Published on August 24, 2020
Why I don’t agree with “Social Distancing”
Don’t get me wrong, I believe the Coronavirus is an insidious illness destroying people, relationships, families and economies.
I also believe in language, prior to retirement I was responsible for culture and inclusion, as an old white guy, I discovered the power of language and the unintentional biases we carry which can be reinforced through the words we use and possible profound impacts on those around us, intentional or not.
I have been pondering the wisdom of the term “Social Distancing”; I acknowledge during the lockdowns and restrictions there are shortages of many things, tangible and subtle, and as always, hindsight flourishes as time marches relentlessly on, but I am increasingly loathing of this term. I know what the thrust and intent of the term is, but in hindsight, we should have considered the unintended impacts of the term and its unintended outcomes.
In my small community (approx 13,000 people) we have suffered 5 suicides in the past month, all young people, none of which I have intimate knowledge of the circumstances, however I think a reasonable person would agree, something is not right.
Is “Social Distancing” partially responsible?
In family settings, are we making sure we are talking to those who we care about and may not be able to see “face to face” on a regular basis, many families are spread interstate and overseas, this can create additional worries manifesting through extreme concerns about not being able to visit or care for a family member if they get ill due to border and travel restrictions and missing out on family milestones.
Are we actually thinking about those friends, mates, coffee acquaintances, sport teams connections and “social friends” we all acquaint with daily, weekly or on a casual basis; the opportunity to just “meet up” or do something together is tightly constrained.
In many work settings, organisations have successfully pivoted to remote working, great for the business, connected electronically, video meetings and business continuity, but once again all business and no personal interaction cannot be sustained in a healthy way for everyone.
For me, I think it is easy to make a link between the term “Social Distance” and unconscious thought processes which takes the term literally, that is, to distance oneself from social interactions, would it then be a reasonable thought for people, who may have underlying vulnerability, not to connect with those around them who give them meaning, context and support, together with a vehicle to exist and live in these uncertain and disruptive times. These times are further exacerbated by the media, the constant news cycle, doom and gloom with a healthy dose of hindsight review, blame and finger pointing.
Without having answers, but wishing for people to think about those around them, I believe we are basically social beings, we group together in social groups, therefore, should we use a term such as “Physical Distancing”? I think it would be key in these times to make sure we remain in “Social Contact” through ways and means preserving the “Physical Distancing” and I think the term “Social Distancing” creates a certain level of uncertainty in us, as people, about how to stay connected.
Please consider your many circles of colleagues, friends and family, in your quiet times, call someone, check in, maintain connections. You just don’t know who is out there, what feelings they are experiencing, possibly sitting alone with their thoughts as their only friend (or enemy). Make the connection, make a difference, stay “Socially Connected” and make sure those around you are “Socially Connected” as well.
While you are contacting those close to you, think about someone who is not in the “inner circle”, consider someone who you wonder whether they have many close friends or colleagues, make a call!
Finally; stay “Physically Distant”, maintain great personal hygiene, stay home if you have any symptoms at all, if so, get tested..................................but please stay “Socially Connected”
Who to contact for immediate help
Beyond Blue 1800 51 23 48
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
1800RESPECT 1800 73 77 32
Take care
Mal Connellan