The Debatist #1–2020: A Give Up or Go Ahead?
Humans in the world have different personalities. Each personality is a unique blend of different species of thoughts. Our thoughts are the voices, part of the dialogue we keep having in our head. Much like when you’re debating whether to go to that birthday party, or move to a new city or when you are trying to wake up. This debate series talks about one issue per article from the points of view of different personalities or voices in our own head, supported by actual data, slightly exaggerated for the fictional flavour.
The first article is about fancy year 2020: Is it an embodiment of Murphy’s law or a complicated pursuit of happiness?
Pessimist: Man! 2020 is a total bust! First it was wildfires, then as if Corona was not enough, we had nutjobs shooting people, devastating cyclones, crashing stock markets, plane crashes, our ex has found someone new, our work keeps multiplying and Trump is still a President. It can’t get worse than this.
Optimist: We aren’t even halfway through 2020. I’m sure things will turn around and before soon, all will be well and you will be arguing with me at Diwali on what’s the point of celebrating festivals, like we do every year.
P’mist: Man! are you blind? Look around! There is so much suffering. More than 5 million have been infected by Corona till now!
O’mist: And more than 2 million have completely recovered too, with their strength and hope. And more recoveries on the way.
P’mist: What about the poor and the migrant workers suffering trying to find their way back, huh? What is your excuse for that? Humans are callous creatures forcing families out of homes into the scorching sun. Maybe a meteoroid should strike earth and finish us off, like it did to dinosaurs.
Lethargist: True. So many bad things. Wake me up when 2020 ends. My motto: If you can’t process, ignore.
Everyone ignores.
O’mist: Now, now, Pessimist. Don’t say such things. Look at the good that has happened. There are a number of humans risking their lives to save others. Lot more of others are gathering donations, food, ration and resources to help the migrant workers. Common folks are taking care of stray dogs near their locality. Nature is breathing again!
P’mist: You can’t save all of them though. And how exactly is your ‘unicorns and rainbows’ attitude helping them?
O’mist: I’m not sure that your ‘everything sucks’ attitude is helping either. At least I’m not miserable all the time. I’m doing my bit and chilling at home.
P’mist: But you should be miserable! Corona is out there! It can come for you anytime! Your company could go bankrupt and you could lose your job! And you never know what China might be up to next!
O’mist: And be depressed all the time? No thanks!
Lethargist: I agree with Pessimist. The back of my knees keeps itching and I can’t reach there. Oh my God, is it the virus? Do I get bedrest?
Pragmatist: Holy banana peels! You just need to shower every once a while! And you can definitely reach the back of your knees.
Lethargist: We can? Great. I will check later.
Misanthropist: What are y’all arguing about. I love this quarantine. Best time ever. No humans, no fakeness. I can spend my life in a perennial lockdown.
Lethargist: Yawn. Me too. As long as there is no cooking, cleaning or cleansing. No expectations of productivity. I should be allowed a semi-vegetative state 22 hours a day.
O’mist: Out of curiosity, what are the other 2 hours for?
Lethargist: Watching you guys argue ❤
P’mist: Idiot.
Pragmatist: That gives an idea. Pessimist, will an Xbox, a yearly subscription of your favourite shows, cheeseburgers & fries and a gallon of beer make you feel better?
P’mist: No! Didn’t you hear me before? Doom is upon us! 2020, thou art a heartless wench!
Pragmatist: Oh dear! Here goes the drama. If I could roll eyes, I would be dizzy from all the spinning. Let’s not fight over petty issues, please.
P’mist: Et tu, brute? Cut out the sarcasm
O’mist: Enough! Both of you! Pessimist, I know things are looking grim. But haven’t we humans emerged from every disaster with better learning and humbler outlook. It has been 75 years since the last World War. Wars or Viruses, we are evolving. Also, I know Covid is out there. But we are alive and well today. Isn’t that a reason enough to be glad?
P’mist: Hrrumpf! I guess I can agree with the evolving and learning part. But you agreed to my ‘grim’ part first.
Pragmatist (rolling eyes): So much for not being petty.
O’mist: Yay! Now who’s in for trying this delicious super healthy, super organic, unsweetened raw Kale juice.
Everyone else: Shut up!