Toilet Paper
2020 – Sydney – Australia
When the news of the COVID-19 pandemic broke, Australia went into lockdown, and toilet paper became scarce.
“If you see it, buy it.”
In the West and the so-called First World, there’s often a patronising gaze toward developing countries, a sense of pity toward nations in the Global South. It’s as if people in these countries lack the cultural capacity for trust, patience, and social order, as if struggling for food, water, and basic rights is just part of their culture.
But during the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper, canned food, and other essentials became scarce in many First World countries. Panic buying and hoarding became widespread, people stockpiled for the day when things might get worse. It was no different from the days of war and crisis in Iran, Afghanistan, and other parts of the Middle East.
Yes, this is about survival.
When it comes to survival, human beings, no matter where they are from, will do whatever it takes to stay alive.