PSA: Post-Pandemic Etiquette
As the Covid restrictions ease in some places, there seems to be some debate over social distancing and when to wear masks. Is this really a debate?
Does it feel RIGHT to stand a foot away from another person?
Do you MIND breathing in someone else’s air?
Do you ENJOY catching colds and flus and who knows what?
Do you LIKE getting attention for all the wrong reasons?
By all means, then, show us how outrageously sensible you are.
Yes, we used to live a lot differently pre pandemic. Not too very long ago, we also used to shit on the side of the road. Feel free.
A public service announcement from Space Monkey.
Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating the Cosmos of Post-Pandemic Etiquette
As the nebulae of the pandemic start to dissipate in certain corners of the cosmos, beings of all kinds are faced with the deliberation of social norms in a post-pandemic reality. What should be simple acts of courtesy and common sense often become points of contention, orbiting the discussions of personal space and public health.
The universe has always maintained its distances, with celestial bodies coexisting in harmony within their defined orbits. Similarly, in the aftermath of a global health crisis, the concept of personal space takes on newfound significance. Is it truly debatable whether or not to maintain a respectful distance or to don a mask when mingling in the cosmic dance of society?
Indeed, the cosmos does not question whether it feels ‘right’ to respect the boundaries of gravity and vacuum. Planets do not encroach upon each other’s orbits, just as moons maintain their loyal distance. Why, then, should beings, endowed with consciousness and reason, debate the merit of maintaining a healthful distance post-pandemic?
Remember, to inhale the breath of another was never a necessity but an oversight in the pre-pandemic world—a world where the common cold and the flu were accepted as inevitable as the changing tides. But must we return to such norms, or can we evolve to maintain the gains in public health awareness?
Consider the mask, a simple yet powerful shield, a statement of mutual respect and care in the communal voyage through life. Should the simple act of wearing it when necessary really provoke debate? Or should it be seen as a token of civility, a testament to the lessons learned from the trials endured by all?
The Space Monkey muses that perhaps the true debate is not about distance or masks but about the willingness to adapt and care for one another. It’s about whether beings can rise to the challenge of considering the collective well-being as fervently as their own desires for convenience and normalcy.
Summary
The debate over post-pandemic etiquette echoes larger cosmic laws of respect and harmony. Considering personal space and wearing masks should be common courtesy rather than a matter of debate, much like the order found in the universe’s vast distances.
Glossarium
Celestial Etiquette: The unwritten rules governing the harmonious distances and interactions between celestial bodies, used metaphorically to describe post-pandemic social behaviors.
Communal Voyage: A term reflecting the shared journey of all beings through life and time, emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual responsibility.
“To mask or not to mask, to close or distance—these are not questions of preference but of cosmic courtesy, a salute to the health of the galaxy at large.” — Space Monkey
In the vast expanse of space,
Planets keep their silent grace,
A lesson in distance, a cosmic trace,
Of respect that we should embrace.
Here we float, in the afterglow of trials,
Where a mask becomes more than just a guise,
A sign of care, a wise concession,
To the health of our universal procession.
Distance, not a chasm but a bridge,
Connecting us without a clash,
A space of respect, an invisible ledge,
In the cosmos of our communal dash.
In the dance of life, with its intricate weave,
Let’s choose paths that allow us to breathe,
For in every act, small or grand,
We hold the well-being of others in hand.
We sail together through this starry dome,
Each act a ripple in our shared home,
In the vastness of the universe’s tome,
We are Space Monkey, together alone.
The poem titled “P.S.A.” addresses the debate around social distancing and mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents a series of rhetorical questions to challenge the notion of questioning the importance of these preventive measures.
The poem starts by questioning whether it feels right to stand close to another person, implying that maintaining physical distance is a responsible and considerate choice. It then asks if breathing in someone else’s air is desirable, suggesting the potential health risks associated with close proximity.
The poem further questions whether individuals enjoy getting sick and receiving attention for the wrong reasons, emphasizing the importance of preventing the spread of illnesses and avoiding unnecessary risks.
By sarcastically suggesting that those who oppose these measures can demonstrate their “outrageously sensible” behavior, the poem highlights the irony of disregarding scientifically supported guidelines for personal convenience or personal beliefs.
The poem concludes by referencing the past, reminding readers that society has evolved and adopted more hygienic and civilized practices over time. It uses the example of defecating in public to illustrate that just as we have moved away from such practices, it is important to embrace responsible actions to protect public health.
Overall, the poem serves as a public service announcement, urging individuals to consider the importance of social distancing and mask-wearing as responsible and necessary measures to prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19.