75 years ago tomorrow, people celebrated the end of the Second World War, a brutal time in which millions of people died because of the ideals of a few, and tomorrow people will celebrate its anniversary but not in the way we’d hoped. The day was going to be marked with parties and celebrations, with street picnics, tables along the road and neighbours gathering together to have fun, sing and maybe even dance, in honour of the street parties people had 75 years ago. We celebrated that way during the 50th anniversary, I was in primary school at the time and the whole school had a ‘street’ party in the playground. But tomorrow, nobody will be doing that, in fact most will not even leave their homes, instead fearing to come together and opting to send messages online or at most, gather at their doors to collectively sing and clap. Though most people will see this as a good way to celebrate, I don’t because I wanted to celebrate by getting together with everyone. In fact I do wonder whether we really honouring all the people who died in the war, who died for our freedom, with what we are doing now?
A secret shared
For the last few weeks I’ve been feeling anxious and afraid, not because of a crazy virus that everyone’s scared of, but afraid and anxious to post what I really think on this blog, to post certain thoughts and opinions because not everyone will agree with what I say. I’ve been afraid to be open and honest with everyone, afraid to truly share something which has been eating away at me, because I don’t know how people will take it, I don’t know if anyone will understand or ridicule what I say. So I stayed silent, tried to sleep well (and failed) and pretend this whole thing wasn’t happening, but with the anniversary of VE day tomorrow, it’s become too much to stay quiet and I want to speak out, even if it means that some of you will choose to unfollow this blog…
The power of a ruler
75 years ago the power of Hitler and the Nazis came to an end. The regime convinced millions of Germans, through its one-sided view that what they were doing was right and just. They made people believe that it was okay to hate Jewish people, because the Jewish people were responsible for the poor ecomomy of their country. They made people want to be socially distant from the Jewish people because the Jewish were dirty and carried diseases. The Nazis wanted to rid the world of everyone that they didn’t like, that they didn’t deem part of their perfect view of race, so they killed Jewish people for countless reasons, they killed the Polish people because they deemed them as an inferior species, and they killed countless others groups of people for just being different and against their ideals, including the disabled, both mentally and physically.
But the Nazis couldn’t kill people just like that, telling the Jews they would be sent to concentration camps to their deaths wouldn’t make them go, even if it was the ultimate goal, so instead they began by taking away some of their civil liberties. At first they stopped them from being able to work in certain jobs, or go to certain places. Soon they had to wear a label that showed they were Jewish, and eventually had to leave their homes in order to live in ghettos, and eventually camps to be worked or slaughtered. The Nazi regime was a horrible and dark one, they managed to get away with so much for so long through lying to their citizens, and even lying to the people they were sending to the camps, telling them they were gong to a nice place, a place where they could get a nice shower to be clean…It was through lies like this that the Nazis managed to take so many people away and do the most henious of things that we still find shocking and unbelievable today.
Not freed
When the war ended 75 years ago, Poland was supposed to have been liberated but it wasn’t. It instead fell into the hands of the Russian/Soviet government and Poland ended up being a non-free nation for about another 50 years. Most of my family lived in Poland at this time, under the Iron Curtain, with basic freedoms restricted, civil liberties taken away. At a time before my Mum came to England, and before I was born, she recalls how something so simple as crossing the road in the wrong place (not a designated crossing) caused the police to blow their whistle at her. They took her identity papers and made her stand for twenty minutes while they toyed (enjoying every minute of their power) with whether to arrest her or not. At that time there was no freedom of speech, you couldn’t speak out against the government if you disagreed with what they did, and those that did got into trouble. My family, like many others at the time, were part of a sort of Polish resistance movement, spreading newspapers and pamphlets about freedom and listening (illegally) to free radio broadcasting from the West. These things were seen as bad and illegal to the ruling regime (one of my great uncles was tortured by the government for his views on liberty), but if asked whether it was right for the people to have freedom, we’d all agree that they should have.
Poland lived under a police state until the 1990s when it finally became truly free, a country where my grandmother, who had lived through both the Second World War and life behind Iron Curtain, finally felt the freedom so many of us take for granted today. But when the virus struck, news spread and country after country put itself into a lockdown, that freedom was quickly taken away, and it has had a drastic impact for everyone. My grandmother, or ‘Babcia’ as I call her, couldn’t even go for a walk to a bank (to pick up essential money) without being stopped by police. Only a short while ago they yelled at her to go home, and she yelled back to them that she wasn’t going to be under house arrest after being under the occupation of the Nazis and then the Soviet Union for so many years. My grandmother isn’t afraid of catching a virus, even though she’s of the age that would be ‘shielding’ in this country, but she is afraid of living in a country where her civil liberties are taken away. Where her basic human rights to walk the streets and go where she wants are taken away. And she passed on this way of thinking to my Mum who passed it on to me.
