Thanksgiving is coming… by John Yang

 Thanksgiving is coming… by John Yang

The holidays are rapidly approaching us, amidst a devastating COVID-19 pandemic which has affected our lives in almost every way. COVID-19 cases and deaths are skyrocketing across the country. Nobody could predict the duration of this pandemic, but this is certainly longer than what any of us might have ever imagined. 

Compounded on top of the current public health situation is a frustrating, scary politicization of public health precautions. We hear the same things over and over again: wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, stay home unless absolutely necessary. We’ve dragged this pandemic on for eight months, and people are getting tired. People are refusing to wear masks for political reasons, without considering that their weak defiance will literally kill. And now, thanksgiving is coming. 

People were already getting antsy. Nobody wants to be cooped up at home like this. We miss our family. For many, thanksgiving is a rare opportunity to get together, enjoy each others’ company and share a meal. Personally, I’ve built so many fond memories over thanksgiving dinners. 

Understandably, people want to get together for thanksgiving this year. However, thanksgiving celebrations are a recipe for disaster, a trainwreck we’re seeing two hundred miles in advance, a perfect storm for a sharp spike in deaths. This should be preventable. In fact, had everyone followed COVID-19 guidelines from the start, we might be able to actually get together for thanksgiving now. But constant complaining and blatant inconsideration for the health of others has led us to this situation. 

People don’t change. As much as we can beg people not to get together for thanksgiving, people just won’t listen. What new reason do they have to not get together after they’ve been getting together for the past few months now? It is truly depressing to look into our lens of the future and see the deaths of many. 

I say to you now, if you are on the fence as to whether to gather for thanksgiving: please don’t. For the health and safety of the very ones you love, don’t gather together for thanksgiving. 

Consider what thanksgiving itself is about. For so many years of going around the table, sharing what we’re thankful for, please reflect on the responses you’ve given over the years. “I’m thankful for my family and friends” might just be the most common response. If you are truly thankful for your family and friends, would you really put their lives at risk to have dinner together? What message does it send that you would let them die for the sake of having dinner together?

For those who plan on getting together for thanksgiving anyway, there’s nothing I could really say to you. I can’t change your mind, and no convincing will change your mind either. 

For those who are staying home this year: thank you. Thanks for considering the health of others, and thank you for doing your part in keeping the pandemic under control.