The State of the U.S. Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

This table documents the cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the United States. With COVID-19 being spoken about from so many different sources, it is important to know the credible ones, such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This chart consists only of straight forward data, no bias. Seeing the number of cases and deaths allows us to develop an understanding of the magnitude of this issue. By acknowledging the prevalence of the virus, we can begin the process of exploring how this pandemic will spark cultural change in the United States. (Click on the picture to make it bigger) 

This table provides the definitions of “culture” and “cultural change” that I used when developing my predictions for the influence COVID-19 will have on American culture. Sharing these definitions with listeners is done in an effort to make sure the audience understands what I mean when I refer to these terms. It is important to understand what culture and cultural change look like before you can identify cultural change happening before you. (Click on the picture to make it bigger) 

The CDC produced this video to inform us of when we should social distance, which is whenever you are around anyone expect the people in your home who do not have or think they have COVID-19. This video is an example of how our country is being taught to distance themselves from anyone outside their home and to even be wary of those they live with. This contributes to my prediction that there will be a cultural shift to introverted sociality, including the practice of social avoidance. (Click on Key Times to Practice Social Distancing to view the video)  

This image is another way that the CDC has promoted social distancing. Here, the image shows people in separate houses, suggesting that you should not meet people in a shared space, but rather stay separated in your own homes to ensure your safety. I included this image in addition to the Key Times to Practice Social Distancing to express how these messages are repeatedly being expressed to us. We are hearing it through different forms, but the message is still the same- to avoid getting physically close to people. 

This video is included to show that in response to not being able to give handshakes, hugs, and high fives, we have had to come up with alternatives. This exemplifies that the effects of this pandemic are not temporary. We are already adapting, coming up with new ways to interact with each other to avoid touching. Not only are we coming up with alternatives, but we are practicing them daily, allowing them to become the norm. (Click on Alternatives to Handshakes, Hugs, and High Fives to view the video)