Cultural Somnambulism and COVID-19

Observing the pace at which influencers and thought leaders adapt to new dynamics can be engaging in times of tremendous change. Some may argue that even those who pride themselves on being change-makers can be slow to embrace new paradigms. Recently, a discussion on LinkedIn caught my attention, where brilliant individuals debated the future of open rental space in large cities as more people transition to virtual work-life realities. While some advocated for the old way of doing things, it is essential to remember that change is only sometimes embraced overnight.

Critics might view this reluctance to change as a symptom of cultural somnambulism or a sleepwalking mindset. They argue that it exposes the shallowness of an age where inexperienced influencers believe they can lead others without sufficient education or life experience. They fear that following such leaders mindlessly might surrender our lives and fortunes to despots who manipulate us. History is replete with examples of societies falling into the hands of such leaders.

Interestingly, Americans seem to act like the COVID-19 pandemic is humanity’s first major crisis. However, plagues have ravaged Europe for centuries, leading to the decline of cities due to poor hygiene, lack of medical treatment, and limited resources. People were forced to return to rural life as cities crumbled. History could repeat itself. Take Japan, for example, whose low infection rates can be attributed to their long-standing practices of wearing masks and practicing social distancing, learned from previous experiences with SARS and other infectious diseases. They understand that these issues cannot be resolved solely through politics or waiting for a vaccine. As we speak, a new COVID variant has even forced Great Britain into lockdown.

Another concern is the widespread delusion among the public. It is alarming that many people believe in COVID-19-related misinformation and its political controversies. This raises questions about the influencers responsible for spreading these falsehoods and their priorities. Witnessing senior citizens suffering while some influencers position themselves to receive early vaccine access is disheartening. Government officials should prioritize vaccinating vulnerable populations before considering their own vaccination.

Critics argue that some leaders might be content with the death count, which means decreased social security payments, medical expenses, and retirement funds. However, it is essential to remember that countless individuals have contributed to these systems throughout their work, making this situation a tragic loss. Furthermore, the upcoming misinformation campaigns against vaccines only exacerbate our challenges.

The current situation sometimes reminds me of the people in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries who wrongly blamed the Black Death on witchcraft, minorities, or science while millions died. In their desperation, they believed that the general population was too ignorant to govern itself, leading to the rise of theocratic leaders. It took centuries to recover from the setbacks caused by such regressive thinking.

In conclusion, both delusion and sleepwalking exist in our society. In the face of the tremendous challenges the pandemic brings, it can be disheartening to see a lack of awakening and resistance to change. However, it is crucial to maintain hope and actively work towards a better future. By learning from the past, engaging in constructive dialogue, and making informed decisions, we can overcome our self-induced inertia and strive for a new normal, considering the lessons learned from this crisis.