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Coronavirus pandemic
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

OpinionStars sound right note in virus fight

  • Performers unite in ‘One World’ concert to show why we should not be divided by politics, race or rivalry at a time of extreme crisis

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People in need wait for their turn to collect free ration and groceries distributed by the Karnataka State Congress during the government-imposed nationwide lockdown against the spread of coronavirus, in Bangalore. Photo: AFP
SCMP Editorial
The fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is a global one, requiring governments to work side by side to ensure the disease is contained. But rivalries and politics are too often getting in the way of cooperation, leading to bickering and self-interest. The “One World” concert at the weekend was therefore refreshing evidence that people are capable of coming together for a common cause, in this case, to give praise and thanks to those on the front lines. This is what the world needs at so crucial a time in the battle.
Organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the non-profit group Global Citizen, the two-hour global television broadcast that was preceded by a six-hour live-streamed webcast brought together entertainers and prominent figures with messages of thanks, hope and inspiration. Although focused on the United States and the English-speaking world, there was a smattering of other languages and cultures among the more than 70 appearances. The biggest celebrity gathering so far to mark the effects of the coronavirus, the social distancing and isolation so many people are being forced to endure was vividly on show through split screens and the separation of performers, their often unpolished sound and look the result of being locked down at home.

While the shows had a global audience of hundreds of millions, they were not available on the mainland. That prompted speculation it was because of Beijing’s dissatisfaction with the political views of some of the entertainers, among them Lady Gaga, who helped choose the acts, but was banned from Chinese television screens in 2016 for meeting the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. It does not help, either, that US President Donald Trump blames China for the pandemic. Still, Chinese performers took part, being represented by mainland pianist Lang Lang, who lives in Hong Kong, and local stars Eason Chan Yick-shun and Jacky Cheung Hok-yau.

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At a time of crisis, though, the world should not be divided by politics, race or rivalry. The performances exemplified what governments should be striving for; supporting health workers and the WHO and reminding of the importance of the medical, humanitarian and logistical efforts that are under way.

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