Being Human during COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of science, the arts, and humanities in our daily lives. Being Human During COVID documents the first year of the pandemic, bringing together humanities scholars to address what it feels like to be human during this crisis. The contributors draw on scholarly expertise and lived experience to make sense of the unfamiliar present, offering a thrilling sense of hope.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 408 pages
\n Publication date: 29 November 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Michigan Press
\n

Science has played a pivotal role in addressing the COVID-19 crisis, with scientists identifying and diagnosing the virus, tracing its spread, and collaborating to develop a vaccine in record time. However, while science garnered significant attention, the arts and humanities have also been critical in shaping people's daily lives. As the world entered lockdown, literature, music, and media became essential channels for connection, and historians shed light on the historical significance of past events, such as the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Amid the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice, manifested in widespread protests following the death of George Floyd and other instances of police-committed violence, the United States witnessed a contentious presidential race. One candidate characterized it as a "battle for the soul of the nation."

Being Human During COVID: A Year in Review documents the initial year of the pandemic in real-time, featuring humanities scholars from the University of Michigan who explore the human experience during this challenging period. Throughout the pandemic, questions that have traditionally occupied the humanities—such as grief, publics, social contracts, individual rights, racial formation, xenophobia, ideas of home, conceptions of gender, narrative, representations, and power—have become urgent life-or-death concerns about how human societies function and how culture shapes our collective destiny.

The contributors to this collection draw on their scholarly expertise and personal experiences to make sense of the unfamiliar present. Their works span traditional scholarly essays, personal essays, and visual art projects, offering a diverse range of perspectives. The resulting book is a tapestry of emotions, including fear, dread, frustration, and prejudice, but also moments of thrilling hope.

Through their insights and perspectives, the contributors to Being Human During COVID shed light on the ways in which the pandemic has impacted our lives, our relationships, and our understanding of the world. They remind us of the importance of empathy, resilience, and creativity in navigating these unprecedented times and offer a glimpse of the potential for positive change that can emerge from crisis.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 crisis has showcased the interconnectedness of science, the arts, and the humanities. While science has played a critical role in addressing the pandemic, the arts and humanities have provided a vital source of connection, solace, and inspiration. By recognizing the significance of these fields, we can foster a more inclusive and resilient society that values the diverse perspectives and contributions of all disciplines.

\n Weight: 856g\n
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780472038787\n \n