The Pandemic of the 21st Century
A big notice went out immediately after Friday the 13th that the coronavirus had touched down in Texas. Events were being cancelled, school districts announced that the Spring Break would be extended and we were adapting to what felt like the unknown. We heard that to be cautious wear a mask. My first time to the grocery store once the pandemic was active not many in the grocery store had masks. My father cautioned to wear a mask, especially since it appeared that the virus was reaching people like my father with health conditions. I developed a routine early on when I'd shop and for what. A couple weeks prior, I cancelled my gym membership and cut off a lot of expenses. A couple more trips out to grocery stores I started to see a change. Especially by April, there were more people wearing masks and protocols at grocery stores for which direction to enter buildings and aisles. In the grocery store that day, I had the urge to take photos of what I was seeing just shopping for food but I was too concerned of taking more time than necessary and was focused on simply getting in and getting out. Especially since we started hearing that the handling of certain items could potentially spread the virus if one wasn't careful.
The parks have been closed for a while, only just recently opening back up. I wanted to take the opportunity to take this picture as the caution tape started coming apart on the playground equipment. When possible, I hope to document more. I admire all the work photographers all around are putting in to capture so many moments during this time. It's inspiring. A lot is going on and most recently I really got inspired by an article titled "Everyone has a story": How will the world remember the pandemic?" The article states, "Everywhere, people like Uwakwe (Obi Uwakwe, artist/photographer) are creating photographers, paintings, emails, journals and social media posts that will shape how the world remembers the coronavirus pandemic for years and centuries to come. Museums and historical societies already are collecting materials." It adds, "Technology is helping historians collect material and tell stories as well."
This is my first contribution to that. Perhaps this will end soon, but it looks like we're knee deep in what surviving a pandemic is going to be all about. Sending prayers to everyone out there. This one's for the future.
