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Going Viral

Writer's picture: thegaytedcthegaytedc

Updated: Dec 9, 2020

Today is Saturday, November 14th, 2020.


I’m sitting in the airport, waiting to board my flight destined to Atlanta by way of LAX. The spectrum of normalcy has taken an intense shift, that for some has proven to be maladaptive. I look around and I see people from all walks of like, well, what’s from the eyes up anyway. The skewed faces of kids latching on to their parents for familiarity. The faces of parents who look to be trying their best to play by the rules of wearing a face mask, bandana, shield – whatever it takes to do their part to eliminate the spread of the virus.


Muffled conversations in snack shop between cashier and customer, both of whom seem to be stretching their sense of sound in order to understand and comprehend that “it’s okay to remove your card, sir. Your transaction is complete.” Passengers posted against the terminal wall because there is not enough social distancing seating to accommodate everyone who is flying. Bold, oversized, intimidating stickers plastered on every over seat that reads “For Your Safety Please Allow Extra Space”. In other words, don’t even think about sitting here. Another little convenient reminder that the coronavirus is very much alive and could be sitting one seat away from you.


I’d really like to learn the policy and protocols that are enforced by the aviation industry, as I see many corners that are being cut while waiting to board my flight. And by that I mean, I find it interesting to see the janitorial staff sweeping areas around sitting passengers, but that seems to be the extent of sanitizing. What about the seats that exclaim the warning of ‘allowing extra space’? You’d think that you’d see those spaces being sterilized and disinfected, but no. Its not happening. Instead, they leave it up to us to make sure that we’re doing our part, while not doing theirs. It says something about the nature of the scene when you’re surrounded by others who can only be identified by eye color, and skin complexion.


Many of us are with masks, any type of hat or headpiece and fully clothed. Resembling Muslims and hijabs. I wonder if now, we’ll be viewed and deemed as terrorists. Dressed with face covers that may unintentionally conceal our identity. Once upon a time, it was considered to be a domestic terroristic threat, if we fit that description. But I guess hypocrisy is immaterial when COVID enters the chat.


“We would now like to welcome our passengers on Delta Flight DL346, to Atlanta, GA, who are seated in Zone Two, to board at this time. Zone Two includes our First Class passengers..."


Finally. I feel seen.


-KP

 


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