In 1998, Lori Borgman wrote of the Death of Common Sense. 12 years later, in a Millennial driven world, that story cries out, still unheeded.
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”
Besieged on all sides by a tiny microbe, our species seems poised on the edge of possible extinction, by allowing the permanent loss of common sense. In our race to be superior, we have allowed total rights to outweigh common sense. Born in 1952, the product of possibly the last generation to utilize common sense, and terms such as, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. I see the failure of the new age.
The South, is historically a “Rights” area. We took our rights to the ultimate in the Civil War. An exercise which clearly didn’t end well for either side. A clear case of “Just because we could, didn’t mean we should”. We also are the seat of “Civil rights” that was a great idea and very needed, but like all rights, has been bandied about to the benefit of individuals, and not the greater good.
“No one wants to be seen, with a Nappy head”
Like Common Sense, this microbe doesn’t see color or race. It searches only for survival, the chance to procreate. The “Me” generation and those who have forgotten common sense, are helping this situation to continue a deadly spiral. We have businesses insisting on staying open, as essential because, no one wants messy looking hair. Or as one manager of a Dollar General store here put it, “No one wants to be seen, with a Nappy head”.
God was on their side
Religious Rights. We have a county, that has the 2nd lowest population, but twice the cases of coronavirus as the largest county in our state. It seems that in the start of this pandemic, they decided an anniversary service was more important. March 8th (5 days before the first confirmed case in Alabama) was the 3rd year anniversary of the minister of a Chambers county church, they decided it was a good idea to continue with the celebration, providing two packed worship services. After all, according to the pastors, God was on their side. A guest speaker (pastor) from Atlanta, Ga. stepped to the microphone and said,
“Look at somebody and tell ’em it’s good to be in the Lord’s house,” Carter said. “Now I know we’ve been hearing all this stuff about the corona. But I want to let you know something, that no weapon formed against us … So if y’all covered in the blood, go on and high five someone and say ‘I’ve got the blood on me.’ Amen.”
al.com
Large groups gather in Walmart to discuss how no one has the right to deny them service in a church, or the closing of salons and barber shops. Common Sense, rest his soul, is truly dead.
A good idea, since the powers that be think keeping open the state liquor stores as “essential,” would be to have the 186 stores provide testing? Now that would be too funny,
I truly miss, Common Sense.
Comments, always welcome.
I have been saying that common sense has been on the decline way before the current pandemic.
It’s so sad such a tool has fallen by the wayside. Thanks for the comment.
They remind me of the people who followed Jim Jones. How long before they are not bothering to wait for the virus, and just ‘drinking the kool-aid?
Best wishes, Pete.
(On my new PC, with its really quick SSD!)
I was thinking along the Jim Jones example myself, Pete.
Enjoy your new computer. SSD drives are really fast, I have enjoyed mine, since installation some time ago. Thanks for the comment, Pete.
Liquor stores and gun shops apparently are essential. Yes, common sense is in short supply.
“God, Guns, and Rock and Roll” Millennial edition.
Thanks for the comment, Janis. Always a pleasure.
Culling of the herd?
I think you’re exactly right, Kate. I believe that everything in our world is tied together is deeper ways not of our understanding. The earth can only sustain so much abuse, before its natural defenses kick in. To the earth, the antibodies may be the viruses it creates, in response to us (the invasive organism). Once we are back to being no threat, the earthly antibodies go dormant.
Sadly, we think that we are in total control of everything, and anything can be fixed by us. Culling of the herd, is spot on, Kate.
Sob! I believe it’s called “denial,” Ron. BTW our liquor stores here in Quebec are open too! So essential. But not the ones in malls – malls are closed. Unless a store in a mall has an entrance from the outside. So that makes it safe? Eye roll. Since I’m over 70 I don’t go into ANY stores… luckily my bf is younger than me by 9 years so he’s been doing all the grocery/drug-store shopping and doesn’t mind. Thank goodness; I’m very lucky! I miss the “shopping experience,” though. Hmm, think I’ll go on Amazon… 😀
I’m staying home, too many crazy people out and about. I’ve been working in the house, and catching up on things that needed doing. Laid carpet yesterday in the master bedroom. So today, I will take the day off and rest. Michelle does our shopping, being 15 years my junior, but that is still taking a chance when she goes. She may pick something up and bring it back home, you never know how fate works. So we both limit going as much as possible.
Here too religious gatherings took place and have created havoc. Yes common sense is losing its battle against irresponsibility. But I wonder about the poor all over the world, the migrant workers, the poor farmers, The daily wage workers. For them the fear of hunger must be more real than fear of the virus. It is a difficult time for human beings. It feels as if Nature has decided to put a halt to human activities as humans cannot do it on their own. We are taking our planet for granted and destroying so much. I just hope we will learn and be more judicious in the future. Thank you for a thought provoking post. Take care.
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. The world is long tired of the abuse. It is reacting to rid itself of the infection. Stay safe.