Because of the recent coronavirus outbreak, the Asian population of the world is facing discrimination for their connection to the disease.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Scientists searching for a cure have reported that the disease is expected to wipe out 2% of those infected. Although a seemingly low fraction, as the problem becomes international, the effect of the deadly disease becomes massive. However, the disease itself is minimal compared to the amount of racism that it has encouraged. With the disease emerging in an East Asian country, many are beginning to use this as an excuse to discriminate against the Asian race as a whole.
Because of their racial appearance, any Asian person is wrongly seen to be associated with the coronavirus. Throughout the U.S., many “Asian-looking” people have been attacked both verbally and physically after being thought to be infectious. This novel coronavirus, although first taking place in an Asian country, does not justify the unethical treatment of this race or any other.
As the disease spreads, xenophobia against those who first obtained it follows. Recent news reports have shown the decline in Chinese businesses and restaurants, stories of Asians being attacked out of the blue, and popular organizations refusing service to those of Asian descent living in the United States. This discriminatory attitude from not only citizens concerned for their own well-being, but American companies as well, completely contradicts the justice and freedom that the U.S. stands for.
Yes, the new coronavirus did begin in an Asian country, and yes, Eastern Asian citizens were the first to be infected, but that does not justify victimizing or blaming Asian people for this unplanned calamity.
As the coronavirus makes its way around the globe, people everywhere continue to torment the Asian population. However, as this discrimination comes to light, new solutions and views on this topic emerge.
The World Health Organization announced the official name for the new coronavirus: COVID-19. The new name ensures that the disease will not refer to Whuan, China or any other part of Asia, and will hopefully block any stigmatization towards Eastern Asia and its citizens. This frame of mind is exactly what the rest of the world needs to gain. The Asian race must be seen as equal, not just a group of people who may have a deadly disease. This is not the first time that this type of discrimation has occurred but we must work together to make it the last.
The coronavirus has introduced new respiratory problems, kidney failures, flu-like symptoms, and increased discrimination towards the Asian population. Various people and organizations around the world have helped expose the need for change, but as long as this deadly disease continues to spread, the discrimination will follow until the world can realize how unjust this racism really is.
Another great article Roxy.