Normal - a word it seems impossible to have a conversation without, as we constantly reminisce about the pre-corona days, wondering when ordinary life will return. However, the coronavirus has demonstrated many of the flaws within our society.
At the UK’s coronavirus peak, a new importance shone on the NHS. However, after ten weeks’ clapping, it seems unlikely that there’ll be any additional funding for the NHS – even free parking for staff incited by the pandemic is likely to be scrapped. Clearly we shouldn’t return to our ‘normal’ treatment of the NHS: chronically underfunded.
Coronavirus has highlighted the importance of other essential workers, from supermarket staff to bus drivers - the workers considered ‘key’ to keeping our country running weren’t necessarily those that our normal appreciated most.
It’s also likely that the environmental issues worrying many of us in January, when coverage of the Australian forest fires was high, have been pushed to the back of our minds. However, despite initial reports of low air pollution, the threats to our environment have hardly disappeared – plastic pollution surges and large CO2 producing companies received bailouts, whilst smaller ethically-focussed businesses may fold.
Rather than rushing back to normality, let’s consider the benefits of NHS funding and a green recovery, taking the time to redefine what should be considered ‘normal’.
Written by Maddie Oliver
Artwork by Zara Masood
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