NARRATIVES OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: CONSPIRACIES, PROPHESIES, PUNISHMENT, CURSE, REMEDIES, STIGMA AND PREJUDICE

Abstract

This article draws attention to the narrative discourses and
interpretations of coronavirus (COVID-19), on social media, with the
objective to proffer knowledge for decision making in responding to the
pandemic in the Zimbabwean context. The study employs qualitative
research methods of text analysis and relies on descriptive techniques in
the analysis of those narratives of the pandemic. Narratives were
categorized into four domains :-( a) conspiracy theories, (b) prophesies:
punishment or curse, (c) remedies, and (d) stigma and prejudice. As
evidenced in a number of narratives, the study established that the
current COVID-19 outbreak is spurring fear on a societal as well as on
an individual level. It is steadfastly giving entrenched ways of seeing the
world as a violent place. The study has taken the position that the rumors
that are circulating are as a result of lack of accurate and consistent
information and messages. Luckily, the fears inspired by conspiracy
theories now exist in parallel with knowledge of how the virus is
transmitted; hence people understand that COVID-19 is real. People are
increasingly realizing that the coronavirus infects all human beings,
regardless of race or socio-economic standing. The study suggests that
Individuals need to be enlightened that the coronavirus, and any other
views that instigate a form of discrimination, should not be condoned.
The study hopes that the post-COVID-19 narrative will embrace a third
truth, that people may care about others in negative as well as positive
ways.