Elvis and Stranger Things

If you haven’t seen the series Stranger Things on Netflix – I urge you to give it a try. Set in the 1980’s the series is based in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, and the first season focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around the town, including the appearance of a girl with psychokinetic abilities. As the series progresses you come to learn of an alternate reality – which is call the “Upside Down”. The Upside-Down looks sort of normal – but is infinitely more dangerous.

Given the events of the last few months its beginning to feel like we all are living in an upside-down world.

I say this with one particular thought in mind.

Due to the pandemic, and how easily it spreads, whenever you go outside and encounter anyone, fear sets in. You look at everyone as a possible threat, a possible carrier. And on the flip side of this, YOU are getting looked at in the same way.

It’s disconcerting, it’s sad, it’s everywhere. The world has turned upside-down.

Moving on to my next thought.

Do you wear a mask out in public? Do you practice social distancing? Do you feel like you might find yourself in a situation where you are “mask-shamed” for being careful? I certainly do. And I don’t know why – as I feel like I’m doing the right thing. Do others think I’m weak and blindly following the crowd? Should I care?

I think a lot of this feeling stems from American’s long-held belief in “Rugged Individualism”. This term was coined by Herbert Hoover during the Great Depression and is a term that indicates the ideal whereby an individual is totally self-reliant and independent from outside, usually state or government, assistance. Therefore, if you adhere to Rugged Individualism you are not going to abide by health guidance, and would probably look down on those who do.

As I think more about this dynamic, I’m reminded of a song by Elvis Costello (you thought I was going to talk about the other Elvis).

The song “(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding” was on Costello’s 1979 album Armed Forces and features this lyric:

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.
I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?
And each time I feel like this inside,
There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

I’ll answer his question. Nothing at all. Let’s practice what Elvis is singing about. It would lead to a lot less angst in these stressful times.