Is Canada the Next Hunger Games?
A cause of Covid-19
For 75 years, the Capitol (Panem's Government) has sacrificed one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts, in order to remember Panem's history. In the past, there were 13 districts. However, after an uprising in the 13th district against the Capitol, the district was bombed, killing the majority of the population in the district.
As everyone is aware, we've entered our third lockdown and our second stay-at-home order since the beginning of March 2020. We've lived privileged lives up until 2020. We were free to go to see movies at the theatre, go out on dinner dates whenever we wanted or go to any fair that was on. Our lives have been forever changed due to a political concern for the population.
Their political concern though has caused their electioneers to worry about their new lives. In the wake of covid-19, people were concerned about where money was coming from to pay rent and put food on the table. Others were concerned about bills to pay, such as credit cards or car bills. Other concerns voiced were for small businesses that worried they'd have to close.
Similarities
Wealth
The Capitol is the biggest and wealthiest place in all of Panem. The Capitol never spares any expense when a new Hunger Games is upon them. The Capitol enjoys throwing huge parties any chance they get and have a serum that allows them to throw up so they can go on eating. While people in the districts starve, they're indulging in frivolous things.
Toronto is one of the most expensive places in Ontario. While they aren't necessarily the wealthiest place in Ontario, most people that live in Toronto do have wealth. The homeless rate in Toronto is also much higher than in other cities in Ontario, due to the expenses to live in Toronto. Toronto before Covid-19 was constantly throwing massive parades, parties, and events to show encouragement, culture, and to celebrate.
Businesses
In the hunger games, we never see businesses, other than the coal mine and Peeta's family bakery. We're never aware of how many businesses there were before the uprising and we're never aware of how many businesses there were after. However, we're led to believe that unless you live in districts one through three, there's not much thriving in your district.
Over the last year, we have seen many established and unestablished businesses shut down, due to a lack of business, funding, and money. While the government has done its best, by providing small business grants and a small business loan program, the government has failed to realize something. A small majority of business owners are not aware of these programs, and those who are aware don't want to get farther into debt by taking out a loan. For some of those who have taken the grants, the money coming in still isn't enough to keep the business going. While all small businesses have been affected by this, those hardest hit, are gyms, salons, spas/nails, restaurants, and retail stores. While stores and restaurants have the option for online sales and delivery sales, their overall revenue has decreased significantly.
Uproar
The uproar began to happen after Katniss and Peeta, won the 74th annual Hunger Games. Districts started rioting against the Capitol. People started rebelling against the peacekeepers and President. If one minor thing can change, why can't the rest of the way they live change? Why can't they continue to gain hope?
With us entering the third lockdown this past week, I have seen immense uproars throughout communities in the province. Small businesses are outraged that once again, after being open for a little over a month, they have to shut down again. Up till now, it has been quiet protests on street corners almost every week and signs on lawns protesting no more lockdowns. However, lately, there has been chatter about businesses staying open during the lockdown. Businesses standing up for their rights, even if they have to pay a fine. If they all stay open, what can the government do? Fine everyone?
Next Steps
The PeaceKeepers
The peacekeepers from the Hunger Games, much like their title were meant to keep the peace. Instead of keeping the peace, they helped instill fear throughout the districts.
Canada's next option, when all else fails will be to enact Martial Law, now called the Emergencies Act. This law can be enacted for temporary purposes, when something seriously endangers the lives, health, and safety of Canadians, or when it seriously threatens the ability of the Government of Canada to preserve the security and integrity of Canada. While Canada has declared Covid-19 a National Emergency and has enacted this Act, the next step in this act is to bring in the RCMP. Our RCMP officers are known as our peace officers. When they get brought into the cities, they will distribute all essentials, while the city is on a complete lockdown (No big box stores or otherwise).
Destruction
When hope was gaining, people in the districts started creating destruction. People tried showing President Snow, that they would not die for him and the Capitol anymore. They started with destroying screenings in their district. They continued with injuring/killing the peacekeepers. They destroyed the water dam.
Uprisings are beginning in Canada, and they aren't going to end as long as we're still in lockdown. People are starting to lose faith in the government, much like in the Hunger Games. The government has gained too much power, to the point where politicians and law enforcement believe they are untouchable. Communities will come together to end these lockdowns.
Canada has always been known for freedom, hope, and opportunity. I would hate to see this pandemic cause as much damage as we're seeing. While I agree this pandemic needs to be defeated or at least contained, there are other essential things than just food and medical services. Those who are expecting, need furniture for their child including safety seats in order to leave the hospital. Children who are growing at rapid speeds still need clothes and shoes. People also still need something to keep them sane as well, such as gardening, knitting or crafting, etc.
Suicide cases have gone up drastically since the first lockdown as so many things have weighed on us as human beings. I have lost my Osteopath appointments for months on end as her profession is not recognized. While her profession may not be recognized as an essential profession, Osteopaths are essential to a large group of people, as what they do does help with people's pain. My pain is not nearly as bad as it was when I started seeing her, but there are people with a lot worse pain that rely on Ostepaths to get through the pain.
Therefore I would like to urge the government to think hard about a better way to get rid of this pandemic, as the public needs to get back to normal. We need more structure in our daily lives than waking up and staying home. Many of us have been forced to work from home, with our children not being in school and our pets being home. Our sanity is weaning. We need to get hope again. Though I recommend you remember...
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