As the notorious coronavirus sweeps across the nation, its bedridden patients are not the only victims. Since the start of the deadly pandemic, hate crime against Asian Americans has surged. From subway attacks to sidewalk slurs, Covid-19 has allowed for the justification of racism to fester in our virus stricken society.
This rise in hate crimes can partially be credited to the anti-Chinese rhetoric used by authority figures, such as Donald Trump. The president’s use of the term “China virus” is undoubtedly a catalyst for this racism, as the eagerness to blame the entirety of China, rather than himself, for his late reaction to the pandemic, only encourages others to do the same. As the President, Trump’s remarks have an immense influence on the opinions of American citizens, and when that influence is characterized by continuous disrespect towards China, it creates an environment in which individuals feel as though it is patriotic to express anti-Asian beliefs.
In July, an 89-year-old woman was attacked and set on fire. In September, a Japanese musician was beaten by a group of teens. That same month, a Vietnamese woman was targeted and left brutally injured. These events are only a small tip of the iceberg of hate crimes, highlighting the social injustice brought about by the pandemic. While Covid-19 lingers in America, we must remember, especially during this state of decline, that the enemy is not China, not the Chinese, not the Asians, but the virus itself. National crises serve as a reminder that we can’t afford to let fear and prejudice cloud our judgment, and that straying from love only hurts those involved. America is already plagued by a virus. It doesn’t need to be plagued by hate.
Ways to Help:
Report hate crimes:
Call out the racism when you see it.
Educate yourself and others on this issue and spread awareness.
Sources:
Written by: Sara Yi
Edited by: Daria Meliklova, Eliza Quesenberry, & Paige Inocencio