COMING TOGETHER DURING THIS PANDEMIC

Today, let’s analyze this quote from Eric Ward, civil rights strategist and director of the Western States Center:

“The truth of our interconnectedness has never been more apparent.”

I believe this quote is speaking a huge verity. Simply put, it’s stating that during this time of self-isolation, the reality of how connected we are with one another has been understood like never before. And it’s true! It pains us to be driven away from those who we care about because of the dire measures of the current crisis. We wish to be together, but we can do that in many more ways than just physically.

First off, a term that's important to understand for this post is the common good. What does that mean, you may be asking yourself. The common good is defined as something in the benefit or interests of all, where it’s all about how we live together in a community and work as one to help each other out.

Coming together can be seen during these tough times by showing support to build one another up. Especially to our essential workers, who're at a greater risk by trying to assist us. Our doctors, nurses, mail carriers, grocery shelf stockers, and more. Those on the frontline of this fight, going out when we were told to stay indoors. And it’s to them we should open our arms to, and pay their favor forwards, by doing things like providing meals for a hospital, or even doing the simplest act such as donating $5 to a COVID-19 relief fund.

A second way to come together is by staying in touch with people you feel connected to, like your family, school friends, neighbors, church community, and more! What I think is great to do is helping one another handle groceries. Therefore, for example, if you know it’s extremely dangerous for your uncle to go outside because he has some young kids, you could buy whatever food they need and drop it off at their doorstep. It's an action that tells people how much you love them. It's a physical representation of your affection.

You can also stay in touch by facetiming, or using any device to see one another virtually. Technology has advanced for our personal benefits. Daily meetings with people you miss will make you feel like you are with them in spirit. The time couldn’t be any better to use modern tech!

Lastly, you can come together during this pandemic by demonstrating that you care, and this can happen in multiple ways.

To begin with, show that you sympathize with what others are feeling and don’t be scared to radiate the aura of humanity! Crack open a smile to those around you when you go outside, it's not that difficult. The Coronavirus never locked down benevolence. Be nice to everyone around you, because during a time like this, it might be just what they need.

Additionally, you’ve probably heard of the clapping and cheers for the workers going on, so take part in that! Display something to encourage others and lift their spirits. This goes along with the word empathy, which means the ability to understand someone else’s feelings. You can turn your empathy into a tangible object by creating masks and delivering them to those who need it At most, it’s a couple of dollars, but it's an investment into your personal box of good deeds.

Finally, to finish it off, you can demonstrate that you care by being aware of the rules and regulations put in place for the crisis. I know this isn’t anything new, but think about it. Wearing a mask, keeping your distance, other people seeing you doing this makes them feel that you’re fighting with them. You’re showing your commitment. And if everyone socially distances, wears a mask, shows love, helps one another out, supports the hard workers, keeps in touch virtually, and maintains positivity, I trust that we can achieve the common good in America.

This pandemic may reveal our weaknesses, but it also illuminates the kindness, generosity and cooperation, and compassion we are capable of. Do you, the readers, agree with this statement?