Several weeks before the pandemic hit the United States, I had made plans to take my cousin to see the new live-action version of Disney’s Mulan. The movie was going to be released shortly before her birthday. I was looking forward to those days because I enjoy taking her to the movies. However, our plans did not happen, as Disney had to delay the release of the film due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Now all films are going through the same process of being delayed as movie theaters around the world are closing due to government policies regarding social distancing and the maximum number of people allowed for public assembly (which is only 10 people in most areas). In the United States, each day there is terrible news regarding the number of infections and deaths. The deadlines for re-opening the country any time soon seem to be farfetched and the American people want verified, accurate information.
Last March, they said it would take between 12 and 18 months to develop and use a vaccine for COVID-19. If having a vaccine is the only way to make Americans feel more confident that they will not be infected and thereby more willing to return to playing in the parks, gyms, going to see stage plays and movies, or check out the latest concert in their area; then the sad reality is that for the next several months we will be in a dire situation without having access to some of the things we love.
I am changed. I am encouraged when I see people working together to get through this pandemic. I am sad when I see people at the grocery stores or on social media who are having a hard time dealing with not having access to some of their favorite things. I pray, like so many people across the world, that the trends will reverse and we can get back to our normal lives. I am also changed creatively due to this outbreak.
As the editor of this website, I had hopes of putting together a team of contributors to create arts and entertainment content in much the same ways as BuzzFeed, Variety, and so many other digital brands. Now that I know what it feels like to be without the creativity we love so much, I have come to the conclusion that I want to switch gears. Instead of trying to replicate the content and success of the other digital media platforms, I am now interested in creating something more personal. I am aware that other platforms have opinion sections; I could create the same thing if I wanted to. However, I think what will make me feel like I’m accomplishing my creative goals is to be less commercial and more indie with the type of content I create and publish. I want what’s in my mind and heart to be printed instead of the façade that traditional media creates sometimes. I am still interested in assembling and collaborating with other writers/artists, but in a more direct way where we can highlight what is special about our creative mediums and hopefully this will lead to the creation of new art.
Thanks for reading and remember to stay home, wash your hands and be safe!