Aimeé
It seems like it was just a month ago that people were arguing about whether or not it was okay to travel home for Thanksgiving during a pandemic. Based on the massive spike in COVID-19 cases a few weeks later, most people decided that yes, it was.
Now, it the Christmas season, which means people are flying high once more, going home to see all of their elderly relatives and hug and kiss them.
Without any clear government guidance or official lockdowns in most places, it’s not surprising that people have inconsistent ideas about what is or is not okay. Undoubtedly, it is dangerous to travel, but it’s also dangerous to work and most people are forced to do that.
Podcaster Jane Marie is still pissed off that people are choosing to have some dangerous enjoyment alongside their dangerous obligations.
“Please stop posting the reasoning behind your murderously irresponsible holiday travel,” she tweeted.
I read this tweet as her saying she’s tired of reading people’s excuses, which I kind of agree with. Everyone is making their own decisions. If you’re comfortable with them, you don’t have to force everyone else to hear why and give you a nod of approval. Most folks won’t.
https://twitter.com/SeeJaneMarie/status/1340901328185249792
The conversation soon spiraled far out from there, as people got triggered with the implication that their decision to travel might possibly be wrong or irresponsible, no matter what the extenuating circumstances.
In direct opposition to Jane Marie’s request, people started listing all the reasons why they were traveling and it was okay.
https://twitter.com/redwoods81/status/1340899214818205697
As a flight attendant, work. Pay. Is that enough
— Janet (@janet10x) December 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/mslydialove/status/1340898283514863619
As a New Yorker I understand to some extent. I'm not saying I agree with you. But it's true that in NYC we have more density and just going into a store etc. means we come across more people. So I'm more cautious. I always wear a mask. If one must travel, take precautions.
— Political Vixen (@PoliticalVixen1) December 21, 2020
we all want to see our families but one year is what military sacrifice .. you can do it too
— Rosemarie Jensen, M.Ed. (@live4literacy) December 21, 2020
Lots of people agreed that there was no excuse for traveling whatsoever. However, the responses Jane Marie started to make to some people were viewed as hypocritical by others, because she works from home and is certainly not unemployed. Some tweets of hers that were screenshot about “being out of work” as well have been deleted:
Really cool stuff here thanks Jane! pic.twitter.com/LmYkNVHVVX
— Dan (@ThiccStauskas) December 21, 2020
"We're all out of work" so flight attendants should just quit their jobs & remain out of work for months/years in the future?
— Hot Take Appreciator (@IHateNYT) December 22, 2020
These people got to scold people until the end of May and will get to scold people again when the government starts doing what needs to be done
— RedOnTheBed (@RedOnTheBed1312) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/CardboardCapn/status/1341178805117984768
There is no one solid answer for what to do. We all have to look at our own circumstances and be as honest as possible with ourselves: do we really need to travel, given the risk? And do we really need to criticize people we don’t know while ordering Postmates?
