New Social Tensions Created By The Pandemic

     Social tensions have been prevalent long before the coronavirus pandemic hit. However, a new area of tension specifically related to the pandemic has recently become prevalent. Some are not taking it as seriously as others and this causes a divide between friends and family. At UK, some people are continuing to go out to frats and bars as carelessly as before. Many of my friends continue to participate in the same social events as before without taking precautions. This makes me frustrated with them because I feel as though they are being inconsiderate of others and contributing to the spread of the virus. My sorority has also gotten in trouble for some of the members doing the same thing which has caused tension within my sorority. My family also doesn't believe that the virus is that big of a deal because they live in Danville, a smaller town, where they aren't exposed to new cases everyday. My family gets together every Sunday to have lunch together with my grandparents and aunts, and recently I have been keeping my distance as a safety measure. This weekend my father got really frustrated with me because he thinks I'm using it as an excuse to not spend time with family. Here is a conversation we had via messages. 

    As you can see, it is causing a lot of tension within my family. This has also made relationships difficult for those couples who aren't able to see each other as much because of the virus. For example, my boyfriend goes to a small liberal arts college with strict covid regulations. During the pandemic at school I have only been able to see him a handful of times. This has been really difficult for us because spending time together online is not the same as spending time together in person. Many people however are having the opposite problem. During the lockdown, countless couples broke up or got divorced from spending too much time together and simply getting fed up with their partner. This pandemic is putting strains on all types of relationships that hasn't been experienced before and trying to navigate that has been difficult. I have found that the best way to deal with it so far has been to be vulnerable and transparent with people about how you feel. Communication is always key, and even though times are hard, those who care about you will always listen. 

UK Core Issue: How Do We Distribute Covid Vaccines?

    As soon as the first safe and effective vaccine becomes available, I think healthcare workers, and those at high risk of contracting the virus should be in line to receive the first doses of the vaccine. I believe this because health care workers are in contact with so many people, that we need to ensure safety and sterilization in the hospitals first. We also need these professionals in good health so they are able to continue helping others, especially during this time. I also think those at high risk of contracting the virus should get the vaccine first because not only are they at a higher risk of getting the virus, but this also means that the most likely group to spread the virus as well. To ensure that people aren't lying about their health status or professor, measures should be taken so that they are able to provide proof. Not only should a doctors note stating their opinion about whether or not they are high risk be required, but a medical history or physical exam should be required as well. Identification should be required with proof of employment so we can ensure the vaccine is going to the right people first. 

    Another issue with vaccines is convincing skeptics that not only is the vaccine safe, but it is necessary. Many people are worried about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine because it was rushed out to market. According to an AP poll, only half of Americans said they would be willing to get the new vaccine. Providing the public with as much information as possible may help to alleviate some of these fears. These fears are especially prevalent in African Americans who have a long distrust of the medical industry due to discrimination in the past. Things such as having diverse testing groups to see how it affects different races and genders are important, as well as a public service campaign explaining the safeties and necessity of getting the vaccine as the vaccines are being released would also be important. Incentives might be beneficial to lower income families as well, such as a free vaccine or, if thats not possible, distributing food stamps to those that get the vaccine might increase the likelihood of that particular group getting vaccinated as well. This vaccine needs to go to EVERYONE in order to effectively fight this pandemic, not just a portion of people. This is why it is so important to brainstorm ideas on how to reach all groups of people during this time. 

Online Learning during Pandemic Leaves Lower Class Kids Behind

     According to The Buffalo News, nearly 40,000 kids in West New York live without a computer or high speed internet. This is due to many reasons including affordability, as well as there simply not being access where they are located. Many efforts have been made to combat this issue, but nothing has proved to be a true fix. Some of these ideas include, sending tablets home with students grade 3 and up and telling teachers to  keep in mind that not everyone has good internet, if any at all while planning their remote lesson plans. But what does this look like? What good does a tablet do if the students can not submit assignments or ask the teacher for help? Some schools sent out paper packets, but this is not a sustainable plan. Portable hot spots have been lent to families in need, however there are so many that this doesn't seem sustainable either. One school had the idea to park buses with wireless routers in neighborhoods without Wifi so they could work online. Navigating this pandemic has been difficult but necessary. The internet has provided many new outlets to continue 'normal life' during this pandemic, but unfortunately isn't available to everyone. According to the article, "the largest number of "disconnected" students are in urban districts with large school enrollments and high poverty." I have even seen this problem close to home, in Lexington Ky. My little cousin has to work on a desktop that is also used by both of her parents. Comparing students who have access to internet with students who don't is known as the "digital divide". Leaders in Kentucky state that "the state should view internet access as a public good similar to electricity and school buses" according to the Courier Journal. According to this article, "Recent U.S. Census figures showed showed that Kentucky ranked that Kentucky ranked 44th in the nation for broadband access, with roughly 25% of households lacking a subscription lacking a subscription for high-speed internet and more than 15% of homes not having a computer." This problem is being seen across the country and if we don't find a permanent solution now, some of these kids will fall desperately behind. 

