CNN’s decision to feature 17-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on one of its live town hall debates that dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a debate on social media.
Thunberg was on a panel that featured CNN’s Dr Sanjay Gupta, former US Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and former Centres for Disease Control and Prevention director Richard Besser, on a show titled “Coronavirus Facts and Fears“ on Thursday. The session was hosted by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and Gupta.
Soon after CNN announced that Thunberg was on the panel, there was backlash on social media. Many defended Thunberg, arguing that the voice of the youth is important. Others, however, fumed over the decision to feature her on a panel discussion with public health experts. Take a look at some of the reactions here:
“Expert in crying and theatrically reading public statements made by others I guess.”
“Amazing. Now, she can kill corona by whining like a kid who wants chocolate in the middle of the night.”
“Given she’s been made redundant by #COVID19 I suppose she needs another job. ;).”
“I hope @CNN don’t forget SpongeBob & Patrick. @GretaThunberg would love to play ( I mean debate ) with them.”
On the other side:
“Don’t let it bother you what others think or say. You’re doing an amazing job for our kids and the future generations.”
“Keep it up!! You’re a model of inspiration and bravery”
“I am grateful for your powerful voice and your activism Every day Greta” – this last comment was made by Rosanna Arquette who early tweeted an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory about the virus.
Thunberg took to Twitter to break her silence and responded to the voices on social media saying, “I am not an expert. I am an activist. The only people claiming that I’m an “expert” are those who are trying to ridicule me. My message has always been to unite behind science and listen to the experts.”
Thunberg has tended to unite behind very little science on climate change and arguably has nothing to add to defeating the virus through activism. Science is what really matters.