When institutions and politicians cannot accommodate radically changed circumstances, people will no longer value institutions and politicians. In their place, citizens will seek to ensure their own livelihoods, leisure, and safety in ways that are more reliable and affordable -- with their circumstances in their own hands rather than in those of distant others.
And their adjustments won't always be calm or polite.
We still do not know the full consequences of these radical changes in American life, especially whether they will continue after the COVID-19 virus abates and quarantines end.
ReplyDeleteThe COVIDscare will eventually abate, but I'm not so sure about the quarantine tool. It's been shown to be too useful. The real question is will anybody pay attention to it anymore, and I'm betting (based on my anecdotal experiences over the last few months traveling around) they won't. Eventually, even fear wears itself out when there's no real basis for it. What that means for how American society conducts itself in the future, I have no idea. I don't have to work for a living anymore, so my only real concern is how American work life continues for my progeny.
I think it's starting. Just watched a report on the local news about a restaurant owner who is going to ignore Gov. Pisser's latest order to close restaurants in S. Illinois to inside dining because of a spike in China flu cases. He said it's that, or lose his business.
ReplyDeleteAt least his reaction is still calm and polite.
I just learned the World Series started.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who's in it and I don't care.
Their soxial justice outreach sure reached me!
They don't like racists. White people are racist. So they don't want me to watch.
Mission Accomplished!