True fear
I never really feared this virus despite the fact most others have, because I don’t want to live in a state of fear, to live in a world where we fear living life. And to be honest because there are bigger and worse things to fear than getting sick. It doesn’t mean I don’t think we should be cautious, to understand what is going on, to take precautions, but being informed and living life with understanding is a world away than living life in fear. Fear, true fear, like the one people now feel is bad for health and bad for the immune system, it lowers our immunity to the virus, so why when doctors know this, does the news pump us with fear? Why would the government and the news want to keep up its one-sided narrative of fear mongering when they know this makes our immunity worse?
What does make me worry though, and what I do truly fear, is a world in which we seem to be heading, a world that isn’t free, and a world which, strangely, people want to live where their lives are dictated by the government, where freedoms are given up, a world in which we all live apart, separate, alone, scared all the time, where everyone wears a mask despite the dangers to your health in doing so (wearing one restricts your breathing and puts your body into stress/fear mode lowering the immune system again) and and a world in which everyone is ultimately sadder and sicker, where the idea of being outdoors and in the sun is shunned (it’s good for your health to breathe fresh air and be outdoors in the sunlight), but one which everyone seems to want to live in…
The people in the Second World War died for our freedoms. Millions of people died in those henious concentration camps in the most horrible of circumstances, with the hopes that one day our world would be free. So many lives were lost and when the war was finally over we promised that these henious acts would never be forgotten and would never be repeated. But we forgot that our liberties and freedoms are part of that promise too. We forgot how hard those people fought to be free, for us to be free, and not just them but countless people before and since the war.
True freedom
To be free is a precious thing and we should never sacrifice our civil liberties for anything, no matter what that ‘enemy’ looks like. But the emergency bill introduced into the UK because of the latest threat has caused me to lose sleep and worry (despite dong my best not to). Despite the official lines explaining why these measures have been taken, which make them sound like everything is fine and for our own benefit, it’s only through reading it, truly reading through it (not the short version but the true legislation) that you start to see some truth. And trust me, some of it is very scary, because the wording of that bill, the various changes to legislation here and there (and yes, I have taken the time to read the official legislation – boring and repetitive as it is), even minor changes like the omittance of certain phrases, or clever or weird re-wordings of certain parts which should be irrelevant, allow small but drastic changes to be made to so many aspects of our lives makes for a truly terrifying future in which none of us are free at all.
None of this may matter to you or anyone in the immediate future, because there is something far more scary out there right now that you can’t help but be afraid of. But the part of me I inherited from my grandmother and mother, make me question anything in which our freedoms and rights are taken away. We should never be dictated to and told what to do and we should never be so naive as to accept everything we hear without questioning what is being said. We should always do our research and seek out the truth, because countless people in the history of this planet have died for freedom, and we shouldn’t give it away so freely without retaining some control or at the very least questioning everything we are doing and questioning what we are prepared to give up. I’m not suggesting that our own world is like the past, but the slow errosion of civil liberties is what started a very dark part of our world’s history and we shouldn’t be so ready to give away all of our freedoms because of the fear of getting sick. We need to empower ourselves by controlling our own lives and learn and check things and make informed decisions.
We also shouldn’t paralyze our lives by living in fear, because that’s what fear does, in paralyzes you and stops you being able to think rationally and do anything. Living in fear ruins our immune systems, making is more likely to catch something horrible (another important reason to release fear). So let go of fear, understand, but don’t fear, and then remember the reasons so many people died for 75 years ago, and never forget.
– I hope that those of you who get to the end of this post will now understand why I’ve been so nervous to post this and why I’ve been losing sleep over it. Liberty and freedoms are SO important to my family, to me, and I don’t want them erradicated in a ‘new world’. I don’t want us to forget the world we had before the virus…
How do you feel about civil liberties, freedoms and how important are they to you? Do you think we are giving them away or do you think I’m worried about nothing? Let me know what you think in the comments below (but please let’s keep this conversation kind, regardless of your views) 🙂
The Strawberry Post 
Excellent post, kudos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you ☺️☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post!
