Buzz
Each week in this ongoing crisis feels like it carries a distinct mood. Early in March, many of us experienced our first lockdown, a week that was full of home exercises, baking sourdough, and the hope that this would pass quickly. A little while ago, there was the week where debates raged over masks—whether they’re effective and who should be wearing them. Now, it seems that this week’s theme is a growing sense of blame, as if resentment is coming to the surface.
Nobody is truly content with how things are going, are they? Whether we’re anxious about the virus, irritated by the restrictions, or eager to return to normal, everyone is feeling a mix of frustration. This week’s discussion is all about the blame game—examining who’s blaming whom and why they’re doing it.
People protesting against local governments are one of the main stories this week.
A small group of people is at the center of this discussion, and we can either focus on the reasons that drive individuals to participate in protests or explore the motivations behind the organization and instigation of such demonstrations. The blame in this case is primarily directed at local governments, accused of implementing stay-at-home orders and limiting people's ability to work.
It’s a paradox, of course, to gather in large groups to voice these demands. Some protestors claim that COVID-19 is not real, that it's merely the flu, or they spread other false, anti-scientific claims. A certain level of denial is required to argue that restrictions should be lifted.
Distrust in the World Health Organization
Frequently, discussions about the WHO carry an undertone of anti-Chinese sentiment. This article from The Washington Post delves into the political dynamics involving the White House, the CDC, and the WHO, suggesting that the President seeks to blame China but is forced to redirect the blame due to political motives, ultimately directing his anger toward the World Health Organization for withholding information.
People breaking the rules
Not everyone is caught up in a clear-cut political blame game. Sometimes, instead of directing our frustration at the government or policies, we turn our frustrations toward each other. I've observed people loudly blaming individuals for contributing to future waves of the pandemic, such as those who walk along the sidewalk without masks or visit the beaches reopening in Florida.
While I don’t think this blame is entirely unjustified, it seems (to me) like it's misplaced, fueled by anger. Our major issues stem from governmental missteps that allowed the virus to spread widely without the proper testing or contact tracing systems in place. (I suppose that’s where my blame lies.) I too feel uneasy when I see people jogging without masks in a crowded park or hosting visitors on Easter Sunday.
However, I also get why people want to leave their homes, and I believe our frustration would be more productively aimed at those in positions of power who could bring about broader changes, like offering financial support to reduce the sense of desperation many are feeling.
Anyway, that’s just my perspective. Where do you see blame being cast around? What kinds of questions or misinformation are repeatedly brought up? What would you like to see happen with all the angry or anxious energy we seem to have?
