Today, Explained Why America needs a national pandemic memorial
Mar 19, 2021
Alissa Wilkinson, a film critic and culture reporter at Vox, joins to discuss the need for a national pandemic memorial. She explores the historical context of unmemorialized tragedies, drawing parallels between the 1918 flu and COVID-19. Wilkinson highlights how memorials can help communities process grief and advocate for accountability. The conversation dives into unique, community-driven tributes for COVID-19 victims, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging loss while addressing social inequalities revealed during the pandemic.
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Family History
- Paul Farber's great-great-grandmother died in the 1918 flu pandemic while caring for family.
- This personal history connects him to the impact of pandemics on vulnerable communities.
Overlooked History
- The 1918 pandemic lacks national memorials, unlike World War I, which occurred simultaneously.
- This highlights how war narratives often overshadow other historical realities.
Memorial Types
- War memorials can be static, representing an end, rather than a continuation.
- COVID-19 memorials should focus on ongoing recovery and addressing existing inequalities.