Donald Trump Ignites Fresh Round of Backlash for Repeatedly Calling Coronavirus the 'Chinese Virus'
03/18/2020 03:05 pm EDT
'Scapegoats'
Many people expressed worries about how the term "Chinese virus" would incite contempt, bias or even violence against Asian-Americans. Some cited anecdotes of experience racism already, and said that the president was making "scapegoats" out of Chinese and Asian-Americans.
'Trump Pandemic'
Others responded to President Trump's new term with new terms of their own, including "Trump Pandemic." They argued that it was the president's fault that the virus had reached these heights, and it should carry his name, if any.
Alternate Names
Many people pointed out other alternate names for COVID-19 that were equally as logical as "Chinese virus," including "bat virus" or "seafood virus," arguing that it may have started with those sources.
'Dog Whistle'
Many users accused President Trump of using the term "Chinese virus" as a racist "dog whistle" — meaning it is a way of relaying a racist feeling or ideology without endorsing it outright.
Stop
Whatever the reasons or justifications, there were lots of people online that just wanted the president to stop referring to COVID-19 as the "Chinese virus." They argued against even debating the topic, as it only served as a distraction.
Pointless
Others added that there was no point in adopting a new name for COVID-19 at this point, for any reason. With official names already in circulation, they thought that the president had no justification for using any other name, regardless of his intentions.
CDC Weighs In
Finally, many people pointed out that medical experts and leaders have condemned the term "Chinese virus," including the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield. According to a report by NBC News, Redfield said that it was "absolutely wrong and inappropriate" to refer to COVID-19 this way.
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