Come From Away- making lemonade out of lemons

The cast of Come From Away

“They placed their lives on hold for a group of strangers and asked for nothing in return. They affirmed the basic goodness of man at a time when it was easy to doubt such humanity still existed. If the terrorists had hoped their attacks would reveal the weaknesses in western society, the events in Gander proved its strength.” Jim Defede, When the World Came to Town.

“If paradise now arises in hell, it's because in the suspension of the usual order and the failure of most systems, we are free to live and act another way....Disaster doesn't sort us out by preferences; it drags us into emergencies that require we act, and act altruistically, bravely, and with initiative in order to survive or save the neighbors, no matter how we vote or what we do for a living.” Rebecca Solnit, A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster

I recently saw one of the most uplifting Broadway shows I've ever seen- Come From Away. That show, based on the true events in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, takes a tragic event and shows how one community came together to make things bearable. For those of us who lived through that awful day and its aftermath, hearing the story of these small acts of kindness helps restore faith in humanity. But does it only take a disaster to bring out the best in us? Can't we do it when times are good too?

I wrote about this puzzle two years ago, and I still haven't quite figured it out. (Here's the link) The musical Come From Away is the latest incarnation of the phenomenon of disaster collectivism, where communities come together in the face of life-altering events. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and New Orleans, a group of volunteer boat owners emerged called the Cajun Navy, and they still show up today in flooded communities to save people. We also had a tornado here in St. Louis this year and it has brought out a great deal of civic engagement, but not near enough. Scroll to the bottom to read one person's stirring words about that tornado's wrath.

In the musical, townspeople go out of their way to feed, clothe and house 7,000 strangers from all over the world, most of whom are in shock at the events of that tragic day. They dance, play music, and feast to forget their troubles. The show features actors of all ages, shapes, sizes, and ethnicities to hammer home the theme that love is universal. For one brief, exceptional moment, nothing mattered except getting back home and reconnecting with loved ones.

Collectivism has been given a bad name in the USA- tied to communism, socialism, and a nasty roadblock to sacred individual rights and privileges. But in a disaster, no one can go it alone. There are huge logistical hurdles to get by, and collective efforts are the only way to get there, especially when first responders are tied up and unavailable.

I look at stories like this, and then at what happened here during Covid, and I still can't figure it out. How is it that so many brave people risked their health going to Ground Zero to help dig out survivors during 9/11, while millions of Americans refused to wear masks, vaccinate, or follow public health guidelines while a deadly disease was spreading everywhere? Obviously disaster collectivism is more prominent in big, sudden disasters rather than slow-moving ones like Covid. During a pandemic is when we need collective action more than ever. Luckily, the majority of Americans still believe in science.

Politics has always been a tug of war between collectivism and individualism, with the latter usually coming out on top. Collectivism requires government intervention, and private enterprise requires individual initiative. The extremes of either are not sustainable, but finding the sweet spot in the middle has yet to be accomplished. Too much collectivism, and individuals no longer matter, but too much focus on individual rights gives license to those who would abuse those rights at the expense of others.

The 21st century presents enormous challenges. Individual politicians and billionaires cannot solve them. Collective efforts the only way for humanity to survive and prosper- especially in the areas of science, medicine, energy, and environment. Do we need a huge climate disaster to spur us into collective action? How would that even work? Whatever it is, we all could use more of the spirit of Gander.

"Indeed, the road ahead is long. But if the response over these past few days has shown anything, it’s that St. Louis doesn’t break — we build. Together. From the North Side to South City, from block clubs to barbershops, this city has proven that when tragedy strikes, community rises. Neighbors who had never spoken are now working side-by-side. Children are passing out water bottles. Local businesses are donating supplies. Churches have become shelters, and front porches have become command centers...This is the real St. Louis — not just a city of arches and baseball, but a city of heart, hustle, and hope.

We will rebuild, one brick at a time. Because we are more than survivors — we are a family. And families stick together." Lacey Turner, St. Louis Argus