Paul Frosh, Myria Georgiou. Institutional trauma across the Americas: Covid-19 as slow
crisis.
International Journal of Cultural Studies 2022;
25. [PMID:
37519845 PMCID:
PMC9127627 DOI:
10.1177/13678779211070019]
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Abstract
Building on theories of cultural trauma, this research examines
institutional trauma engendered by the pandemic in relation
to journalism and public health in the US and Brazil. The trauma stemming from
Covid-19 marks a transformational crisis not only in terms of global public
health but also collective confidence in institutions writ large. To probe these
issues, this article takes advantage of a vibrant digital discussion among
Americans and Brazilians hosted by three flagship newspapers in the two
countries: The New York Times, Folha de S.
Paulo, and O Estado de S. Paulo. The analysis
reveals that both groups experience Covid-accelerated trauma that undermines
Brazilians’ and Americans’ faith in foundational institutions’ ability to
adequately respond to the pandemic. Comparing these interpretations of the
Covid-19 crisis in the US and Brazil allows us to see how the acute health
crisis triggered by the virus morphs into a form of institutional trauma, with
deep implications for collective confidence in public health, journalism, and
democracy.
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