Lockdowns Attack Our Independent Institutions
Lockdown measures imposed by governments around the world have had devastating effects on independent institutions such as civil society organizations, small businesses, and unmediated physical social interactions – all of which are being replaced by entities supported by the State with increasing totalitarian powers over society at large.
Dec. 24, 2022 3:57AM
Generated in 24.8 seconds
A person wearing a face mask standing alone outside against a backdrop of empty streets surrounded by tall buildings
In the wake of the global pandemic, governments have imposed strict lockdowns in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. While these measures are necessary for public health and safety, they have also had a devastating effect on independent institutions such as civil society, small and mid-sized businesses, and unmediated physical social interactions. These are all being replaced by the State and its agencies, large corporations, and online (mediated, surveilled, and controlled) platforms. The State’s agenda is being enforced with increasing totalitarian powers over society. Civil society institutions are only tolerated if they help promote or carry out the State’s agenda. Open defiance of the State is no longer tolerated; there will be consequences for those who do not comply. Even quiet detachment or unenthusiastic participation is increasingly frowned upon but still allowed in some cases. Small businesses that cannot afford to go online are particularly vulnerable during this time; many have been forced to close their doors permanently due to lack of revenue during lockdowns. Unmediated physical social interactions such as gathering in public spaces or meeting up with friends has become a distant memory for many people around the world as restrictions remain in place even after lockdown orders have been lifted in some areas. The power dynamics between independent institutions and those supported by the State has shifted drastically since lockdowns began earlier this year; what was once a level playing field has now become heavily tilted towards those entities that can afford to comply with government regulations while others suffer from reduced access to resources or outright exclusion from certain activities due to their inability to pay fees associated with compliance measures. It remains unclear how long these changes will last or what effects they will have on our societies going forward; however, it is clear that our independent institutions are under attack from lockdowns imposed by governments around the world – a trend that could continue well into 2021 unless drastic action is taken soon.