48. Coronavirus borders. The strange case of pandemic nationalism
Nationalism
is a feeling that I have observed with fascination in recent times. Brexit and
Trump’s America First are just a couple of examples of movements which seek to
build walls (virtual, although in extreme cases and for symbolic reasons real)
between those born in different countries. Nations have been around for several
thousand years and they are really ingrained in our thinking. Coronavirus
provides a startling example of this. Its effects are being reported strictly
in national terms. The coverage cares only about the numbers in our country,
whichever one that turns out to be. We compare to other countries in
competitive terms, to try to deduce who is handling it better, in some kind of
perverse Pandemic Nations League, which is filling the gap normally occupied by
sporting events. It is hard to think of many problems which are as global in
their nature as a global pandemic is but, in the public consciousness, they are
still bewilderingly understood in strictly national terms
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Comments
Did you receive my email? A quick response would be appreciated.
Regards,
Doug
Not sure about the email, i think i have answered everything pending, unless i missed something...