It Wasn't Curiosity; It Was Superiority

Circa 2019 Summer

In case you haven't heard, we're currently in a global pandemic all thanks to the beloved COVID-19. 

Now, you would think after watching the devastation that occurred and continues to infiltrate those in China, Italy, America, and the rest of the world, anyone with eyes, brain, and heart would understand the severity of the virus. But alas, we do not live in a perfect world. 

Though I am fortunate to live where I do, have the opportunities and resources that I have, it is challenging to feel proud of my country- especially in times such as these. (Disclaimer: this was written prior to recent events- a discussion that will be discussed next.) People claim that the division within society and current social issues only arose back during the 2016 election but in reality, things have never truly been all that great, to begin with. It was only great for a select group of people. A category I most certainly do not find myself within if we rewound to the past. 

Now we can argue about the specifics of when superiority came into play in America- such as when the Native Americans' lost their land to foreigners but regardless of when it happened, this complex has yet to retire. Don't believe me? Tune into any news channel.

Now, I do feel that since I have seen the drastic statistics of my home state, Illinois, and have been placed under extreme measures by my state, I cannot help but be completely gobsmacked by the rest of my country.

People have the right to freedom of speech but since when did your right to speech, which has taken physical form such as protesting, turn into the right to harm. This is in no way dramatizing the situation; by going out into large groups regardless of abundant health warnings, you have become a carrier of a virus that may not harm you but can and will harm others less fortunate than yourself. I don't believe it was your intention to turn into the grim reaper, was it? But regardless of it all, you have.

It is your right to freedom of speech but for the love of the big man upstairs, stop using him to aid your negative ways. Those who claim to be the most faithful are often the biggest hypocrites.

Recently, I saw a sign that said, "Take your mask off because God's got you covered." I cannot stress how sick I am of people who claim to be faithful followers as they use the bible as a crutch and twist his words. I too agree that everything happens for a reason because he has a plan for all of us. But I also believe there was a reason he gave us scientists', why he provided scientists' with the resources and minds to relay privy information to us to explain why it's important to use PPE, how to stay safe and so on. Just as he guided those to these medical discoveries, he also gave you a brain. He gave you a brain to use; to absorb, digest and rationalize the situation at hand.

Understand and empathize with the notion that you cannot be selfish during this time. 

This has been the ultimate test of peoples' true colors. 

PPE isn't for you, it's a barrier that is meant to shield others from possible harm you may carry. 

Quarantine was not a punishment, it was to stop the spread of a deadly virus.

This was never just about you; the danger comes when you put yourself as the main character and forget about your fellow co-workers, extras, and staff.

Now let's say prior to this whole COVID-19 sitch, you had to go into the hospital for surgery. You're all set and ready to go when your doctor strolls into the operating room. As the surgeon descends towards you, you notice they're not wearing gloves, a mask, or any type of typical surgical gear. Um excuse me, this is not the proper protocol of a sterile environment nor what you have become accustomed to while watching Grey's. When you assertively exclaim to them that you're not letting them operate on you without their gear on, they simply ask what you could possible pass along to them while you're out? They may get something from you but you're mainly concerned with what they will give to you. Their PPE is not solely meant for them, it's mainly meant to protect you. A simple selfless act.

(Side note: as a general tip, if you're going to protest do your due diligence. It's your right to stand outside a government building but understand that there's been a quarantine and a majority of the nation have been working from home. A little counterproductive to protest to an empty building if you ask me. Which speaking of that, also understand that you cannot shoot a virus- it is not visible nor would a bullet do any damage anyways. It's oftentimes such as this that I find it interesting that it's suddenly your body and your choice. How handy. And with that, I digress.) 

I do want to make it clear that I agree with all of our constitutional rights, obviously, I am currently utilizing the first one, but just because it's there doesn't mean you have to be greedy about it. 

Freedom is like a buffet; an all-you-can-eat service. But with that comes great responsibility. You may grab as much as you want because you are free to do so but what about the consequences of overindulgence? An overstuffed ridden bellyache that will leave you comatose for hours. A lesson some learn from while others don't and will continue their ways until they get food poisoning. 

Our founding fathers constructed the Bill of Rights during a precedented time of extreme lack of rights and rules set upon themselves, not created with their best interest in mind. The given rights we have now, have, in turn, lead us to become a lustful place for those who yearn for nothing more than basic human rights. 

The rights that came from this have since turned into a power trip for some. It went from a social binary construct where at least one group benefitted but now, it has since turned into an egotistical circus. Every man for themselves. We flipped the switch from empathy to selfish needs real fast. This is not what the flip the switch challenge meant by the way.

You may be out of your mind bored at home, overcome with sadness about not being with your friends and going out to the bars but you could also be on a ventilator or having to spend last moments with loved ones via Facetime.  

The pandemic isn't over just because you're bored. (Thank you Twitter for that line.)
And it is not gone just because the world is reopening. 

Per usual, it's never a group as a whole that is rotten, just a few in the bunch but nevertheless, that's not how it's seen. To the rest of the world, America is yet again the selfish ridden has-beens who slapped a Gucci belt on and called it a day. To say we have a lot of work to do is an understatement of the century but everyone has room for growth but in order to evolve, being selfless, listening, and being empathetic must improve immensely. 

It wasn't curiosity that killed the cat, it was its superiority complex.


Till next time, cheers!

Clo