Gen pop

General population is
All of us
In this life, together
We watched a documentary film on HBO called, Mustang
It highlights, The Wild Horse Inmate Program
The rounding up of wild mustangs and having prison inmates work with them, rehab them and give them a different life
Tame and in service
No longer wild
It’s also about a prisoner who needs rehabilitation to go back into gen pop after a long duration in solitary confinement
It’s impossible to miss the parallels between animal and man
It’s also pertinent to us right now
How will we be when we all get together again
Like before the pandemic
When we were wild and free to roam and go wherever we wanted
What will we do?
How will we be?
I come from a family of huggers and kissers (not in a creepy way)
I recently went back to Atlanta and saw my mom and all I wanted to do was hug her
Was it a risk, I suppose but the reward was worth it
I’m not sure how well touchy, feely people will do back in gen pop
I think people will want to keep their distance from others for a long time
But, is that a good thing?
I’ve never been a fan of shaking hands
First, I’ve always been kind of a germaphobe and secondly when I lost the use of my hands, shaking hands became impossible
The fist bump was politicized back then but I’ll think it’ll make a strong comeback now
It’s just one of the many considerations we will make when we gather together again
Germs
Virus
Isolation
Polarization around politics
Masks
All make us divided
We were born for community and companionship
We thrive off each other’s energy
That energy is missing now
In cities that are quiet
In churches that are closed
In colleges that are online
We need to get back together
We need to see each other
Eat together
Laugh together
Cheer on a team together
And hug
Like we are wild and free