CORONAVIRUS

Insights

The psychologist and linguist, Steven Pinker, reassuringly reminds us that previous virus pandemics, including smallpox and HIV, have either been eradicated, or we have found a way of managing the disease. Further, he points out that we are the only known species able to apply science to a problem. Pinker predicts that Covid-19 will be relegated to a small bump in human history.

Facing The Fragility Of Human Life

Slavoj Žižek points to the influence of globalization on the widespread occurrence of Corona. He humorously describes Covid-19 as a “stupid” virus that “blindly reproduces itself”. Žižek considers Corona to highlight the fragility of human life and to encourage a reflection on our modes of living. 

Conspiracy Theories

Yuval Harari attributes Corona conspiracy theories to two factors:

1.   We have a tendency to blame others in the face of a difficulty. This is reflected in our relationships where we often attribute a problem to others and not to ourselves. Projective defences are also enacted on a broader societal level and manifest in the projection of blame onto specific racial or religious groups.

2.   The biology and epidemiology of a virus is complex and it is far easier to revert to a simple answer. For example, the idea that the Coronavirus is a result of 5G is far simpler to understand than the inner workings of a virus.

 Harari concludes by offering an innovative solution when engaging with Corona conspiracies.