2 results
2 - Communicating Science on, to, and with Racial Minorities during Pandemics
- Edited by Elizabeth Rasekoala
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- Book:
- Race and Socio-Cultural Inclusion in Science Communication
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 24 January 2024
- Print publication:
- 31 July 2023, pp 35-47
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
Pandemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19, can disproportionately impact migrants and racial minorities through increased morbidity and mortality (Pan et al, 2020) and limited consideration of their needs in measures to control disease spread (Tan, 2021). Furthermore, communication initiatives to educate the public about SARS and COVID-19, particularly their origin, spread, and control, can lead to stigmatisation, othering, and exclusion of Asian minorities (Hung, 2004). Although communicating the science associated with these infectious diseases can facilitate transparency and rationalise lockdown measures, they can also harm minority ethnic groups and the broader social fabric when conducted in a culturally insensitive and exclusionary manner.
To illustrate the importance of sensitive and inclusive pandemic science communication, this chapter draws from accounts of two coronavirus pandemics. Before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the world was threatened by SARS in 2003, especially the Canadian city of Toronto. Communication on its origin in China led to racially motivated attacks and discrimination against people who look East or South East Asian and against businesses in Toronto's Chinatowns (Keil and Ali, 2006). These forms of discrimination were also experienced by Australia's Asian minority population during the COVID-19 pandemic (Asian Australian Alliance and Chiu, 2020). However, the management of COVID-19 in Australia also highlighted the disproportionate impact of lockdown policies on racial minority and socio-economically disadvantaged groups, especially with inadequate communication of their implementation (Victorian Ombudsman, 2020) and scientific/epidemiological rationale (Patrick, 2021). These were further aggravated by limited engagement with community members in planning lockdowns (Victorian Ombudsman, 2020).
This chapter draws from academic publications, reports, and news articles on SARS and COVID-19 to illustrate how different forms of communication on and during these pandemics profoundly affected the welfare of racial/ethnic minorities. Lessons from these incidents can be used to develop more inclusive ways of communicating pandemic science and formulating associated policies (Hyland-Wood et al, 2021). Experiences during SARS and COVID-19 can help develop pathways not just for communicating science involving racial minorities but also for relaying scientific information that has a profound impact on them. Going beyond communication on and to, lessons during these pandemics are vital in underscoring the importance of engaging with minorities to develop culturally sensitive communication strategies (Airhihenbuwa et al, 2020).
6 - Malayang Paglaladlad para sa Mapagpalayang Paglalahad: Coming Out and Queering Science Communication in Contested Spaces
- Edited by Lindy A. Orthia, Australian National University, Canberra, Tara Roberson, University of Queensland
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- Book:
- Queering Science Communication
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 18 January 2024
- Print publication:
- 28 April 2023, pp 111-128
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
Many LGBTIQA+ individuals struggle with pervasive discrimination, prejudice, and stigmatization, detrimentally affecting their physical and mental health (Clark, 2014). Although science communication can present these concerns, and even encourage action, it may be limited by its scientific focus, which sidelines queer voices and objectifies queer individuals (Roberson and Orthia, 2021). This exemplifies the urgent need for queering science communication theory and practice, challenging traditional cis-heteronormative visions, and including diverse voices for genuine social transformation (Rumens et al, 2018). Furthermore, diverse modalities of queer science communication are needed, especially in contested spaces where queer bodies and identities are constantly being questioned, discriminated against, and marginalized; and where Western views of queering science communication may not fully acknowledge local culture, history, and socioeconomic condition. In this chapter, we use the Philippines as a lens to explore queering science communication in a non-Western space where the queer and the colonized remain subjugated and dispossessed by social, economic, and cultural conditions.
We first illustrate how the Philippines is a contesting space for queer identities and then reflect on opportunities and barriers for queering science communication in the country. In order to explore challenges in coming out as a queer Filipino scientist/science communicator and their implications for communicating science that impacts queer people, we employ collective autoethnography. We draw upon and jointly reflect on our lived experiences (Chang et al, 2013), illustrating these challenges as ‘subjective eyewitnesses’ and ‘experienced knowers’ with discourses of authenticity and suffering (Jasanoff, 2017). We conclude by laying the groundwork for what queering science communication entails and how it can promote free expression and societal equity in vulnerating spaces for the LGBTIQA+ community.
The Philippines: a contested space for queer identities
The Philippines is an archipelagic Southeast Asian nation composed of diverse indigenous and ethnolinguistic groups. It has endured Spanish colonial rule for 300 years and the US for half a century (Tan, 2001). Prior to colonial subjugation, effeminacy, cross-dressing, and gender-transitive behaviours were observed in the indigenous culture (Garcia, 2013; UNDP and USAID, 2014), epitomized by the babaylans or bayogs.