During the siege of Sarajevo the inhabitants decided that an important contribution to the sustaining of morale could be made by maintaining pride in their appearance. Women made sure that they wore make-up when they went out. Men continued to shave regularly. Clothing and shoes were kept clean. They called this “aesthetic resistance”, placing it on the same level as armed resistance to their besiegers.
Well, today my wife and I have decided that this is how we are going to confront the pandemic. I know that I have had a good excuse throughout the past week for getting up each days and falling into the same grubby clothes. I have been doing physical labour in the cellar that has included paint and creosote, which I would not want to get on my decent clothes. Even so, as we drank our tea in bed this morning she said that she really felt that it was important to make a change, presenting ourselves well to each other even if we never meet anybody else. It was at that point that the experience of Sarajevo came into my mind. So: we are committed to practicing “aesthetic resistance”.
This evening we will dress tidily for dinner. I will wear a smart shirt and perhaps even cuff links. The slippers will be replaced by a pair of smart shoes. I’ve had a shave and tidied my beard. There will be candles and a bottle of nice wine. This wretched virus is not going to wear us down, even as we approach the end of a year living under its oppression. We’re not just enduring: we’re fighting back!