We are paying the price for an aspect of Chinese culture that should have been buried a long time ago, especially in the age of mass global air travel. While wet markets are not uniquely Chinese (they exist in other parts of the Far East), the Wuhan wet markets are uniquely Chinese. They exist because a section of the Chinese population demands them. If people didn't want the wild meats sold at these places, they wouldn't exist.
Pushing the bio lab accident theory shifts attention away from from the uniquely Chinese culinary habits and tastes for wild meats that necessitate the existence of the Wuhan wet markets.
Bio labs are not unique to China. They exist all around the world and accidents happen. Therefore, the bio lab theory helps China to say: “Sorry guys and girls it was an unfortunate accident! You know shit happens. But it's got nothing to do with our culture and our food practices”.
The bio lab accident lets Chinese culture off the hook and doesn't upset the all cultures are equal narrative that the left likes to push. It's in China's interest to shift criticism away from a "problematic" aspect of Chinese culture.
That's why I'm surprised (perhaps I shouldn't be) the bio lab accident theory is getting so much traction, even among conservatives.
www.stereogum.com
