Never Engage Or There Could Be Rage
When it comes to the shaming of others who are not following shelter in place guidelines, the big question is – Is quarantine shaming working as a social detriment? Used effectively, if it discourages others from bad behavior then by default it becomes a social norm.
When behavior is blatant and then it’s posted online, shame on them! The “look at my life” posts have turned a new corner. If there’s anything we have learned so far from this crisis, it’s that what matters most comes from inside not the outside.
Plan Outdoor Activities
To hide in plain sight, be responsible which is easily avoidable if you’re prepared. If you’re worried about being publicly shamed, make a game plan before you leave the house. If people walk towards you, walk the other way. Wait for the other person to pass, or look ahead and cross the street. Non-verbal language is our new voice, especially because collective gatherings are banned. During Holy Week, much to my chagrin, I saw many online posts of group gatherings. The rule is this: social distancing doesn’t mean we are not allowed to go outside. It does however mean to stay away from groups of people or those not in your household. It’s not being rude; it’s being considerate. The Emily Post Institute says “This doesn’t mean we toss consideration, respect and honesty out the window. But it does mean that how we interact and what is deemed ‘polite’ or ‘acceptable’ behavior will change during this time. The term used to describe this is ‘social distancing.’ We are going to be creating more space between us and the world around us and that includes the people in it. It may feel weird but the faster we adopt and feel confident with these practices, the faster we can do our part to help stop this pandemic.”
The Golden Rule of Covid-19
For those who haven’t been following the rules, it makes it difficult for those of us who have, especially in states that don’t have mandated sheltering. One of my favorite Facebook posts states: “Having some states lock down and some states not lock down is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool.” Everything always comes back to the golden rule of life, a basic principle always to be followed. These are the tenants of good behavior, which remain the same in a pandemic or not.
Social Distancing Ready