'Dance and Sing' Return of US Beach Party [Correspondent Column]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The party enjoyed at Sandy Hook, an Atlantic beach in New Jersey, last weekend was a coincidence. At dusk, the reporter saw a group of seaside village residents gathered, drinking beer and dancing along to a rock band's performance. It was a scene unseen during the COVID-19 pandemic due to mask-wearing, social distancing, and bans on outdoor gatherings. This is the result of vaccination.

The residents urged the reporter to join the party. Willingly, the reporter entered the venue. It was a fundraising event for overseas veterans held a week before Memorial Day, the U.S. holiday honoring fallen soldiers. The reporter put some money into the donation box along with the beer payment.

Afterwards, the reporter found himself standing at the center stage of a party with only white people and no Asians. The party band played popular American 70s and 80s pop songs by AC/DC, Tom Petty, and others in succession. Attendees jumped up, singing along and responding with dance. Both the band and the partygoers clearly showed they had endured a year of hardship. The reporter shared the same sentiment.

Steven, the vocalist of the rock band ‘Lo Vinyl’ performing that day, said they would play again next week. The band, which had lost its stage for over a year, finally had work. John, in his twenties, who came to the party with his family of four, said, "I plan to watch the band's performance again next week."

This was not the only place. Across the street, a blues band was enjoying the weekend with customers, as gatherings were now permitted.

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to observe changes in the U.S. economy and society since the COVID-19 crisis. Memorial Day is more recognized as the start of the summer vacation season than as a day of remembrance in American society. Many are planning trips to see family, relatives, and loved ones they have not met for a long time. Stores are busy preparing for Memorial Day sales. Except for the year-end holiday season, there is no bigger shopping season.

With most COVID-19 restrictions lifted, this Memorial Day consumption could significantly influence the future direction of the U.S. economy. If the consumption and inflation indicators for May, to be announced next month, continue to rise, the possibility of the Federal Reserve (Fed) adjusting its monetary policy could increase. The consumer price index, which has already surged to 4.2%, is a focal point to see if the upward trend continues.

The key issue is whether employment recovery will follow. The reality is that there is a shortage of jobs to support expanded consumption. Although daily life has recovered enough for parties to be held again, the number of people returning to workplaces remains below expectations.

An acquaintance said they had never seen so many job advertisements as recently. Because employers cannot find staff, some have even come up with the idea of paying $1,000 immediately upon starting work.

The number of passengers on the Manhattan subway, which resumed 24-hour operation, is still incomparable to pre-COVID-19 levels. This indicates that fewer people are heading to workplaces.

The appearance of a server at a restaurant recently visited helped understand the challenges facing the U.S. economy. She was managing 12 tables alone and apologized for slow service. It was true. As orders and serving piled up, customers hesitated to order more. Had the serving been adequate, the establishment would have made more sales, and the staff would have received more tips.

This scenario was unthinkable until last winter. On the road to normalization, there may be unforeseen variables. The post-COVID-19 era party has only just begun. It is premature to raise a toast now.

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