The impact of coronavirus has been shattering, casting fear, panic even, around the world. An invisible giant clumsily spreading confusion.
Governments and people are struggling to save lives and economies, with insufficient knowledge and resources.
But the pandemic has another dimension. It has exposed the shallowness and self indulgence of our lifestyle over recent decades. Nowhere more so than in Britain.
One reason for the descent into hedonism and self satisfaction has been the development of the digital age and the devil may care attitude of government and people.
We were all so caught up with our free flowing life style that we did not see the dangers or prepare for set-backs.
Even the economic recession in 2009 did not teach us or our leaders to prepare for more crises ahead.
This attitude is reflected in many aspects of life.
Education, with decades of indecision about its purpose and its provision, with confusing changes of curriculum; the idea of universities for all, the neglect of technical and vocational training, the collapse of apprenticeships.
The criminal neglect of social care and of the disadvantaged and the elderly, the underfunding of local government, the refusal to appreciate and meet the ever growing needs of the health service, and, internationally, the decline in Britain's influence and respect.
The disgraceful lowering of standards in parliamentary and public life.
All these shortcomings are being cruelly exposed.
We are bewildered, unsure of ourselves and fearful for the future.
Yet somehow we have to find the answers, to make life safer, and fairer, while tackling the coronavirus giant.
No comments:
Post a Comment