Tarred and Feathered - the COVID Letter
“A group experience takes place on a lower level of consciousness than the experience of an individual. This is due to the fact that, when many people gather together to share one common emotion, the total psyche emerging from the group is below the level of the individual psyche. If it is a very large group, the collective psyche will be more like the psyche of an animal, which is the reason why the ethical attitude of large organizations is always doubtful. The psychology of a large crowd inevitably sinks to the level of mob psychology. If, therefore, I have a so-called collective experience as a member of a group, it takes place on a lower level of consciousness than if I had the experience by myself alone.” ― C.G. Jung, The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
What the hell Canada? What the hell? Are we re-enacting a scene from the Scarlet Letter or the Salem Witch Trials? Are we living in Nazi occupied Germany in the 40’s? Is this Northern Ireland, during the Troubles? What the hell is wrong with you people and where has your empathy gone? You’re not only set to ‘tar and feather’ the unvaccinated; whether or not they choose not to get the shot(s), apparently but you’re also suggesting we, “let them die”, or “leave them in tents outside”, like they’re sub-human. Like their lives don’t matter because they haven’t ‘towed the company line’ and got the shot(s). This is NOT okay! This is the complete and utter erosion of humanity occurring right before our very eyes!
The worst part of this is, that I’m seeing a ton of this coming from people who call themselves, “pro-life” supporters. What does pro-life mean to you? Just the lives of fetuses? Or doesn’t their life matter after they’re born? You’re not pro-life, you’re simply anti-abortion. And, seeing this same harmful and toxic rhetoric coming from some who call themselves ‘Christians’, as well; those of whom should damn well know, that it’s neither our job to judge, nor is it okay for us to harm others. On the contrary, it’s our duty to love one another, unconditionally, and completely. To serve others, to protect others and, to care for others. To lay down our lives for their brothers and sisters; whether or not we deem them ‘worthy’ of such! Whether or not they are vaccinated! That’s true love and compassion. That’s true faith and service. This divisiveness is not!
I’m not getting into the politics of this issue. I’m not going to argue whether it’s right or wrong. Selfish or personal choice; to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. My opinion on the matter is that each person has their reasons; whether based in reality or fiction. Whether because of health, biology, faith or science-based reasoning for either getting the shot(s) or not getting the shot(s). I have friends and loved ones who got the shot(s), and those who did not/will not. I love them all, equally. And, all of their lives matter to me. Every single damn one of them!
Without telling you what my decision was in this regard, I will tell you that, I didn’t make my decision lightly. I also, didn’t consider only myself in the decision-making process. But it was my decision. Just like the decision I made to serve my country, which led to the state of brokenness I am currently in; I’d do it all again despite that. People, like me have served their country, their communities and fellow-humans are choosing to and not to get the shot(s) for their own reasons. Some don’t, because they’ve given more than enough of themselves, already and, despite their need and desire to serve and protect others have just hit their limit; especially with the state of humanity right now. Some, do because it’s in their nature to think of and serve and protect others over self and do so without even thinking. Some, both; most of whom carefully consider and consciously decision-make. Either way, it’s still their decision; at least until that decision is taken completely away from them.
In the meantime, those of who make remarks like those seen in the above newspaper article, are often the ones seen lining up in droves; in airports, at restaurants, in parks, etc. Some masked properly, some not properly. Some, not at all. And, like the Maclean’s article from 25 August suggests (and demonstrates with the attached photo), aren’t taking the appropriate social distancing precautions, themselves. Most of whom, considering the restrictions in place for air travel, at present, are likely vaccinated. However, we know that even the vaccinated can have the virus with little to no symptoms, and pass it to others; who pass it to others, who pass it to the unvaccinated. The unvaccinated who are more at risk, than they are. So, it’s pretty clear that they don’t really care whether or not they get others sick, themselves; that they got the vaccine for themselves and themselves, alone. So, who are the selfish ones now?
Has our humanity truly eroded so greatly? Are we really as selfish as we continually suggest the unvaccinated are? Who in their right mind truly believes that we have a ‘right’ to let someone die, simply because they haven’t got the vaccine yet, or at all? Do I agree with someone’s choice to be or not be vaccinated? It’s none of my damn business. I know what my choice was, and my reasoning behind it. I also understand ‘herd immunity’, and its effect on helping to lessen the spread of the virus. As do I understand how the vaccine helps to curb symptoms and effects of the virus on those who have their shot(s). I’ve done as much research as I can possibly do. Talking to/listening to/watching health experts, scientists, doctors, epidemiologists, etc; versus Facebook experts or my uncle Chuck, who didn’t graduate high school. I have enough knowledge and understanding now that I’ve made my decision in a truly informed way. And, I still mask up. I still wash my hands with far too great a regularity. And, I still socially distance in public, and in some private situations. I also, still limit my social contact with others; although, to be honest, that has more now to do with how little tolerance I have for some people now because of all of the division.
The virus is a real threat, yes. I know this. But so is the division, violence, hatred and quickly deteriorating autonomy of human beings here, in this country; in North America, as a whole right now (and in far too many others, throughout the world, as well). As I’ve said in previous blog posts I’ve written, even if humanity does survive this global pandemic, what are we surviving for; if we’re at each other’s throats, if we’re spewing harmful, hateful and violent rhetoric at one another? If there is division and hatred? If people no longer care about one another? If we lose our compassion? If we no longer have ‘humanity’, what’s the point of humanity surviving? What are we surviving for?
No, it’s NOT okay; to be hateful, violent and lacking in compassion and empathy. It’s NOT okay to be judgmental and inconsiderate. It’s definitely NOT okay to suggest that we should just let others die; regardless of our reasoning for feeling that way.
I know what I’d like to see happen. I’d like to see this virus eradicated; and to see everyone do their part - regardless of what that looks like to them - to contribute to that outcome. To see us move forward in a more compassionate and loving manner; putting the 'human' back in 'humanity'. To not just pay lip service to the notion that, “we’re all in this together”; we’re apparently not. And, to have some semblance of ‘no….’ … well, I won’t say it because we all know nothing will ever be that again.
But here’s hoping that society will not go back to a mediaeval, group-think, autocratic, state and similarly dark times again… oh wait, we’re already there!
Unfollow, unfriend or tar and feather me for this post, if you like. I'll be okay... I served in the military and as a copper so, I'm vaccinated; against BS and inhumanity!
“We should know what our convictions are, and stand for them. Upon one's own philosophy, conscious or unconscious, depends one's ultimate interpretation of facts. Therefore it is wise to be as clear as possible about one's subjective principles. As the man is, so will be his ultimate truth.”
― jung