The Endless Cycle

You might be familiar with the ouroboros symbol, often illustrated as a serpent or dragon coiled in a circle, devouring its tail. Its earliest reference can be traced back to the tomb of King Tutankhamun, found in an ancient text known as the Enigmatic Book of the Netherworld. In this text, the god Ra is depicted in a perpetual struggle with Osiris, surrounded by two snakes that symbolize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

This timeless concept resonates with our current societal challenges.

I Enjoy the Debate

Living in a community where I frequently engage with friends, I find myself surrounded by some of the most ardent anti-vaxxers. These individuals, despite being friendly and well-adjusted, harbor a deep mistrust of science. They gravitate towards specific sources and select doctors, often forgetting that those very professionals are part of the scientific community.

They frequently express their disdain for my beliefs, often claiming I’ve “drunk the Kool-Aid.” This is typically followed by a lengthy diatribe about how the majority of us dismiss their perspective and label them as ignorant. I listen, sipping my drink, intrigued by their reasoning.

The Irony of Belief

One recurring irony I notice among my anti-vaccine acquaintances is their reluctance to trust established science. Their aversion seems less about the science itself and more about the imposition of mandates. They fear losing autonomy, seeking validation from alternative authorities who echo their sentiments.

These figures often engage in elaborate sales tactics, promoting vitamins or alternative treatments as solutions. They may assert “there is no virus,” or offer dubious claims about the media’s portrayal of disease, while promoting unverified cures that only serve to enrich themselves.

It’s ironic that if the anti-vaccine movement were less prominent, we could achieve herd immunity. With higher vaccination rates, we could return to normalcy without the burden of overflowing hospitals or mask mandates.

The Game of Life

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the ouroboros was associated with the deity Mehen, who protected Ra during his nightly journey through the underworld. This ancient belief reflects a game of life and death, devoid of rules — a concept that resonates today as we grapple with the pandemic.

The current debate surrounding vaccines and masks has become a complex game for many, which they perceive as rule-bound. Trusting science, understanding vaccine efficacy, and recognizing the protective role of masks are all seen as constraints on their freedom.

Yet, this cognitive dissonance leads them to reject logic and cling to their beliefs, even at the cost of their health.

A New Reality

Our friends, family, and neighbors who oppose vaccination often dismiss our arguments as illogical, trapped in their own perspective. They perceive believers in mainstream science as the ones ensnared in ignorance.

However, there exists only one reality, and their refusal to acknowledge it is alarming. Opting to trust dubious claims over the extensive research conducted by dedicated scientists is a troubling choice, especially when it affects public health.

The likelihood of 24% of the population chasing their tails, risking their health and that of others, is not just concerning — it's deeply frustrating. The most troubling aspect is the possibility that they might eventually “catch” their tail, facing the dire consequences of their choices.

Ultimately, anti-vaxxers are our friends and family, deserving of respect, but their choices lead them into a spiral of irrationality. Just as in the game of Jumanji, the stakes are high, and while some may emerge victorious, many are left to suffer the consequences of their decisions. They have the power to escape this cycle, yet they choose to remain.

J.J. Pryor

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