The 'displacement fatigue' caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has hit some people hard since the second quarter of 2020. Many students who had settled into their campus-oriented lives suddenly had to withdraw in a hurry and leave the city for their homes. Most returned to their villages, while others were fortunate to live in towns outside the capital, but even they were displaced from their usual academic and professional routines.
Soon, these individuals found themselves living traditional village lives — a simple eat-work-sleep routine (not particularly productive or fulfilling) — while constantly thinking about returning to campus. However, the virus shows no signs of slowing, instead only growing in strength. These "village foragers" often find themselves with little purpose, no job, and limited enthusiasm for studying, relying on family support and lacking the academic exposure they once had. They feel their time slipping away, leading to a sense of underachievement, dependency, and even depression.
In contrast, those originally from the capital experienced this disruption far less intensely. They remain connected to their pre-pandemic routines, with little or no major change (arguably. This discrepancy has grown increasingly frustrating. It feels as though those of us who were displaced don't have the same opportunities as those who were not. Even something as basic as access to broadband internet makes a huge difference between the two groups. Our confidence is running low, and we often feel lost, simply waiting indefinitely for everything to return to normal.
Moreover, there’s this lingering thought that, had things been normal, we would have had better chances of securing jobs or keeping ourselves busy with activities that require living in the capital. Now, lacking academic and peer interactions, job opportunities feel out of reach. This isolation fosters feelings of alienation and vulnerability, perhaps even a sense of discrimination or a knowledge gap.
Author's note: This is not a theory, hypothesis, or assumption — this is merely a conjecture/personal observation. I have no ill will toward those who have been able to continue their lives with fewer disruptions. I’m glad they’re doing well, and I know the pandemic has affected them too. I simply hope that no one responds with personal attacks or hatred. Constructive debate, however, is appreciated. I shall sling my hook now. Cheers.
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