Over the past few months many of us have isolated at home while key workers have worked tirelessly to support us, the BLM movement has fought for equality, and all while facing an extremely deadly virus. Yet amidst all of this it feels as though the divides in society are being forgone for a new sense of community between people. Despite the notion that this could be ‘the end of the world as we know it’, it would seem as though we are at least one step closer to ending exclusivity on the planet. For as our younger generations vow to educate their future children, and themselves; we turn a small corner.
Coronavirus calls for community:
I reached out to an audience of family and friends with the aim to discover how people felt surrounding Coronavirus and the way in which a community has been founded subsequent to this– or lack thereof. The response was clear in that they had never experienced such comradely and support (unless in war time), an example being the clap for key workers. Especially where communities had pulled together to form a network of local businesses, to help those sheltering or apprehensive about venturing too far from home; becoming invaluable to safety and security in this time. Facebook’s community groups and ‘community help feature’ were particularly prominent in facilitating support for people who couldn’t necessarily shop in store.
One response said that she felt that ”the sense of togetherness has been amazing, and for once it feels like a lot of us are experiencing life in similar ways”. It could be said that the common ground we have discovered in this non-discriminatory disease; threatening anyone and everyone, has brought people together. The abnormal and extreme circumstances that we find ourselves in has not only brought together people from all walks of life, but it has made many realise how much they took ‘normal life’ for granted. For others and myself, this difficult time has made us appreciate what we have and can do freely; from menial tasks to hugging loved ones without risk.
With the total number of deaths in the UK alone succeeding 44,000, Coronavirus has had little sympathy for its hosts. In particular, regarding different ethnic backgrounds, it has been discovered that a ‘vitamin D deficiency among individuals with darker skin is a risk factor for Covid-19’. This being said, it is therefore ”four times more likely” for black people to die from Coronavirus; a devastating statistic for a community who is already fighting for so much.
The BLM movement as a catalyst for change
Amongst the terrible struggles of corona, the BLM movement has been an inspirational force, and is necessary at this time to push for the changes that need to be made in order to emancipate the black members of society from the unjust ways in which they are treated. In response to reaching out to my friends and family about how they felt regarding the protests and feelings towards the movement, the answer was resounding. How can anybody on this planet still be contemplating the opinion that a life does not MATTER because of the colour of their skin?
As perfectly stated by one of the responses, ”a really strong message is being sent out through the Black Lives Matter Movement– we are one community, hopefully this can be sent to future generations”. This is such a powerful image because of the way it calls everyone to arms as neighbours.
The sheer uproar that can be witnessed on the city streets as well as online platforms has also created a sense of community; I may never understand however I stand with you and want to learn of how I can help. A poignant comment made stated that, ”I think racism will only end once my generation teach their children” properly about the history of racism and it’s unacceptability. Most said that recently their eyes had been opened to the brutality and racism and now felt they would endeavour to educate themselves and others. Knowledge is power and power is power! The fact that there is such an overwhelming response to the movement as well as an undeniable outcry that everyone should be educated fully, really shows the change in attitudes; no one should be treated as a lesser being.
It would seem that 2020, despite its sombre disposition, would like to see the dismantling of societies prejudices, cruelty and hardship in order to aspire for kindness.
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