The Vegas Voice 5-20

Niceness Everlasting
By: Judy Polumbaum / Our View
My
indomitable
mother turned 96
in late March. From farflung
places, we Zoomed in on her for a virtual
celebration.
Zoom, like Google, is now an everyday verb.
Just one of so many new things the coronavirus
pandemic has produced.
The world will never be the same. For good or
ill, which changes will endure?
After all the sickness and death, through the
financial setbacks and economic distress, with
physical and psychic dislocations, what shall
remain?
In difficult times, my mom says, people either
become meaner or nicer. Let’s hope nicer persists.
Here are some of the marvels I’d like to see
last:
The outpouring of creativity and generosity
online. Seasoned songsters (Paul Simon, Mary
Chapin Carpenter) and younger talents (Lake
Street Dive) sharing new songs or new takes on old favorites.
Classical masters (Yo-yo Ma) and major symphony orchestra
Baby Judy with elder sister Miki and
mom Nyna. Photo: Ted Polumbaum
players (the bassoonist who did all three parts of a trio) inviting
us into their living rooms. Entertainers and
commentators of all stripes reminding us, in
ingenious and hilarious ways, to do our civic
duty (stay home).
The newfound spirit of friendliness and
mutual aid. People out for fresh air, maintaining
plenty of distance from each other, smiling and
waving at perfect strangers across the street.
People doing errands for those who need help.
Recognition for medical responders and
caregivers who help people in crisis all the time
– before, during, and after this one.
Appreciation for those in the most taken-forgranted
jobs – at grocery stores, public utilities,
the postal service, and more. The reassuring
presence of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s
guru for combating infectious disease, heroic
purveyor of reason and facts.
Aw, heck: Toilet paper jokes. And of course,
more funny dog videos.
Judy is a professor emerita of journalism and a transplant to
Las Vegas from New England via China, the West Coast and the
Midwest.
14
May 2020