AN OPEN AND NOT OFTEN PRETTY LOOK AT THESE HARD TIMES

BY TERESITA RUDON

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As if it isn’t enough, there is now a QUESTIONABLE shift where the world appears to have been hard hit by an unusual state of extreme anxiety.

Never before have I seen and read about such an increased number of specific illnesses/disasters / unusual political decisions/ social discrimination, that are nerve shattering. Thus, I ask - I wonder what is happening in the world today? I therefore decided to go back to the yesteryears to compare the social existence of what was then to now.? Let’s just look at the home:

1.??? The family units were usually of a high number. (approximately seven to be the least).

2.??? Food on the table were balanced – protein, starch, vegetables, fruit.? Most homes had a small vegetable/fruit garden and a chicken coop for a daily diet of fresh eggs.

3.??? Cooking in most homes were done outside the house on an open. Fire.

4.??? Homes were humble and comfortable with basic necessities.

5.??? The parents’ presence was strong and much interaction occurred.

6.??? ?Children played outside and frolicked happily with the neighbours’ kids.

7.??? Errands and chores were delegated.? ??

8.??? There was a health system where nurses and doctors visited the schools and depending on the social health need, parents would be pre-informed on the purpose of the school visits and what would be done.

9.??? As far as I can remember, the common sicknesses were Measles, Chicken Pox, Malaria, isolated cases of Polio, the Common Cold.

10.? People appeared to mix.

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?Now today – I pick No.10 and say NOT SO!!!? And so, I will simply write as I see it:

?Curiously, health concerns have changed drastically.? Darn if I ever heard of suicide, drug overdose, dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, depression.? These sicknesses are all stress related!

So, this leads me to ask – did society in yesteryear sweep much under the rug and suffered silently to have a semblance of sanity? How can there appear to be such a radical change so quickly in say half a century from have nots to haves. ??Was life in the yesteryears one of illusion so to speak? Today, the socioeconomic situation, the digital age, the exposure now to the trappings of different classes entitlements, the trend now set to be more materialistic and worldly, more meritocratic.? Inequality is born! ?The inter changing of culture and questionable habits, has taken a demanding face!

On top of this, how does one balance development and conservation with economic suffering, constant daily changes in living conditions, concern to feed the hungry, provide housing for the poor, deal with a country’s need to meet supplies and demand?

How does one account for a blatant change occurring? The Middle class is disappearing, the rich are getting rich er and the poor, poorer.

Now today there are many other great worries for governments.? The magnitude of which defies the security for a bright and sustainable future.? Such as, to protect the land as a source of food for a growing population, to develop without destroying. No cut and burn to destroy the atmosphere in this COVID-19 cross puzzle period, the natural hazards of climate change and the inconceivable and greatest concern, the threat to countries’ sovereignty. ??

Now coming back to where I started, the illnesses /disasters, etc. – Should we go back to what was? This would mean no technology…..YOU CAN’T GO BACK! Forget it! I

Is it too late to find a real solid solution that works without slow killing us? I wonder, this crazy mind of mine, since in the coming years we will see a population explosion, are we being written off slowly without realizing it?? I mean for me it appears so. Look at the constant occurrences of these natural disasters of fire, floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and earthquakes. We are now like matchsticks on earth. Our lives have now become a balancing act in an eggshell world. So delicate that the least pressure can cause a crack. ?Have we really tapped into the best of advancements to benefit the world or cripple the world?

Do not be surprised that instead of a population increase, we begin to see the numbers decreasing worldwide and governments scrambling to give a logical explanation. Oh you bet there will be one like a theory coming out of left field that the world is flat and people are falling off like flies. Anything is now possible with AI. 'Seeing is believing' I am afraid is no more.

How long can such a life be bearable. How much longer wIll the grass on the other side be greener? The perception and intensity of what I have characterized defies my imagination because it truly seems real.? ?I wonder if anyone else sees this??

?You know, living by intentionally closing one’s eye to reality is not living but existing…… ?

Please share your thoughts ……