Words mean things and they matter
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History will record that Donald Trump chose the exact day on which US cases leaped past that of China to call it the “CHINESE Virus”. Its hard to find words to describe just how terrible his statement was. But I’ll give it a shot...
By 19 March 2020 the coronavirus COVID-19 was affecting 176 countries and territories around the world. Even international conveyances like the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama have not been spared.
It was a historic day. After months of sacrifice and effort, China had its first day without a single new local case. The number of active cases in the United States (~9,000) also leaped passed that of China (~8,000).
History will also record that Donald Trump chose this exact day to call it the “CHINESE Virus” in a tweet sent to his 74 million followers. I’m struggling to find the words to describe just how terrible this statement is.
Is it helpful in any way? No. Does it create disunity within the global community at a time when humanity can ill afford it? Definitely. Will this fuel xenophobic and racist behavior towards Asian American US citizens? Without question.
I don’t think I’m capable of entertaining an argument that paints this as anything other than extremely irresponsible. In my personal opinion it was an opportunistic, selfish act that borders on racism.
Words mean things and they matter. I encourage leaders at all levels and spheres of influence to measure their words carefully during this unprecedented crisis.
It was a historic day. After months of sacrifice and effort, China had its first day without a single new local case. The number of active cases in the United States (~9,000) also leaped passed that of China (~8,000).
History will also record that Donald Trump chose this exact day to call it the “CHINESE Virus” in a tweet sent to his 74 million followers. I’m struggling to find the words to describe just how terrible this statement is.
Is it helpful in any way? No. Does it create disunity within the global community at a time when humanity can ill afford it? Definitely. Will this fuel xenophobic and racist behavior towards Asian American US citizens? Without question.
I don’t think I’m capable of entertaining an argument that paints this as anything other than extremely irresponsible. In my personal opinion it was an opportunistic, selfish act that borders on racism.
Words mean things and they matter. I encourage leaders at all levels and spheres of influence to measure their words carefully during this unprecedented crisis.