We squandered a once in a lifetime opportunity. We. Us. The British public, the world, society. We had a chance, and we threw it away.
The COVID-19 pandemic and more specifically, the ensuing lockdowns, should have served as a societal reset.
Kept apart from family and friends, that period reminded us all of the importance of community, and of social interaction. When the chips were down, many of us rallied to support vulnerable neighbours. We collectively gave thanks to the medical profession; the doctors and nurses risking their lives to save ours. That surreal time also afforded us a glimpse behind the political curtain. Politicians were no more prepared for a global pandemic than we were; they were making it up as they went along; and they had no intention of following the rules that they implemented.
Through it all, we were united. We were all in the same boat – leaky and rudderless – together. That was our opportunity. We could have clung on to that feeling of community and society; we could have maintained the Dunkirk Spirit that got us all through; and we could’ve demanded better, fairer and more transparent government.
But we didn’t. With the lockdown over, we quickly went back to “every man for himself”. Rather than bringing us together, it seems that we are now more divided than ever. People, society. We are all even more self-absorbed, self-centred, selfish and loathsome that we were before.
In place of a great reset, we now have the same as before. Only worse.
Sadly, the UK demolition industry has also squandered an opportunity to start over. In fact, it has done so not once, but twice.
This article continues on Demolition Insider. Please use the link below to access this article FOR FREE.
