Vaccines can save Languages and Cultures
Most fluent speakers of any Minority Language, are elderly. Their community depends on them to teach their youth about their language and culture.
They are the root of their community. Without them hundreds of years of tradition is endangered.
Covid-19 really showed us how important it is to protect our eldest, especially since a lot of native speakers fell (and still become) victim(s) to the pandemic. Our duty is to protect others, by wearing masks and social distancing. That way we also protect Minority languages.
But in the last few weeks, with the development of the vaccine, a new danger to Native/Minority Languages showed itself. (White) Privilege!
While everyone seemed to agree on our eldest and front line workers receiving the vaccine first, since they are most endangered, many rich people don´t share that sentiment.
I want to especially talk about the Canadian couple that chartered a private jet and “allegedly” acted as though they were motel workers to get a vaccination in the Yukon area, a mostly Indigenous community. Both were fined for not quarantining for 14 days and the man resigned from his position as CEO of Great Canadian Gaming, but let me tell you something. THAT`S NOT ENOUGH! First of all both them knew that they could infect other people with Corona and they didn´t care. A 2000 US Dollar-fine is not enough for literal Millionaires to hurt and rethink their actions. They did not care that indigenous people could die because of them. That History could die because of them. All they probably thought about was their next vacation.
And second of all in a year it is probably forgotten. He will most likely not be CEO again but the chances are high that he will have a similar position of power. Especially since his Company did not give a statement about why he left. They will doubtlessly tell everyone who wants hear it, that they were just scared for their lives which made them ignore the consequences of their actions. And people will believe that bullshit because it is easier than thinking that the nice, rich people from next door are actually a couple of ignorant, racists that think they should come first because of the number on their bank account.
So here are two easy things you can do to help get vaccination done faster for your community starting with elderly people ( no matter if they are minority speakers or not). Please remember to stay safe while doing this:
1.Ask the elderly people in your house if they need help making an appointment to get the vaccination (depends on country)
2. Do they have a way to get there?
And if you hear more stories about privileged people stealing spots for vaccination and similar things don´t hesitate to make live difficult for them. Write the company they work for, boycott companies until they fire them and sign petitions for laws to be changed so that this can not happen again. We don´t have to accept anything anymore!!
Like always I am open to criticism and questions. I love to learn more and give my knowledge to others.
And don´t forget to wear your mask. It could make a huge difference!