This Aint That!
By: Tommy “Tj” Sotomayor

United States President Donald Trump keeps calling the virus sweeping the world – better known as the coronavirus or COVID-19 – the “Chinese virus.”

Former NBA player Jeremy Lin:

Jeremy Lin✔@JLin7

I wish you would powerfully support the vulnerable people that will suffer due to our mismanagement of this virus, including those that will be affected by the racism you’re empowering https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1239685852093169664 …Donald J. Trump✔@realDonaldTrumpThe United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before!7,5712:39 PM – Mar 17, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy2,234 people are talking about this

Jeremy Lin✔@JLin7

And I dont wanna hear about no German measles/Spanish flu bc everyday Asian-Americans inc ppl I know are threatened and physically attacked. I dont give a crap about the history of names rn. What I do know is this subtle anti-Chinese message only empowers more hate towards asians7,8412:48 PM – Mar 17, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy2,038 people are talking about this

Jeremy Lin✔@JLin7

Can you honestly tell me there is ZERO anti-Chinese sentiment in all his characterizations of the virus? Can you honestly tell me Asians aren’t being unfairly physically attacked today in the US? Is it that hard to use coronavirus or COVID-19? We playin the blame game in a crisis https://twitter.com/Bestof5forever/status/1239985481405915137 …DG@Bestof5foreverReplying to @JLin7 @whitelinefervorEvery major media outlet called it Wuhan virus before trump3,2762:58 PM – Mar 17, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy1,733 people are talking about this

Now look at how Asian People were quick to go off on Jeremy

Can you honestly tell me there is ZERO anti-Chinese sentiment in all his characterizations of the virus? Can you honestly tell me Asians aren't being unfairly physically attacked today in the US? Is it that hard to use coronavirus or COVID-19? We playin the blame game in a crisis https://t.co/OsGo5wvW1k

— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) March 17, 2020

I don’t think calling it the “Chinese virus” or “Wuhan virus” is inherently racist. Many of the same people criticizing Trump previously used those terms.

The virus did originate in China. The Chinese government did respond with a reprehensible focus on public relations rather than public health.

But Trump’s playbook is transparent: He demonizes “foreigners.” He stokes racist resentment. He assigns blame elsewhere.

This fits a pattern.

Trump is going out of his way to call the virus by a less-familiar term. He’s a politician doing branding. This is particularly reprehensible because it sparks fear and bitterness toward Asians.

A common defense of Trump: A previous pandemic was called the Spanish flu. But that is believed to have started in Kansas. It got its name because Spain – neutral in World War I and therefore not facing wartime press censorship – had the most comprehensive reporting on the virus. Besides, explaining how something was done in 1918 might not be the best defense against charges of racism.

Another common defense: The Chinese government, due to its misconduct, should be linked to the virus. But if we’re naming the virus based on government failure, other monikers could work.

Jeremy Lin objects to Donald Trump using term ‘Chinese Virus’ originally appeared on NBCSports.com