Peter Pan is among us
To the Editor,
I struggle to understand the spectacle of maskless, non-social-distancing hordes on beaches, and at gatherings in bars and other public spaces. The sight fills me with dread. When I encounter maskless ones coming towards me on the sidewalk, I quickly walk out into the street, while nearly all of them walk by, oblivious of me and my action.
I don’t expect the courtesy of a thanks, or an acknowledgment of my existence; but feeling invisible in this age of COVID-19 is disconcerting. These people don’t look like bad folks — they seem to be innocent people. But they’re living in a weird, parallel universe where consequences don’t seem to exist. They lack a future sense.
It’s unclear whether escalating numbers of cases will touch those who have given up on whatever precautions they may have previously observed. I fear they are lost to us. Are they not the “Lost Boys,” Peter Pans, who refuse to grow up? They need Wendys to protect them, but leadership has been lacking, and sadly, some of our leaders are also Lost Boys.
Across the country, if schools don’t somehow open, we’re in danger of losing a generation of children. The Lost Boys appear unaware of their role in keeping the schools shut down. Maybe it will help if we pluck up our courage and speak to the ones who seem educable. It’s much like encouraging a six-year-old to wear a helmet when he or she bikes. I know that speaking up may appear rude and intrusive, but please consider it!
Rob Dreyfus
Swarthmore
