3 ms·

If it’s to avoid the association with Xi Jinping, why not simply say so?

• _djo_ 5y ago
  Why be that specific? The WHO’s guidelines already made it clear why some names may be skipped. Referring to Xi Jinping directly would be counter-productive to their goal of depoliticising the name.
  • throwawaysea 5y ago
    Are you really asking why we expect the WHO to be transparent and honest? Because they are an institution that has been given a lot of trust and power. Because their attempts to shape a narrative can harm important efforts like accountability for the virus’s origins and early reporting/containment (or lack thereof). Because people don’t like being lied to or propagandized by overt attempts to shape public opinion. Because an allegedly scientific institution should not play political games.
    • xg15 5y ago
      They are pretty transparent. You can read their guidelines here: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/163636/WHO_HSE_FOS_15.1_eng.pdf https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/163636/WHO_...
  • freewilly1040 5y ago
    Because ignoring the elephant in the room just makes that elephant all the more conspicuous. “We are skipping the name that collides with a prominent world leader, and will extend that courtesy to world leaders in the future” It would still be criticized but would have the advantage of being transparent.
    • xg15 5y ago
      Read their guidelines. They are purposely excluding any people's names. They wouldn't call it Trump virus or Biden disease or John Doe variant either.