[Chang] On the Boundary Between 'It's Okay' and 'It's Not Okay'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jonghwa] These days, online bookstores are filled with books that soothe weary minds, covering topics such as how to meditate, how to shake off anxiety and depression, how to boost self-esteem, and how to communicate with others. The psychological fatigue is already high due to the fast-paced, growth-oriented competitive social atmosphere, and it is interpreted as being further affected by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

While flipping through a few books dealing with emotional coping at work and interpersonal relationship skills, I strongly related to a poster example introduced from the UK Government Digital Service (GDS), the office that operates the e-government system. It is a so-called 'It's okay to...' list, containing 34 behavioral guidelines for new employees who might be confused about what is acceptable or not on their first day at work.

For example, it says: It's okay to say you don't know, it's okay to stay home when you're sick, it's okay to say no if you're too busy, it's okay if your desk is messy, it's okay to give feedback on others' work, it's okay to prefer tea over coffee.

It is impressive how it cleverly conveys warm welcome and consideration while presenting expectations and tasks for new employees in positive expressions of 'it's okay to do' rather than 'don't do.'

Seeing this example, I recall the numerous COVID-19 related guidelines. Actions that were once okay, such as company dinners, group sports, and attending performances, have become unacceptable, and debates over mask reuse have quietly shifted to being acceptable. Also, some people ignore social distancing campaigns, hold gatherings and worship services, and visit entertainment venues, making arbitrary judgments that worsen the situation by saying 'it's okay.'

While many parts of society are not okay due to expanded business closures, delayed school openings, reduced income, and increased worries about childcare, the political sphere is engaged in their own league over nomination controversies and proportional representation parties. Disasters are inherently more fatal to the vulnerable. Discussions on disaster basic income for vulnerable groups only begin after disasters occur, and with ongoing debates about effectiveness, the day when the vulnerable can escape suffering seems far away.

I even feel sorry to ask the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and medical staff nationwide if they are okay, and hearing my parents say 'We're okay' makes my heart feel even less okay due to the guilt of not taking better care of them.

As we all go through this difficult time, crossing the ambiguous boundary between okay and not okay, let us calmly reach out with hands of comfort, help, and companionship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.