Fear, lies, conspiracy and pandemic

Lina Luna¹

Complex historical events always have many causes, as Noam Chomsky has reminded us. While COVID-19 is now the root cause of the world's current state, the pandemic is merely the trigger for a series of events that allow us to clearly see the strengths, weaknesses, and above all, the true nature of governments, international morality, and our own state as a society.

As Henry Kissinger, Martin Wolf, and Moisés Naím, among others, have pointed out, this crisis not only represents the greatest test for world leaders, but also, unfortunately, demonstrates that many of them are not up to the task. However, focusing solely on the ineptitude of some leaders would be hypocritical, since the media, by spreading fear and misinformation, and we as a society, by acting in a discriminatory and xenophobic manner, fit the same description.

It has already been explained in many academic works how fear is the best way to manipulate society. As Chomsky describes it, fear fulfills four primary functions: it keeps the masses distracted, it prevents them from thinking rationally, it keeps them dependent on a privileged class, and it shapes their tastes, dislikes, and behaviors. The media is the perfect tool for instilling fear, as it has the power to show, but also to hide, strategically directing attention to one thing while diverting it from another.

It's clear that the Trump administration is one of those being exposed in these circumstances, and during an election season. Therefore, it's no surprise that it's resorting to its familiar strategy of blaming others for its ineptitude. It turns out that the search for the virus's origin, which is important information only for scientists seeking a cure, has become a political tool and a conspiracy theory promoted even by major US newspapers. Since the study of the virus's genome has proven that it wasn't created in a laboratory, distorted information is now being used to sow doubt about whether the virus might have spread due to an accident at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Neither him Washington Post, neither Fox News They dare to assert it, only sowing doubt, clarifying that if this were true, it would be an accident, not the use of a biological weapon. But for the distracted masses, this is yet another treat, not only to prevent them from thinking clearly and to succumb to fear, but also to focus their hatred and blame everything on the first country that, in the face of COVID-19, took firm measures, that put health and safety above the economy without a second thought, and that now, instead of looking the other way, is committed to sending various forms of aid to more than 89 countries.

If we compare the accusations with the facts, we see that the Wuhan virology lab was created with French support, that its researchers were trained by the United States, and that they work in conjunction with other similar centers. This should give us confidence rather than doubt. If we see scientists from around the world uniting to support and defend Chinese scientists and refute Trump's irresponsible accusations against China and the WHO; if the WHO confirms that it was inevitable the virus would become a pandemic given its nature; and if history shows us that these viruses are expected and can emerge anywhere, as they have emerged from eating cows, chickens, and pigs; this contrast with reality could help us adopt a more cooperative and less nationalistic stance, which would not only save many lives but also focus attention on what is important right now. But this cooperative stance, which is also promoted by China, is not in the US's best interest, and they know that the masses prefer to listen to a boisterous politician rather than a focused scientist.

Using COVID-19 politically and strategically to sow panic, hatred, xenophobia, and discrimination may bring some short-term benefits to Trump and other governments, but not to humanity as a whole. It's time we stopped being manipulated pawns in this vision of competition and short-term personal gain. If it hasn't become clear that only global cooperation will get us through global problems, then we haven't learned anything.

1- International relations specialist with expertise in contemporary China. Research professor at Externado University of Colombia. Article originally published in: http://spanish.chinatoday.com.cn/2018/gcpl/202004/t20200423_800201835.html

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