CHOOSE HEROICS

The tone of this editorial is important. Please read it knowing that we are speaking with respect for our readers, and a belief that the people of Saskatchewan are — for the most part — doing their best to protect themselves and others from the threat of COVID -19.

It’s time to take an approach where educating others, not shaming them, is the standard tone. Even as we call for a correction in the actions of some, we want to set a good example.

The discourse around this crisis has taken some ugly turns. For example, we think of one Facebook post where a woman describes herself as a warrior for telling off a local grocery store manager for what the writer saw as inadequate hand-sanitizing opportunities. She proudly described a showdown where she went back more than once to forcefully tell the employee what actions should be taken.

We understand the passion for safety, but the tone is off.

This newspaper has been interviewing heroes for decades. Whatever their selfless act — rescuing a drowning person, working with the less fortunate or performing CPR on a stranger — they have an almost-universal characteristic: humility. “I did what anyone else would do,” is an overwhelmingly common phrase.

True heroes don’t elevate themselves above others. They realize that the accolades they may receive are connected to the misfortune experienced by someone else, and they are mindful of those people.

In the current crisis, we need heroics, not humiliation.

This week, it was frustrating to hear about transmission of coronavirus cases through two large family gatherings in Saskatoon. They clearly broke the provincial guidelines for keeping groups to less than 10 people. What we don’t know, however, is the pressures those families were under. Was it loss and grief that prompted the gathering? Misinformation? Language barriers? The point is, we don’t have all the facts, and therefore harsh judgment should be restrained.

Should inappropriate actions be corrected? Yes. There are consequences for putting others at risk. But they should be delivered in a measured tone, without rushing to a punitive approach.

Everyone is feeling the strain of the isolation and financial hardship. It can lead to mistakes. We could all use a break right about now.

Growing pains will come with each easing of restrictions.

What does not need to come along with this is a new wave of verbal attacks and shaming of those who are struggling with the guidelines.