These past two weeks, the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases have been rising. The latest data have three separate clusters on the island.
Along with these new cases, there are new decisions, changes in course direction, adjustments to policies, realignment of goals with new evidence.
We’ve learned a lot in the past eight months. Here in this province, we went from a lockdown in mid-March to re-opening with modifications in June to an Atlantic bubble in July.
We’re now in the final days of November and we are starting to see the edges of our pot beginning to bubble as rates of infection skyrocket elsewhere. We have shut down the Atlantic bubble for two weeks to contain travel-related infections and to ensure there is no spread at the community level.
Here on this side of the island, St. John’s city hall just announced it’s cancelling its plans for a two-weekend winter market with road closures, similar to its wildly successful pedestrian mall this summer.
I was looking forward to it until we had our first new, multiple cases (previously announced cases in early fall were often singular). I visited a couple of markets two weekends ago and felt my first prickles of unease since late February at the sight of crowds, the lack of any attempt to follow physical-distancing protocols, and the total disregard for mask protocols (including one person who kept their mask down to sample wares and chat enthusiastically to their companions).
There’s a lot of anger out there at the decision, following so closely on the heels of the cancellation of the Santa Claus parade (which this year would have been a parade in reverse: participants would do the walking by floats and participants at Mile One).
These days I am seeing a lot of fear, anxiety and grief resurfacing after our tumultuous spring.
In fact, let’s admit it: there’s a lot of anger out there, period. So many people had been hoping their family would be able to come home for Christmas; it’s almost certain now that travel restrictions will still be in place.
I used to think it was a symptom of the culture online; how anonymity can cloak people from the consequences. I was wrong though. People are getting angry everywhere.
Over this past year I came across a couple of really interesting concepts to look at anger: one uses the iceberg, and another uses a mask. Both images are great to explain hidden motivations driving anger, fury, rage, resentment and antagonism.
That’s because there is always something that provokes and stokes the anger. It could be fear, anxiety, frustration or disappointment. Sometimes people think acknowledging what’s behind the angry mask is more shameful than the anger itself. And yet, not acknowledging what’s driving the anger can create even more serious challenges to communication and resolution.
These days I am seeing a lot of fear, anxiety and grief resurfacing after our tumultuous spring. The cancellation of the parade and market mark the loss of the familiar, the fun, and yes, our new normal, too.
I get that people are disappointed the parade won't go ahead. I understand the need to support small businesses. I really appreciate how hard it is going to be for families not to see their loved ones this December.
The thing is, it doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with a decision. People use their fear or anxiety to fuel their anger. And while anger can fuel positive change, it can also fuel disrespect and lead to burnout.
It’s been a hard year. There’s a lot we need to focus on to make things better. Understand you don’t have to attend every argument to which you are invited. But if you do attend, remember to speak with intention and listen with attention.
Martha Muzychka is a writer living and working in St. John’s. Email [email protected]
