The corona virus has revealed the dark side of people. Here in Singapore, there has been numerous media coverage of people hoarding essentials like face masks, medical supplies and food. Those who do not need it have piles and piles of it, whilst those who really need it is left with nothing much.
Merriam-Webster defines corona as “a usually colored circle often seen around and close to a luminous body (such as the sun or moon) caused by diffraction produced by suspended droplets or occasionally particles of dust”. That’s also where the virus got its name from – the resemblance from its shape.
However, I am not going to dwell on the dark side of things. The media seems to love doing that. Instead, I choose to witness the good side of humanity. Here are a few stories that will inspire.
The Grab Driver – A Grab driver was resting at a coffee shop when he saw an ambulance driver, who looked exhuasted from hours of work, alight and queue up to buy a place of chicken rice. However, the ambulance driver was chased away – apparently for fear that he might be carrying the virus. The Grab driver rushed over, and bought the ambulance driver a meal instead. The conversation that ensued revealed that the ambulance driver had been working long hours, avoiding going back to his own home for fear of spreading the virus to his own family, and shunned by society. (Yet, I am sure the gesture of the chicken rice would restore some hope back for the ambulance driver.)
The Lack of Face Masks – My friend shared this story on facebook. He had to travel overseas but was not able to buy face masks because there simply wasn’t any available. He shared his frustrations and dilemma with some friends. When he got home, he found several pieces of new face masks delivered to his home by his friends. (In times of difficulties, you will discover your true friends.)
There’s the story of neighbours cooking and delivering meals for those who have been quarantined in their homes, a couple giving out free face masks at a train station, students offering to coach their fellow students who have been quarantined online, etc.
Do you see the ring of light around the dark patch – well, that’s the hope in humanity. During this difficult time, we should be keeping an eye out for others, our neighbour, our colleague, the lone figure wondering the streets. When we reach out to others, they will also experience the glimmer of hope. When hope seems brighter, the dark patch of the corona will gradually diminish. Even with the virus, life will be much better for all. Let’s all do our part.
