports about the meat packing plants on the news, Sandy. I think those fall under those questionable circumstances. How do you social distance at a production facility that is not set up to function that way. It's somewhat similar to the question we face with schools. How do you get young children to understand social distancing enough that they practice it effectively in a situation not designed for it? Our governor was just addressing that question today as part of the reason he is not in a rush to reopen schools.
DeleteStay well.
Oh, Sandy, I meant to say that I too have my doubts. I think in the short run things may change, and I hope that some things (like outsourcing) changes, but people tend to fall back into their habits.
DeleteWe have four confirmed cases in my county and no deaths. I would like to see people be kinder and for churches to be the hands and feet of Jesus the way we are supposed to be. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you, Lucy. I hope your # of cases stays low. We have on average 1,000 new cases per day still in my county. It's going down, but slowly.
DeleteI'd love to see people stay more concientous as well as investing more time in hobbies.
ReplyDeleteThis sort of goes with last weeks post but i was thinking some short stories or flash fiction on hair mishaps during this all would be funny! It could be called "covid cuts & colkr"
Love it, Tonya! I've never been one to be concerned about haircuts because I've always worn mine long, but from what I see, the lack of access to hairdressers is stressing people out! Maybe Covid Cuts and Color would make a good cozy mystery series!
DeleteI never thought of mystery! I was thinking chick lit because I don't see much romance in it! But for a mystery there are some real salons named "Curl Up & Dye" ��
DeleteYou write it and I'll buy it!
DeleteTonya, I love your "Curl Up & Dye!" So creative!!! Write that mystery, girlfriend! :)
DeleteSince I didn't know how to begin to respond to your difficult question, I've been reading these thoughtful responses with great interest. I see the personal and the political. Both are reasonable and valid to explore.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, fallen mankind will remain fallen mankind. Like Vince said in the beginning of this discussion, people will continue to hold to their worldviews. Divisions will remain. So my choices in how I behave and what I believe are "best practices" will stem from my Biblical worldview. I can only build a better world by my own contributions. I have no power over another person's choices. As I build my new world, I will be more purposeful in serving those in need, whether it is a cup of water, a meal, or encouraging them in spirit.
For those who wrote of how their personal lives have changed, I can relate! Who knew that my workaholic husband would thrive working from home? He gets up a little later, then divides his day between bouts at the computer, taking time to exercise, working on the property, and spending time with me! That's a lifestyle change I welcome! I read about many others who are discovering this more relaxing lifestyle as well. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our new world combined the necessary work at the office (my husband misses his chemistry lab dreadfully)with the newly-discovered boon of slowing the pace of the work day?
One question out of pure curiosity: In which part of New York do you live, Cate? I'm originally from Long Island. Friends and family tell me of the devastation that followed when city dwellers fled to their summer homes on the Island. But I don't know if it's as bad upstate.
Hi Linda, I'm in Brooklyn. I grew up on Long Island though!
DeleteRuthy can attest that it's nowhere near as bad upstate, but there have been pockets there too.
I love your thoughtful comments. Yes, in the end we can only adjust ourselves and see what changes we should make in our own lives, and it doesn't get better than Gospel-based choices.
I was thinking today, in light of it being Earth Day, that it will be interesting to see how many companies are able to maintain a work-from-home model. With my class today, I was examining some of the photos of NYC air pollution levels. The images (reduction in nitrous oxide) after just the first two weeks of people working from home were stunning. For your sake, I hope your husband gets to continue doing it.
I believe working from home will be more prevalent even after this outbreak eases. My son worked from home in his last job and loved it. Then he moved to a new company and spent up to three hours in his daily commute to work. With the shutdown, he's working from his home office again.
DeleteI think we'll see more colleges pushing online degrees as well.
I'm finally back. As far as changes that I would like to see remain, I would love to see the crazy improvements to the environment that we've seen continue as much as possible! I think people are reevaluating their priorities, and I would love for that to continue as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming back, Missy. I've been very aware of those environmental changes as I taught my classes about the history of Earth Day today. It's a dramatic lesson for sure about our power to change our path.
DeleteI agree with Missy about the environmental changes. I know working from home can be lonely for many people, but even if employees work from home a couple days a week, it'll help the environment. I'd also love to see more Farmers Markets open with local produce because I believe it'll also help the environment. There's definitely a lot to reflect on these days.
DeleteJackie, buying more food locally is a great idea to help the environment.
DeleteYou know I wonder if more companies will give up office space to a degree and let people work from home.
ReplyDeleteImagine if even 10% of all workers began working at home?
The lack of driving/emissions would be notable, wouldn't it?
I wonder. I'm hoping maybe that is a silver lining to all of this.
DeleteRuthy, I would love that, but I think some studies have shown that people aren't as productive. However, maybe after this longterm "experiment" they'll find that people have adapted and learned to be more productive. I hope so!
DeleteSuch an interesting post, Cate! I hope folks make God a priority in their lives. In my opinion, this has been a wake up call for many who have been lukewarm in their faith. I hope we return to good Christian values, family entertainment, wholesome activities, etc.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and thought-provoking post. Thanks for sharing, Cate.
ReplyDeleteI could write a whole page of comments on the thoughts I have! LOL
Simply put though, I hope that God catches our attention and that lives are changed for the better (for Christ!).
Hi Cate & Ruth:
ReplyDeleteI think tjat what is going to happen with China is that Congress will pass a law so that in order to get FDA approval for a given drug at least 51% of the amount manufactured and sold, must be made 100% in America along with all its constituent parts.
Perhaps for a year or so or more, 49% of the other sales of the same drug may from China. This will hopefully prevent China from immediately halting the drug from being exported to the USA.
We don't want to be cut off before we can make that drug for ourselves. Over the years the percent of drugs allowed to be made in China or elsewhere can be decreased down to zero. This same thing should also be applied to strategic metals that only come from China at this time.
LET THE STATE DIFFER: It's good that states differ as to when to open. This way an early bird state that others think that it wants to open 'too' soon can act as the canary in the mine.
That's the big advantage of having 50 states that can experiment and which have sometimes been called 'laboratories of democracy'.
Here's another analogy: if we were all lost in the desert, dying of thirst, and Joe Georgia wanted to test the lone waterhole to see if the water is poisoned, I say, "God bless you, Joe!"
Vince
Moonlight & Magnolias Fans:
ReplyDeleteJust Because Georgia is Going to Open
Does Not Mean You Have to Shop
Until You Drop!
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ReplyDelete