Covid-19: Questions to Ask
In 2020, overseas travel, globalization (once considered buzz words) are very much a reality. No longer are these reserved for the elite. Since we are living at times of economic supremacy, any individual making a modest living can plan well to travel, connect with those across the world (technology democratization) and buy into things that make their lives comfortable.
This has come at a cost - all this manufacturing and roaming around has increased the earth's temperature, ensured we leave behind fewer resources for the next generation, you know where I am headed. We have put mankind and it's needs above all else.
The Covid-19 outbreak has made us question a lot of choices we have made as a race -
- Animal-human interaction has been questioned time and again. Where do we draw the line? While it is still not clear how the virus made it into us, it is now time we take this question far more seriously.
- Most of us have been asked to spend more time indoors. Capitalism has deeply rooted the sense that we need to turn to materialistic pleasures to fulfill lives. Little importance has been given to health, family and friendships. Look what this has resulted in - cities are reporting clearer skies, water bodies, fresh air, birds chirping more - everything that makes life more conducive. It begs the question - how much were we exploiting the planet to satisfy growing demands of human beings? No other living being on this planet causes environment degradation of this degree.
- The working class who have an option to work remotely are making suitable arrangements that ensure that workflow and productivity are not hampered. Many have come together for this cause and have realized that so many meetings were not called for in the first place! Now, I agree that not every profession can have this luxury, but for those of us who have batting for this, the slowdown is proof that we can work from where we are and get things done.
- Hoarding/stocking of resources, especially ones that are needed by all of us shows a certain amount of selfishness. Are these the right ways to sustain on this planet where resources are depleting rapidly? Is there not a way in which we can be amicable and ensure we support each other? Since economic supremacy seems to ensure survival in uncertain times, is this approach to human life the right path?
Though these are unprecedented times for the human race which is connected like never before in history, I am confident that we will get better. This faith in each other is what makes us special. Surely, people around the world are working tirelessly to help us overcome this situation, and when it does, our initial conversations around travel and globalization will come back to focus. However, we will be cautious moving forward - at least that is the hope.