Panic in the Streets—Pandemic and Protests: A Manifestation of a Failure to Achieve Democratic Ideals
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-21-2020
Publication Title
New Solutions
Abstract
America is at a critical crossroads in history as the COVID-19 pandemic expands. We argue that the failure to respond effectively to the pandemic stems from the nation’s protracted divergence from the democratic ideals, we purport to value. Structural racism and class-based political and economic inequity are sustained through the failings of the nation’s democratic institutions and processes. The situation has, in turn, fostered further inequity and undermined science, facts, and evidence in the name of economic and political interests, which in turn has encouraged the spread of the pandemic, exacerbated health disparities, and escalated citizen tensions. We present a broad vision of reforms needed to achieve democratic ideals which we believe is the most important first step to achieving true political representation, achieving a resilient and sustainable economy, and fostering the health of vulnerable communities, workers, and the planet.
First Page
161
Last Page
167
PubMed ID
32956010
Volume
30
Issue
3
Recommended Citation
Katner, Adrienne; Brisolara, Kari; Katner, Philip; Jacoby, Andrew; and Honore, Peggy, "Panic in the Streets—Pandemic and Protests: A Manifestation of a Failure to Achieve Democratic Ideals" (2020). School of Public Health Faculty Publications. 285.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/soph_facpubs/285