First of all, thank you for your continued patience. Work on my book has been taking the majority of my free time. Consequently, I’ve not been focusing on my blog. That said, I recently sent the latest draft off to a proof reader and have some time to focus on writing this article about modern myth. My book is shaping up well, so keep an eye out some time in the not so distant future.
A cohesive look at culture, society, relationships and sex; I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating. In fact, I’m positive you will.
Anyway, on to the article.
Modern Myth
Today, I wish to discuss an emerging modern myth. The dictionary describes a myth as “a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.”
Within this definition we can see that myths emerge in order to explain natural or social phenomena – typically involving supernatural beings. Whilst the explanation includes these stories being traditional, as I want to discuss modern myth we will disregard that.
The myth I want to describe?
Well, it can be nothing other than the most pressing news story of our time.
The Coronavirus.
Social Phenomena
It is my opinion that the virus has taken on a mythical status within our society, pushed by powerful narrative forces, in order to explain a materializing social phenomenon.
So much of its existence has been rooted in discourse; a hidden enemy which can emerge, unseen, to strike fear in the hearts of man, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Yet it appears to me that much of this is hearsay. I’ve not met anyone who has actually suffered as a result of the virus, nor witnessed any devastation beyond abstract, statistical reports. There are no bodies piling up in the streets, nor extensive video or photographic evidence from hospitals showing the scale of its annihilation.
Now, this modern myth has taken on a political edge, one I wish to avoid discussing (despite my own opinion on the matter) as others are better suited to explain this than I – so I don’t want to go there. As a result, I want to provide you with a different, more fun and theoretical idea. Hopefully you will enjoy this.
Legendary Creatures
Mythical creatures are premised in the supernatural; something reported on – considered real – but hidden from sight, lurking in the mountains or jungle, ready to strike with vengeance on unsuspecting travellers. I believe this holds real and symbolic links to how the coronavirus is perceived. We cannot see it, yet are assured of its existence. For us, it only materializes in the results of hospitalization and death — a hidden enemy striking down the unwary; those who do not follow the proper rituals required to cast off its evil presence.
This supernatural enemy strikes in specific areas – churches, small-businesses, airplanes – as unwitting travellers stumble into its presence, battered by its incalculable power. Yet it only appears in certain areas – a protest march is clear of its evil, as are supermarkets.
It’s the small, the local and the traditional areas of life which it rears its ugly head.
And we’re given no clear explanation of how it works.
Usually it takes the form of flu-like symptoms, yet can lead to a loss of smell, dizziness and rashes; diarrhoea and blood clots; and can even attack men’s fertility.
It transfers asymptomatically – anyone could have it! – before this was shown to be hyperbole. Eventually the narrative re-emerged, as confusion reigns over the true threat of this mythical beast .
The narrative surrounding the modern myth is characterized by fearful hearsay, discussed around the modern day campfire – Zoom calls – in homes around the world; “Brazil is being destroyed!” “It seems to disproportionately attack the rich and famous!” “I won’t go out until we have a vaccine!”
This last interests me. Traditional myths were always supported and spread by the priest class; a narrative which foments social cohesion in order to provide support to existing cultural norms and values. And here we see the same; our new priests – scientists and doctors – spread the modern myth, shaping our behaviours.
No longer can you have a religious funeral for deceased loved ones; that is reserved solely for sacrificial, martyred idols. No more can we socialise in groups. Children cannot be together at school. You must stand the sanctified 6 metres apart.
Why?
Because the revered priests have deemed it necessary.
However, there is no thought given to the effects of this, the morality. There are no ethical guidelines binding these rules together within a model for human life which has been realised for centuries. It is a modern myth steeped in reaffirming change, not tradition.
And until the sanctified rite of vaccination occurs, life cannot return to normal.
Fear, Death and Allegory
Myths take on an allegorical form and, once again, we see this modern myth fitting the mould.
The coronavirus has become an allegory for fear of death.
It is the grim reminder of the shortness of life.
Based in the rational, with no room left for the afterlife, contracting it is the end. There will be no more life, no more happiness, and no more survival.
And everywhere we are left with the human reminder of its existence, adherents sporting masks, never allowing for the fear to pass. A symbolic prostration; a muzzle limiting the ability to speak, to breath, to smile; apostates faceless in devotion to its existence.
So too are we equal. It does not discriminate, only taking those who refuse to heed the ritualistic behaviours which guarantee safety. Those who do not observe the solemn washing of hands succumb to its presence. Only compliance removes the threat.
By doing this many hope to put off this familiarly intriguing prospect. We know death must come, but by facing down this virus, this modern myth, we hope to show that we are not powerless over the great-leveller. We still have agency, a mode of attack.
And of course fear is a powerful method for humans switching off their reason and intellect, no longer in control as their limbic system takes over – the natural response to a universal feeling.
Real Effects
Mythical, or legendary creatures were described as supernatural animals whose existence has not, or cannot be proved by conventional means.
Again, we witness similarities.
Beyond testing kits – which you must implicitly trust – we are frightened by a living being, unobservable to the naked eye. This means we have to have faith in its existence, despite never witnessing it – just its effects.
Of course, these effects are real and the disease is too, but this does strike me as a continuation of historical mythological trends – with a modern spin.
Indeed, one of the main features of a mythical creature is that their existence is secondary to the moral which accompanies their story. Again, there are strong ties with what we are seeing with the Coronavirus.
The sweeping change accompanying its presence appears to be more important than its actual existence. Look to the orders to send infected patients into nursing homes – some lives valued less than others.
But these selfsame death figures are used to force a new morality on the people.
Regenerative
Mythical creatures often have an ability to regenerate after being slayed.
There have been reports of people re-catching the virus after being clear of it.
Even your body’s strength to defeat this modern myth is not enough – it will re-emerge to beat you down.
There’s also the current narrative push of the 2nd wave. The world has fought back against this invader, but it shall rise again to sweep through our lives; unbeatable, unconquerable, invisible and ever-present.
All of which has led us to a new pattern of behaviour, one deemed necessary for the continuation of life.
Ritual
We can see how this modern myth serves to transform behaviour. It’s created ritualised and symbolic actions committed upon the passing of borders – a shop, a friend’s house – in order to protect us from the evil spirit of Coronavirus. We have new social and cultural norms: people are fearful of getting too close to those they do not know; hugs and handshakes an antiquated remnant of an ill-civilised time, before our modern enlightenment.
And the result of all if this is a powerfully re-shaped life, enforced by the modern priests of science. We have succumbed to its effects – the result of a modern myth sweeping our society with unparalleled change.
Thanks for reading.