Due to the spread of COVID-19, much of the U.S. has put social distancing measures into effect, closing schools and businesses, and advising against social gatherings or domestic travel of any kind. Unfortunately, the pandemic has placed huge stress on an already strained country, showcasing the flaws in many vital systems.
Essential to the survival of many in this pandemic is a strong healthcare system, something the United States unfortunately does not have. Even as the number of cases climbs in the U.S. , the short supply of tests and the high price of treatment for uninsured Americans leads to fears of underestimation. Many governors have expressed how a lack of testing leaves them completely unaware of the true scope of the emergency in their states. Horror stories about patients not receiving treatment and dying due to a lack of insurance (or the right insurance) or medical racism flood social media.
On top of the obvious health crisis is the looming economic ramifications of shutting down a country for the length of time necessary to mitigate the pandemic. As the new month starts and many have been out of work for up to two or three weeks, many Americans stress over their (in)ability to pay rent, utilities, and other bills. Among these expenses is the price of a quality broadband connection, which this crisis has made essential for learning, working, and communicating with the world.
A number of actions have been taken both by the government and private corporations in an effort to ease the strain on the American people. Internet and phone providers have enacted various policies waiving fees, removing data caps, and providing free wifi or hotspots in some regions. Some major insurance companies have announced plans to protect patients from the high costs associated with COVID-19 treatment. Such pledges sound great, but for the 151 million Americans who receive insurance through their employer, this promise does not immediately apply. For these Americans, their healthcare depends on decisions made by their employer and whether or not their policy is with the specific companies who have come forward. As businesses close their doors and lay off employees, many of those 151 million Americans may find themselves both out of work and without insurance at such a critical time.
In addition to the rush to ensure American citizens can access and afford healthcare, the government is scrambling to prevent an immense economic depression. A record high of over 3 million unemployment applications have been filed in one week, as a relief bill was passed to add $600/week to unemployment benefits, and send a one-time check of $1200 to independent taxpayers with incomes less than $75,000. Any financial help is surely appreciated, but many fear it won’t be enough to survive a prolonged shutdown, and are pointing to systemic failures and wealth inequality leaving the country ill prepared for a pandemic scientists have been warning of for years.
The broken healthcare system and economic crisis facing the American people arises from a ‘bootstrap’ culture, a sort of perversion of the American Dream. At the foundation of American culture is this value of self-made success and social mobility, the idea that anyone can become wealthy if they work hard enough. The emphasis on the idea that anyone can do well and thrive in America if they just work hard ignores a lot of systemic forces that hold back people of color, women, and queer people. Such a mindset also ignores the advantage that being born into a wealthy family affords. A common phrase is to ‘pull yourself up by the bootstraps’, making ‘bootstrap culture’ a fitting name for the way many Americans perceive social mobility and wealth inequality–the responsibility is wholly on the individual, not the system.
This ‘bootstrap culture’ pushes people to lean away from a more socialized democracy, such as the models in France and other European countries, which has directly influenced the current crisis. With the upcoming election, many hope that the country will move towards fundamental change now that such issues have been put on display, but we will see.
Julianna Hill 