COVID & Our Community
This is Part One of a 4-part study I conducted in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Detroit, my beloved hometown, was ravaged by the pandemic; I felt helpless watching its impact. The study was my attempt to illuminate the humanity and spirit of my home using personal interviews.
Navigating the “New Normal”
As a Detroiter, I find myself compelled to understand and articulate the multifaceted experience of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. The media narrative often feels distant, speaking at us rather than with us, failing to capture the nuances of our daily realities. This research study emerged from a desire to center the voices of Detroiters, exploring the impact of this crisis on our lives, our community, and our understanding of what constitutes “normal”. This study is based on a conversation I had with my aunt, Nancy Beasley, a life-long Detroiter, and her experiences and thoughts offer a unique lens into the challenges and resilience of the city during this unprecedented time.
Initial Shock: Social Distancing and Isolation
The pandemic’s onset forced an abrupt shift in the way we interact with the world. Social distancing measures, while necessary, create a profound sense of isolation, particularly for those accustomed to constant social interaction. Nancy describes this as a “struggle,” noting that she has “never really been alone”. Raised in a large family and accustomed to a home where there’s always “been somebody here,” this newfound solitude is both disorienting and challenging. The absence of regular company means confronting one's thoughts and engaging in a process of self-discovery. She observes that social distancing has made people afraid to even speak to each other, highlighting how the virus has created a climate of fear that alters social dynamics. For someone who enjoys the presence of others, this is a significant adjustment. We reflect on the ways that this fear has changed how we move through the world:
It becomes difficult to simply walk past someone in a store without feeling a sense of anxiety.
There is a strange sense of freedom when leaving the house after a period of isolation, even if it's just to run errands.
The world has changed, and we acknowledge with a sense of loss that “normal as we know it is gone”.
There's a sense that the "new normal" has yet to be fully defined, leaving everyone in a state of uncertainty.
Workplace Interaction: The Shifting Landscape
The pandemic has also redefined the workplace. Nancy, who has always worked in an office setting, now operates from home, an environment that creates a stark contrast to the usual interaction with colleagues. While video calls facilitate communication, they cannot replace the value of in-person interactions - the casual conversations and personal connections that arise in a physical office space. She notes that "to be in the presence of people is a whole different thing". The shift from in-person to remote work has blurred the boundaries between personal and professional life, and the loss of social interaction with colleagues becomes increasingly palpable. This is a theme I know well as the pandemic has changed how I work and how I live too.
Trauma of Uncertainty: Fear and the Body
The pandemic has brought to light a pervasive sense of fear. The fear is not simply limited to contracting the virus but also stems from a lack of clear information and the potential impact on loved ones. This fear compounds with the evolving understanding of the virus and its symptoms. The initial symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing are now coupled with reports of diarrhea, stomach cramps, and loss of smell. This uncertainty leads to a state of hyper-vigilance, where every bodily sensation becomes a potential sign of infection. Nancy notes:
The mind races at the slightest discomfort, leading to a heightened awareness of one's own body and its potential vulnerabilities.
The fear of asymptomatic carriers increases anxiety around personal interactions.
The experience of Nancy’s old sister (my aunt as well) falling ill and being hospitalized, and then a client that she was caring for testing positive, underscores the fear and unpredictability of the virus. The fact that the client, who was 86, was asymptomatic, while her younger sister was very ill, illustrates the capricious nature of this virus.
Detroit's Unique Context: Health Disparities & Mistrust
The pandemic has exposed deep-seated health disparities and a history of mistrust in healthcare systems that characterize Detroit. Access to quality healthcare is a significant issue, with many residents having to seek medical services outside of the city. There's also a general sense of mistrust toward authority figures and institutions due to past injustices, such as the Tuskegee experiment, and a history of being misjudged, under-treated, and used as "guinea pigs". This lack of trust makes it harder to promote public health guidelines and underscores the importance of having credible voices within the community to advocate for effective healthcare practices and treatments.
I note that the way in which the city and the community is discussed in the media frustrates me and also drives my interest in understanding more about the underlying factors that make this pandemic so challenging in Detroit. It's also clear in my conversation that there are layers of complexity and factors at play that have created the "perfect storm". These include:
There are disparities in healthcare and a lack of people taking care of themselves in Detroit.
There is a mentality among some that it doesn't matter how they live, because they will die from something.
People in the community may trust information from family or friends more than official pronouncements from the mayor or public health officials.
There is a history of the Black community being lied to, misjudged, and used as guinea pigs in medical settings.
The payment setup at some small practices, even when people want to seek care in their community, is difficult to navigate.
