Pandemic of Racism: Public Health Implications of Political Misinformation

Misinformation amplified by political elites can lead to an increase in racism and discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities and other populations who experience vulnerabilities. Politically-motivated misinformation, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, can have far-ranging public hea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Harvard public health review (Cambridge, Mass.) Mass.), 2021-05, Vol.26, p.1-7
Main Authors: Irfan, Ans, Bieniek-Tobasco, Ashley, Golembeski, Cynthia
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Misinformation amplified by political elites can lead to an increase in racism and discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities and other populations who experience vulnerabilities. Politically-motivated misinformation, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, can have far-ranging public health consequences, including negative physical and emotional health outcomes. Misinformation, political or otherwise, and racist rhetoric must be categorically rejected. Scientists and the general public have a moral duty to advocate against and repudiate the racialization of disease and racist speech in all forms (Yore, 2020).
ISSN:2643-6450