I'm sure we all appreciate what NHS workers (and others) are doing on our behalf during the current crisis, but having just been woken up from a much-needed sleep by people clapping out on the street (some quieter than others), I can't help but think it's a pretty empty gesture as most NHS workers won't have heard it. In fact, of those who did, some were probably trying to get a bit of rest after a long hard shift and found their repose as disturbed as mine was.
Whose idea was it to suggest such an action? And why, like sheep, do we so readily fall into step with such pointless 'political' posturing? Clapping's one thing, but when people start whooping like Americans at the Super Bowl, it's going a step too far. Show your appreciation for the nurses, doctors, carers, etc., by doing something more useful. Boris, give them a raise or/and pay them double-time while the pandemic is ongoing, and make sure they have the essentials to do their job with minimum risk to themselves. Man in the street, drop a big tub of chocolates into their workplace when it's safe to do so, or make a donation to their Christmas party.
All the clapping in the world isn't going to help medical staff who have become infected (or even died) while aiding others. It may make us feel pleased with our-selves ("Look how wonderful we are - we stood on our doorstep and clapped at empty air for a few minutes - that's how much we appreciate the NHS"), but when it comes down to it, it's like pissing into the wind. It doesn't do anyone one real bit of good in the long run. It's also a bit like standing at your door and applauding a play you haven't gone to see, just because you like the actors who are in it.
And call me a cynic, but some people only participate in such public displays because they're more concerned with being seen to be appreciative than just actually being so. Sure, we should all be grateful for those who are tending the sick (and helping 'oil the wheels' of the country) at this uncertain time, but let's show our gratitude in a far more practical way. Maybe you think I'm a miserable old git, or perhaps you agree with me? Feel free to say so either way in the comments section. You never know - someone might applaud you for it.
(Incidentally, I'm a carer [unpaid], and all the applause in the universe is useless to me. It's more a case of 'hands-on' help I could do with, not mere hand-clapping.)
Update: Tonight, April 1st, my taxi driver told me that his wife, who's a nurse, regarded the clapping event as ridiculous - and that isn't an April Fool.
And call me a cynic, but some people only participate in such public displays because they're more concerned with being seen to be appreciative than just actually being so. Sure, we should all be grateful for those who are tending the sick (and helping 'oil the wheels' of the country) at this uncertain time, but let's show our gratitude in a far more practical way. Maybe you think I'm a miserable old git, or perhaps you agree with me? Feel free to say so either way in the comments section. You never know - someone might applaud you for it.
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(Incidentally, I'm a carer [unpaid], and all the applause in the universe is useless to me. It's more a case of 'hands-on' help I could do with, not mere hand-clapping.)
Update: Tonight, April 1st, my taxi driver told me that his wife, who's a nurse, regarded the clapping event as ridiculous - and that isn't an April Fool.
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