Who’s Afraid of a Little Pandemic?
Criticizing “excessive fear” over the coronavirus pandemic has become de rigueur on the right. “Freedom not fear” is a common refrain. Comical examples abound of conservatives downplaying the significance of death itself, such as this quote from The Federalist:
“So the barbaric, panicky elevation of mere life as the only good worth conserving is becoming increasingly shameful.”
As Steve Martin used to say, “Well, excuuuuuse me!”
Referring to rational, ethical behavior based on science as “fear” is a linguistic sleight of hand meant to invoke notions of feminine hysteria. Masks especially seem to be heavily gendered, as I can attest from observing people in grocery stores and the post office.
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