Jonathan Swift
Gullivers Travels
Through whose eyes are we looking? In reality neither just an artificial giant in the foreground of a local beach.. its merely a matter of perspective.
When Jonathan swift penned his novel it was widely popular amongst all readers as both a work of fiction and as a tool of political satire..accepted by the reader whether that be a child, an adventure seeker or a learned politico.
For as he sent Gulliver on his varied travels Swift quietly challenged his readers own perceptions, beliefs and bias.
Cunningly illustrating the point that the glasses worn and experiences underwent at any time colour the vision and view of the wearer.
I fell into this when taking the photo one afternoon, it struck me how this was a play on perspective and as we approached this second lockdown, easing through the different tiers, the question of perspective once again made me think.
Why? Listening to people of all ages on the street justifying actions by denying the existence or seriousness of the virus, seeing groups huddling, attending demos, rough housing or more in both open and enclosed spaces. Masks few to be seen, no real change whether lockdown or not. To mask or not to mask? To party or not?
Bemoaning the lack of shopping days and facilities before Christmas, considering fanciful ways of getting around the restrictions……. turkey funerals for 15, companies set up of family members etc. Just two to mention.
So, I ask myself what has changed since lock down 1- people are still dying, hospitals are still filling, non covid issues are still being overlooked, care homes are still battling changes in guidance, changes in public support, carers are still isolating removing themselves from normal life to protect those that they care for still wrapped in PPE.!
So, what is different? Why isn’t Covid the threat it was?
Is it the lack of briefings, the missing of too many important events or occasions effecting all ages, Is, it the muddying of statistics, combat fatigue, or is it out of sight out of mind?
Because daily I’m still seeing conversation threads and pleas from managers, care providers residential or otherwise seeking clarity, advice and direction not during 9-5 hours but 24/7, 7 days a week. Whether on testing, seeking flu jabs, caring for staff, residents, maintaining compliance or coping with outbreaks- Covid is front and centre 24/7.
(Yes ok this is through my eyes.)- the advent and need for this second lockdown was inevitable and scary, this virus is real and dangerous. It’s presence hovers as an opportunist adversary that will not be hidden under the carpet or swept away when it doesn’t hit home directly.
But as Swift through the persona of Gulliver encouraged his readers to see below the surface of each lands’ inhabitants, to recognise their bias and prejudices, challenging the reader to consider their own.
I to, am asking about your vision at this time Is it all about how you look at the image and is that how you perceive this lockdown? People are saying that this lockdown is different to the last lockdown, I recognise this too but are we saying that the virus is now something different something not to be scared about, something to consider but not fear. I ask you to clean those glasses or exchange them for those of the recently bereaved, those who’s daily grind is a Covid ward, a carer on the streets, a cancer patient awaiting treatment, the dementia sufferer or desperate visitor, your local lock in vulnerable and alone.
We cannot ignore the virus or its effects personal or otherwise but can simply recognise that our reality and that of our neighbours locally or not are different due to experiences, events and challenges uniquely our own
Kind regards wrapped in PPE!
Libby x