Discipline is the name of the game; nothing important can be achieved without discipline - self - discipline, as well as national discipline.
There are countries in the far East that have managed to keep the covid-19 virus under control: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Thailand, Vietnam.....
Discipline in these countries is instilled from childhood. People there have respect for rules and for authority. Above all, they respect themselves and those around them.
The western countries on the other hand, rely on slogans, and seek what seems to be the easy way out - vaccine. Slogans can lack clarity , and even be confusing. Protests and pressure of citizens against restrictions, don't make things better.
'Stay Home' - the most memorable slogan during this pandemic , means what it says : stay home. You may leave the house for basic necessities only, and for a short time.
At first it worked well, but then people lost patience and started giving their own interpretation to the slogan. According to this interpretation, the problem lies merely in confined spaces with no adequate distancing among people.
Well, I'm not so sure about that. I don't dare yet going for a long walk in the park or sitting and eating in the outdoor spaces of restaurants and cafes. The virus, in my humble opinion, is in the air waiting to strike both indoors and outdoors. Masks and distancing may prevent that, but not hermetically.
Staying home worked for a while but people here don't want to do that anymore.
ReplyDeleteHi,Mary Good to hear from you.
DeleteWell, yes, people don't want restrictions imposed upon them. Nowhere. However, as I've pointed out in my post, there are places where people nevertheless obey the rules as required by the authorities.
I've heard they have experienced a drop in even the seasonal flu in Japan because of masks. We are a bit more rebellious here in the US. Some wear them, some don't. In the grocery store a few weeks ago there was a man without a mask. The manager told him he had to put one on or leave.
ReplyDeleteSo I heard Israeli fruit is now being sold in the UAE! Do you know anything about that? I have few details but I think it has something to do with the Abraham Accords.
ן'm sure of that. The mask is a cheap and efficient device against the flu virus.
DeleteAs for your question on the UAE - honestly, I don't know. The truth is we're having some domestic unrest here, and people are less interested in foreign relations.
Our slogan here in Arizona (from our governor) was "Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Connected." This whole virus mess has me really confused and I can't quite figure it out and who to believe or trust. Our cases are going up rapidly again but really not much has changed in what we are doing. Bars are still closed, restaurants at less than 50% capacity, etc. Only thing was for a month the kids were back in school (with modified schedules so only half the population was in person learning at a time). We are now back to virtual learning. They (doctor in charge here in Arizona) that its not because of masks not being worn or kids back in school but people have started gathering together in groups and not wearing masks, etc. So maybe we do need more discipline but here perhaps we are just too selfish and want that connection in person rather than through Zoom, Skype, etc. And then you got the people who won't take the vaccine (jury is still out whether I'm going to get the shot; need to read/hear more about it). I am tired of the slogans though. I grit my teeth when I hear them.
ReplyDeletebetty
Sounds like a full slogan.
DeleteHow about 'staying apart to stay together' - nice isn't it? I like that.
Trust your intuition, I say. Better than believe in politicians or doctors that wish to be on good terms with the politicians.
I am perfectly willing to wear a mask and make decisions that I don't especially like in the interests of the long term good. A vaccination appears to be a real possibility now and I hope that by this time next year COVID will be behind us. But it will not be the last pandemic I fear.
ReplyDeleteMe and many others are also willing to comply with the rules, whether we like it or not.
DeleteAs for vaccination, they say by the end of December- beginning of the new year, it might be available, which is not far away.
We have hope with a vaccine.
ReplyDeleteHope is always good; it strengthens us.
DeleteFrom the Media I learn that the vaccine test results are very promising.
If only more people in this world had respect for others and rules during these times and not lose patients maybe things would be a little improved.
ReplyDeleteMask help but it seems some countries are 'waiting' for the injection...thankfully we don't have any cases..but we wait.
covidiots - a term I came upon lately. It refers to people that put others at risk by ignoring masks and distancing.
DeleteYou are right. It gets complicated. And we are not calm people. Or so I have noticed in our city. Especially, when they feel the need to riot, play sports. Even trying to decide to wear the masks or not. Oh, and a gov. who must be one of Trump's puppets.
ReplyDeleteWearing a mask is of great importance, and not only against covid-19. For some reason,I've stopped, during the last decade, to take the flu vaccine, and I feel the mask in winter is the right solution for me.
DeleteYou are absolutely right! I am so glad there is someone who thinks like me, discipline is the answer and yeah, we have no discipline nowadays, ufortunately. Always looking for an easy way out, as you mentioned. I can't wait for all of this to end! Stay safe everyone!
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say, Natalia: " Great minds think alike. You, and me are the great minds":)
DeleteIn former communist countries like Poland where you live, and Romania, where I come from - discipline was and still is valued and appreciated.
Here in Britain the infection rate is far too high. Deaths from Covid19 are alarming. The older generation understand this; millions in their 20s to 50s are somewhat blasé and selfish, it seems to me.
ReplyDeleteToo many are ignoring this deadly disease and have no respect for others. Some are carriers but have no symptoms. Some DO have symptoms but shrug them off and carry on regardless. It matters not to such people.
