Pandemic: Does it Show the Best or Worst of People?

Photo by  CDC  from  Pexels

Who would've thought that by 2020, people would be acquainted with terms like "global pandemic", "quarantine", or "social distancing". In an age where people are protected with vaccines, medicine, and technology, we have suddenly encountered an infectious viral disease that turned our every day lives into scenes straight out of a science fiction movie. As the saying goes, "No one thinks that it would happen until it does."

 

After health and media organizations have confirmed to the world that COVID-19 is very real and it has the capacity to take people's lives, fear and panic spread like wildfire. In a time when cases are being tallied every day on the news and there is a recession in economies, we have truly known each other a little bit better. 

 

For instance, true passionate leaders stood out. We were able to see who truly cared for their people by simply making sure that they would survive. They have organized different support systems like relief goods or financial aids while other politicians were missing in action, being sheltered in their lavish homes. It became evident which governments were proactive in being able to flatten the curve early. 

 

Moreover, we have seen strangers showing kindness. Many posts on different social media show that people are helping each other. The homeless were sheltered, groups have started donation drives, random people paid for others' groceries, people who are well-off started feeding programs and donating needed hospital equipment, and displayed simple acts that show hope for humanity. 

 

Families and friends have also started checking up on each other. Families have been bonding to try to ease the anxiety and friends constantly remind each other to be careful and safe because they have trips and coffee dates to look forward to when the situation gets better. 

 

However, there are also rule breakers who do not abide by safety measures. Some still gather in large groups for parties, disregard social distancing, express their objection to community quarantine guidelines, and even lie about their exposure and histories to their healthcare providers risking the lives of the latter. What's sad is that people who have the audacity to do this are also those with privileges. Some buy essential goods more than they need causing shortages. 

 

Moreover, blatant discrimination has been happening. Although the origins of the virus are clearly known, this doesn't give the right to bully the Chinese or even Asians in general. There are videos of people not allowing Asians on the train and certain establishments just because of their looks. People have become so quick to judge. 

 

At the end of the day, this pandemic brings out the worst and the best of people. Although our personalities and actions may be inherent, we could always choose to show kindness and have a sense of cooperation in a time of fear and desperation. Someday, when the world looks back to this time of history when the COVID-19 struck, how would you like to remember your actions?