There. I said it.
Not only do I absolutely HATE the very phrase “the new normal”, I find that I also dislike just about everything about it.
The constant bickering on social media over the correct way to handle COVID-19. The idiotic tweets and statements by our President that make us look dumber on the world stage every day. People who are too stubborn to just wear a damn mask already. Wearing a mask and glasses at the same time. Trying to have a conversation with someone when you are both wearing masks. Dry skin from all the hand sanitizer and hand washing. Not being able to make plans. It’s all just a huge drag and takes a huge toll on physical and mental health.
But you know what I hate the most? The fact that it didn’t have to be this way, at least not for this long. Countries like Singapore, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada are all getting back to normal already. They put plans into place quickly, and the citizenry all got with the plan right away. They didn’t spend weeks pretending they didn’t have COVID cases, or arguing over whether or not someone’s right to get a haircut was more important than someone else’s right to remain alive. The vast majority of people in those countries understood what was at stake, and understood why measures were being put into place, and also that they were not the center of the universe.
I don’t know how much longer we here in the US are going to have to have social distancing, mask mandates, and all the other fabulous things that come with the “new normal”. But what I do know is that it’s pretty sad how many other countries are handling this pandemic so much better than we are. Our response as a nation to COVID-19 has been nothing short of epic failure. The fact that we are currently banned from travel to almost every other nation on the planet showcases that as clear as day. And, no, I don’t “hate America” just because I have the courage (and the constitutional right) to point this out. So don’t even go there.
So, I’m once again begging everyone to do their part. Do I sound like a broken record? Probably. But saving lives is worth that to me, and if it isn’t to you I can only pity you.