Living through a major historical event like this is pretty crazy. One could argue it’s nothing compared to some historical events like the Great Depression, WW2, the moon landing and so on – but, to say this ongoing pandemic isn’t a major historical event that will be remembered years after like the rest of those is naive. Each of these historical events have their own distinct and unique characteristics obviously, and how the nation and people felt throughout each one also differs of course.
The feelings I’ve seen from people on the internet seem to vary. Like everything, this can also be examined from a socioeconomic perspective and by doing so you can see the impacts and emotional well-being of each groups. The well-off, from my time spent on the internet, seem to be enjoying this time with their family and being able to pass time with hobbies they weren’t able to give as much time to. The savings they’ve accumulated have given them peace of mind during this situation, and many in this category have jobs that can be done from home so there’s no worry of a lack of paycheck. This group would be the wealthy and upper-middle class.
The lower-middle class and poor, however, aren’t doing so well. Recent content on the internet seems to be largely filled with the fun that the folks at the top rings of the socioeconomic ladder showing what they’re doing to pass time, but if you scroll far enough you’ll see what those near the bottom are feeling. A week or two ago, celebrities who sang a song about giving up material possessions caused quite a ruckus. Folks who’ve lost their jobs and have been forced to take a pay cut were rightfully angered by wealthy people who are so blinded by their money that they can’t stop to think how this pandemic is affecting what would be the vast majority of Americans.
Right now, essential businesses are still open. This would include banks, pharmacies, gas stations, home repair stores, restaurants doing take-out/carry-out and drive-thru orders only and a couple others I may have missed. Most of these folks are well aware that those with jobs that aren’t minimum wage like theirs are in the comfy confinement’s of their home, away from the reach of the virus. Yet, they have no choice but to work to keep a roof over their head, and ironically are paid peanuts despite being called essential workers. “If we’re essential workers, why doesn’t their pay reflect that?” As an essential worker myself, I agree.
I have no choice but to go to work and risk getting the virus despite the vast majority of the world under lockdown and countries enforcing even stricter measures to keep people inside. Yet I have no choice but to put myself out around almost 50+ people everyday and be paid just a few dollars above minimum wage, and given a letter to show authorities that I’m an essential worker and to allow me to report to work. My work conditions don’t seem to be reflective of that of a essential worker either considering no gloves or masks are given to us despite us being in close proximity and touching objects used by other colleagues throughout our shifts. It’s not just me who’s experiencing this though, it’s essential workers in all fields that are currently open.
Now they’ve told us that a stimulus package will be passed and $1,200 will be given to adults and $500 for each child. $1,200 that some may not even see because they’re college students that are still considered dependents, despite living on their own and providing mostly for themselves. I’m not expecting a check, but I could use it to make sure I’m practicing the necessary measures to ensure this virus doesn’t spread.
The incompetence I’ve seen regarding this pandemic is so disappointing. Right now that’s what I feel the most: disappointment.
Journey To Japan 