I’m Mad as Hell
I took this photo the day before we started social distancing. On my last day in the office, I remember thinking that this was temporary. I remember finding comfort in the thought of seeing my colleagues in April. I remember thinking that things would go back to normal soon. It’s April now, and I don’t have those expectations anymore.
Every day, my resolve wears thinner. I find another ramification of this global pandemic. I get angrier. I get more frustrated. Throughout all of it, I keep coming back to the same conclusion: it’s not fair.
I know the conclusion seems simple and naive in reference to a pandemic, but I don’t know how else to put it. As schools closed, many people realized that 22 million students rely on schools for reliable access to meals. As students moved to online learning, we started questioning access to internet and computers for everyone to complete their work. We deemed hourly workers as essential during a crisis, but denied them a living wage. We rely on medical professionals to treat and deal with the virus, but can’t provide adequate protection. We tied insurance to employment, and now there are millions that are unemployed and uninsured during a public health crisis.
At first, I felt helpless. I was frustrated, because I felt like I couldn’t do anything to help anyone - not even myself. But here’s the truth, I can only control myself and my own actions. I can’t change systems of oppression and inequity overnight, and definitely not by myself. This doesn’t mean I’m helpless. So I did what anyone with too much time on their hands would do, I created a to do list.
Here are my calls to action:
First, stick your head out the window and yell “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore.”
Continue to social distance, to protect those around you and to help flatten the curve.
Advocate for a living wage to your elected officials, to support hourly workers on the front lines.
Advocate for an increase in SNAP and WIC benefits for families, so no one has to go hungry.
Donate to organizations working to support vulnerable populations, like your local foodbank, Meals on Wheels, and No Kid Hungry (shameless plug).
Look out for your pregnant friends, and see if you can help advocate for a support person to be allowed in the delivery room. No one should have to give birth alone.
Hold this administration accountable for their pandemic response, and tell them to do better.
Don’t panic buy products and leave stores empty for those who don’t have the ability to purchase in bulk.
In the meantime, I’ll also prioritize my own mental and physical health, while using this blog as a creative outlet during isolation. I hope you’ll stick with me.
