Coronavirus racism ‘must be countered’, say researchers

Western Sydney academics say that racialisation of the virus is fuelling anti-Chinese discrimination

Misinformation about the coronavirus could create a “perfect storm” of fearmongering and racial intolerance that will have long-term social and political impacts on Australia’s relations with China, according to Western Sydney University researchers.

Kevin Dunn, pro vice-chancellor for research, warned that “racist perceptions and constructions of the coronavirus need to be actively countered”.