Trying to Live and Not Just Exist
Daphne Casuco, MSPM
Manager, Security Operations at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park l Ex-Netflix l USC Alumni I Project Management l Risk Mitigation l Data Analytics
[DISCLAIMER]:
The following are merely my observations based off my personal experiences. It is in no way a condemnation of anyone’s personal opinions, beliefs, or political views. Just an expression of thoughts with no malicious intent.
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How have you been since the last time I posted? Has that optimism faded? No one would blame you if it had. I had always believed optimism was not natural and had to be learned and maintained. It is a mental state that is hard to preserve for long periods of time; and this holds especially true when an end is uncertain.
We are in a situation in which individual accountability is key to success. Unfortunately, it is also the reason we struggle. As an immigrant who became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, I have come to experience this country in a different manner. Therefore, my take on the current situation might be a little different from most logic.
America is a country instituted on the foundation of Individualism.
However, it is that same individualistic culture that has become our downfall in these unprecedented times.
Unlike Asian cultures, the values of social harmony, community, obligation, etc. takes precedent over oneself. As a Filipino, I feel that I have a balance of these two worlds. Finding the happy median between individual happiness and answering the call of community. It is because of the difference in ideals that I believe that some have taken the issue of masks as a breach of individual rights.
As time continues to pass almost meaninglessly, I seem to continue to just exist and not live. I too have my doubts on seeing a Phase 4 opening of mass gatherings happen in the foreseeable future. And as much as I have disappointment in people’s inability to sacrifice for the community, I am fully aware that everyone has a will of their own.
Let us hope the majority will be enough to get us through this.
I will be honest; my optimism has faded as well. However, what would be accomplished if I allowed myself to be immobile? I cannot allow my path in life be controlled by circumstance.
Vice President, Event Services | ASM Global | Los Angeles Convention Center
4 年Hang in there Daphne. It’s appears dire right now, but I have faith that humankind can surprise us & that science has the ability create miracles. Some may call this wishful thinking....but this is mine & I am holding on to it. Stay safe - miss you!
Operations Lead @ AKJOHNSTON Group | Sports and Global Events
4 年I remember that the general thought soon after the first shutdown was that we'd all be back in the stands soon enough. That's unfortunately not the case as we enter shutdown part 2. Better countries than ours have been able to control the spread and reopen stadiums to sports-starved crowds. It's a shame that our individualism, as you put it, prioritizes our sense of instant gratification over our duty to our fellow humans. I long for the day we'll get back to cheering alongside our fellow fans, but at the rate we're going we'll be waiting until next year to do so.