COVID-19's Absurdity Unmasked Through Canadian Trucker Protests
Remembering the Pandemic's Impact
It's hard to forget that this global crisis, fueled by an extremely infectious and deadly virus, struck us less than two years ago. COVID-19 has become a term deeply ingrained in our lives, making us question everyday actions like wearing masks on flights or inquiring about a restaurant's air filtration systems before dining.
However, one aspect of the pandemic experience that demands explanation beyond the spread of this threatening virus is its absurdity. This absurdity is evident in protestors wearing underwear on their faces to protest mask policies, choosing antiseptic horse repellents over valid vaccines, or even ingesting harsh household cleaners like the President of the United States did. The pandemic has intensified the frequency and magnitude of comical and sometimes startling behavior, with some misguided individuals believing this may be helpful.
Canadian Trucker Protests: The Pinnacle of Absurdity
This peculiar trend reached new heights with the truck driver protests in Canada. In late January, a convoy of Canadian truckers traversed the country from British Columbia to the capital Ottawa, challenging an order mandating vaccination for truckers entering Canada. In response, tests and quarantines were to be enforced otherwise, along with penalties.
These demonstrations quickly spread, resulting in thousands of protesters blocking traffic and the Canada-U.S. border. Even after weeks of protests, their demands remain vague, with some calling this measure "unconstitutional," while others urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to lift all COVID-19 restrictions.
Reflecting On Our Pre-Pandemic Perspective
Recalling pre-COVID-19 times, many of us expected healthcare professionals and scientists to provide answers during the crisis. Our hope was that public policy would be driven by rational, evidence-based consideration.
Of course, contrasting opinions would emerge in crucial areas, and certain radicals would make an appearance. But generally, society developed a unified approach to fighting the virus, taking necessary steps to survive the pandemic. This is what most people chose to do.
Yet, some individuals simultaneously began promoting that the pandemic's "cure" or preventative health measures solely served to "protect stock prices" and that the President concealed early proof of the health crisis' severity, claiming it was "worse than the disease itself."
They noticed that lockdowns negatively impacted small businesses and argued against school closures that prevented children from learning in classrooms, building friendships, or enjoying free school lunches, which many relied upon. They even found masks to be impractical. Indeed, each of these points is a legitimate cost factor in COVID-19 restrictions. However, the cost of virus spread and the resulting illnesses and fatalities is significantly more significant.
The Mutation of Frustration
What started as reasonable discontent evolved into something far more ominous. The frustration with lockdowns incited militia groups in Michigan to storm the state Capitol, planning to inflict harm on elected officials. Across the country, panic over school openings during a later wave of the pandemic escalated into "massive protests" against children's safety measures, such as masks and vaccines.
The Anger Against Masks in the Adult World
The frustration boiled over into outbursts among retail employees and flight attendants. Due to aging demographics and the accompanying shifts in employment and economy, many are left with little to no choice but to return to work. Some individuals' anger towards mask-wearing could be a reflection of their perception of a loss of control over their lives.
Canadian Truck Driver's Role in this Absurdity
The trucker protests have expanded to cities across Canada and beyond, dramatically disrupting daily life in various communities. They have now blockaded the Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, one of the busiest trade corridors between the U.S. and Canada.
The irony in this situation is that the COVID-19 restrictions protests that aimed to disrupt daily life are now causing such disruptions themselves. This lost perspective is one of the unintended consequences of the pandemic.
Stay Informed with CNNOpinion
Keep up with the latest news, discussions, and opinions related to social issues on and . Sharing your ideas and comments is always appreciated.
In many ways, Canadian truck driver protests represent the absurdities we've encountered during the pandemic, nurtured by long-standing societal trends. The pandemic served as a catalyst, accelerating the unfolding of existing trends. Perhaps the true absurdity starts elsewhere, a reflection of broader societal inadequacies that have yet to be addressed. The pandemic's end is not its resolution. To understand this and move forward, we must collectively acknowledge the absurdity that pervades our lives and seek solutions that will enhance our lives revenue rather than adding to the chaos.
