Contagion of Hate

Epidemic, Pandemic, and Body Politics

Abstract

After looking at the present pandemic, including its current impacts on Asian/Americans, in light of history, Liew argues that the scapegoating of Asian/Americans during public health crises is connected with many of the -isms to which Trump is committed, and shows in the process that the Trumpian regime, if and when considered with a longer view of context and history, is different more in degree than in kind. Thus, the end of Trump’s presidency will not necessarily mean real change without our persistent resistance. Taking this longer view of context and history may also bring about a broader understanding that facilitates solidarity among different communities of color, particularly between Asian Americans and the Black Lives Matter movement.