The Lingering Effects of the Pandemic on American Society
When Americans cast their votes in the most recent presidential election, a profound sense of isolation loomed over them. Tens of millions of schoolchildren were still engaged in virtual learning, while countless office workers remained confined to their homes, interacting with the world primarily through their smartphones and laptops. There was a pervasive uncertainty about when the coronavirus pandemic would conclude and how it would reshape everyday life.
Fast forward four years, and the nation now views the pandemic as a chapter that has closed. Rarely do we hear presidential candidates mention Covid-19 as the country approaches its final day of voting. Yet, the repercussions of that tumultuous period of national and personal crisis continue to unfold, revealing underlying issues that remain unresolved.
“Beneath the surface, I believe much of the rage, angst, and animosity we see today is rooted in unprocessed grief,” remarked the Rev. Amy Greene, who served as the director of spiritual care for the Cleveland Clinic health system during the height of the pandemic. This sentiment reflects a broader reality in America, where the culture often shies away from dealing with grief.
“America is particularly grief-phobic,” she added. “Anger is often more accessible because it can create a sense of power, even when one feels powerless. It can overshadow feelings of fear and sadness.” This dynamic helps explain the surge of rage emanating from various factions across the country.
The pandemic ushered in an overwhelming wave of grief—stemming from the loss of loved ones, the absence of friends at funerals, and the cancellation of significant celebrations. In addition to personal losses, the pandemic brought about immense economic and social upheaval, affecting nearly everyone in profound ways.
- Isolation from friends and family
- Disruption of education for children
- Economic instability and job loss
- Social changes that altered community dynamics
As America continues to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, the emotional scars left by this collective trauma are still very much present, influencing the political landscape and the emotional well-being of its citizens.
