#16: Yes, Coronavirus is a Concern. Please Don’t Be Racist.

The Bad Chinese Teacher Podcast

On air February 3rd, 2020. Recorded February 2nd, 2020.

No news item has dominated international airwaves than the coronavirus outbreak that originated from Wuhan, China late last year. With more cases emerging outside of China each day, the world seems to be holding their breath — both literally and figuratively.

Adjacent to the media chatter about death tolls and rates of infection is an equally tense discussion regarding xenophobic reactions to the coronavirus outbreak. Having likely originated from a wet market in China, the coronavirus has spawned numerous alarmist hot takes that come at the expense of racism against Chinese people.

This is problematic, but it offers an interesting case study on how otherwise rational, non-bigoted people might begin showing (or tolerating) curious xenophobic tendencies when their personal health and safety appear to be threatened. After all, is there any real harm in moving to another subway car after seeing an Asian person wearing a face mask? One can never be too careful, after all.

This episode takes a critical look at this line of thinking, as well as the progressive reaction against so-called “widespread” xenophobia that, only one month into this pandemic, honestly isn’t really all that widespread — yet. Are we preaching to the right choirs? And how do we get people to listen?

Show notes at badchineseteacher.com

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