We are NOT enduring “twin” pandemics

So, the title says it all, but allow me to elaborate. Much of the conversation, at least in my academic circles, about COVID-19 and the swell of racist violence that has taken the lives of Black people has been couched in the language of “twin pandemics.” Sure, this has a nice ring to it. So does the phrase, “We’re in unprecedented times.” The reality is that we aren’t in unprecedented times and we are NOT enduring “twin” pandemics. When I consider the word twin, a few things come to mind. Twins are conceived at the same time and typically born within a similar timeframe. Twins are often identical and hard to distinguish. They might also be fraternal and look completely different. Either way, they have the same origin. COVID-19 and racism and white supremacy, do not have the same origin.

During a recent webinar in which I served as a panelist, the host referred to “twin” pandemics. My response at the time was that we weren’t dealing with twins, but instead siblings. I thought this was a better characterization. In retrospect, I don’t think that comparison works either.

COVID-19 fits the textbook definition of a pandemic, posing a global threat to everyone. It has literally affected every aspect of our lives mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is reshaping our social systems, especially education, economics, and policy. Most notably, for the purposes of this piece, COVID-19 and the poor responses from federal and state agencies, serve as a prime example of the depths taken to ensure Black lives don’t matter. COVID-19 is not a “twin,” it is the result of a society drowning in racism and white supremacy. That COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Black people is the material consequence of centuries of humiliation, degradation, pain and violence inflicted on Black people.

Racism and white supremacy, a disease rooted in hetero-cis, capitalistic patriarchy killed millions of Black people throughout the transatlantic slave trade which spanned 400 years. The perpetual dehumanization and disposability of Black people is a never ending pandemic that preceded us, and remains with us today through state-sanctioned and other forms of violence. However, racism and white supremacy, had not been commonly referenced as a pandemic. It was only recently elevated to a “public health crisis.”

To call COVID-19 and racism and white supremacy “twin” pandemics situates these crises on a level playing field, that does not exist. To call them “twins” suggests a similar origin, and doing so inadvertently erases centuries of struggles for Black people. To reference them as “twins” would mean that efforts to fix them would be equally prioritized. Implementing reparations and racial redress due to racism and white supremacy would align with current efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

So, no we should not call them “twin” pandemics, because the only thing they do have in common is that they are disproportionately taking Black lives.