Though those kinds of things aren’t so clearly etched in my own family’s past, it’s this kind of thing I’m afraid of myself. I don’t fear the virus. I mean, I don’t want to get sick, or for anyone I know to get sick, but I’m not scared of the virus. But I do fear what is happening as a result of the things being done to try and control the spread of it, and what it will mean for the future. Like you, I’m afraid for the freedoms we’re losing because of it, and worried we’ll return to a time when fear and too rapid judgement turned friends and neighbours to enemies, and those in charge ruled with fists of iron they were too quick to wield. It’s the main reason I’ve not been out much: not for fear of getting sick, but for fear of an asthmatic cough making me a target. That fear has had me getting most of my sunshine and fresh air via the windows of our flat, and the fact enough has happened to make me feel so much fear scares me even more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I could hug you right now. You’ve summed up everything that I’m worried about in your comment. People in this silly world are already reporting on each other to the police for such minor infractions like going out too often, it already speaks of a world where people have stopped caring about others and are too happy to just follow the law without questioning what it’s doing to our society. The worst part of all of this is that I don’t think the majority of people have even sat down to think about this issue for a few minutes. People are ready to blindly accept a government that wants to have complete control over their movements and they are so happy for this to happen. I don’t know if you’ve ever read 1984, but this feels like we are living in that world right now, only a more modern version.
Try to go outside and get some sun regardless of your fear. I do understand your worries though, I can’t imagine how the world will be come the next winter season, everyone seems to have forgotten that we always had colds and flus and nobody was too scared of catching them even though millions of people have died of the winter flu every year. We face dangers every time we leave the house, people need to learn or re-learn that we’re always exposing ourselves to dangers and this is not like a deadly gas that’s guaranteed to kill, in fact most healthy people barely suffer any symptoms at all, and plenty of unhealthy people recover from this too. We need to look after ourselves though and despite how you feel, however you feel about this whole thing, please try to look after yourself. One of the most important things you can do is look after yourself and that helps boost you immune system. I’ve found one of the best ways of staying healthy is to find something to smile or laugh about every day. That and having loving pets to cuddle certainly helps. Makes me wish I had a dog right now, or a cat 🙂
Hopefully this world will return to something better than where we are right now. I do have faith that a lot of people are seeing this situation for what it is, that they will, in time, see that it’s their own fears that are driving this and that the virus is not as dangerous as everyone is currently worrying that it is. At the end of the day it’s 2020 and this is just a new version of a flu virus. We just need to keep our immune systems strong and not fear catching it. Because a lot of us never will, and those that will, most will survive and then be immune 🙂
Just try to focus on the positive future you want, it does help, even though it’s hard to do at times. Sending hugs and love! ❤ 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I’ve read 1984, and have to agree with your observation. I wish I could say otherwise, but… *sigh* I just hope things improve. I’m also expecting a similar thing to be happening come next Winter’s cold and flu season as you are.
I do go out regularly, since Logan needs to be walked (fear or not, I have to go out with him, because he sits down and refuses to walk if anyone else tries to walk him and I’m not there). But the fear makes me reluctant to linger out there, or go too often. I think it’s a good thing I have him to force me to go out sometimes right now. In fact, all four of the pets are helping me a lot right now, since they’re great for some time away from the computer, and for giving me a reason to smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, animals are really the best at cheering us up. Don’t worry, just remember that if you ever get any strange comments of behaviour from other people it’s their problem and their issue not yours. Try not to let it affect you, and just think of your dogs and othe animals 🙂 ❤ Big virtual hug from me and don't worry, not everyone in this world is like that, there are a lot of morenormal people who think more sensibly and won't shy away or give funny looks/comments, it's just they're not always around where we are. ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Really good post, don’t be afraid to write your thoughts, that’s what blogging is for 🙂 It does scare me how people’s rights are being compromised at the moment, I haven’t read the legislation though. I feel like everyone is being punished somehow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 That’s actually a great way to put how this whole thing feels. We’re being punished and what’s worse is it feels like we’re being robbed of precious time with the people we love. The massive VE Day celebrations that were due to take place, that were planned since last year, street parties and stuff, it feels like this whole virus and the lockdown measures that all world leaders have put into place have robbed the few survivors of the chance of this massive celebration. 75 years was a special celebration, and most won’t make it to the 100th anniversary. It’s so sad that they are kept from this and although I can understand that many will want to stay isolated indoors from fear of getting ill, why force those that are willing to take a risk? For example my grandmother says she’s willing to take the risk of the virus, she’s more scared of being alone and dying alone than of catching a virus, even if that virus is dangerous, she’d rather her time be spent with her family and friends around her not to die all alone…I find it so sad she’s even thinking of death like that these days 😦
