Creating my constraint map was very therapeutic for me because it helped me see the full effects of the CoronaVirus and the ways that it has affected the world. I have been in quarantine for 11 days after coming home from my spring break trip to Florida. I feel as though I cannot get out of the discussion of the virus and it is creating an environment for even more anxiety and stress. I know that many of my friends feel that way as well, and with social distancing, it is hard to get away from the effects of the virus. Especially with the flexible schedule and more time in my day without my daily routine, it is easy to lose purpose and motivation.
One thing that has helped me is the numerous celebrities and fitness instructors who are offering fitness classes and workouts from home that requires no gear or equipment. Since the YMCA in my town closed, I was very upset knowing that I would have a difficult time staying healthy for the next few months. Therefore, I have the online stuff effective in restoring my energy and motivation to get things accomplished. Furthermore, many DJs and artists are hosting Instagram Live videos and doing live concerts or “parties” online which is a fun way to utilize technology to take people’s minds off of the negatives caused by the virus.
As a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, it was great to hear that Zach and Julie Ertz, are donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to a Philadelphia Food Bank (https://clutchpoints.com/eagles-news-zach-ertz-julie-ertz-do-their-part-donating-to-philadelphia-food-bank/). I loved hearing that one of my favorite players was doing his part to help his local community and it inspired me to look up things in my community that I could do. I have been going on walks with my dog, and I have noticed many families doing the same. Therefore, I had to participate when I learned that people in my town were putting teddy bears in the house’s windows so that the kids and families can go on a “bear hunt”. They put together a map for the parents that shows all of the houses participating. I decided to find my teddy bear in my closet and put it in the window. Although this was not even close to the donation that the Ertzs gave, I felt like I had used my resources to try and make a difference.
Although I realize that I am extremely blessed to have food, shelter, and family/friends to keep me safe, it is easy to get lost in all of the negativity throughout the news and social media. I am lucky that I do not fall under the category of higher-risk individuals who have immunosuppression. I really applaud the companies and grocery stores that are reserving specific hours for the elderly to keep them safer. Some stores are Publix, Trader Joes and Whole Foods (https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/supermarkets-respond-to-pandemic-here-are-updated-schedules-and-hours-for-seniors/2209002/).
Furthermore, last night in my IP class, Memoirs of Neoliberalism, we spoke about the similarities between the AIDS epidemic and the Coronavirus in the US. At first, I was struggling to see the parallels, but after our discussions, I noticed that the similarities are found in the way that the people reacted to the diseases. Many politicians are calling the CoronaVirus the “Chinese Virus” which creates a stigma and racism towards the Chinese people. Although the virus might have originated in China, this term is not politically correct. Similarly, when the AIDS disease was first discovered in the 80’s it was seen as something that was caused by the LGBTQ+ community. That community was definitely not as socially accepted as it is today, which led to a lot of discrimination towards that community. Although there still isn’t a cure for AIDS there are numerous medicines to prolong someone’s life with the disease. In both cases, there is a group that is being discriminated against due to the virus, which should not be the reaction. People should be helping each other no matter what and trying to stop the virus.
Overall, creating this map allowed me to see the light that is shining through as our country tries to overcome this virus. At first, I found it difficult to circle and highlight the positive aspects of the virus, but as I thought from different perspectives I began circling more and seeing that we have to make the best out of a very bad situation.
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