On "Culling the Herd," - Thoughts from the editor
June 25, 2020
Sheila Harris
I know, I know. We’re all tired of hearing about COVID-19, perhaps me, most of all. I sit here at my desk, day
after day, and watch press releases come in informing me of the daily uptick in cases. I read dire news headlines that
would make my hair stand on end if I were as fearful of death as I once was. And, yes, I confess to an intense interest in the whole business, which could be considered a tad bit unhealthy, I guess.
I'm in no way terrified, just mesmerized. It's amazing to me that we actually have the means of tracking the course of a virus, something impossible not too many years ago. Watching its progress has become almost predictable, considering the relaxing of restrictions, large holiday gatherings, summer school, etc.
It was expressed to me today that the justification for going ahead with plans to host a large, upcoming festival was because "people are tired of COVID-19." I get that. But, unfortunately, that doesn't mean COVID-19 is tired of us. It's here, in stronger numbers than before. Pretending like it doesn't exist won't make it go away.
Yes, the picture painted by the news is downright gloomy, and it does seem as though there's no escape from talk of the virus. Whether we choose to listen, ignore or ridicule, COVID-19 is still among us, and I would be remiss if I didn’t report
the facts as they’re presented to me.
Our opinions regarding the origin of the virus and what our proper reactions should be to it are as varied as the personalities that populate southwest Missouri.
Some say it should run rampant to build up herd immunity; some say it shows a lack of faith in God if a person puts on a mask; others cry "foul play," suggesting it's a violation of our civil rights, or some kind of conspiracy if we're asked to wear a mask.
At one time I might have bought into one of those beliefs, but not anymore. Not since I have old friends and a new-ish grandbaby I'm concerned about. Both things have given me pause for consideration.
The "survival of the fittest" does seem to be a principle at play where this virus is concerned, a principle which, historically, could be considered evolutionary. Who am I to say whether we're facing a "culling of the herd," on some natural or supernatural scale? I don't claim to have that sort of knowledge.
I do know, though, I'd hate to suppose I was a viral vector used unwittingly as a culling agent. For that reason, I choose to wear a mask in public. Surprisingly, I've discovered I'm one of only a few.
I'm surprised, too, to discover that a few people have very poor opinions of those who wear masks. Primarily, I suspect, we're thought to be "fraidy-cats," but I've also heard it implied that we're "conspiracists," "liberals," or maybe even "heathens." I don't really understand the spoken or unspoken name-calling, but it does tend to display the fruit of one's spirit.
I'm not advocating that we huddle behind closed doors for the rest of our lives, but because COVID-19 is primarily spread by droplets of saliva emitted when we speak, wearing a mask in public places could be considered a common courtesy.
The word "unprecedented" has been used a lot lately, but it's apropos of the days we're now living in. Sometimes new times call for new habits. Mask-wearing, for me, might be one of them. It's not fun, granted, but at least I won't need to worry about putting on lipstick. Or even brushing my teeth, for that matter.
Sheila Harris
I know, I know. We’re all tired of hearing about COVID-19, perhaps me, most of all. I sit here at my desk, day
after day, and watch press releases come in informing me of the daily uptick in cases. I read dire news headlines that
would make my hair stand on end if I were as fearful of death as I once was. And, yes, I confess to an intense interest in the whole business, which could be considered a tad bit unhealthy, I guess.
I'm in no way terrified, just mesmerized. It's amazing to me that we actually have the means of tracking the course of a virus, something impossible not too many years ago. Watching its progress has become almost predictable, considering the relaxing of restrictions, large holiday gatherings, summer school, etc.
It was expressed to me today that the justification for going ahead with plans to host a large, upcoming festival was because "people are tired of COVID-19." I get that. But, unfortunately, that doesn't mean COVID-19 is tired of us. It's here, in stronger numbers than before. Pretending like it doesn't exist won't make it go away.
Yes, the picture painted by the news is downright gloomy, and it does seem as though there's no escape from talk of the virus. Whether we choose to listen, ignore or ridicule, COVID-19 is still among us, and I would be remiss if I didn’t report
the facts as they’re presented to me.
Our opinions regarding the origin of the virus and what our proper reactions should be to it are as varied as the personalities that populate southwest Missouri.
Some say it should run rampant to build up herd immunity; some say it shows a lack of faith in God if a person puts on a mask; others cry "foul play," suggesting it's a violation of our civil rights, or some kind of conspiracy if we're asked to wear a mask.
At one time I might have bought into one of those beliefs, but not anymore. Not since I have old friends and a new-ish grandbaby I'm concerned about. Both things have given me pause for consideration.
The "survival of the fittest" does seem to be a principle at play where this virus is concerned, a principle which, historically, could be considered evolutionary. Who am I to say whether we're facing a "culling of the herd," on some natural or supernatural scale? I don't claim to have that sort of knowledge.
I do know, though, I'd hate to suppose I was a viral vector used unwittingly as a culling agent. For that reason, I choose to wear a mask in public. Surprisingly, I've discovered I'm one of only a few.
I'm surprised, too, to discover that a few people have very poor opinions of those who wear masks. Primarily, I suspect, we're thought to be "fraidy-cats," but I've also heard it implied that we're "conspiracists," "liberals," or maybe even "heathens." I don't really understand the spoken or unspoken name-calling, but it does tend to display the fruit of one's spirit.
I'm not advocating that we huddle behind closed doors for the rest of our lives, but because COVID-19 is primarily spread by droplets of saliva emitted when we speak, wearing a mask in public places could be considered a common courtesy.
The word "unprecedented" has been used a lot lately, but it's apropos of the days we're now living in. Sometimes new times call for new habits. Mask-wearing, for me, might be one of them. It's not fun, granted, but at least I won't need to worry about putting on lipstick. Or even brushing my teeth, for that matter.