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Messaging About Covid-19 Needs to Account for Privilege
Not every pandemic situation is the same
Last month, I wrote a piece asking people to be careful during the holidays. My intention was to encourage them that controlling the epidemic was still in their hands, even though government support is sorely needed and deserved at the same time.
I was met with mixed reactions, although a particular one highlighted that messaging which is broadly sent can unintentionally be an attack on those unable to act on it.
It’s so important to acknowledge that our recommendations for how to stay safe from Covid-19 or what to do at an individual level have drastically different implications based on our socioeconomic privileges.
I’m sure everyone would love to “stay home.” I’m sure everyone would love to just order takeout and have food delivered to them. This isn’t the case. The patients I see are often the ones who can’t do either of those things, so I know this quite well.
