One of the unique characteristics that separates humans from animals is our ability to be kind, compassionate and caring.
However, when faced with fear, uncertainty, and stress, the tendency for many humans is to revert back to animalistic behavior. To worry about survival at all costs. To disregard the needs and feelings of others.
Is This Where our Society is Heading?
To be honest, I haven’t been freaking out about the virus that is changing our world. I am choosing to rely on scientific evidence and the knowledge that a vaccine for this is a top priority.
I am more concerned about how this will change our society in negative ways. There are already reports in the news of people turning on others because they are suspected of having this virus. A cough or a sneeze can have people nervous or confrontational.
Parents are hesitant to take their children out in public because they fear normal cold or allergy symptoms will be perceived as a threat.
We see images of people stocking up for doomsday. They are cleaning off the shelves without consideration of others. People are scared, reactive, and demonstrating a “me first” mentality.
It’s scary that in our already isolated existence, we will choose to see interacting with others as a threat, and will stop doing so. It’s devastating that we might choose to turn on each other instead of choosing to stand next to each other — instead of choosing to be kind.
A Unifying Force
Think about this… This virus can target anyone. It doesn’t see origin, color, race, ancestry, social status, gender, economic bracket, celebrity or political affiliation.
We are all worried about our health, our loved ones, our economies and the future. We are all temporarily losing our way of life — of being free to travel, attend sports events or even buy necessities.
Let’s look at this situation as a way to come together as humans.
Let’s look at this as: It is us against It; not us against Each Other.
Let’s Be Kind
Let’s….
- Choose kindness instead of suspicion and fear.
- Choose to be helpful instead of selfish.
- Attack paranoia with research and facts.
- Be supportive instead of resentful of our government and health officials when they are doing what they need to do.
- See people as people, and not as a threat.
- Not ostracize or shame those who cough.
- Show compassion towards those who are scared, who are sick, who are worried about their loved ones, their job security, and their way of life.
- Educate our children about the facts, and take the time to listen to their anxiety and fears.
- Model positive behavior and attitudes towards our fellow human beings.
- Realize that the entire world population is facing this threat together.
- Remember we can’t control much in this situation, but we can control how we treat others in the midst of these uncertain times.
We must not allow this health epidemic to rob us of our humanity. We must be kind.
