From the very onset of the Coronavirus pandemic I tried to keep myself in a less selfish than usual state of mind. Even if my odds of survival were good as a relatively healthy young man I knew that those with weak immune systems and the elderly were not so fortunate. I made sure that even though I had to interact with the public because the gas station I work at was to remain open, I would be extra mindful of washing my hands well and disinfecting what I could so as to do my part in preventing the virus from being transmitted.
I think one of the most eye-opening and disappointing realizations I've had due to the pandemic is the tendency for Americans to act very brazenly in the face of serious matters. This refusal to accept the gravity of the situation is predominately what lead to the "Stay Home Order" because nobody took the expert suggestions seriously. On a day to day basis I encounter people who think the whole think is no big deal and the shutdown is stupid.
Part Two:
"If I can't display at least a minimal understanding of the subject about which I am writing, I will lose the confidence and the support of the people who must provide access to the experience."
This quote about the importance of research in creative non-fiction struck me as I began to think about how in past decades the process of getting works published would by nature subject the piece of writing to a great deal of scrutiny. However, it is my belief that in the internet age research from the writer's perspective has become more of a moral/ethical question than one of how will I get someone to print this. I'm sure everyone has had a relative share some crazy "article" posted by an online only newspaper that hides behind the guise of satire. Articles like that can often be so dangerous because inevitably the publisher of such works cares very little about the factual truths and hold their writers only to the standard of writing what gets the most clicks. With so much shoddy information so easily accessed there is an article on any subject to confirm your beliefs, because it seems like in today's age that's what matters, not the truth, but making every person feel like what they think is correct.
My question to the class is: Where do you find yourself leaning in the Bacon v. Montaigne debate? I personally prefer to read the Bacon style writing with argumentative succinctness.
Our testing for the virus has not been very efficient compared to the rest of the world.
Dylan, thanks for getting us started on the blog, and for your thought-provoking post.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for doing what you can in your job at the gas station and I think check-out people need to be kept in our thoughts and prayers as individuals in more potential contact than the rest of us who are more isolated. Keep being diligent! is my encouragement to you.
You also wrote about the importance of veracity in creative non fiction or any serious writing or inquiry. You stated, "With so much shoddy information so easily accessed there is an article on any subject to confirm your beliefs, because it seems like in today's age that's what matters, not the truth, but making every person feel like what they think is correct." This is a wonderful statement about the condition of confirmation bias, which we all suffer from. It reminds me that we have to really work hard for the truth, and that work starts with oneself. It's really easy to point the finger but you know the old cliche about four fingers pointing right back.
I really agree with what you said about people not taking this seriously enough. The other day, I watched a video where a couple of guys went around downtown L.A. looking at the state of the city and interviewing people about their feelings on the pandemic. They summed it up well at the end when they said "It's not about whether or not you get sick, it's about whether or not the people who are vulnerable get sick." It's important to do our part to limit the spread of the virus and I always appreciate when I see someone else properly appreciate the gravity of the situation.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY8wPU_ET84