I believe it’s more important now than ever to stand with the Asian community. I was appalled this week seeing Trump’s all caps tweets referring to the Coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus”. Words matter. Just because something was done in the past doesn’t mean we should repeat it. We should be better.
I’ve seen dozens of news stories detailing violence against Asians – these include verbal attacks and go as far as physical attacks. There are also many people refusing to use Asian-owned businesses and services. A couple of my Asian friends have had racist things involving covid yelled at them on the street.
It’s okay to feel afraid, but it’s not okay to irrationally blame, vilify or assault Asians. This outbreak affects us all. Asian people are not any more likely to have the covid. There is nothing to gain from putting down or attacking Asians. Wash your hands instead.
“No one should live in fear for their life because of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James
Some racist incidents which occurred against Asian Americans involving the covid this month:
- In New York City man yells “Where is your corona mask, you Asian bitch?” to a Korean woman before punching her, dislocating her jaw.
- In London a group of four men told an Asian man “we don’t want your coronavirus in our country” as they punched and kicked him, they broke a bone near his eye.
- In New York City an Asian man walking with his 10-year-old son was harassed by a person yelling, “Where the fuck is your mask? You fucking Chinese” before being hit over the head.
- On a Los Angeles subway, a man proclaims Chinese people are filthy and says “every disease has ever came from China.”
- A 30-year-old videographer in Syracuse said he was still shaken from a trip to the grocery store last week. A man shouted at him, “It’s you people who brought the disease.” Other customers just stared at him, without offering to help.
- Two Hmong men were rejected from two hotels in Indiana due to being perceived to have the covid by the hotel staff.
Pay attention to media bias:
How can you be an ally?
- If you see an attack or verbal abuse, take a cue from the person being attacked. Either intervene directly, sit near or talk to the person being attacked or at least check in with the person after the attacker has left.
- Check in with an Asian friend to see how they are feeling. If a friend shares something racist that happened to them, believe them. Show empathy. Listen. Do not make excuses for their attacker or tell them to not let it bother them. Do not tell them they are “trying to get attention”. Show kindness. Acknowledge that racism exists – do not say ‘it’s not about race’. Because it is.
- Support Asian-owned businesses by using their services and recommending them to your community. Taking time to leave positive reviews for your favorite Asian owned business can help lift their spirits and support their business.
- Start a conversation with a friend sharing information about this issue. If you do not fully understand yourself, there are many online resources to educate yourself further.
- Send a kind and supportive message to your favorite Asian influencer. Share a social media post, their IG or an article of theirs.
Anti-Asian racism has always existed, covid has exacerbated things. It’s never too late to listen, learn and change our behavior. Please be an anti-racist and stand with Asians.
If you need to talk for any reason, Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 or online chat via https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
If you have experienced a covid related racist act you can call 911 if in immediate danger or report it here where they will use the information to create targeted education and media campaigns, provide resources to those affected and advocate for policies to curb racial profiling.