Current struggles

I think that for future historians its important to think about the vulnerable spot people are currently in. When we ask people to share about their days and how their lives have been impacted, we are asking people to share things that are socially frowned up. We are asking people to discuss unemployment, sickness, death, and loneliness. The unique circumstances the pandemic has created means that people are in positions decline and often feel a sense of inferiority and insecurity due to this. It is a lot to expect people to be open and honest about those emotions they’re feeling and the experiences that are creating those emotions for them.

It is much easier for people to talk about positive during the time. It’s easier to discuss new hobbies, new pets, what art children are making, the new time they’ve found to read, the new recipes they’re trying, etc. While this demonstrates how the previous years promoted a workaholic culture that pulled people away from their personal interests, it does not create a complete picture of life during COVID-19.

Connecting With the Elderly

This past week I have spent my time trying to find new avenues for connecting with the elderly. Initially, I reached out to several elderly people on my Facebook community and while some gave short replies, the others indicated that typing so much would be a struggle for them.

I have tried calling as well and found that more successful. It’s been hard to listen to people recounting stories of isolation and loneliness during this time. I’m open to suggestions for broadening my outreach.

Rebecca’s Introduction

My name is Rebecca and I’m an off-phase senior English major. After this year, I only have the fall term of next year and it feels so excitingly close! I thankfully finished my comps last term before these chaotic times. I’m from small town in West Virginia where the population is approximately 400 people. I live on a farm and among the many things we do, one is propagating June apple trees which are getting exceedingly rare.

I will be examining generational divides and inequalities surrounding the spread of COVID-19. If time allows, I am particularly interested in how the consequences of generational divide differ between cultures that focus mainly on the nuclear family and cultures that promote multigenerational living. I believe that in looking at these cultural variations, questions of socioeconomic status would arise as well since the nuclear family is a more prominent concept in the majority culture of our country.