A Struggle Amongst Society

The coronavirus was a virus that took over the United States by storm. The state I live in, Minnesota, has a few thousand cases compared to the rest of the nation. Growing up, you always see those dystopian films and books. The stories showcasing the results of the end of the world. Instead of a zombie virus, ours came in the form of a reaper. Many of those cases, according to the CDC, expose the unfortunate outcomes of the virus. The common symptoms are easily misdiagnosed, or ignored due to the broad spectrum of viruses already in existence. It first started as a rumor that caused the shortage of toilet paper. Personally, I was under the false pretenses that this was the flu with a different name on it. The media chose to exploit it, causing a panic amongst my peers. It wasn’t until I noticed Governor Tim Walz debating school closures for the entire state that I realized this virus was bigger than we all thought, and we weren’t prepared, to say the least.

Civilization is too busy fighting each other rather than working together. Schools closed, forcing students and teachers to prepare for e-learning, while other jobs closed. People raided stores, stocking up for the apocalypse and leaving many short of resources. According to a New York Times article “‘Instead of Coronavirus, the Hunger Will Kill Us.’ A Global Food Crisis,” millions of people across the globe are struggling for food. Despite the struggle in the U.S., people chose to ignore other countries’ suffering. Most civilians claimed society was being dramatic for stocking up enough to hoard, leaving others to suffer. I believe anything is worth preparing for before it's too late. Although this virus may not make the United States kneel and surrender, we still face a threat. As I watched elders cheer at the restock of toilet paper, I knew this virus was bigger than we thought. Acting like it was Black Friday, people stood in line for a chance of snagging some. States began to shut down, issuing stay-at-home orders. Families began to weep and suffer, trying to find second jobs. People will do anything they can if it means helping their own families, regardless of selfishness.

Essential workers aren’t receiving anything to help them during this virus. Most people turned to filing for unemployment in order to stay afloat. Meanwhile, those essential workers struggle to make a paycheck because of cut hours and regulations. A person granted unemployment in Minnesota receives payment and a $600 check. While these essential workers try to aid those in need, others took to the streets. The Washington Post reported civilians gathering at the Capitol in Wisconsin to protest the stay-at-home order. In my opinion, these protests are only causing more damage. The risk of the virus not only jeopardizes the unemployed, but also the essential workers trying to avoid protests in order to get to work. The protestors are biting the very hands of those who help feed them in times of need. In my experience, as an essential worker, I see all aspects of this situation. The United States is not prepared for this virus, turning people on each other in means of survival. As we struggle for resources, support, and love from each other, we all share one thing in common. We are all going through this together. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that eventually all storms have to pass in order for us to see the light.

—Taylor

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