
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


I was in a grocery store a while ago and one of those “we’re trying to sound like your friend” announcements about Covid protocols came over the sound system. It was a smooth voice; professional, soothing, even slightly silky, telling me that “we” are settling into a new normal, but while we do we should make sure to do all the things we’re being asked to – wear our masks, keep our distance, wash our hands. I have no personal objections to those protocols. In fact, I’m fully on board, but there was something about that “new normal” part that rubbed me the wrong way. In terms of generic public announcements, I feel like I get it. I mean, what DO you say to a store full of strangers under these circumstances?
However, I want to do my part to contribute to rebelling against the idea that the best way to think of this moment in history is as a new normal. No, no, no. A disruption, yes. A global upheaval, for sure. An opportunity to deeply consider what’s broken about the ways we’ve been operating, absolutely. If I can say so without sounding indifferent to enormous suffering, an opportunity for change? Yes.
By The Table WinnipegI was in a grocery store a while ago and one of those “we’re trying to sound like your friend” announcements about Covid protocols came over the sound system. It was a smooth voice; professional, soothing, even slightly silky, telling me that “we” are settling into a new normal, but while we do we should make sure to do all the things we’re being asked to – wear our masks, keep our distance, wash our hands. I have no personal objections to those protocols. In fact, I’m fully on board, but there was something about that “new normal” part that rubbed me the wrong way. In terms of generic public announcements, I feel like I get it. I mean, what DO you say to a store full of strangers under these circumstances?
However, I want to do my part to contribute to rebelling against the idea that the best way to think of this moment in history is as a new normal. No, no, no. A disruption, yes. A global upheaval, for sure. An opportunity to deeply consider what’s broken about the ways we’ve been operating, absolutely. If I can say so without sounding indifferent to enormous suffering, an opportunity for change? Yes.

5,115 Listeners