Covid and Pop Culture

     This is the first pandemic where even though everyone is isolated, we can be connected to each other through the internet. Because of this, Covid has become entangled with some pop culture references. One example is famous country singers, Luke Combs, new song called "6 Feet Apart". This song is about the difficulties of social distancing. The chorus of this song reflects these feelings by saying,

"I miss my mom, I miss my dad

I miss the road, I miss my band

Giving hugs and shaking hands

Well, it's a mystery I suppose

Just how long this thing goes

But there'll be crowds and there'll be shows

And there will be light after dark 

Someday when we aren't six feet apart"

This song mentions some of the main changes brought on by quarantine such as not being able to see the people you love, not being able to touch people or go places, and the shutting down of things like concerts and shows. This has been such a shocking culture change for most people, and has lasted so long, that it is a popular and commonly used pop-culture reference. 

    Another example of this would be entire media pages dedicated to "Karen" customers. These are customers that lose their minds over having to wear masks in stores and having temper tantrums that people catch on video. My generation finds these videos hilarious! I find most of these videos on TikTok but they can be found on Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat, or pretty much any social media outlet. These costumers make a big deal out of what they should be allowed to do, and refuse to leave when asked. "Karens" are boomers who are known for being difficult and rude. An example of one of these videos can be found here. These are just a few examples of how Covid has impacted our pop culture forever. 

Uncertainty During The Pandemic at Universities

     A lot of fear surrounding the pandemic stems from the uncertainty of not knowing whats going on. UK has done a great job of providing free testing for students on campus, however, they have not done a good job of letting students know their results. I am aware that if I were to test positive they would call me, but I would still appreciate a confirmation email letting me know that I am negative to ease the anxiety of waiting for a call. I have gotten at least 4 tests through UK, and only on one of those tests did I receive a confirmation email letting me know that I was negative. This uncertainty has added to my anxiety surrounding the virus. Friends and peers that I have spoken too say they have experienced the same thing. An email or call should be sent to students that were tested regardless of their results. 

    UK has also been really slow with contact tracing. I know there are a lot of cases right now and they must be overwhelmed, but they are not contributing to the halt of the virus this way. I was contact traced and I didn't receive a call until a week after the person tested positive. Fortunately I knew before UK so I started my own quarantine, but hadn't I could have been unknowingly putting people at risk by leaving my apartment. If UK isn't well equipped to handle the virus, then we shouldn't be on campus. It is putting a lot of students and other people in Lexington at risk. 

How Has Covid Altered Your Relationship With Food?

     Covid has altered my relationship with food in terms of accessibility. During the pandemic going out to eat has been difficult because of social distancing restrictions. This means that people either resulted to cooking more, or eating more fast food. Restaurants with drive throughs or take out were the only ones that survived. This is typically fast food restaurants instead of the nice sit-down ones. Grocery shopping was also more difficult and many people, including myself, resolved to using a "click-list" where you order the groceries you need online and someone brings them out to your car. Many of my friends diets have gotten worse because they are utilizing the accessibility and practicality of fast food restaurants. I think my diet has slightly improved because when I grocery shop I only order the things I need instead of picking up extra snacks as I walk throughout the store. 

    My parents relationship with food has been even more strenuous since the start of the pandemic. My dad has a suppressed immune system so he has to be extra careful not to contract the virus. Because of this, my mom has to wipe down everything that enters our house, including groceries. This is very time consuming. 

