Reflecting on the initial days of the pandemic evokes vivid memories. Trips to multiple grocery stores were marked by a growing sense of unease as empty shelves became a stark reality.
The disruption of routines and the collapse of the familiar created a disorienting uncertainty. The search for basic necessities like bread led to a newfound skill in baking, only to encounter scarcity in flour and yeast.
Everything felt in flux, lacking stability. Amid the staggering global statistics, over three-quarters of a billion cases and millions of deaths, the deeper, immeasurable impact was the relational fallout. The pandemic presented an unprecedented opportunity for transformation, a chance to unite and become a better nation.
Regrettably, this potential was squandered, revealing the fundamental brokenness within.
The last three years should have prompted a shedding of surface differences, fostering collaboration beyond political and religious divides. Instead, America became more fractured, tribalism deepened, prejudices intensified, and the gaps widened. The profound loss of life became even more wasteful, as we failed to emerge positively transformed.
Contrastingly, history shows that past catastrophes often led to national solidarity and positive change. Yet, in the face of a universal crisis, our divisions deepened.
The question arises: how did we become more divided?
The narrative traces back to the election of the first African-American president in 2008. Progress in healthcare, marriage rights, and women’s rights bred a sense of upward momentum. However, this progress stoked the fury of those resistant to diversity. A concerted effort to undermine democratic systems ensued, culminating in the election of a figure embodying bigotry and control.
Subsequently, everything became a battleground, from public spaces to cultural symbols. The virus arrived at a moment of vulnerability, further amplifying the existing schism. Denials, protests, and a rejection of reality characterized the pandemic response, perpetuating an all-or-nothing culture war.
Extremism normalized tribalism, leaving many frustrated about changing this seemingly entrenched state. The solution, it suggests, lies in individual and community actions.
While systemic change may seem elusive, individuals possess the power to combat tribalism in personal and communal spaces. The tools for this fight are proximity and agency, the ability to engage with others closely and shape one’s influence.
Ultimately, the call is to ensure that the losses and lessons of this disaster are not in vain, urging individuals to wield their agency and proximity to foster unity in the midst of division.
