I can’t hear you through your megaphone

I think there are times when we need to press the “pause” button on sharing every single thought and criticism that dances through our brains just wanting to get out and play with others.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put all of us in a different place, mentally, socially and in many cases, even physically. As humans we naturally crave communication and social contact with others. This pandemic has tested us on all of the above levels. Perhaps introverts have fared a bit better than extroverts but maybe not. I am sure there are statistics on that somewhere – I just don’t feel like searching for them today.

Sometimes there are just too many numbers, facts, figures and attention grabbers to sort the truth from the fiction. Aren’t we capable of thinking on our own anymore? Are we capable of having our own opinions and sharing them sensibly instead of continuing to pour coals on an already blazing fire? Unfortunately, as we know all too well at this point, the answer is, in many cases, no.

The quarantine and isolation of last spring only exacerbated people sharing their opinions through mass and social media – one pundit has reported that our “liking” of being isolated – yes, that is what he said, has grown at a pace over the past year that would have likely taken 5 to 10 years at a normal pace. That is, without COVID-19. We were already headed there – a few moments observing people in many restaurant settings on their phones proves that point.

Are there countries that fare better in this environment? Are there nations that fare much worse? Nations whose people typically are very social, live in close proximity and have more family gatherings have likely suffered at a disproportionate rate.

America is probably somewhere in between but I would think leans more heavily toward the social and “get together” side of things. It remains to be seen whether we will return to some sense of normalcy as more and more people are vaccinated. Let’s hope that we do.

All reports indicate that our county and city health departments and all those that are helping to coordinate, administrate and give, the COVID-19 vaccinations are doing an admirable job and they deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Super Bowl prediction? The “old man” Tom Brady versus the “young gun” Patrick Mahomes – does it get much better than this? Let’s hope that both teams are actually on the sidelines for the National Anthem. It’s time for the NFL to tell their players to “man up” and show some respect for the flag and our nation. There, I said my peace – now, back to the prediction. I’ll make it in the Feb. 4 column. I need some time to ponder this pigskin prognostication.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion