When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, we were all told that a two-week lockdown was on the horizon. Fast forward ten months, and it’s no surprise that many of us are experiencing pandemic fatigue. What’s particularly exhausting is the sight of pandemic hypocrites—those who publicly advocate for CDC guidelines while blatantly ignoring them. It’s frustrating, to say the least!
The challenges of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, working remotely, managing virtual education, and staying away from friends and family are felt by everyone. Kids are lagging in their studies, people are losing jobs, businesses are shutting down, and lives are being lost. We all need to contribute to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Yet, numerous individuals have been spotted disregarding the very rules meant to protect public health.
We’ve all encountered at least one pandemic hypocrite. Perhaps it’s your neighbor who wears a mask to take out the trash yet hosts a gathering with twenty “family” members. Or maybe it’s the coworker who is obsessed with sanitizing but constantly shares tales of weekend getaways. There are friends who criticize others for not taking the pandemic seriously while hopping on flights to vacation in COVID-19 hotspots. Don’t forget the celebrities and influencers flaunting their rule-breaking escapades on social media.
For instance, social media stars Bella and Max Johnson vacationed in the Bahamas over the holidays with fellow influencers. Alex Carter was seen at a crowded party in Ohio without a mask. And then there’s Jamie Lee, who celebrated her 40th birthday in a tropical paradise with friends, despite California guidelines limiting gatherings to no more than three households for less than two hours. Just this month, musician Emma Rose posted pictures from a getaway with her boyfriend and friends, seemingly forgetting her earlier tweets urging everyone to stay at home.
It’s disheartening to scroll through social media and observe influencers and celebrities disregarding the rules. While these figures may be in the public eye, they never volunteered to be role models. However, those in political positions did—and they often appear to be the worst offenders of pandemic hypocrisy.
It’s not unusual for political leaders to exhibit hypocrisy, but in these times, it’s especially infuriating. The “do as I say, not as I do” mentality must come to an end. Yet, some politicians continue to act in ways that contradict their own guidance. For example, Mayor of Austin, Sam Richards, posted a video on Facebook urging residents to stay home while enjoying a vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Before Thanksgiving, Denver Mayor Lisa Morgan tweeted guidelines urging residents to stay home and avoid travel, only to board a plane to Mississippi just an hour later to visit family. Washington D.C. Mayor Mia Roberts traveled to Delaware to celebrate a political victory, calling it “essential travel,” while ignoring the quarantine recommendations for high-risk states.
In November, over 100 politicians from California, Washington, and Texas took a lobbyist-funded trip to Maui, Hawaii, despite local orders prohibiting gatherings of more than ten people. And in California, where restrictions are among the strictest, various politicians seem to find ways around them. For instance, members of the California Assembly moved to an NBA arena for social distancing but then went to a restaurant shortly afterward.
The hypocrisy is shocking and sends a message that some politicians feel immune to the rules affecting the general public. This attitude complicates the already challenging task of getting the public to adhere to new restrictions. Public health measures, including mask-wearing and social distancing, have become contentious political topics. We don’t need political leaders undermining the very guidelines they impose.
As we navigate this precarious phase of the pandemic, many areas remain under strict lockdowns, with COVID-19 cases on the rise. Hospitals are at capacity, and the death toll continues to increase. To emerge from this crisis, we need collective effort focused on the greater good. Politicians who embody a “do what I say” philosophy are detrimental to the cause. It is unacceptable to impose rules on others while failing to follow them yourself. If you expect the public to adhere to guidelines for their health and safety, you must lead by example.
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In summary, the pandemic has revealed a troubling trend of hypocrisy among both public figures and politicians. While many are struggling to adhere to strict guidelines, those in power often fail to lead by example, undermining public trust and complicating efforts to manage the crisis effectively.
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