Entitlement

We are one species among many. Our basic needs are food, water, shelter, and space. The more space we have, the more likelihood of obtaining the three other needs.

We are running out of space. There are currently around 7.8 billion people on the planet. There are checks and balances that stop populations from getting too large of course. Famine and disease will really do a number of a population. Our technology has allowed the human population to grow perhaps more than it would have otherwise. Our ability to quickly transport food and other supplies anywhere in the world is unmatched by any other species. Of course, along with food and supplies, we can just as quickly transport viruses around the world, as is currently obvious. Disease is not only a check and balance, but a symptom. We are killing our host, or at least its ability to sustain us. Hello check. Hello balance. Sure, that might sound alarmist, but think about how this relatively mild (compared to, say, the Black Death, which killed somewhere between 30% and 60% of the population of Europe) pandemic has affected society. Imagine if something more serious happened. All of those post-apocalyptic movies and TV shows got it pretty much right, I'd say. Mass chaos, followed by the end of modern society. I don't think it would take as much as people think it would. Many of us are pretty comfortable in the here and now, and we don't handle it well when that comfort is taken away. To tell you the truth, I don't know how I'd handle it.

This event is unprecedented. Sure, there have been pandemics before, but at least in recent times, none have had this kind of effect on our day-to-day lives. Many people have reacted with grace. Many people have reached out with compassion. Many of us have found ourselves with unexpected free time. Good things are coming out of this. Lightbulbs are popping into existence above our heads. We find ourselves evicted from our comfort zones and forced to get creative in ways we're unused to. There have been stories about increased wildlife presence in cities (although it has been there all along, just less bold) and decreased air pollution. Underneath it all is the worry that tragedy lurks in the wings. In many cases, tragedy is center stage.

This event has, in some ways, magnified our best and worst traits. For some, especially those working essential jobs, it's more of the same but with an added dose of uncertainty and danger. Disease is terrifying, after all. Unfortunately, there are enough emotional midgets out there in the population making things more difficult

Entitlement is an ugly word. We are not entitled to anything. I think some people are finding that their power and influence aren't as useful to them as they once were. I've heard many stories of people working essential jobs (mostly grocery and food service related) being yelled at or otherwise abused by people who are frustrated by not being able to have the things they think they are entitled to. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE OUT OF CHEESE? DON'T YOU HAVE ANY IN THE BACK?"

We're not entitled to food.

We're not entitled to water.

We're not entitled to shelter.

We're not entitled to leave our fucking disposable gloves all over the parking lots outside stores. We're not entitled to abuse people whom we view as somehow "lower" than us because they work service jobs. Nobody respects you if you yell like an asshole. Nobody is going to want to help you if you yell like an asshole. If you must make an ass of yourself, do it at home in front of a mirror. Maybe then you'll realize how ridiculous you sound. Take a moment to reflect on why you're being an asshole. Use this pause to work on your personal growth.

Unfortunately, I think this opportunity is lost on the people who really need it.

Some of us are luckier than others. Some of us have the luxury of reflecting on this pandemic in relative safety and comfort. Many are not so lucky. As for us. We're pretty lucky. Jeanine hasn't worked since the shelter in place happened, but she is keeping busy and even selling a few things online (something she had started doing before this happened). Right now, she is in the yard, putting up balloon flowers and rabbits. I have been home from work, but I'm still getting paid. The week after next, I will be expected to work a 40 hour week from home, but I'm actually excited about some of the projects I plan to work on. I'm a little worried about summer, when pay is not guaranteed, but we have a plan B and a plan C in place. Like I said, we're lucky.

Schools are closed for the rest of the school year. Willow is still sheltering in place at her mom's. I've heard vague rumors that the 2020/2021 school year might start as late as November. However, there is nothing I can do about any of this, so I'll just focus on the things I have control over.

Currently listening to: Doc Wor Mirran "The Soundtrack of Death"