The last few months have changed the world more than we could have ever imagined. Many people have experienced suffering, loss of life, job loss, economic insecurity and isolation. We have also experienced generosity, integrous leadership, kindness and courage. Media coverage has been unrelenting in a way that suggest there is no other news. Early in the pandemic, a narrative developed that the Coronavirus is the great equalizer. This narrative was perpetuated by politicians like Governor Cuomo and other well-known people such as Madonna (oddly, from a bathtub).
I understand the intent of characterizing Coronavirus as an equalizer. Although we are still trying to understand the nature of this virus, it appears there is no group of people that is immune. Yes, in theory, all people can develop covid 19 and in that sense, it doesn’t discriminate. But practically, Coronovirus, like all crises, discriminates.
The pandemic is a very different experience if you:
Don’t have adequate healthcare
Don’t have a place to self-isolate
Don’t have access to proper hygiene facilities
Don’t have paid sick leave
Don’t have a job
Don’t have support if you are sick
Don’t have job flexibility that allows you to work from home
Don’t have job flexibility that allows you to care for children no longer in school
Rely on public transit
Cannot access emergency funds if needed
Rely on non-profit facilities that are temporarily closed
Are forced to quarantine with abusers
Are subjected to bias in the healthcare system
Are the target of racism
Are vulnerable and dependent on others for care
Are governed by leaders who are not dedicated to serving your best interests
All of us are impacted by Coronovirus, but not all of us are impacted equally.