“Rethinking COVID hegemony” 1/2/2023
croakey.org/rethinking-cov…
H/T @sameo416
“Earlier this year, writing for The Canberra Times, I proposed the idea of “COVID Hegemony” to explain the transformation of our pandemic outlook…
croakey.org/rethinking-cov…
H/T @sameo416
“Earlier this year, writing for The Canberra Times, I proposed the idea of “COVID Hegemony” to explain the transformation of our pandemic outlook…
…Hegemony, in short, refers to the dominance maintained by those in power to ensure that their preferred worldview is seen as natural, inevitable & beneficial to all, largely by manufacturing the consent of the people.”
“COVID Hegemony, then, can be understood as the normalisation of widespread infection achieved by those with power through coercive persuasion, to gain our consent and even approval…
…Divorced from realities of widespread transmission, the media, politicians & certain experts have been pushing for a “return to normal”, to “live with COVID” & to move away from “COVID exceptionalism””
“Our governments & mainstream media have persuaded… to accept increasing morbidity, mortality, & the erosion of our PH systems using 4 key strategies.”
1
“1st, by adopting & promoting myths about the 🦠which downplay its severity–“it’s mild”, “it’s just like the flu”, “we’re all going to get #C19” & more recently, “the pandemic is over”. As such, we perceive the pandemic as less risky & any protective measure as an overreaction”
“1st, by adopting & promoting myths about the 🦠which downplay its severity–“it’s mild”, “it’s just like the flu”, “we’re all going to get #C19” & more recently, “the pandemic is over”. As such, we perceive the pandemic as less risky & any protective measure as an overreaction”
2
“Second, by suppressing #C19-related statistics & other info, as for ex w/ deliberate under-testing of suspected cases, the move from daily to weekly announcements of cases & deaths or… by suppressing government-commissioned COVID research, forecasts, & modelling.”
“Second, by suppressing #C19-related statistics & other info, as for ex w/ deliberate under-testing of suspected cases, the move from daily to weekly announcements of cases & deaths or… by suppressing government-commissioned COVID research, forecasts, & modelling.”
3
“Third, by adapting pre-existing beliefs or public opinion, such as using the idea of “pandemic fatigue” to remove mandated protections.”
“Third, by adapting pre-existing beliefs or public opinion, such as using the idea of “pandemic fatigue” to remove mandated protections.”
4
“And lastly, by prioritising a hyper-individualistic discourse over a collective approach that champions shared responsibility…
“And lastly, by prioritising a hyper-individualistic discourse over a collective approach that champions shared responsibility…
4 cont.
… as for example with the mantra of “personal responsibility” & the neoliberal ideals of rugged individualism & small government on which this depends, shifting blame from the state to the citizen.”
… as for example with the mantra of “personal responsibility” & the neoliberal ideals of rugged individualism & small government on which this depends, shifting blame from the state to the citizen.”
“Living with COVID is only beneficial to those in business who desire a speedy return to a pre-pandemic capitalist status quo, or for those in government who want to shirk responsibility.”
“Professor Brendan Crabb, Director of the Burnet Institute, recently called on the ABC’s 7:30 Report for a re-set of COVID policy, arguing for an “anti-transmission strategy”. Crucial to this would be a change in mindset that could be led by the Albanese government.”
The news panel broadcast, assessing human & economic costs of current #C19 strategy & need for/how to pivot:
abc.net.au/news/2023-01-2…
Post broadcast discussion in print:
croakey.org/health-leaders…
abc.net.au/news/2023-01-2…
Post broadcast discussion in print:
croakey.org/health-leaders…
“The persuasive framework identified above could easily be adapted to change the current pandemic narrative & bring people onboard.”
