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.
Masterful delivery of the exact thing I was begging everyone to refrain from.
— Jane Marie (@SeeJaneMarie) December 21, 2020
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.
There have been plenty of people who have been in the same situation & haven't, I don't have sympathy for you deciding that the working people you come in contact with, who can't afford to not work don't matter.
— Rachael Batten (@redwoods81) December 21, 2020
As a flight attendant, work. Pay. Is that enough
— JAN (@janet10x) December 21, 2020
Also not living: dying by drowning in your own fluids in a room full of strangers because you didn't get as lucky as this fucko.
Hey. I haven't seen my parents in a year either but I'm not willing to risk losing them for a "good time".
— We'll always have Four Seasons Total Landscaping (@mslydialove) December 21, 2020
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
Two sides of a shit covered coin.
— Capn Cardboard (@CardboardCapn) December 22, 2020
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?
