Fenton’s Monthly Reads: March 2020
At this point, the novel COVID-19 virus is occupying nearly every headline. At Fenton, the virus has affected both our personal and professional lives as we work from home while helping our clients move their causes forward. (Read: Progress During A Pandemic)
As we social distance and work from home, it is important to keep in mind the privilege we possess to be able to continue on with our lives despite these major changes. We must also remain aware of the socioeconomic implications of COVID-19 – both immediate and those that will become evident in years to come. Now, more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with the people in our communities that the pandemic will hurt most, and take action to lessen their burden.
Fenton’s Reading List this month looks at COVID-19 through a social justice lens and helps us bear witness to the challenges different communities face during this time.
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As Coronavirus Deepens Inequality, Inequality Worsens Its Spread. The pandemic is widening social and economic divisions that also make the virus deadlier, a self-reinforcing cycle that experts warn could have consequences for years to come.
By Max Fisher and Emma Bubola, New York Times -
Coronavirus fears show how ‘model minority’ Asian Americans become the ‘yellow peril’. While viruses and other pathogens do not discriminate between hosts based on race, ethnicity, nationality or immigration status — stigma and misinformation certainly do.
By Matthew Lee, NBC News -
The coronavirus economy will devastate those who can least afford it. If you think your new reality is inconvenient and stressful, here’s some perspective: Tens of millions of people are trying to stave off the coronavirus without reliable access to basic needs like shelter, food or health care.
By Kim Hart, Axios -
12 Coronavirus Funds That Will Help the Most Vulnerable. The stimulus package won’t reach everyone who needs help right now.
By Shirley Ngozi Nwangwa, The Nation -
COVID-19 has revealed widespread sexism in China. But women are resisting furiously online.
The Economist -
Two Women Fell Sick From the Coronavirus. One Survived. The young medical professionals, who worked long hours on the front lines in Wuhan, first came down with fevers. Within weeks, both were in hospital beds, hooked up to IVs or oxygen machines.
By Sui-Lee Wee and Vivian Wang, New York Times -
The coronavirus fallout may be worse for women than men. Here’s why. Are men and women feeling the effects of the coronavirus differently?
By Rosamond Hutt, World Economic Forum -
The Coronavirus Will Be a Catastrophe for the Poor. This pandemic will be especially punishing for low-income workers, just as they were starting to reverse a generation of widening inequality.
By Derek Thompson, The Atlantic -
‘If We Don’t Work, We Don’t Get Paid.’ How the Coronavirus Is Exposing Inequality Among America’s Workers.
By Alana Semeuls, TIME - ‘White-Collar Quarantine’ Over Virus Spotlights Class Divide. Child care options, internet access and extra living space leave a gulf between rich and poor in coping with disruptions to school and work.
By Noam Scheiber, Nelson D. Schwartz and Tiffany Hsu, New York Times