ChinaTalk Coronastories 3: Nanjing, Nepal, and Singapore
May 6, 2020
Yangyang Cheng, a keen observer of the COVID-19 crisis, shares poignant conversations with her mother that highlight the complexities of family dynamics against the backdrop of authoritarian governance in China. Asmod, from Nepal, recounts the struggles of a tourism-reliant economy, revealing the impact on daily wage workers and corruption in health procurement. The dialogue encompasses the social upheaval and challenges faced by migrant workers in Singapore, all woven together with themes of isolation and the universal need for connection during a global crisis.
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A Maternal Metaphor
- Yangyang Cheng's mother sees the Chinese government's response through a maternal lens, influenced by state propaganda.
- This maternal lens is projected onto their own relationship, adding another layer of complexity to their conversations.
A New Year Clash
- On Lunar New Year, Yangyang Cheng and her mother had a tense conversation about the Wuhan lockdown.
- Cheng was shocked by her mother's staunch support of the lockdown, despite its humanitarian cost.
Nepal's Fragile State
- In Nepal, limited testing and a fragile healthcare system exacerbate the impact of the virus.
- Economic hardship, particularly for daily wage earners, leads to internal migration and potential social unrest.