Divided We Fall
Stacy Bahri
COVID-19 first made its appearance in Michigan in early March of 2020; two of many confirmed cases which would later follow. Michigan is home to approximately 160,000 Chaldeans, according to a 2016 study conducted by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, Chaldean Community Foundation and University of Michigan - Dearborn. The Chaldean community has always been a close-knit community, one that relies heavily on the three F’s: faith; family; and food. So why has a highly contagious, deadly virus divided an entire community, and even our country?
Perhaps it is because the pandemic that has ravaged the world, and the U.S. in particular, has become so politicized. If you believe that the virus exists and you wear a mask to protect yourself and others, you must be a Democrat and have no faith in God. Shame on you! If you choose not to wear a mask because you will not allow anyone to take away your first amendment rights, you must be a Republican who does not care about minorities or the poor.
Why does wearing a mask or not wearing a mask have to be a political statement? Political beliefs continue to impact our reactions to this virus, and it is very unfortunate. The election is over, (the primary that is) but the opinions surrounding COVID-19 and which party you “run with” continue. Wearing or not wearing a mask and practicing or not practicing social distancing has become a way to signify which side of the aisle you are on. As a country, we have protested everything from wearing a mask to getting a haircut. While both sides of the aisle may have valid points and deserve to be heard, it’s important to keep in mind that this virus is very REAL. Some may think it will disappear after the election. Well, then let’s hope the cold, flu and all the other viruses that exist go away with it!
We must learn to come together during a time when the country is falling apart. We must rely on one another to get through difficult times. We must be better for the future generations to come. We must be sensitive to the fact that many have had their own personal battle with COVID-19, while others have lost theirs. We must not forget to stand together during these challenging and uncertain times.
We may not all see eye-to-eye and that is okay. This experience should not be an opportunity to attack one another for our differences of opinion. Let’s get rid of this notion that if you don’t believe what I believe, then we are enemies. Let’s begin to think with an open mind, with acceptance and give others a chance to express their own opinions in a way to educate and not insult. As we continue forward, we should keep in mind that we are one people who are stronger when we stand together.