How Pandemics Like the Coronavirus Spur Racist Sentiments | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
News

How Pandemics Like the Coronavirus Spur Racist Sentiments

No matter where you are, you should remain vigilant about the movement of the virus and its effect on the population. If we all look out for one another, hopefully, everything will work out just fine.

34
How Pandemics Like the Coronavirus Spur Racist Sentiments

Despite the deadly seriousness of the coronavirus, the actions taken by United States officials do not align with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to an article published in the L.A. Times. Fortunately, officials have thus far stopped the virus from entering the United States. However, there's little proof that quarantines work in modern society, and some thought-leaders are questioning the motivation behind sticking with this outdated practice.

In France, a newspaper announced a Yellow Alert in bold letters next to the image of a face mask-wearing Chinese woman. The concept of the Yellow Peril comes from a dated, racist concept that targets Asian and Western citizens. Apparently, racism is alive and well around the world.

The Unsavory Truth About Racism in America

In the United States, race relations are slowly improving. That change has to come from within. Accordingly, more organizational leaders have put serious thought into promoting cultural competence.

More and more, stories hit the media about Caucasian people calling the police on brown people, according to a report published by Demos.org – "Social Inclusion: The Decisions and Dynamics that Drive Racism." It's getting to the point that stories of racism in America are becoming unbearable, and at the same time, the numbing status quo.

As these unfortunate incidents unfold, various health organizations across the nation treat an increasingly diverse population. A nurse may treat a patient that was born in a different country and isn't familiar with the U.S. health care system. Meanwhile, another nurse may treat a patient whose religious or cultural beliefs stop them from receiving needed care.

Still, nurses work through these obstacles with compassion and tact. This act is what's called cultural competence. By expanding their knowledge and skills as well as their awareness of cultural differences, nurses can effectively treat a diverse range of patients.

When Viruses Go Viral

From the plagues of the 1600s to the current coronavirus outbreak, widespread diseases have a tendency to go viral. Along with that outbreak of information, comes misinformation and rumors. Unfortunately, social media makes it easier than ever to spread misinformation.

Case in point, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus a global epidemic. The attention garnered by such an event has led to a whirlwind of errors and lies spread across platforms such as WeChat and Twitter. Now, lies and rumors about the coronavirus are spreading just as much as the disease – and causing an equal amount of public concern.

For example, a recent TikTok post suggests that an unnamed entity launched the coronavirus against its own people in China. The TikTok platform is trendy among teens. Platform officials have already pledged to crack down on misleading information prior to the coronavirus outbreak. However, it appears that the promise was just lip service, as TikTok representatives have done nothing to stop the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus.

One discredited social media influencer – Kerri Rivera – advised her followers to drink bleach to protect themselves from the coronavirus, according to an ABC Australia News Network story. The same kind of dubious information is making its way across popular platforms, such as Instagram, says the report. On the platform, Jada Hai Phong Nguyen – an Instagram influencer with 90,000 members in his audience – compared the coronavirus to a zombie movie and mixed practical information with nonsensical advice such as a warning not to eat wildlife animals.

Reining in the Deadly Coronavirus

As the coronavirus claims more lives in places such as Wuhan, researchers are getting closer to finding a cure. According to the WHO, immunization stops 2 to 3 million deaths every year. Furthermore, immunization innovations continue to improve those results.

Resultantly, you need to understand the various kinds of vaccines and recommendations. As a parent, for instance, the best way to keep track of your child's immunizations is to confer with their pediatrician.

The ABC Australia news report also highlights the musings of Derryn Hinch on Twitter. On the platform, the now infamous personality supports the logic of sending coronavirus suspects to Christmas Island.

That remark was all it took to spark a fire. Many in the Twitter audience felt that the comment was demeaning and racist.

ABC viewers were highly agitated. Some were furious, not because the comment was racist – but because they wanted authorities to stop more Chinese people from entering the country. It looks like the coronavirus is bringing out the worst in some individuals. One thing's for sure, people are scared. The coronavirus is not a fight for the Chinese alone – it's a global fight.

No matter where you are, you should remain vigilant about the movement of the virus and its effect on the population. If we all look out for one another, hopefully, everything will work out just fine.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198683
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19956
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461697
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28786
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments