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The past month has changed my mind about many things.
I feel differently about video calls.
I have a new opinion on people who brag about sourdough starters.
I was prepared for many changes in the middle of a global pandemic.
The world is different now.Iam different now.
And suddenly, for the first time, I think maybe Claire fromOutlanderhas a point.
StarzsOutlander, adapted from Diana Gabaldons series of novels,has always had a lot to recommend it.
At that point shes still Claire Randall, married to her 20th-century husband (sort of?)
and trying to survive in a social system that finds most of her behaviorhighlysuspicious.
She scoffs at their superstitions.
It doesnt always go badly for Claire.
Eventually, inevitably, Claire gets accused of being a witch and is nearly burned at the stake.
The thing is, though, Clairenever learns.
Some of the more extreme examples of Claires medical meddling make sense.
Obviously when her friends and her own family get hurt, she does everything she can to help them.
Except, Claire being Claire, she doesnotkeep it to herself.
Gee,I cannot imagine how this could go badly!
This behavior has frustrated me for years.
How can Claire not recognize the world shes living in?
Why wouldnt she tone down her medical ahistoricism for her own sake?
Its the 18th century.
Everyones going to die of infections and childbirth and malnutrition.
Claire cant change everyones mind on her own, surely.
All of this hits me differently now.
Along with everything else, the last month has brought home my deep capacity for barking wash your hands!
In the 18th century, Claire has the womens gossip circles.
In the 21st century, I have parent Facebook groups.
Neither of us can keep our feelings to ourselves about, say, the efficacy of essential oils.
Im also newly charged up by Claires righteous fury.
Shes not less right because shes in a century where everyones superstitious about their bodily humours or whatever!
Wake up, sheeple!
Flatten the typhoid curve!
There are still plenty ofOutlanderthings for me to be mad about.
For this one thing, though, I am willing to admit I was wrong.
Claire Fraser is a public-health hero just trying to do her best in an upside-down world.
My heart goes out to her.
