Now I do empathise with people who are unemployed, financially struggling and are facing detrimental mental health issues. I am so sorry for the people who have lost thousands, their businesses and homes. I am so sorry to those who, because of the lockdowns, feel like they have lost everything and struggle to remain hopeful for the future. I really am sorry. And I guarantee that most people are sorry. I have cried for hours because of Australia’s economy and what it means for Australian citizens and how life will be different. It is scary and lockdowns predominantly have a negative impact on businesses and especially the small businesses.

It’s true, the Australian government is no longer releasing data or statistics on the suicide rate which continues to grow. Psychologists are booked out for months and people are struggling to get medical help. To the people who protested because they lost a loved one or they themselves have struggled, I am sorry. And I hear you.

I have been trying to understand every reason that people went out to protest. I genuinely wish that every single person, whether you support the lockdowns or are against it, try to gain as much knowledge as you can about both sides or both perspectives of the argument. I said not long ago that if the Australian state government put us in lockdown that people would be out protesting, maybe even riots. I was somewhat right. I can understand why some people protested and I can sympathise with you.

However, I am not happy. To the people fighting for Australia’s freedom, to “free the people”, I have a question for you, why did you not want to wear masks or try to socially distance yourselves from eachother? Okay. Let’s pretend that a few of you have Covid and spread it to other people. I know that some people who attended the protest would not get tested, would not follow the guidelines and would spread it to other people without remorse. You throw stats at us regarding the death rate and whatnot, I hear you. But what about all the people who are imunocompromised? What about the thousands of people in hospital who are sick? What about the millions of elderly people who have weaker immune systems? The people in nursing homes? I have heard some of you say “well they’re old anyway”. These people have contributed to making Australia the country it is today. They have created jobs, businesses and things that we don’t imagine living without. Even if you don’t agree with wearing masks and social distancing guidelines can’t you see how the rest of Australia would take you more seriously, sympathise with you, if you acknowledge that you care about others. Because from the perspective of those who are angry, furious at you for protesting, your actions just look selfish and ignorant.

Now I have been yelled at for wearing a mask, I have been spat at by a woman for wearing a mask. I was at work, keeping to myself, working in retail. If people chose to wear a mask to stop the spread of a virus that shows respect for others. If you didn’t wear a mask and spread Covid to others, possibly resulting with them dying, would you not feel guilty? If it was your mother, your father? Sibling? Children? Friend? Would you not feel bad if they died of Covid and it was because you didn’t want to wear a mask. It’s not hard to do the right thing. You can socially distance yourselves from others and maintain good hygiene standards. While this might be “inconvenient” to you, all I have to say is get over it. It’s a slap in the face to all health care workers, to people who have lost their loved ones from Covid simply because it’s “inconvenient” to you and because you don’t care.

Now I completely understand that the lockdowns can benefit those 1%, the rich, the upper class. I understand that people with privilege don’t care if we go into a lockdown. I know that people treat lockdowns like a holiday while others are fighting to live. To those who are oblivious to the destruction that lockdown has caused some individuals, families and businesses, wake up. Some people are struggling, losing their homes, aren’t eligible for government support and are trying to make ends meet.

Whilst the government is certainly part of the blame for Covid outbreaks and lockdowns, you, Australians could have done better too. Now I’m not perfect either but to all Australians I ask you, please support Australian businesses. The world has supporting these “I want” buying behaviours and will purchase things just because they “want” them rather than having an actual “need” for them. Stop buying from these e-commerce giants, or at least try to reduce your spending with them. Amazon are known to exploit their workers and please if you don’t even know this just Google “reasons not to shop at Amazon”. Small businesses could have done better throughout the lockdowns, survived perhaps, if people supported small businesses rather than these big multinational corporations. If everyone bought local, supported local jobs, we would have done better. So yes, we are somewhat to blame. And rather than trying to argue that or find reasons to put the blame elsewhere. It’s true. Australians should have bought and continue to buy from Australia.

Don’t get me wrong, I am angry at the government too and especially for their lack of empathy and accountability. I am sorry that they are not being the leaders we need. They are not representing us or looking after our best interests. It is hard to find a solution that suits everyone, I get that. But the middle and lower socioeconomic classes are struggling and it’s almost as if some of these politicians are turning a blind eye. So again, to those people at the protests, if you wanted change from our leaders and the government you failed to try and win over those angry at you. In my opinion, you fighting for “freedom” were not fighting for the freedom of ALL Australians, primarily just yourselves. If you acknowledged the seriousness of Covid and how people end up in intense care and thousands dying around the globe, that this virus is real and deadly especially to those who are imunocompromised, maybe, you would have been heard properly. If you fight for all Australians and want to protect all Australians and protested with these simple safety measures, perhaps you would have been heard by everyone.

Check out our #blog on 90s Movies. This is part 1 in the series.