When I was younger, “going viral” was not at all desirable.
Back then, cases of chickenpox, flu or cold Would make people go tribal,
and isolate to maximize survival.
And then in past decade or two, with the adoption of social media,
out of the blue, “going viral”
took on a more benign meaning,
no longer something to be feared,
but to be glorified, celebrated even!
Whether posts crafted out of pure vanity,
or those shared for their sheer insanity;
an avalanche of ideas, memes, cat vids
and weird pipe dreams started parading
into our collective consciousness.
Shifting the notion, acceptance
of what it means to go viral. And now, in 2020, we find ourselves at yet another inflection,
due in large part to the mass spread
of the COVID-19 infection.
Now the term “viral” incites cringes and fear, and is even shifting preferences away
from a once popular Mexican beer.
Which, under the circumstances,
I suppose is more clear. But upon further reflection, I wonder whether with more
awareness and collective conviction,
we can harness this moment and
initiate a revival of
what it means to “Go Viral”
in these times where
connection is so vital? While we focus on containing one viral
contagion through good hygiene,
distancing, and quarantine; Can we also band together to do our part
to unleash another contagion of
practices from the heart?
While Fear, Anxiety and Pathogens may be infectious,
remember that so too can
Love, Connection, Compassion and Kindness.
So the next time you wanna fire up TikTok,
maybe instead of copycat dance moves,
can we help inspire and spread kindness
‘round the clock, ‘round the globe,
from wherever you are, and
whatever your means or talents?
Whether it’s a poem, piece of art, positive thought,
cute pet / kid vid, or offer of service
(while still maintaining distance)?
When we retweet or forward
or post a highlight,
can we use the opportunity
to place a spotlight
on what we/others are doing
to show we’re more connected,
more human, more united
on the front of this global fight? May this spur on the Latest Evolution
of "GoingViral" to a Global Revolution
to #SpreadMoreGood.
From inciting fear to inspiring cheer.
From propagating vanity, profanity, insanity
to elevating up and amplifying our shared humanity.
So that we may not only survive, but thrive for many more decades and centuries to come. 🙏🏼💗👫👬👭
#SpreadMoreGood #GoingViralforOurSurvival #FromSurvivaltoRevival #KilltheVirusWithKindness #ViralKindness
[Image credits: BBC Trending + Amnesty International]
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