Coronavirus? Wuhan Virus? It’s More Than Just a Name
Written in April, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked endless discussions in a worldwide scale since its global outbreak. Apart from the virus containing policies different countries has adapted, another widely discussed topic is how should this virus be properly named? In fact, behind this issue we can observe the conflict between different countries interest and idealisms.
A well known example of embedding certain political ideas into the naming of the virus is the US president Donald Trump insist in calling it the “Chinese virus”. An article published on the Guardian by L. Kuo (2020) indicates that Trump insisted on using the term despite the disapproval of the World Health Organization, considering it may cause discrimination and stigmatization.
It’s quite reasonable for one to believe that Trump’s action can be seen as a political measure. Given that the heat of the trade war between America and China is rising, there is a good possibility that both sides would grasp this global unrest as an opportunity to take the lead in of the competition. In fact, the same article indicates that Chinese ministry of foreign affair also accuses that the virus was brought into their country by the US military troop.
By now, let’s take a look at the situation in Taiwan. It isn’t hard to tell that there are mainly two preferred name for the virus in our society: the Coronavirus and the Wuhan Virus. Interestingly, due to our special political relationship with China, we can observe different media institutions choosing their use of terms basing on their political bias. For example, the Liberal Times adapts the term “Wuhan Virus” while the United Daily News choose to go with “Coronavirus”. This difference not only cause dispute between countries but also cause arguments among our people.
Honestly, I believe this kind of segregation is dangerous. Politicians or media institutions shouldn’t utilize people’s fear to wove any kind of biased messages into their publications. The segregation and possible discrimination it cause would only take the public farer away from possible facts and lock them in certain mindsets. For example, if one only receive the term “Wuhan virus”, it would be rather hard for them to break out of the mindset that China is the ultimate to be blame for this pandemic. Again, due to Taiwan’s sensitive relationship with China, this would undoubtedly become a popular statement. However, there should be multiple factors that results the world in this current stage. If any certain terms neglect this kind of complication, it could be dangerous. At this stage, what we need is rational attitude to persuade facts rather than more political means and conflicts.
We have to admit it isn’t easy at all to stay conscious and neutral (if there is a consistent definition of neutral) in the overwhelming information especially in this current state of the world. However, before letting your emotions go along with any messages you perceive, you should consider the conflicts and interest behind them.Take advantage of what you receive rather than being manipulated by them. No matter it is Wuhan virus, Chinese virus or Coronavirus, please keep in mind that they’re more than just names.
