New Normals?
Here’s a weird observation that has been running through my mind for a month, now…
A year ago, wearing a mask into a bank would get you swiftly tackled by a security guard. At the very least, it would have aroused suspicion. In general, unless you were a superhero or a raccoon, donning a mask generally meant you were about to knock over a 7-11 (or rob a stagecoach).
Today, such a sight would be greeted with a yawn. COVID-19 has normalized the wearing of masks, and doing so ranks you somewhere between responsible citizen and unsung hero.
Likewise, for my entire life, a man’s handshake was his word of honor. Aside from demonstrating respect, a good handshake was also a sign of competence and strength. Today it’s a sign you don’t care about spreading a potentially deadly virus.
Will the handshake return when this is all over? That’s unclear. At important turning points throughout history, symbols have taken on different—sometimes, opposite—meanings.
Consider the smokestack. A 1983 New York Times article laments the decline of “The emblems of its wealth–the heaving smokestacks of giant industries, the calloused hands of its armies of factory workers–[that] have given way to new emblems of stagnation and decline…”
That’s right. Not long ago, an image of a smokestack symbolized prosperity. Today, it screams POLLUTION! The interesting thing is that smokestacks haven’t changed. We have.
This is a perfect example of how context can quickly and radically change the way we interpret the world around us.
If watching pre-COVID TV shows (with images of people hugging, kissing, and gathering in crowded concerts—in short, not social distancing) provokes discomfort, then you know what I’m talking about.
I keep thinking, “Why are they standing so close?!?”
These people on my TV screen are doing things that seemed perfectly normal a few weeks ago. But now, I want to run up and tell them to “wash down that surface with Purell!” Will this experience breed a generation of lonely germaphobes? I hope not. Indeed, humans crave interaction and connection.
Speaking of which… If you’re looking for a SAFE way to meet some awesome people who share your interest in ideas and politics, then I invite you to come join us on our Zoom calls.
These discussions are a blast. If you don’t believe me, check out our chats with David Frum and Ramesh Ponnuru. These chats are exclusively available for supporters of the Matt Lewis & The News podcast. If you’re not already a member of this community, you can sign up here.
I hope to see you there, soon. You can give me a virtual fist bump. And no need to wear a mask!
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How to Reopen the Economy
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