We here in the USA are proud of our individuality and the choices we have in our lives. We are also cognizant of the common good - aka the benefit or interests of all.
As we are in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic, we find ourselves in the midst of competing ethics. The primary act that is apparently slowing the spread of the virus is a rather simple concept - stay at home. Now we Americans typically like our homes and have no problems being there - until we are told by our state, local and federal authorities that we need to be there. Suddenly the common good is taking a big, wild swing at our individuality. The culture that was and is defined by the automobile and the freedom of movement it affords us is suddenly at odds with the simple thing we can do that offers the best hope of ending the pandemic and saving a not insignificant number of lives.
Now most of us seem to think saving lives is a good thing, so we stay at home, and are told if we must leave home, wear a mask. We are allowed to take advantage of essential services. Grocery shopping, gasoline and the like. Of course states vary in their definition of essential business, Mississippi for instance labeling gun shops as essential. We are told not to congregate in groups of 10 or more. Bars and restaurants are closed save for pickup and delivery orders.
Alas, not everyone feels that way about following the guidelines designed to save lives. Fueled perhaps by misinformation disseminated by members of the current administration and their friends at conservative media outlets that the virus would do little if any harm to the young, spring break showed way too many young people partying heartily.
And when suddenly those being placed on respirators and fighting for their lives included many of the young a major news corporation started beefing up their legal representation in anticipation of expected lawsuits over their coverage. Conservative pundits like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham and more started singing a different tune. Suddenly the health crisis was real though not really more so than a severe case of the flu. As of this writing, the USA leads in total cases - approaching 428,000 and deaths over 14,500. Globally, 1.5 million cases and approaching 90,000 deaths. And the numbers keep growing. It appears it will be at least a year before a scientifically tested and vetted vaccine is ready. Of course even then some people will not have their children vaccinated, thereby leaving them as potential carriers that could well harm others.
Some right-wing southern preachers are in denial of the danger of Covid-19 - here is a link to a good article on that Preachers in denial
A church choir in Washington (State) held a practice that led to at least 1 death and 45 cases of people with the disease.
There is now evidence that there are a disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic people sick and dying from the virus. Perhaps the southern GOP governors have stumbled across a new way to suppress the vote. What the hell - former intellectual thug Bill O'Reilly says many of those dying of Covid-19 were on their last legs anyway. O'Reilly on Covid-19 deaths
So is individualism taking a back seat to theCovid-19 Pandemic? That rugged individualism that touts self and making money above all else? That most noble thing a person can do/be according to Ayn Rand?
Sadly, we are also living in an era wherein common sense has seemingly left the room and headed out to the playground with civility. What seems like a common sense solution to a very real problem is being resisted on several fronts. Scientists and Doctors like Anthony Fauci are receiving death threats
After Threats, Anthony Fauci to Receive Enhanced Personal Security
If the US Congress can present a 2 trillion dollar plus economic stimulus package with both parties contributing and 45 agreeing, surely the common good, the greater good and individualism can all play in the same sandbox, and, just maybe there will be enough toilet paper for them all.
Please visit the other members of the 5-on-1 team to see what they have to say about this week's topic, chiseled from the future by Conrad
Ramana, Padmum, Sanjana & Conrad
I wonder often as to what happend to the Ayn Rand kind of individualism that one associated with Americans. Today, for a country of such great history to be so hard hit by a virus and floundering around simply astounds non Americans. Leave aside the administration, what about the famous common sense?
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, the wold is not ever going to be like it was before the pandemic and I for one am looking forward to seeing what kind of changes will take place.
Ramana it is alive and well in a small segment of our society - think corporate CEOs with their enormous salary packages and think of Trump himself - the perfect embodiment of Ayn Rand.
ReplyDeleteFloundering? That is putting it rather mildly but still accurate. I agree -the world is at a crossroad and it will be interesting to see in which direction oit turns.
Lovely blog! The world sadly is peopled with blinkered vision. Sometimes I think transgressors should be forcibly taken to an ICU and/or treatment centre and made to watch patients fighting for a breath.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the world will flip over a new leaf... We as individuals tend to repeat the same behaviour.... I do not say mistakes.... Again and again.
Will our frenetic lifestyles change? Or will it be now at a more frenzied level? Anyway we are going to die... So let's party may be the driving sentiment.
It’s dreadful, the pure lack of empathy that we see in many a society, but I must say this is a well-thought out blog and reading it was enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteAmerica, with its 50 individual states and Trump suddenly thinking he has discovered those states' constitutional rights of hegemony, has unfortunately been thrown into an unhealthy scramble. He had a chance to be heroic, but it isn't in him.
ReplyDeleteIn our collection of individual states, we are really seeing differences in approach, leadership and success. Some responses are to be admired, some to be condemned. But, it's a virus, so those varying local outcomes don't have boundaries. It has been a poor response from the inadequate top.
Americans should not be judged by the behavior, words, actions of a leader occupying our White House who received less than the majority vote of our citizens. I admit to being shocked a high percentage of citizens continue to support the lack of empathy, compassion, sensitivity to others characterizing this administration but they are a minority in number. We may yet successfully subdue this virus as various States leaders assume the leadership mantle abdicated by our President in the name of creating a smaller national government.
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