CHINESE BODIES AND HYGIENE: AMERICA’S PERCEPTION OF THE ORIENTAL OTHER IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Chinese sentiments have intensified in Western countries, with United States President Donald Trump repeatedly calling the virus the “Chinese virus” and “Kung Flu”. However, this clash between the West and China is not new. A period of Yellow Peril preceded the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 as white Americans became increasingly intolerant of the Chinese, whom they believed were unclean, diseased and therefore, dangerous. These beliefs seeded amongst white Americans racism and xenophobia against the Chinese that have persisted till the 21st century. Using Said’s theory of Orientalism as a framework, this thesis examines American (Occidental) constructions of Chinese bodies and hygiene from the 19th to 21st centuries, supported by an analysis of cartoons produced during these periods. These constructions stem from Cibot’s essay “De la petite vérole” (“On Smallpox”), published in the late 18th century, as well as the racist perceptions of Chinese immigrants created by American public health institutions. I argue that these Orientalist constructions of the Chinese are sustained and cannot be dismantled due to the power-knowledge structure of the Orientalist discourse. This project is part of a growing body of research examining discrimination against the Chinese in America during the COVID-19 pandemic. In showing that the abovementioned constructions of Chinese bodies and hygiene have remained unchanged throughout two centuries, this thesis proves the stability of the Orientalist discourse, where the Occident will always possess the power-knowledge advantage over the Orient, despite any attempts at resistance from the latter.