“Adopting myths, suppressing info, manipulating pub opinion, & prioritising hyper-individualism could,
for ex,
be replaced by a countering of myths & misinfo, transparency around data, more inclusive pandemic discourse, & highlighting of empathy & collective responsibility”
for ex,
be replaced by a countering of myths & misinfo, transparency around data, more inclusive pandemic discourse, & highlighting of empathy & collective responsibility”
“Three key strategies
1
First, it is important for the Government to counter the myths minimising COVID that have taken hold throughout the pandemic…
1
First, it is important for the Government to counter the myths minimising COVID that have taken hold throughout the pandemic…
1 cont.
… Unsupported by scientific evidence, claims like “COVID is just like the flu” or that it’s “not exceptional” create the false impression that the pandemic is over & the infection is minor, resulting in a lowered risk perception that will only accelerate transmission…
… Unsupported by scientific evidence, claims like “COVID is just like the flu” or that it’s “not exceptional” create the false impression that the pandemic is over & the infection is minor, resulting in a lowered risk perception that will only accelerate transmission…
1 cont.
…By obscuring the realities of COVID infections & the increasing rates of long-term disability with each reinfection, the Government also enables anti-vaxxers to take advantage of this information deficit to promote mis/disinformation…
…By obscuring the realities of COVID infections & the increasing rates of long-term disability with each reinfection, the Government also enables anti-vaxxers to take advantage of this information deficit to promote mis/disinformation…
1 cont.
… i.e., numerous studies have shown that #C19 infection increases the risk of cardiovascular issues & even elevates the risk of sudden death in both the short & long term…
… i.e., numerous studies have shown that #C19 infection increases the risk of cardiovascular issues & even elevates the risk of sudden death in both the short & long term…
1 cont.
… The anti-vaccine community has since have taken advantage of this, arguing that the notable increase in sudden deaths is due to the vaccine – they even released an anti-vax propaganda film on the topic late last year…
… The anti-vaccine community has since have taken advantage of this, arguing that the notable increase in sudden deaths is due to the vaccine – they even released an anti-vax propaganda film on the topic late last year…
1 cont.
…Studies show that people are more likely to believe such conspiracies when they feel disempowered and anxious. Furthermore, allowing disinfo to run rampant also fosters political distrust…
…Studies show that people are more likely to believe such conspiracies when they feel disempowered and anxious. Furthermore, allowing disinfo to run rampant also fosters political distrust…
1 cont.
… To counter this, govts must clearly communicate why certain PH responses are needed as well as their efficacy in order to foster trust, reduce conspiratorial thinking, & increase the uptake of #C19 protections.
… To counter this, govts must clearly communicate why certain PH responses are needed as well as their efficacy in order to foster trust, reduce conspiratorial thinking, & increase the uptake of #C19 protections.
2
“…imperative to be transparent w/ #C19-related data. A 1st step would be to publish the data & modelling that the Govt has collected throughout the pandemic… the current lack of transparency feeds pol distrust, as “it is not clear why decisions are being made””
“…imperative to be transparent w/ #C19-related data. A 1st step would be to publish the data & modelling that the Govt has collected throughout the pandemic… the current lack of transparency feeds pol distrust, as “it is not clear why decisions are being made””
3
“Third, the current framing of the pandemic must be changed from one of complacency to a renewed focus on reducing transmission & harm
– from “living with COVID”
to “living safely with COVID”…
“Third, the current framing of the pandemic must be changed from one of complacency to a renewed focus on reducing transmission & harm
– from “living with COVID”
to “living safely with COVID”…
3 cont
…Integral to this would be a powerful PH campaign informing… the airborne nature of the🦠, encouraging bus to install mechs to clean indoor air,& empowering us all w/ the knowledge of how we can protect ourselves & the community, for instance w/ a well-fitting N95 mask…
…Integral to this would be a powerful PH campaign informing… the airborne nature of the🦠, encouraging bus to install mechs to clean indoor air,& empowering us all w/ the knowledge of how we can protect ourselves & the community, for instance w/ a well-fitting N95 mask…
3 cont
… 1 clear & achievable goal would be to reclaim the narrative around mask-wearing – from one that impedes individual freedoms to one that protects the community, to help immobilise the imported culture war on masks… since we transitioned to living with #C19…
… 1 clear & achievable goal would be to reclaim the narrative around mask-wearing – from one that impedes individual freedoms to one that protects the community, to help immobilise the imported culture war on masks… since we transitioned to living with #C19…
3 cont.
