Recent times have made for vast introspect and reflection on past moments in my life; Ive found myself in a deep state of observation while I navigate my way through my days. My work helps bring normalcy while I confess to feeling guilty that many of you dont have the same outlet currently. It truly is difficult for every one of us in our own way and that is something I think is overlooked by many. Based on what I come across on social media and comment sections in news columns I am finding myself intrigued in what I am reading. There is a great opportunity to see society for what it is to many, by way of their contribution. You can see their intent, clear as day as their person self exposes who they really are in the depths between their sentences. This social behavior is frightening in its re-emergence once more in our cultural breath; my grandfather would have a hard time with this.

Its important for humans to fit in and there is a wave of collective belonging when it comes to COVID19. Like a movement, its crucial that the message is carried forward. Its bigger than all of us and there is a feeling of belonging to something. People want to fit in, and once they find their common circle, they can sometimes lash out at those who either choose to create their own place of comfort or those who choose to criticize. Similar behaviors occur in marketing; therefore, fads catch on. No one wants to be left behind, belonging is important to the collective physiology. I recall from my school days that if you wore Levi red tab jeans, you were in, your family had money. Orange tabs were a sign of poverty and came with ridicule and shame; I hated those jeans but wore them because I knew how hard my mother was trying.

As old as time, power ultimately corrupts regardless of social status. People who can dominate, immediately show their truculence in their commentary towards others who may not be falling into the same line as they have found their comfort and acceptance. Weve come a long way from that guy at the house party who spoke of counterculture truths that he believed about the government; He was not only cool but accepted. Today, weve made words like conspiracy, weapons of control when we ourselves may not hold enough information to counter what were struggling to comprehend. We only really know what we accept and somehow, weve come to where its encouraged to strip our neighbour of their right to disagree, with contempt. Many people lack the life experience to think critically on matters beyond their own point of view and want nothing more than to silence and discredit those who differ in opinion.

I dont think there is anything wrong, whatsoever, in understanding that natural human behavior occurs on all levels. Simply consider your immediate life as you read my words. If you hold any position today in your workplace and answer to someone above you, I guarantee that you do not know the all inner details of that business. Your top leadership has a vision that very likely hasnt been entirely cascaded down to you yet and there is a plethora of good reasons for this. In fact, in this very community, most people dont know who really runs Airdrie, let alone the pathway of decisions that have taken place to bring our city to where it is today. In saying all of that Im simply sharing my revelation to create an inner dialogue of hope, understanding and empathy for those we may not see parallel with.

One incredible thing I think Ive taken from COVID19 is what an essential worker really is. As Ive grown through life, Ive held a significant range of careers and jobs; Everything from dishwasher to headlining stand up comedian. Currently, I am a component repair machinist and a small business owner. Both deemed essential. Ive come across many people in my time who held their titles as the beacon of their value while openly chastising those theyve deemed as beneath them. Matter of fact, back in the middle 90s I worked as an Auto Tech and Service Writer at Walmart St. Vital in Winnipeg. One day a specific customer thought so little of my place in their imagined Caste system, they felt entitled to verbally and physically assault me for not immediately satisfying their unreasonable demand. Ironically today, both Walmart and the Hospital are considered essential and are open. I remember that day very well and as this man finished his assault, customers who transitioned organically by mere happenstance of their presence, became witnesses to this nonsense. After he left the store, those people immediately surrounded me with their kind words, support and general commentary of how this event made them feel. They all handed me their home phone numbers and offered their testimony to my defence if this situation should escalate to the store management, which it did.

In the end, were all just people. Regardless of the situation, together is the only way forward. Compassion teaches that listening is almost always a great approach to everything; a skill I confess to still be studying. The sad truth is, ignorance is like wisdom in that theyre both acquired as we go. Once possessed, we build the foundations of our lives from what weve learned.

Noam Chomsky once said, If we dont believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we dont believe in it at all.

Thanks again for reading The Lowdown. You can read this and archived columns at timlowing.com.

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The Lowdown Revelations - Sarnia Observer