We admit — when we first saw the term “social distancing” emerge as a precaution to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, we groaned. (The last thing we need is more separation & polarization!) But alas, this is exactly how we must take care of one another. So as we reluctantly reschedule our planned gatherings for an uncertain timeline, here are some words we have found helpful:
ARTICLES
We Need Social Solidarity, Not Just Social Distancing
(Eric Klinenberg, The New York Times, March 14, 2020)
Social Justice in a Time of Social Distancing
(Kenneth Bailey, Design Studio for Social Intervention, March 11, 2020)
Principles for Ethical Cancellation
(Springboard for the Arts, March 13, 2020)
When Cancel Everything Means Disaster for Artists
(Sarah Holder, City Lab, March 16, 2020)
Coronavirus is an Indictment of Our Way of Life
(Helaine Olen, Washington Post, March 13, 2020)
Tell Us Your Stories of Community Resilience
(Jessica Lee Martin, City Lab, March 16, 2020)
QUOTES
“In the rubble of our foiled plans, in the fog of uncertainty, we keep looking for beauty. That is how civilizations endure, how societies and the human beings that constellate them heal. It may be the only way we do.” -Maria Popova
“We are all realizing how interconnected we all are as we distance ourselves from each other.” -Ibram X. Kendi
“As a sociologist can I just remind everyone that we should in fact try and minimize "social distancing" whilst maximizing physical distancing. To get through this our ability to maintain strong, connective social bonds is as important as having a strong, biological immune system.” -Ben Carrington
“Who will we be to each other? In our young century this question is inextricable from the question of what it means to be human. How we live into it, or flee it, will be the difference between whether we flourish as a species or merely survive.” -Krista Tippett
“We all live in the same house, we all must be part of the effort to hold down our little house. When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just — do something about it. Say something. Have the courage.” -John Lewis
“In hard times, some people become warriors, some become diplomats, and some become healers. They're all needed.” -@yayfrens
“How are we demonstrating compassionate action? We are being forced to shift. Let’s stay in Love.” -Bernice King
"We are not a country that is divided, we are a country that is disconnected." -Rev. Dr. Steve Bland Jr.
“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, ‘It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” -Fred Rogers
"We have survived apart, and distance has created many problems. We now have a greater challenge; we must learn to live together. It’s a greater challenge than surviving apart, but infinitely more rewarding.” -Rev. Jesse Jackson
“Our moment of crisis is decades in the making, the endgame of decades of embracing the idea that we are not interconnected, that it is each man and woman for themselves.” -Helaine Olen
“Civic life is not about being alone. It’s about getting along with other people in a real place. Not just because you have to, but because of the wonderful benefits conferred on us by the condition known as civilization.” -James Howard Kunstler
NOW YOU:
Whose words do you turn to in hard times?
How are you practicing social solidarity?