…Another would be to emphasise the importance of clean air in public spaces, which has numerous long-lasting benefits, especially in schools.”
…Another would be to emphasise the importance of clean air in public spaces, which has numerous long-lasting benefits, especially in schools.”
“Reframing the narrative
…a history of successful PH campaigns and slogans, from “every cigarette is doing you damage” to “slip, slop, slap”, so an effective & positive campaign emphasising the importance of community, solidarity & care should be relatively easy & effective.”
…a history of successful PH campaigns and slogans, from “every cigarette is doing you damage” to “slip, slop, slap”, so an effective & positive campaign emphasising the importance of community, solidarity & care should be relatively easy & effective.”
“In line with this, COVID “restrictions” should be renamed “protections”. The former infers that curbing transmission is a limitation on “individual freedom”, while the latter is not only more accurate but also promotes a collective & inclusive response.”
“Lastly, the Labor Government – who, after all, won the 2022 election on a platform of care – must embrace empathy, collectivism, and systemic responses.”
“An empathetic & comprehensive approach to the pandemic is needed. Instead of promoting a “you do you” attitude that pushes vulnerable people out of all areas of public life, governments should be ensuring the safety & the social rights of those most at risk.”
“What we all can do
…It is up to us to put pressure on this Government to reset the pandemic strategy.”
…It is up to us to put pressure on this Government to reset the pandemic strategy.”
What we all can do, cont.
“Just as we expect clean, drinkable water at the twist of a handle, we should likewise expect the same from air shared in public spaces. We each have the ability to push back against the laissez-faire narratives favoured by the Government.”
“Just as we expect clean, drinkable water at the twist of a handle, we should likewise expect the same from air shared in public spaces. We each have the ability to push back against the laissez-faire narratives favoured by the Government.”
“We can also model good behaviour in our own lives by wearing well-fitting N95 masks in pub spaces & encouraging others to follow suit, ensuring the #C19-safety of org events & asking about those you’re attending, as well as informing yourself & others of the realities of the 🦠”
“The pandemic is not going away any time soon & will only be prolonged if we continue to let it spread unmitigated.”
“Instead of ignoring the virus, we need to adapt to a new reality. One that focuses on reducing transmission and embraces living safely with COVID, for all…”
Related 🧵, study
H/T @arijitchakrav
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
H/T @arijitchakrav
https://twitter.com/arijitchakrav/status/1619830719509061632?s=20&t=MNpeKR8skhZKtyA9qVRY_Q
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
Airborne transmission protection guidelines from experts to follow:
H/T @O_S_P_E
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
H/T @O_S_P_E
https://twitter.com/O_S_P_E/status/1611389403984691202?s=20&t=8suFY3dSpz4YMjJyQGhQJQ
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
Delphi: An international consensus on #C19 protections
🧵H/T @jeffgilchrist
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
🧵H/T @jeffgilchrist
https://twitter.com/jeffgilchrist/status/1608809251572715521?s=20&t=8suFY3dSpz4YMjJyQGhQJQ
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
What is #DavosSafe ?
🧵H/T @jeffgilchrist
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
🧵H/T @jeffgilchrist
https://twitter.com/jeffgilchrist/status/1618223851212767232?s=20&t=8suFY3dSpz4YMjJyQGhQJQ
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
The risks involved in a lack of #C19 transparency
Related 🧵
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
Related 🧵
https://twitter.com/MamaToronto/status/1533765036065312769?s=20&t=Jh3jcdO1o0u-l1Ho547ISw
#RealityCheck
#DavosSafe
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