Could it be that something good has come out of the coronavirus pandemic? Are many of us finally feeling like we are all in this together?

I think so. Or at least I hope so.

I’m talking about the outpouring of voices and actions to address racism and racial inequality.

Both social media and traditional media witnessed a flood of anger and grief following the senseless death of George Floyd. Hashtags popped up and protests were organized, like so many times before.

Something different

But there was something different this time. I felt it, and I think a lot of other people did, too. It hit me hard, and it shocked me, both the situation and my reaction to it.

I wasn’t alone. Many people and even companies are reaching out and echoing many of the same sentiments I’ve felt and thoughts I’ve had.

This time, we didn’t just shake our heads in sadness and regret that it happened again. No, this time, we all seemed to have a gut reaction that this is wrong and it can’t keep happening. What do we need to do to change this?

That question led me to some influencers (like Light Watkins) who are sharing ways to help. Interestingly, it seemed I was not alone as a white person wanting to know what I could do.

Talking about racism and what’s happening in our country is important. For too long we were silent, and that silence can be seen as agreement or consent. If I don’t say anything, perhaps you assume I agree with what’s happening.

For me, I was silent because I didn’t think I had anything to share or any way to help. I felt helpless and that nothing was going to change anyway.

This got me to thinking about what’s different this time. Another black person had died, casually killed in police custody. But there have been police killings before. Much more violent ones, too, that sparked angry protests and calls for reform.

Something good

What’s different is we’ve been sheltering at home for a couple of months, trying to protect ourselves, our loved ones and vulnerable people from COVID-19. We’ve tried to limit the spread to keep from overwhelming medical staff. Our front-line essential workers have put themselves at risk to keep food and supplies available.

Since early March, we’ve been separated from co-workers, friends and extended family. Yet we’ve also felt connected, like we were all in this together. Everyone around the world was dealing with the same issues, from China to Italy to the UK to New York. We all were sharing the same feelings, worries and concerns. Somehow, this virus that forced us to separate physically pulled us together emotionally.

Is that what’s allowed many of us to finally get it? To finally find our voices and ask how we can help?

I believe it has to play a part. In other circumstances, we may not have had this reaction. It could have been like all the times before. We could have remained silent, but we didn’t. It took a global pandemic to bring us to together on racism. At least there’s something good that came out of it.

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How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Keep a journal

You maybe noticed I haven’t posted a new column in a couple of weeks. It wasn’t for lack of writing. I had written several columns, but I wasn’t happy with them. Then #blacklivesmatter took off, and nothing seemed right. I tried writing this column several times. I wrote it and rewrote, and finally started over.

Even though I didn’t want to publish what I’d initially written, it was valuable to me to write it. I find writing helps me focus my thoughts and notice things I might not otherwise see. This is why keeping a journal can be helpful.

Most people keep a journal with the idea that it’s private and won’t be published. This can let them feel comfortable exploring thoughts they may not talk about or share with others.

Even if you don’t keep a formal journal, you can explore your thoughts and feelings when you write. You don’t need a dedicated book by your bed. Just jot some notes or type on your laptop.

By keeping a journal, you can learn about yourself and figure out how you relate to what’s happening around you. Right now, those are very global topics that spark strong feelings. Take some time and write about it.