The origin of this odd observance on the calendar is unknown but there it is. October 3 really is Virus Appreciation Day. Just imagine being the Rodney Dangerfield of microbes, the digital world and the dictionary. Viruses get no respect and yet, they have their own day.
Where in the world is the satisfaction in celebrating something that destroys digital files? Why would anyone want to appreciate human viruses? Even Merriam-Webster defines the word virus as “something that poisons the mind or soul”.
I would certainly consider this to be a very odd day, so perhaps it just needs a different perspective. Let’s think outside the petri dish on this one.
Consider that morning you dreaded going to work and realized you had a fever. You called in, legitimately sick, dodging a terrible day at the office. Did you tip your hat to the power of human viruses?
Think about your friend. You know, the one who makes a living by eradicating evil bits of code in the digital world. She can certainly appreciate a robust computer virus and even respect it on some level.
The dictionary is very clear in its derogatory definition of the word but the virus has its place in literature. Without the maligned microbe, there would be no Andromeda Strain. And Steven King’s, “The Stand”, would be a much quicker read.
It really strains the imagination to think philosophically about today’s subject. Should we acknowledge something microscopic that can affect our world in so many ways?
Evidence now points to a virus as the cause of the Black Plague. Without that Medieval nightmare, would civilization have seen the sunrise of the Renaissance?
On a purely scientific level, we can appreciate that this almost invisible piece of matter is part of the cosmic puzzle, but so are black holes and the speed of light.
This day on the calendar will always suffer a few bad jokes, receive puzzled looks and generally be ignored. It is an interesting anomaly and nothing more. Try to remember that the next time you call in sick or your computer crashes.
Until then, enjoy some old Rodney Dangerfield movies. He doesn’t have a day on the calendar, so he will appreciate the respect.