Pandemic Politics: Conflicting Messages
The pandemic has become highly politicized, with conflicting messages from different levels of government creating confusion and mistrust. President Donald Trump’s downplaying of the COVID-19 virus, his staunch refusal to wear a mask, and the mixed messages from the Trump administration undermine efforts to promote public health and safety. This confusing and contradictory messaging makes people feel like they have to rely on their own judgement, which often prioritizes social connection over safety guidelines. Nancy notes that:
The president's contradictory actions and statements make people question the need for precautions like wearing masks.
The president's apparent lack of social distancing undermines public health messaging.
The conflicting messages from different political leaders create confusion and mistrust.
The politicization of treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, further erodes trust in authorities.
Reimagining Community: The Strength of Detroit
“Detroiters have always been a strong set of people, and will continue to be a strong set of people, and we’ll get through this.”
Despite the challenges, the spirit of the Detroit community remains strong. Detroiters have a history of resilience, of overcoming adversity, and this pandemic is no different. There is a deep sense of care for one another, a desire to protect each other, even at the cost of personal inconvenience. Nancy expresses that:
There's a desire to be selfless during the pandemic and a focus on protecting others from the spread of illness.
There's a desire to give back and support the community, a value instilled since childhood.
There's an inherent value in connection and community, and the inability to connect in the usual ways is a source of pain.
The pandemic has underscored the need to create a new normal that is sensitive to the needs of the community.
There is a desire to save each other and a recognition that they must “do this to save me".
A Time of Transition and Adaptation
As we navigate the pandemic, the question of what the “new normal” will look like remains unanswered. The new normal will require a shift in mindset, a reevaluation of how we interact with others, and a heightened awareness of public health measures. It will likely involve a degree of physical distance, a need for heightened hygiene, and the adoption of new rituals and practices. There are still so many questions about how we navigate the world safely. We hypothesized that:
There will likely be a lasting shift away from touchy-feely interactions, with people remaining cautious about close contact.
There is a strong desire to return to some sense of normalcy, particularly the ability to break bread with others.
The pandemic may make people more sensitive to their own body and any changes, however small.
People may feel more cautious about going to hospitals, especially those that have been identified as hotspots.
There is a sense that some of the new safety measures may become part of life for some time to come, such as not allowing people who don't live in the house inside, even when gathering outside.
There may be new rituals for disinfecting packages and groceries, even if official messaging does not always promote this practice.
There may be new rituals people adopt to feel safe, and there is a sense that this is important to respect, regardless of how odd they may seem to others.
It may be necessary for businesses like hair salons to operate by appointment only, at least for a while, in order to limit the numbers of people in enclosed spaces.
Moving Forward: Policy and Community
The pandemic has highlighted the need for policy changes that will address the structural inequalities that contribute to health disparities and community vulnerability. It's not enough to simply address the immediate crisis; we must also look at how we can build more resilient and equitable communities. This requires investment in healthcare, access to healthy food, and job security, and a more nuanced understanding of the factors that impact health. The pandemic is a stark reminder that public health is a collective responsibility, and our individual choices impact the well-being of others.
Here are some of the ideas Nancy and I propose:
There is an urgent need for policies that support the health and well-being of the community.
There is an urgent need to address issues of food deserts, access to healthcare, and employment issues.
There is a need for coordination between different levels of government to avoid creating more hot spots.
There is an urgent need to identify and protect essential workers who risk their health daily.
There is a need to recognize and value essential workers beyond financial compensation.
It may be necessary to re-evaluate what is deemed "essential" and whether the health of workers is being valued.
The importance of individual choices and their impact on public health must be emphasized.
Conclusion
While the pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, it has also revealed the resilience and strength of the Detroit community. We are adapting to the changing circumstances and working to create a new normal that reflects the values of community and care. There is a sense of urgency to not allow this crisis to define who we are. It’s about moving through this pandemic with an eye toward a better future, while at the same time recognizing how this moment has created shifts in our perspective and experiences. Our conversation’s key takeaways are:
Detroiters are resilient, strong people who will get through this pandemic.
There is a hope that the lessons learned during this time will lead to a more just and equitable society.
There is a recognition that we are all in this together, and we must work collaboratively to overcome these challenges.
The focus on safety is important, and we must find ways to continue to care for one another, even with new public health measures in place.
The pandemic has disrupted our lives and challenged our understanding of normalcy. However, it has also given us the opportunity to reassess our priorities, address long-standing inequalities, and create a stronger, more compassionate community.
As a native Detroiter, I am determined to emerge from this experience stronger and more committed than ever to the well-being of my community. I know that by listening to each other, learning from our experiences, and acting with empathy and compassion, we can navigate this crisis and create a future that is both just and equitable.
