Stupid is defined as something or someone that is acting in an unintelligent or careless manner (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this current time of need, I think premature openings and removal of the stay-at-home orders would be the epitome of stupid. Eighteen of the states have begun reopening and six states plan to reopen soon despite the expressed health concerns of a potential “spike in coronavirus infections” (Gamio, Lee, Mervosh, & Popovich, 2020). I understand the economic concerns, believe me, I do–this situation is complicated, to say the least.
The reopening of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland have taken precedence in the news this past week. Disney’s task force has not yet commented, but it is strongly presumed that they will not reopen until January 2021. These parks “could look and feel very different” when they reopen (Tate, 2020). Disney has announced that they will open in two phases, first at 50 percent capacity, then in phase two, they will move to 75 percent. They will also take certain precautions like mandatory face masks for employees, and guests/parties must follow the six-foot distancing markers while waiting in lines. While Disney has higher financial standings than most companies, they are still beginning to struggle and the Orlando economy is beginning to plummet. As Walt Disney World has furloughed most of its 77,000 employees, “the unemployment rolls would nearly triple metro Orlando’s unemployment rate from 2.9% in February, the latest figure available, to 8.5% now” (Russon, 2020). I believe that Disney has considered these ramifications to their surroundings and has chosen health as their primary concern.
I find myself torn when I think too complicatedly; many families are left with no discernable income all across the country, but many are left without loved ones. If this situation is considered in the long run, I believe it is important to take health concerns seriously but with perspective. In the 1980s during the initial AIDS crisis, it was widespread panic. States reacted the same way they are now, during the COVID-19 pandemic: some states reacted with rapid hysteria and over precautions and others took no worry to it. While the CDC found that AIDS, unlike COVID-19, cannot be transmitted casually in schools or workplaces, employees with AIDS were still “transferred to less desirable jobs, placed on sick leave or disability, or fired because employers fear they could transmit a contagious disease” (Mustich, 2011). This was a terrible discriminative measure taken to reassure the safety of the public. We must not follow in the footsteps of our past, but we must redefine our version of caution.
I find it completely disturbing that our government has not yet created a protocol in this situation. How many widespread diseases and pandemics must we live through in order for a plan to be put in place? I believe the government must take action universally if one state can roam free then, those people can and will continue to spread the virus to those states left struggling. I believe that the stay-at-home orders should be similar if not the same. I also believe that when we, as a nation, do reopen companies and businesses should follow the same precautions set forth by Disney. If we allow the world to return to its ‘normal’ instantaneously then we are almost certainly going to hit a second wave that will knock us right off our boogie board. Despite the constant protests to open salons, restaurants, and recreational businesses it is imperative that we remain optimistic and cautious in these coming months.
Bibliography
“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupid. Accessed 3 May. 2020.
Mervosh, Sarah, et al. “See Which States Are Reopening and Which Are Still Shut Down.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 25 Apr. 2020, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/states-reopen-map-coronavirus.html
Tate, Curtis. “Disney World and Disneyland Reopenings Are Still Uncertain. Here’s What the Parks Could Look like When They Do.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 29 Apr. 2020, www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2020/04/29/disney-world-disneyland-post-coronavirus-what-parks-might-look-like/3041020001/.
Russon, Gabrielle. “43,000 More Walt Disney World Workers Will Be Furloughed April 19.” Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2020, www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-bz-disney-largest-union-deal-20200411-4qxo6uskrzhgriozyj6iysyiim-story.html.
Mustich, Emma. “A History of AIDS Hysteria.” Salon, Salon.com, 25 Sept. 2011, www.salon.com/2011/06/05/aids_hysteria/.
English 110 Spring 2020 10:10-11:00 
Hannah, amazing writing as usual. I really appreciate your introduction, where you. not only defined stupidity which I loved, but in addition exposed pre-mature openings and the lifting of social distancing guidelines. As much as I want to get back to normal life, I know that these guidelines and shut downs are what is necessary for our future health and safety.
I admire you using large cooperations such as Walt Disney World and Disneyland to further fuel your piece, acknowledging that health is a primary concern and while businesses and cooperations in the world begin to struggle, they will take precautions as they begin to open up.
Like you referenced, our economy is drowning, and it is scary and confusing for everyone, but caution is very important and I agree that the governments between each state should be on the same page as far as re-opening public places and lifting guidelines.
Wonderful piece, Hannah.
-Toni Abdy
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Hi Hannah, another great pic!! First off, I loved your intro I thought it was very interesting because of how it differs from all others. On the other hand, I give a lot of props to you for being so educated on the topics of unemployment due to the virus but incorporated facts to help us understand more. I liked to read this because it didn’t feel like I was reading but more so like I was learning about something I didnt know which is great! I love how you took on a new view and spoke more economically because I know I would not have thought to write in that aspect. I also appreciated the tone of how you used Disney as an example, such a cheerful place in such a devastating time, it really showed symbolism of how much this tragedy has truly affected us. Loved to read this!!
Emilie Lauria
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Hey Hannah!! I Love how every time I read one of your pieces I am simply captivated by the first sentence. I never expect it so I just have to keep reading. Your work is always so strong and relatable I love reading them however I loved when you read them aloud in class because I heard your comical tone in your voice and its just way better than imagining it in my head. Anyway, this piece brought about many strong arguments backed by strong articles. I to believe that premature openings are exactly that premature and should not be happening. Yes Im tired of this quarantine and would love to be out and about but right now that just should not be an option. I also agree with your statements about the government and the issues with no protocols being in place as I wrote something similar in my piece. Overall your piece was captivating and kept my interest throughout it. I love reading your work and can’t wait for next weeks!! Hope all is well and everyone is staying healthy and safe!! (Eleni LeClair)
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What’s up Hannah. I feel the same way about these openings and most definitely the response the government has put forth so far through this time. The disorganization of it all really disappointed me, the disruption of the economy and the loss of life shows for their lack of preparedness, and it for sure made me question if they as a government have their priorities straight. I seriously can only hope that from this point on, it can only get better. Great work.
– Austin
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