CDC Question 4
No doubt there are a million ways culture is changing around because of Covid 19 Crisis. In the simplest terms, “culture” means a way of life. It is the way things are done, the values and choices people make as a collective whole. Our Connecting During Corona (the other CDC) question is about what changes you think might happen as a result of this time, or what changes you are already seeing in the culture at large.
I heard someone talking about the change he saw in Atlanta: people walking in the parks, people walking with their kids and exploring outside, less cars on the streets but more feet on the sidewalks. Thats a huge change in light of Atlanta being one of the most congested cities in the world.
Who knows what will change in the long term once this crisis flattens and normal life resumes, but I’m guessing there will be a different way of operating once it’s over. I’ve been reading more about the Great Depression, and one cultural change that came out of it is the 5 day work week. Apparently before the 1930s, most people worked a 6 day work week (check out Mark Skousen’s article on the 1930s). Some factories had previously changed to a 5 day work week, but it wasn’t widespread until the Great Depression Era when people needed “to spread the work” so more people could be employed. And now that is the norm.
image from fineartamerica.com
Innovation happens during disruption. FM radio, the jet engine, radar, and other incredible technology came out of the 1930s. It just makes me think that we have some new ways of doing life that will come out of our own era. I think education will transform into more of a hybrid model of virtual and classroom time, and I also think the same will happen more widespread with telecommuting. This can have enormous impact on our environment, our infrastructure, and our ability to stay more connected to family at home and less time on the roads.
I’d love to know what you think could or should change on a cultural level - maybe we can call it early and be a part of making it happen.