One of the more interesting results of taking refuge in digital solutions for things we used to enjoy onsite was visible in this US election cycle. Nowhere was the phenomenon more outstanding than in the online inauguration party that crowned what was already a deeply moving occasion for many of us.
The evening’s inaugural ceremony was not only transformed from the elite and somewhat entrenched “Ball” format into a fresh and lively new kind of celebration/ceremony, but the somewhat unconventional end to this historic day was also a liberation into new levels of accessibility. Everyone with access to a television or internet signal was invited – we could all celebrate together like we have never been able to before.
The creativity and craftsmanship evident in the design and production of these extraordinary online inaugural events and those leading up to them are not only impressive and inspiring in themselves, but they also illuminate the kind of ingenuity and resilience we need to move from being overwhelmed by challenges to embracing new opportunities for connection, engagement, and – ultimately – unity. That’s the promise of electronic media and I am thrilled to see it being used as beautifully and consciously as it has been lately.
4 Comments on “Another Side of Covid Restrictions”
I love this post! The connections we are making through digital technology have been and are amazing! I’d love to work with you developing ways we can also include people who can’t access and are sometimes excluded by digital technology. ❤️ Xxxx
How lovely to hear from you, Philipa. And Yes! I am always so inspired and heartened by the advocate work you do with people who would often otherwise be excluded and I love working with you. Let’s explore!
I think the post-COVID world will be an interesting assortment of hybrid gatherings. I think concerts, festivals, shows, clubs, new workspaces will crop up akin to the Roaring 20’s after the Spanish Flu where society built and established many places to bring people together. However, I think there will be an added component of online opt-in too. Springsteen plays the Meadowlands you can buy a ticket to see it online or in-person. We have been through a stretch of divergence and now I’m looking forward to a period of convergence.Hope you are well Amy.
Yes! As someone who has been exploring new ways to work, play, gather and create online for over a decade now, I am very curious about how the world will view online engagement post-Covid. I love your vision and positive orientation.