We're all desperate to get back to normal. But should we?

The document is a poem by Kumi Naidoo that argues against returning to the 'normal' state of the world prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, describing that state as one of division, inequality, and 'failed economic schemes'. It calls for the creation of a new human existence that respects essential workers and ensures a world where all people can thrive, specifically highlighting the motivation of youth to break down outdated inequalities.

• The author argues that the pre-pandemic 'normal' was characterized by division, fear, and a self-centered consumerist mentality that contributed to environmental degradation.
• The pandemic is viewed as a catalyst that exposed the failure of existing political and economic systems, which the author claims primarily benefit the elite while weakening and dividing others.
• The author advocates for using the tragedy of the pandemic as an opportunity to build a new world based on the respect of all persons, particularly healthcare and essential workers who were previously overlooked.

APA

Naidoo, K. (2021). We're all desperate to get back to normal. But should we? Green Economy Coalition. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/were-all-desperate-to-get-back-to-normal-but-should-we

Chicago

Naidoo, Kumi. We're all desperate to get back to normal. But should we? Green Economy Coalition, 2021. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/were-all-desperate-to-get-back-to-normal-but-should-we.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Naidoo |first1=Kumi |title=We're all desperate to get back to normal. But should we? |publisher=Green Economy Coalition |date=9 June 2021 |url=https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/were-all-desperate-to-get-back-to-normal-but-should-we |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{naidoo2021were, author = {Naidoo, Kumi}, title = {{We're all desperate to get back to normal. But should we?}}, publisher = {Green Economy Coalition}, year = {2021}, month = jun, url = {https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/were-all-desperate-to-get-back-to-normal-but-should-we}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }