This is our Chance to Radicalize the Times
Feature photo by Jessica Felicio
The Coronavirus pandemic seems to be having the same effect on the mainstream consciousness as did Trump rising to power. When Trump got elected, many folks -- as in mostly white people -- “woke up” in shock to the fact that our country is *this* racist and rooted in white supremacy. Now with the new coronavirus, we are seeing (an eye-roll-inducing) delayed realization among those with power that when the most vulnerable in our society do not receive proper resources and healthcare we are all vulnerable. Still, this country is designed to insulate the able-bodied, white and wealthy elite while everyone else, especially those who are elderly, immunocompromised, disabled, undocumented, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, are treated as disposable. JD Davids of Cranky Queer speaks to this in Healing Justice’s new podcast episode, “Coronavirus: Wisdom from a Social Justice Lens,” in which they explain, “The people who have been living with a pandemic of marginalization, disregard, or neglect for much of their lives, or their whole lives, are the people who have the expertise we need today, and that could help the rest of the world, yet continue to be disregarded.”
This disregard manifests in how white, young, and able-bodied people are viewing the pandemic as an opportunity to go on discounted vacations, a reason to throw a block party, continue on with their plans to ski in Colorado, or take up unnecessary and unwelcome space in Payahüünadü.
It is important to take seriously the words of Atlantic journalist, Yascha Mounk, and “cancel everything.” The widespread and unpredictable nature of COVID-19 has possibly brought out our worst cases of anxiety, and understandably so. These recent events have also brought out some of our most bizarre and absurd behaviors like the impulse to hoard toilet paper and pounds of frozen chicken (??). For those of us who are accustomed to a more predictable and stable reality when it comes to our health, access to resources, and general wellbeing, we are coming to terms with what many have already known all along: “America is a Sham.”
Hopefully, this will be the dawning of a more radicalized future, one in which we are more attentive to the needs of the most oppressed going forward, a reality we have been morally obligated to fight for all along. A world in which healthcare is not a luxury afforded to those in power, but a human right. A world where billionaires, who’s wealth could ensure that no one needs to go to work, simply do not exist. And hopefully, this will also be the dawning of increased, collective cleanliness -- you know, not just washing our hands after we use the toilet, but before too, and dare I say we utilize washcloths and actually wash our butts…?!
What a world we could create in this upheaval, this ripening, this time of rebirth, of spring and shift.
Resources for the new Coronavirus:
Follow Vienna Rye (@Vrye) and Check Out Their Highlight About Mutual Aid Resources Across the Nation
Cancel Everything by Yascha Mounk
Why You Must Act Now by Tomas Pueyo
It’s Not Overeacting to Prepare for Coronavirus. Here’s How. by Kelsey Piper
The Do’s and Dont’s of Social Distancing by Kaitlyn Tiffany
Responding to Coronavirus With National Paid Sick Leave by Jamila Taylor and Julie Kashen
Self-Care Related Resources:
The Nap Ministry, which promotes “anti-grind culture, anti-hustle, anti-burnout culture.” Find their blog here. Find their Patreon here.
Sonya Renee Taylor’s Instagram Videos Are Always Uplifting
Tearfully Accurate Horoscopes from our Astrological Mother Chani Nicholas
Are You Unsatisfiable? Hurry Slowly Podcast With adrienne marie brown
This World is Ours to Build: How We Build a Cooperative and Holistic Future from How to Survive the End of the World Podcast
Digital Events:
Slo ‘Mo from Homo: A Digital Dance Party for Queer Community Connection
