Exploring the Historical Impact of Plagues and Scapegoating

This chapter delves into the historical impact of plagues on human populations throughout history, drawing parallels between past pandemics like smallpox and the precautions taken for COVID-19. The conversation extends to the scapegoating of groups like the Jews during the Black Plague, linking it to anti-Semitism and irrational blame. Additionally, the chapter discusses ancient hygiene practices, beliefs of early Christians regarding bathing, and cultural beauty standards across different societies.