Something different

Friday, April 17, 2020
Will we revert to the way things were when the coronavirus lockdown is lifted?

Have you noticed anything different lately? Apart from the isolation, the working from home, the absence of any live sport, and the bans on gatherings and travel as we all seek to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It’s “the vibe,” to quote Dennis Denuto from the classic Australian comedy drama film The Castle. It does feel different.

For example, my local community embraced the idea of putting teddy bears in windows for children to spot as they walk around the neighbourhood then transitioned to Easter bunnies and eggs. The streets have been full of excited children joyfully finding all the animals as they walk with their families. More of us are out walking or running, exchanging a friendly smile and greeting. People are generally being more neighbourly.

I understand the downsides, of course, with too many people genuinely suffering from loss of employment, from deprivation and from depression. At times we’ve also seen the ugly side of people exposed through their antics while shopping or selfishly ignoring social distancing rules because they feel the rules don’t apply to them—note: they do. But the good side of people seems to be dominating.

I tend to be an introvert, so I’m in my element and will probably find it hard to rejoin society when the lockdown is lifted. When it is, I’ll be curious to see if we revert to the way things were. I hope not.

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Warrick Long
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Warrick Long

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Dr Warrick Long is an experienced chief financial officer, company secretary and company director, having worked for more than 25 years in the not-for-profit sector. In 2013, he joined Avondale Business School where he is a Senior Lecturer, MBA Course Convenor and a leadership and governance specialist.