Perspectives

Do I worry about the worsening mental health of my patients and friends, as well as its effect on me? Yes. Has the timeline to prepare myself to better cope with that sped up? Yes. But I want them to know I will remain here, in their corner, ready to support them if and when they need me, writes Jessica Gold.

Joel Minor writes on the University Libraries blog about the 25th anniversary of the publication of author and critic William Gass’ “The Tunnel” and university research materials related to the book.

Gerald Early remembers Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth, who died Sept. 16, 2020, with two stories Early recalls with particular fondness. “To say that Bill Danforth was a great man nearly goes without saying and seems a platitude without much meaning. What does it mean to be great, after all?” Early writes.

Robert W. Duffy, a WashU alumnus, longtime adjunct lecturer and writer, writes a remembrance of Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth. “There are lots of kindly encomiums for persons of distinction: brilliant, wonderful, generous and so on. But it is a rare person who can be described as great. Dr. Danforth was such a person.”

Jessica Rosenfeld in Arts & Sciences writes in The Conversation about “quarantine envy” and how comparisons during the COVID-19 pandemic might raise awareness of inequality and even drive social change.

This could get ugly. Just how ugly will be determined by the quality of election administration and the rhetoric of political leaders, writes Steven Smith about the upcoming presidential election.

Chancellor Andrew D. Martin reflects on his blog about this unprecedented season of life while remaining hopeful and grateful because of the strength of the Washington University community.

Healing starts with seeing these monuments as sites where both visible and invisible harms are actively perpetuated. If harm reduction and accountability are the goal, the statues should be removed immediately. This ought not be up for debate, writes Chelsey Carter.

In a time of quarantine – when comparisons often involve who has the best version of being alone – dwelling with envy can open our eyes to ourselves and the world, writes Jessica Rosenfeld.

And so the growing hope that builds as we draw closer to vaccine development should be tempered by the sobering thought that, while some will benefit, the gap between them and the people who are currently suffering disproportionately will continue to widen, writes Matifadza G. Hlatshwayo.