And now we have the clamour for Christmas festivities, family gatherings and all the usual over-indulgence that comes annually. Oh my goodness, how selfish is that.
You, Duta, are perfectly correct in that we in the West could learn an awful lot from the Far Eastern countries about discipline and respect.
Oh, Philip. It's such a pleasure to read your sharp observations (though on a gloomy subject), and in such an impecable english!
DeleteYou're perfectly right, and there's nothing one could add to that.
Definitely in the USA we are not taught discipline or respect, we're told to that it doesn't matter as long as it makes us happy and "just do you". Sacrifice is not something we are used to. I personally believe that COVID is being spread with people gathering to celebrate occasions, not in going to the grocery store. That being said, I order groceries to pick up and try to stay out of stores. I always think if the mask is the answer to keep the virus from spreading, then use it. If it is not the answer, what did you lose? Having to be a little uncomfortable while shopping? It's just craziness. People say "it's not the law to wear the mask to to stay home, they are just recommendations". It's not the law to brush your teeth or take a shower, yet you do it! Ugh! Makes me so angry.
ReplyDeleteI agree with every word of your comment, Alicia. It's the gatherings and celebrations that cause spreading of the virus.
DeleteYour anger about some people's attitude towards wearing of masks is completely understandable.
We are waiting for vaccine, but discipline is still the highest priority. Indeed, discipline is a term of a game, but life is not different than that game.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Duta.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Right, Evi.
DeleteDiscipline should be given highest priority. The pandemic is not a game and we can't afford to lose.
Stay safe and well!
It's unbelievable over here in the US. If people don't care if they live or die, I wish they would at least consider the medical community, now so stressed, overworked, and traumatized. The selfishness is beyond belief.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe people are capable of such an attitude. Something is very wrong with education, in my opinion.
DeleteGreat post love to see it
ReplyDeletebhujangasana
Thank you, Vicky. You're welcome.
DeleteUnfortunate for those of us who have try to be safe there are too many in this country who are SELFISH. They want to do what they want and the rest of us be damn. Too many of our leaders are so afraid to make a stand as they do not wish to offend anyone. Idiots all. If all Americans did their part we would not be having the spreading of the virus. I am too old to understand the Me mentality. Peace
ReplyDeleteIn my reaction to a previous comment in this post, I mentioned a word I came upon lately - 'covidiots'. Well it says it all, I think.
DeleteI agree with you completely. I am a devoted mask wearer and distance keeper. I know things will ease in time. Why take chances till they do?
ReplyDelete"..a devoted mask wearer and distance keeper." I like that; great sentence!
Delete"Covidiots" spells out what is wrong with many, including our US leader who had a maskless party in the White House. Makes me sad to realize there is no leadership and so much rebellion over such a simple act of wearinga mask in public.
ReplyDeleteYes, the situation fills us with sadness. As for leadership, I'm afraid there's no such thing nowadays. Politicians are just politicians, nothing more; no potential leaders among them.
DeleteAmong people in the US there are those who listen, and those who just do what they want. Where I live, there are a lot of people following the suggested "rules" and too many who are going on about life, as if nothing has changed. It's pure selfishness, IMO. It's nto fun for any of us, to stay home, and not mingle with family and/or friends, but we do it out of fear of getting Covid, and passing it along to others, who might be vulnerable. Selfish people, flaunting the rules, and helping this virus infect others. I can't tell you how disappointed I am.
ReplyDeleteThat's human nature - mostly selfish.
DeleteWe are about to enter a third(!) lockdown by the end of the month, if the numbers continue to rise.
News about vaccine makes it all worse; people go into euphoria.
Right: "discipline is neessary".It has to be an integral part of our life style, as it helps us deal with problems and overcome crisis,
ReplyDeleteYes agreed I totally don't understand people protesting that they lost their freedom. To increase the possibility to get Covid is not really freedom. Strange world we live in.
ReplyDeleteStupidity reigns. Most people have a very faint idea, or no idea at all about notions such as 'freedom','human rights' ,'pandemic'. They use them without really understanding the meaning.
DeleteWesterners certainly don't like to be controlled. We have a problem with conspiracy theories and frankly a lack of critical thinking skills in the United States. Plus love is blind. Trump has been a disaster but his fans passionately disagree.
ReplyDeleteOne reason the Covid is so out of control is his refusal to acknowledge the disease as a health menace to his followers. Perfectly good people refuse to wear masks due to his influence. We have been calling his political rallies superspreader events.
I'm glad they have produced a vaccine. Unless I get the disease, I plan to get the vaccine. It will probably be about two months before the vaccine is available to someone like me.
Stay safe.
I'm very critical of politicians in my country. I don't belong to those 'blind fans'; never will.
Delete'super-spreader' events - seems to be the right term for those political rallies.
The vaccine gives hope, and that's the light at the end of the tunnel people are waiting for.
Stay safe and well, you too!
The current slogan in the UK is 'Hands, Face, Space' meaning 'washing your hands, covering your face and making space'
ReplyDeleteEddie and I are very cautious when going out and always wear our masks.
Stay safe and well.
All the best Jan
Concise and clear!
DeleteMay they all behave like you and Eddie!
The very Best to you too!