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COVID-19 is the Perfect Storm for Authoritarianism
Two races began: the spread of the virus, and the spread of misinformation.
COVID-19 rapidly evolved from a China issue, to an Asia problem, and now to a global disaster. As the virus gained momentum the world lagged in response efforts, thus enabling mass community transmission. While the mainstream media obsessed over the spread of the virus, though, it glossed over a dangerous side effect of global pandemic: authoritarianism.
The story begins on December 30, 2019, in Wuhan, China. Doctor Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old ophthalmologist, noticed multiple cases of acute respiratory illness that closely resembled the SARS epidemic of 2003.
He shared the information with a group chat of doctors, urging them to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread.
Within a few days he was brought in and questioned by local authorities, who accused him of spreading false rumors. He tragically passed away at the beginning of February and will be remembered as the whistleblowing hero who alerted the world what was yet to come.
The Two Races
Despite the CCP’s efforts, COVID-19 gained legitimacy in the world’s eye. Two races began: the spread of the virus, and the spread of misinformation.
