United we stand, divided we fall.
I am deeply disturbed by the great divides that are severing the unity in these United States. Perhaps I am so disturbed because I so strongly disagree with the ideology that appears to be fueling the movements of our time. Perhaps I am so disturbed because the rhetoric is so vitriolic. Perhaps I am so disturbed because the strong values that undergirded our great country appear to be disintegrating, not the least of which is In God We Trust.
We have huge societal problems for which the prevailing answers only further exacerbate the problems. We have an opioid crisis for which “safe injection sites” are suggested. We have a homelessness crisis for which laws are passed requiring low-income housing be apportioned, and the homeless advocate for their “right” to have shelter provided for them. It seems everyone has a reason to self-identify with some cause for which they should receive special consideration and accommodation.
It seems our laws written to protect people who may be potentially subject to discrimination have unwittingly defined categories by which people can self-discriminate in order to secure unusual privilege or opportunity. Is this result the intended effect, because in so doing, the playing field is made more “equal”? What about the additional result of separating people and defining them by such categories so that they are identified accordingly – not as human beings; not as Americans; not as neighbors or friends or coworkers – but as: old, female, black, disabled, or of some particular sexual persuasion or identity? Isn’t the very act of categorizing them accordingly discriminating? Are we, therefore, being taught to think in terms of discrimination? Is that beneficial or furthering harm?
Is it uniting – or separating?
After 9/11, elaborate reactionary processes were implemented to arguably protect us. Flying on an airplane became a much more complicated endeavor involving invasive security checks and advanced identification requirements. Now, we are in the midst of a purported “pandemic” involving a virus. Overnight, bottles of hand sanitizers have appeared everywhere. Full hazmat suited people are wandering around spraying chemical disinfectants and CEOs are sending out emails touting their tedious attention to “safety,” outlining their cleaning and sanitizing practices. Every other minute, we are directed by the media to wash our hands. For those people who weren’t in the habit of washing their hands, maybe better habits will now be developed. For the rest of us, if the virus doesn’t kill us, maybe all of the additional chemicals now being doused all over everything will!
Face masks are being donned in public places and new regulations are coming out for “social distancing.” No more hugging. No more handshakes. It’s an arm bump at best. But likely, no touching will soon become part of the protocol. “Social distancing” discourages people from gathering together. In fact, you should stay six feet away from others in order to protect yourself and them.
I appreciate the importance of good hygiene, and I am passionate about staying healthy and maintaining healthy habits. But I don’t consider either harsh chemicals or social isolation healthy. It’s only temporary, you argue, during these extreme circumstances. Yes, concerts and conferences will be rescheduled after the immediate threat appears to go away. Parades will return. Stadiums will fill up again. People may relax back into their less fastidious cleaning practices. We shall see what becomes of the touching.
In a society already overrun by a warped and perverted image of sex and sexuality, healthy physical contact is already in grave danger! Human physical contact can be very lifegiving. Indeed, perhaps a hug is the most powerful healing antidote there is!
Wash your hands. Apply chemicals everywhere. Stay away from everyone. What do they say, One out of three ain’t bad? I’ll keep washing my hands.
All of the politicians say, “We’re in this together.” …But stay away from everyone. United we stand, divided we fall.
Which is it? Together? Or separated? Are we standing? Or falling?