    Since I live off campus, the campus style of dining hall meals hasn't affected me. However, my boyfriend goes to a small liberal arts college where all there is to eat are the dining hall meals. They are not allowed to sit down and eat together, so their food is packaged up for pick up. All of the fresh deli stations are closed due to guideline restrictions. These new rules makes the already not so good food taste even more stale and cold. As a result of this, many people at his school go to fast food restaurants like McDonalds instead. This is contributing to an unhealthy diet as a staple with many people at his school. 

Getting Information On the Pandemic

     If I'm being completely honest, I get most of my information from social media outlets. I know these may not be the best method of getting information but if you think about it, any platform now a-days is biased. After I see information about the pandemic on twitter or TikTok that interest me I'll do my own research to make sure its not fake news. I generally trust the information I see because after I do research it usually checks out. However, I am aware that social media is typically more left leaning nowadays because the younger generation is more liberal than conservative. This has caused some tension in my family because my parents are very conservative and they do not like my liberal views on things or my sources. I think the most dangerous thing to come out of this pandemic is the politicization of the pandemic. On TikTok the other day there was an audio recording of Trump admitting that he downplayed the severity of the pandemic. This is the link to the recording. This is dangerous because people are not wearing masks or quarantining as they should, because their PRESIDENT is acting like its not a big deal, and why would be lie? Trump claims it was to avoid a panic, but I think overall it has done more harm than good. We are on the 9th month of this virus and its still spreading because people are not taking it seriously enough. People think its scam, and if they would just social distance and use masks like Italy did, we would be over this by now. 

The Effects of Quarantine on Mental Health

     I have struggled with my mental health for years. The pandemic has definitely negatively affected my mental health due to social isolation and the lack of information surrounding the virus. I am going on week 3 out of 4 of social isolation because as soon as I got out of quarantine, I was contact traced again. I have been trying to keep myself busy with homework, runs and yoga in the park, reading, and watching my favorite movies. However, not being able to continue with my usual routine of seeing friends, going to the gym, and being outside for most of the day has been a very difficult adjustment. Because I can relate so closely to this topic I decided to do a little research. 

    According to Coronavirus: How Does Quarantine Affect Your Mental Health? quarantine has an impact on three important elements of mental health; emotional well being, psychological well being, and social well being. It can even lead to several health risks such as depressive symptoms, impaired cognitive function, poor sleep, poor heart health and low immunity. The article claims that these symptoms are mostly triggered by longer quarantine, inadequate information, inadequate supplies, boredom, infection fears and financial loss. The article also gave some suggestions to help cope during this time. This included staying active throughout the day, keeping a well balanced diet, communicate with friends and family when feeling lonely, avoid alcohol and other drugs that can worsen your mental health, and trying to maintain a schedule among others. 

    I will be trying a few of these coping strategies to see if they are beneficial. I know that everyone is struggling during this time, but those with preexisting mental health problems need to be taking extra good care of themselves! I also think that using social media to express how we are being affected will help others see that they are not alone during this time, and even though there is no end in sight, it will not last forever! 

Will UK Revert to All-Online Classes by the End of the Semester?

     The popular opinion on campus right now is that UK will revert to all-online classes by the end of the semester and had planned to do this all along. The consensus is that UK brought us to campus for the income made off of meal plans, parking spaces and housing, only to send us home half-way through the semester for safety reasons so they can keep our money. Although there is no evidence of this, it seems likely. Bringing people back to campus has caused a spike in coronavirus cases (expectantly) due to the social construct build into the college atmosphere. While some students are following regulations, its inevitable that some will continue to socialize as they normally would. We are especially seeing this with greek life right now, as UK has concluded that there is an increase rate of 3% of Covid cases in the Greek population compared to the general student population. They have determined this by re-testing the students involved in Greek Life at UK. There are multiple reasons that Greek life has higher infection rates. The first and most obvious one, is that they are ignoring the precautions and continuing to engage in social events such as partying. I have witnessed large gatherings myself off of campus. Another possibility, is that social distancing in Greek housing is less of an option than the dorms. After living in the Theta house last year, I can confidently say that it is near to impossible to social distance from the 50 other girls you live with in one house. This thought came to me when i heard of how many Covid cases there currently were in the new Theta house. While I'm sure they are doing the best they can, it is difficult to isolate in your own home when so many others live there as well. Regardless, the conclusion is that Covid will be too difficult to contain on a campus with so many students and will most likely result in all-online classes until the virus can be better contained. 

https://youtu.be/6ENGjqdvkx0 

(This video is of the students at UK not following social distance guidelines)