WORD(s) OF THE WEEK: CAREMONGERING and other social caring words 

Adversity is a great unifier. In the face of uncertainty and crises there are many phases we go through; fear, confusion, acceptance, and then, action. In the words of Lee Iacocca, “In times of great stress or adversity, it is always best to keep busy, to plow your energy into something positive.” Caremongering.

Right now, that action is witnessed in people rallying around and coming together as a community in solidarity. Caremongering.

Community caring in times of trouble

Our security and safety has been undermined, we are isolated, socially distanced, physically alone, struggle is rife, the vulnerable are at risk, and our mental stability is in limbo. And then, human nature kicks in, the fight or flight mechanism takes over. And we fight. Resilience takes a new social form. Volunteer responders answer the call, acts of kindness between strangers avail, donations pour in from individuals and companies, neighbors support neighbors, strangers support strangers. Cohesion, community, caring. 

From this inspired activity of giving a new word is born: Caremongering

Caremongering

Coined by Canadian Valentina Harper, under the ideal of “nobody left behind,” this neologism, is a compound word made from “to care” (to protect and provide for someone or something) and “monger” (to sell or peddle.) A derivation of scaremongering, from “to scare” (frighten) and “monger,” (a tactic used to spread fear, to create an alarmism). Scaremongering used to spread fake news and fear virally online through socials and chats is here replaced with caremongering and, like its evil twin is spreading virally, through socials, but is a tactic used to care, take care and share the love. 

A sense of unity

Social contact has moved online, caremonger groups and chats are being created between total strangers to support and help each other and those in need. Citizens turned volunteers offer to pick up groceries, medicine and supplies for the elderly, restaurants, chefs, and bakers offer free meals to the hungry, delivery services help those with reduced mobility. Hairdressers lead tutorials, authors read stories, artists give lessons to comfort children and fill their free time. Companies repurpose their factories to produce much needed supplies, others donate medical supplies or money, and yet others offer digital solidarity and free online courses and services to promote a sense of unity. 

The need to feel connected, care and share has support groups thriving on socials, many counting over a million members. Communities brought together to communicate messages, share recipes, sing happy birthday, propose initiatives, reach for a friend in times of trouble, hear a friendly voice, a positive thought, have someone to care and be cared for.

Sharing is caring

The worst of times bring out the best in people, we applaud for healthcare workers, sing national anthems from our balconies, in unison, all together from afar and all over the world. hope is spread through rainbows hung from windows and we play music together, after all sharing is caring. 

And so, human nature prevails and social takes back its true definitions of society, its organization, the need for companionship, living in communities, and gatherings organized by members of a particular club or group. And we caremonger.

CAREMONGERING- A LIST OF VOCABULARY WORDS & DEFINITIONS

RALLY AROUND: to join together to support (someone or something) in a difficult time or situation

COME TOGETHER: to form a group

COMMUNITY: a unified body of individuals

SOLIDARITY: unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on a community of interests, objectives, and standards

VOLUNTEER: a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service

ANSWER THE CALL: to respond by an act or motion

ACT OF KINDNESS: to do something kind

DONATION: the making of a gift especially to a charity or public institution

COHESION: the act or state of sticking together tightly

CARING: feeling or showing concern for or kindness to others

INSPIRED: accomplished beautifully or performed well

GIVING: to present freely and without expecting something in return

SPREAD THE LOVE: to communicate a message of love to other people

IN NEED: in a condition of needing something

HELP: to give assistance or support to

COMFORT: to give strength and hope to

CONNECTED: joined or linked together

SHARE: to partake of, use, experience, occupy, or enjoy with others

UNISON: a harmonious agreement or union

TOGETHER:  in or into contact, connection, collision, or union

GATHERING: assembly, meeting