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I am 100% against prematurely ending lockdown.
But I think the people providing the most self-righteous, doom-and-gloom, "life will never return to normal" takes on #COVID19 must recognize that they are essentially on the same side as the "Liberate" protesters. Why?
A thread.
But I think the people providing the most self-righteous, doom-and-gloom, "life will never return to normal" takes on #COVID19 must recognize that they are essentially on the same side as the "Liberate" protesters. Why?
A thread.
1. No one will willingly consent to 2+ years of confinement to their homes, unemployment, social isolation, 6-foot distancing, restricted movement, etc.
It doesn& #39;t matter if the science backs it up. You think the pushback is bad now? Imagine it during that scenario.
It doesn& #39;t matter if the science backs it up. You think the pushback is bad now? Imagine it during that scenario.
2. So when you say "Tough luck, get used to it," what you& #39;re really endorsing is: "In a month or two, let& #39;s return to normal."
The reason is that, if people see the cure as worse than the disease, "Sacrifice the weak" becomes an appealing and reasonable solution.
The reason is that, if people see the cure as worse than the disease, "Sacrifice the weak" becomes an appealing and reasonable solution.
3. You& #39;re telling people: "You wanted to find a partner and start a family? Ain& #39;t gonna happen."
"You miss your friends? You miss your parents? You won& #39;t be seeing them for a long time."
This undermines the very reasons people live. No wonder they reject this solution.
"You miss your friends? You miss your parents? You won& #39;t be seeing them for a long time."
This undermines the very reasons people live. No wonder they reject this solution.
4. This doesn& #39;t mean we return to life as usual and let the virus kill whom it may.
But allowing people to reclaim a solid portion of their old lives must be a policy priority. Otherwise, the whole anti- #COVID19 endeavor fails. This should be obvious to the commentary class.
But allowing people to reclaim a solid portion of their old lives must be a policy priority. Otherwise, the whole anti- #COVID19 endeavor fails. This should be obvious to the commentary class.
5. Saying things like "the question is not how to return to normal, but what comes next" may sound smart, but it& #39;s bad communication.
Imagine how the average person — not a scientist or journalist — understands that: isolated, unemployed, probably in a hazmat suit.
Imagine how the average person — not a scientist or journalist — understands that: isolated, unemployed, probably in a hazmat suit.
6. And these comments often come from people who are 1) economically privileged overall, 2) still employed and 3) influential. No surprise people disagree.
Even scientists & medical professionals should be wary of these statements for fear that they impede a #COVID19 response.
Even scientists & medical professionals should be wary of these statements for fear that they impede a #COVID19 response.
7. Life will change due to #COVID19. But if we smugly tell people that everything we knew before the #coronavirus is over, we are also undermining our response.
Too much hope is dangerous. But no hope is likely just as bad.
Too much hope is dangerous. But no hope is likely just as bad.
