Have you watched these ads that say “This generation has a story to tell that ‘we overcame a world pandemic by doing nothing’?”
Today I watched Cadbury 5Star’s ad, earlier I watched some other brand’s, unable to recall, …but that is true and in fact the easiest thing: to do nothing, to go nowhere. Just be home.
Now, I want you to imagine it were a tougher pandemic, maybe like a water-borne disease. What would you do? Drink less water? Or buy treated water, correct? What about those who couldn’t afford it? Multitudes would’ve died.
Be thankful that COVID-19 is not air-borne. (It transmits through droplets, which is not the same as air-borne.) If it were, then everyone – babies, elderly, people with breathing disorders – everyone – would’ve had to wear masks every minute.
So, it is right to say that we are in a better place, having to do the easiest thing, in essence: Nothing. But we all know only too well that it is not so easy in action. We are disconnected from our loved ones, from our colleagues, for that matter, from every human being outside our home. We desperately want to go out (read: get out), walk miles, go on hikes and long drives, eat out at our favourite restaurant which is only a km away from home, go visit our grandparents, carry the newborn niece, visit thw movies, or go about with an outdoor passion (which could be a lifeline for many). We want to do just something, but outdoors. It is difficult to be locked down. But it is for the good.
Let’s collectively imbibe common sense and put it in action for the common good. This is our biggest opportunity to do something good for our neighbour/friend – if absolutely unavoidable, meet them with precaution. Else, don’t meet at all. This is the world’s biggest opportunity to be selfless and think of others. You have to do really nothing.
Let’s together put on hold our dreams of traveling, our meet-up plans, parties, etc. for just a little while longer. Support one another in this, because we never know how important being on the road, or meeting people is important for someone. Hold up and hold on, we’re definitely seeing a brighter day. Believe.
~Rhea Jacob
The non-caffeinated writer
PS: I do not intend to completely ignore the effects of a lockdown on the economy. I’m talking human resilience. For write-ups on economic resilience, please select another source. Happy reading :p
rheajacob 