The year is almost over. The strains of “Auld Lang Syne” will soon signal an end to 2020 and a new beginning – a year promising much better times. New Year's is a time for reflection, and although many just want to forget this last very challenging year, we should diligently consider the relevance of the last twelve months. Perhaps not everything about 2020 should “be forgot and never brought to mind.”
Here is a list of a Yale law school librarian’s list of the most notable quotes of 2020:
“Wear a mask.” — Dr. Anthony Fauci, CNN interview, May 21.
“I can’t breathe.” — George Floyd, plea to police officer, Minneapolis, May 25.
"One day — it’s like a miracle — it will disappear,” President Donald Trump, referring to the coronavirus in remarks at an African American History Month reception at the White House, Feb. 27.
“I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" — Trump, in remarks at a White House Coronavirus Task Force news briefing, April 23.
“I will never lie to you. You have my word on that.” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, at her first press briefing, May 1.
“My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, statement dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera, September.
“If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.” — Joe Biden, in an interview with “The Breakfast Club” radio program, May 22.
“The science should not stand in the way of this.” — McEnany, referring to school reopenings in a news briefing, July 16.
“You're a lying dog-faced pony soldier.” — Biden, in a remark to student at campaign event, Hampton, N.H., Feb. 9.
“We are all Lakers today.” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, in a remark to reporters after the death of Kobe Bryant, Orlando, Fla., Jan. 26.
(Associate Press. “Fauci's 'wear a mask' plea tops Yale's list of most notable quotes of 2020.” USA TODAY. December 7, 2020.)
The list was assembled by
Fred Shapiro, an associate director at the library. It is an annual
update to The Yale Book of Quotations, which was first
published in 2006.
In this upside-down COVID-19 pandemic year, these words conjure vivid memories of struggles, tragedies, and outcomes of a time none of us will ever forget. As the year draws to a close and we prepare for a better, safer 2021, we realize this year was shaped by a global pandemic, nationwide protests, and a presidential election – all of which made 2020 one of the most memorable years in modern history.
What have we learned this year?
* We learned health is to be treasured and sought after above wealth. In a world dominated by the profit motive of capitalism, this is a profound lesson to learn, and one with consequences that will affect every aspect of our lives. The U.S. health system that exists today is a hodgepodge of ideas, programs and regulations that is both extraordinarily expensive and highly inefficient. And, our health system is beset by tremendous gaps and inequities that favor some groups while unfairly disadvantaging others – minoritized communities, people living in rural areas, and people who are unable to afford or access health insurance, just to name a few.
As we have seen throughout this pandemic, these and other underlying factors result in some people being disproportionately affected by the dangers of COVID-19, just as it makes them more susceptible to the dangers of chronic conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, that are by far the largest drain on our health system
* We learned need an early warning system for future crises, whether from climate change or pandemics. Outbreaks can happen in urban areas, rural areas, suburbs and any culture around the world. In the future, responses will need to be hours, not weeks, as time is critical in ensuring the safety and health of employees, as well as the outlook of the company.
* We learned COVID-19 can sicken and kill anyone. Now, we know that masks can greatly reduce the amount of virus that people expel into the air while speaking, and that masks protect people who are wearing them – not perfectly, but enough to reduce greatly the transmission of the disease.
* We learned misinformation also kills us. The president of the United States, other politicians, anti-vaccine activists, and members of the right-wing media have used the pandemic to spread misinformation and amplify conspiracy theories. The most important public health measure during a pandemic of a disease with no cure or vaccine is to help experts share clear, trustworthy, accurate, actionable information based on the best evidence. Clearly, spreading lies has spread this disease.
* We learned to never take anything for granted – our family, our jobs, our life. So many people have suffered tremendous loss during the pandemic. And, we have also lost things that were closely personal to us like close human interaction. This year was a great reminder to always be grateful for the things we overlook that we get to freely enjoy. We know better now that whatever we have and we cherish can be taken away at a moment’s notice, so it's important for us to capture those opportunities when they exist.
* We learned of great racial disparities in our society. The global outcry in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many Black Americans before them underscored the long-standing issues of bias and systemic racism. We found we must speak out against injustices – not thinking this is an option, but rather making it a part of our nature.
* We have learned to find strength and resilience in our season of weakness. The pandemic pushed us to innovate and attack our issues and problems in a different way. What we’ve gone through is tough, but it does not define the outcome. We do. So, we have used a Plan B as we surrender and/or alter our plans and expectations to the year of 2020’s reality.
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
* We have learned to slow down and be more present and mindful. This year we all have faced unforeseen challenges, but meeting these challenges has also given us a tremendous opportunity to slow down, pause, and do some deep thinking. Social distancing has allowed time for this slow down. And, in a time when anxiety in children, teens, and adults is rising in America, over-scheduling is thought to be a contributor to parental and child stress. Less rushed, we have had more quiet time, more privacy, more stillness.
Reviewing the year may add to your emotional exhaustion. I hope not. Since New Year's Day, we have experienced together a year like no other. At the end of this year of “life like we know it interrupted,” we must look forward and not backward. A new normal – hopefully some time in 2021 – is sure to provide its own challenges. However, if you are like me, you will find the pleasure of easing restrictions brought about by COVID-19 to be cause for celebration and joy. May our diligence and patience be greatly rewarded. We deserve a little sunshine.
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