Have you read 1984? This feels eerily like a weird version of that right now, or indeed a lot of dystopian sci fi stories. Orwell probably should have named the book 2024! I think it’s scary how many rights are taken away just like that by this virus bill, but what I find even more scary is how so many people are actually happy for the government to take away their rights. 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree with you! I’m sure a lot of people would too. Around here I’ve seen a lot of elderly people who are probably those the government wants to be shielded at home, yet they are out because they want to be. I think people should be able to make their own choices about this. Ironically since lockdown started I’ve been out more than usual because I can’t stay at home all day in nice weather (fortunately I’m privileged not to be in the vulnerable categories). I feel there is some smugness from those who are strictly following the rules. Yes I’ve read 1984 (review is on my blog!) and I wonder what he would think right now. I’m trying not to be too hopeful of restrictions easing or I will be disappointed. Well done for giving your opinions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right about the smugness of the strict rule followers. It reminds me of those who are clapping for the NHS of Thursdays. While a lot of people do that out of genuine care for those who worl in the NHS, there are a few people where i live who seem to be more interrested in showing off in front of their neighbours by making ever louder celebratory noises. One neighbour went from not clapping in the past to clapping, then saucepan banging (even shouting out an announcement 5 minutes before the clap to everyone in the street🙄) and then finally: fireworks…😐 I’m sure they are loving showing off but they don’t seem to be caring much about the carers or staff as there’s one who lives on my street and that neighbour’s never once said anything nice to her as far as I know.
I think we got some of the restrictions eased at least in England, not sure whether more will happen, but here’s hoping 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!! This was so well written amazing job! I definitely think we should be allowed to go outside on walks and things like that which we’re allowed to do in Canada but I don’t know about other places. We’re not forced to wear masks when we grocery shop but most people do for their own well being. You’re so right about questioning authority but at the same time, I think the situation is worse than the stats say. It’s very easily transmittable and the government needs to keep people under control for a short amount of time. Sure, we don’t like being told what to do but when we don’t go by social distancing and following these temporary rules, we’d be putting others in danger. I think if we compromise our freedom for a short amount of time in order to stop the spread of the virus then we’ll be able to get it back faster. I don’t think it’s a time to fear if we can change our mindset towards it. This is just my opinion but I love this post and my history teacher is quaking! 😂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 We’re allowed out of our homes for shopping and going for one daily session of exercise, however the rest of the time we have to stay in our homes and its sad because VE Day would have ben such a lovely celebration of everyone getting together. I don’t know what the situation is like in Canada, but I dont think the stats are easy to read at all on this. Compared to ther causes of death this virus really doesn’t have the same death rate and although it’s easily transmittable as you say, the huge majority of people who have caught it have recovered. In fact it’s only those who have a compromised immune system or respiratory problems that are at risk, the same people who are at risk every year from catching the flu.
I think we’ll have to disagree on our opinions on whether it’s ok for the government to have control over people. People in Sweden have managed to social distance themselves without being forced into it, I’d like to think we could all do the same if necessary without having to resort to the government shutting down society and ruining the economy as a result. Of course we want everyone to be safe, but if one government takes control, one day another more dangerous one could use such an event as a precedent for something much worse, that’s what worries me.
I love the fact you are talking about changing the mindset to not being in fear by the way. That’s a great way to look at any situation, we can always adapt to anything, we don’t need to fear it 😀 Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I do enjoy hearing lots of different opinions so always feel free to voice it no matter what you think 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely had the same view when corona first came out. But now I’m reading stories about how young doctors are dying and even with the low death rate, the sickness is pretty intense and I just prefer everyone to stay healthy. You’re right about the economy though – it will be difficult but once they reopen hopefully things will progress back to normal. You as well. ❤ Tysmm!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately with any new illness there’s always a chance that young people as well as older might get sick. But we can only hope that their immune systems can tolerate it and that they will be okay 🙂 ❤ I'm sure everything will be okay when this is all over, we definitely need to stay positive and look forward to a bright and beautiful future 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post, Cat and extremely well written. I am glad you felt able to put your fears and thoughts into words and publish this; I hope you are feeling better now that you have done so and seen the positive reaction you have received. ❤ ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much ❤ Yes I do feel better 🙂 I think we should always be able to write what we truly feel we want to say on our blogs, but sometimes that fear of what people may think or say can really make us falter and worry. However clearly it was the right thing to do as I feel better and there have been positive reactions and some good discussion too which I love 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂 ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person