We always have a choice to be human during COVID-19

Regardless of where we live, talent, people and being human are always at the heart of everything that we need. But what is the meaning of community in this digital era — and within the time of COVID-19? Can we rewire our society — and refocus on what matters — during these challenging times, when most of us are hunkered down, within the confines of our homes, within four walls and within our own thoughts? Where does isolation begin and where does it end?

Most importantly, will the crisis at hand help us break down the barriers that have separated us? Or will our world become more divided and turn us against one another? Although we have many sources of truth, we only have one true source of empathy. The choice is up to each one of us.

As Rushkoff, author of Team Human, maintains, working together is what makes us human.

“Anything that brings us together fosters our humanity … We use our social connections to orient ourselves, to derive meaning and purpose. This is not a mere quaint notion but a biological imperative.” ~ Douglas Rushkoff, Team Human

Each one of us plays a role within our communities — within our larger society — to enhance the common good. What matters most is not the physical job that we do; rather, our purpose and the values that we bring to our role, and how it relates to the overall well-being of our society. How we treat each other during this time is critical — it is what will leave a lasting impact. This is our true legacy.

So how do we level the playing field – so that we can all move forward? According to Pew research data, “roughly three-in-ten adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year (29%) don’t own a smartphone. More than four-in-ten don’t have home broadband services (44%) or a traditional computer (46%). More than a third of lower-income households with school-age children also do not have a broadband internet connection at home, which is also known as the homework gap.” In a modern society, in the richest country in the world, this is not acceptable.

While digital represents the new economy, and being digital is quickly becoming the new normal, it is also a privilege. Bringing these communities online is a prerequisite for a more inclusive society, and we will need the collaboration of private and public sectors to make this a reality.

Perhaps, ironically, the pandemic is forcing a reset in our relationship with technology — and apparently, our relationships with other humans as well. As much as we have become reliant on data to guide us in our daily decision-making, as much as we are tethered digitally more than ever before, many of us have also rediscovered the simple joy of putting together jigsaw puzzles, reading a book, or enjoying a simple meal with family. This is the new normal.

Our current crisis lays bare the deep inequalities that we have in our society. As humans, it exposes who we are as individuals, and who we are as a community. How we help each other, how we reach out to those in need, how we create new ways to express ourselves as human beings — this is what this time appears to represent.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. What a time this is indeed. This time which is very raw, that which is very base — this is a global experiment in empathy. How we treat each other now is most critical for our future. And we must extend this spirit of kindness — to uplift those who are less fortunate in our society — even after the crisis ends.

We are all in this together, through good times and bad. We can only hope for a better future, for one another, and for everyone in our community.

Join Theo and Bradley in this new episode of One Vision via iTunes and Spotify, where they chat with Patrick Rivenbark on the value of local communities and the power of relationships. We are all indeed, human, first and foremost.

By Theodora Lau and Bradley Leimer

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