How Coronavirus is Attacking Culture

With the coronavirus (or COVID-19 if we’re being medically poignant) on the rise, it seems that every sector of society is being attacked. Schools are closing, fans are banned sports events, music festivals are being cancelled, and even the new James Bond movie got pushed back! It is an epidemic of proportions I have never seen in my short lifetime, not just because of how it is affecting health, but how it is attacking culture.

Coronavirus simply could not have come at a worse time. The March transition from winter to spring is one that usually breathes new life into the world, accompanied by major cultural events. Sporting events such as March Madness and the Miami Open; the March/April box office push; and major music festivals such as Stagecoach and Coachella. All of these are being majorly impacted by the virus.

The coronavirus is even threatening the 2020 Olympics, which are scheduled for July in Tokyo; however, with Tokyo and neighboring city Chiba being coronavirus hotspots, the Games are seriously endangered. This would be, in my opinion, a tragedy, as a unity of cultures through the Olympic Games may just be what the world needs right about now.

The virus is also impacting colleges, specifically study abroad programs, which is also disappointing as many students become so excited for these incredible cultural and educational opportunities. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has stripped that opportunity from them (for now).

The coronavirus is not the first epidemic to sweep the globe, and it certainly will not be the last; however, at a time with such distrust and paranoia in the world, the way coronavirus is attacking the cultural mediums that usually bring us together is disheartening. As trivial is it may sound, events like March Madness and Coachella are incredibly important, and I hope for the sake of cultural unity and progress that the coronavirus is at least maintained sooner rather than later.