Understanding Your Reactions to Life's Triggers

Are you Taking Responsibility for Yourself?

After reading Trevor Getz’ article “A Usable History of Disease” in relation to the 2020 pandemic and how people have reacted to it, I began thinking about the social and political unrest that has stemmed from the nationwide lockdowns and the loss of personal freedom and choice that Americans often take for granted. These changes have resulted in extreme divisions in American society, and as a result, we can see those in power using—yes, USING—this disaster to promote their own agendas.

As Getz states, the “balance between personal liberty and collective responsibility has come up repeatedly in the modern era,” and questioning this responsibility has exploded into areas most would never have thought to venture in earlier years. “Countries that have handled this pandemic the best have the strongest sense of collective thinking but also more authoritarian state structures” (Vann); however, “In the United States, at least, we tend to have a very strong sense of personal liberty, but less of a sense of collectivism” (Getz).

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the American people reacting to the pandemic in ways that ranged from scapegoating and hoarding to pulling together to support each other. Similarly, these feelings have spilled over into political and social realms—sometimes in an antisocial and threatening way—in 2020 and now into 2021. Stress, anxiety, fear of the unknown, and general loss of life cause people to react, say things, and blame people that they would not normally do in peaceful situations. Before you jump on the ‘panic wagon’ that has come with the COVID pandemic, really think about who or what is directing your views, thoughts, and actions.

Questions to ponder:

1. Where does this legacy of Americans having a strong sense of personal liberty and less of a sense of collectivism come from, and has it hurt or helped us in responding to this pandemic?
2. During this volatile time, where is your focus: self or community? Should this be your focus? Are your thoughts logical or should you assess your emotional reactions during this time of change?

Quote from Michael Vann, a professor of history at Sacramento State University. The quote was originally used in the article by Trevor Getz at https://community.oerproject.com/b/blog/posts/a-usable-history-of-diseaseEnable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection
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