Criticism over ‘downright offensive and unacceptable race discrimination’ in News Corp Coronavirus headlines
A Change.org petition calling for the Herald Sun and Daily Telegraph to apologise over ‘downright offensive and unacceptable’ headlines regarding the Coronavirus has gathered 50,000 signatures.
The complaint follows a subheading in the Herald Sun which read ‘Chinese virus pandamonium [sic]’ and a warning in the Daily Telegraph that ‘China kids stay home’ from school.
The petition reads:
“We, Chinese community, hereby strongly require sincere apologies publicly from both Herald Sun and Daily Telegraph.
The subtitle of the headline on Herald Sun as of 29th January, “Chinese virus pandamonium” inappropriately labeled the Coronavirus by race. The Daily Telegraph made the part of headline “China kids stay home” bolder which misled the public and cause potential high risk of discrimination against the Aussie kids with Chinese background at school. This label is downright offensive and unacceptable race discrimination. And both made the inestimable negative impact on Chinese community.
The Herald Sun and Daily Telegraph should take serious responsibility of media ethics to report unbiasly [sic] and objectively!”
A News Corp Australia spokesperson told Mumbrella the reference to the Coronavirus as a ‘Chinese virus’ simply refers to it originating in China. Other outlets have also referred to the virus as the ‘China virus’. The Coronavirus first surfaced in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since infected more than 7000 people according to most recent reports. Currently, 170 deaths have been attributed to the virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a public health emergency.
Reports of racism associated with the virus have been reported from around the world as more cases are reported globally. A Sydney Morning Herald opinion piece published yesterday called out the ‘Sinophobia and even racism’ related to the virus, specifically referencing the Herald Sun front page.
Mumbrella understands there are no plans currently for News Corp Australia to apologise for the headlines.
Classic NewsCorp!
I doubt the editors were intentionally trying to offend with that headline, but it is their overwhelming lack of awareness and empathy that keep landing them in such hot water time and time again.
How can you even think ‘Chinese Virus’ is acceptable in 2020?
Doubling down with the lack of apology was a nice touch as well.
For shame – that advertisers boycott just keeps looming closer and closer with the more groups they offend.
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We need to leave this one alone. Criticism of anyone only gives the author a shot in the arm.
No apologies to or from anyone required.
This virus is a serious issue and going on like a couple of old boilers over the back fence is a giggle for some and a pandemic for a few.
Shut up.
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We’ve also had Spanish ‘flu and German Measles.
Fact. The virus has it’s origin in China and from there threatens to spread outwards. It is created by an environment unique to certain parts of Chinese culture and society: extremely poor food hygiene and animal consumption habits. By any measure, Chinese ‘flu is a reasonable moniker.
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More Murdoch tripe! Looking forward to seeing an Andrew Bolt column on this.
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