Before Covid – After Covid
When I was growing up in my English Church of England Primary School we had R.E, or Religious Education once a week. I have little idea what was taught as I usually spent the time doodling, whispering to friends, or daydreaming. But I did learn two things. The time boundary that divided’“BC’ from ‘AD’
‘AD’ fooled me into thinking I knew a bit of Latin because it means ‘Anno Domini’. So, for example, the year 1950, would often be written as, ‘1950 A.D.’ meaning ‘in the year of our Lord 1950.’
‘BC however, meant ‘ Before Christ’, and for many religious historians, who only believe in the New Testament, that time didn’t exist, or if it did, it was pagan, and therefore not worth knowing. In other words, this was the time of The Old Testament.
My school days were a long time ago. But nowadays the phrase “Before Covid” is heard constantly. And sometime soon that may well be shortened to BC (Hard to believe that the first 8 known cases were released on January 24th). Though formally speaking if we refer to it by its correct name of Covid19, then December 31st is the last day BC. And by the same thought process we are now – and forever after, in AC. or After Covid. Are you with me so far?
The daily news is giving us glimpses of how this AC future will pan out. Yes, we are globally in Recession, yes, we are playing the Blame Game as to where the virus came from, whether it was accidental or intentional, and many other variable conspiracy theories dealing with trying to take over the world.
Certainly, our phones will have to carry a travel id, and currently, Melbourne City has made the wearing of face masks compulsory, with strong suggestions that others should follow.
Imagine an entire city going about their everyday chores dressed like this?
Of course, it could be worse. Back in 1942, the wearing of gas masks was compulsory in schools, even for small kids.
And for those of us who have read George Orwell’s 1984 book about a Dystopian totalitarian future,. or watched the British science fiction film of the same name, it’s possible to consider that Big Brother is really here – and no, I am not referring to reality t.v.) The next step may well be the Thought Police!. Scary, yes, but it is really the young generation – the millennial – who will live most of their lives only knowing AC. It’s quite a revelation.
To date, over 42 million people have contracted the disease: and claimed over one and a half a million lives. It is unknown how many are carrying the virus. The best site for the updates is ncov2019.live which I have just learned was begun by Avi Shiffman, who is still only just gone 17. Avi has built one of the most popular tracking websites in the world, with over 30 million visitors a day. He even turned down $8 million to put ads on the site. An incredible young man, and an incredible, if daunting site.
It seems odd to think back to the blissful BC time a few months ago when we were all talking about “the greatest threat and dilemma facing the world:” that is, or was, climate change. Remember Greta Thunberg, even now only 16.
And what does it say to our political leaders that our social leaders are so very young – with so much of their life ahead of them>
If there is one joy to be had in our new era of A.C it is that without industry and traffic pollution in air, land or sea, our planet has had a chance to heal. And is doing wonderfully well.
If only we can keep it that way.
Stay Safe
*****