My Thoughts On The Shutdown Protests

I’ve been feeling dazed and discombobulated in this pandemic month—often tired, often unable to concentrate on writing. But I have thoughts I want to share about the shutdown protests, so I’m giving this blog post a try.

First, of course I am angry. Most Americans are struggling with the shutdown, but most Americans are not protesting in tightknit groups with no face masks. The protesters seem to be a handful of ignorant, entitled people who have decided to make noise in a way that endangers everyone. 

“If I get sick, then I am going to bear the consequences of my getting sick,” a protester told CNN affiliate WTHR. “If anybody else gets sick, they bear the consequences of their free choice without government coercion to do so. That’s what this is about.”

No—that is wrong. If this protester gets sick, he is not the only person who bears the consequences. It’s also everyone else he might pass the virus to, including essential service workers he comes into contact with, medical providers who care for him, and other patients who can’t access their own medical care because he’s taking up space in a hospital.

Over forty thousand Americans have already died of this disease. I am angry at this man’s ignorance and at the people who have been egging it on, including conspiracy theorists, pundits, and political leaders.

Meanwhile, I’m frustrated with the media for the way these protests are being reported. They are small events, and yet they’re landing in the top headlines in major news outlets for days, and that means they’re driving the national conversation about reopening. These protesters do not represent the vast majority of Americans, even conservative Americans. I’m frustrated that their story is taking up so much space.

We should be focusing on what’s working and what most people are doing: staying home, staying safe, listening to expert advice.

Finally, though, despite my anger at all of the above, I’m also sympathetic to the protesters’ message. Their methods are irresponsible and dangerous, but their economic fears are very real. 

In Compassionate Listening, we’re taught to look for the kernel of truth in the other person’s message. Even if their delivery is offensive, they may have something important to say. The truth here is more than just a kernel.

I keep thinking of this meme about the shutdown: 

I am on one of the top balconies of that cartoon. My household income is stable. My husband and I have no children to manage. We are often enjoying our extra time together at home—we’re starting a garden and taking long walks through our picturesque neighborhood, which is in full bloom this month, the dogwoods beginning to flower.

As I watch some friends struggle for sanity as they juggle work and homeschooling, and watch others’ distress over keeping small businesses afloat, and as I bang pots for others who are on the front lines in hospitals, I often recognize my many privileges. Aside from a general, pervasive fatigue and anxiety, I’ve been drifting through the shutdown with ease.

The protesters are privileged too, to be sure. It’s just a different kind of privilege from mine. As an immunosuppressed person, I don’t have the luxury of fearlessness about getting sick. (My illness is also the main reason Ron and I don’t have children.)

Most of the protesters must be healthy, or they wouldn’t be so cavalier. My chronic illness has opened my eyes to what I call “health privilege,” a form of privilege most healthy people don’t notice.

But at the same time, I do sympathize with the protesters’ anxiety about reopening the country. Rural and working class America has endured generations of hardship—hardship I haven’t experienced as an educated urbanite. Another Great Depression would be unimaginably devastating, and the protesters’ sense of urgency is well-founded, however misplaced their blame may be.

Sometimes, as I read memes and articles about the protesters, I see elitism rearing its ugly head. 

So even though I am angry, I think a little compassion might be called for here. I want the authorities to send the protesters safely home, where they can stop endangering us all. I want politicians to nevertheless let them know their concerns are being taken seriously.

And I want us to change the narrative, to turn away from this story of division and anger. Most Americans are caring for each other by staying home. We are checking in on each other, extending well wishes, offering kindness. There will always be naysayers and bad leaders, but by and large, what’s been happening in this country is uplifting.

We will get through this together.