Remember the days when we could plan? Weddings, birthdays, nights out, holidays… HOLIDAYS… July 19th was so-called ‘freedom day’, but it was coupled with the unexpected (yet predictable) announcement that the civil liberties of those choosing not to receive a vaccination would continue to be stripped away.
The divisiveness of many of the decisions being made by the Government is only deepening the divide between communities. Racism sits neatly in the pandemic like the imposing elephant in the room. It’s hard to believe that by now, the link between the pandemic and marginalisation with a healthy dash of oppression isn’t loud and clear. We all see it; we all know it.
Although the Government refuses to release vaccination data by ethnicity, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that many black and ethnic majority people are still uncomfortable with being jabbed. I talk about the many reasons behind this in my article The truth behind the hesitancy. There is validity in people’s concerns, and what compounds the resistance is not only the rhetoric of being ‘the irresponsible anti-vaxxer’ but also the measures being enforced to punish those who do not comply.
Look, I’m not here to pitch myself on one side or the other because no side is wrong. I’m here to speak upon an individual’s human right to make an informed choice. We seem to be forgetting the impact that unabating restrictions have on our mental welling and cognitive functions. I don’t recognise our world anymore. People don’t reason the same way they used to, and ‘happiness’ has become reliant on the ‘freedoms’ drip-fed to us by those flouting their own rules every day.
I have to admit, even an outspoken person like me finds it hard to talk about this topic; as I mentioned earlier, it’s divisive but also very sensitive because of the unrelenting reporting of death. However, none of us should be afraid to voice our concerns over the collateral damage from Covid. This virus is not the only thing that matters in life, but it has fundamentally changed what we knew to be freedom. But let me tell you this, there is no greater freedom than the freedom of mind. You have to understand this.
No one should feel forced, pressured or socially blackmailed into going against their values. Regardless of what legislation is put in place to control our movements and choices, you mustn’t let this drive down your spirit or compromise who you are. I can’t tell you where I think we’ll be next week, let alone next year because I have no idea what these lunatics are going to come up with next, but I can for certain encourage you to practice gratitude and focus on what really matters in life. These are the vital things that keep us mentally balanced, especially during chaotic times.
You have the right to stand up for what you believe in but exhibit some compassion and empathy with it because we cannot afford to fall into the trap of divide and conquer. Whilst we’re fighting amongst ourselves about who’s wearing a mask or not…
Boris is telling his mate to let the over 80’s perish;
While he’s on his way to his second property during lockdown;
All the while the man in charge of making national health decisions is committing adultery at the very same time telling us not to hug our nans.
Perspective is everything.
Be informed. Be Entertained. Be You. 