Shortly before my college announced that they were closing their doors due the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March, one of my Asian-American classmates shared with my class an incident of harassment that she had recently experienced. She and some of her friends, who were also Asian- American, went to a bar for drinks. A group of men approached them and forced coughs in their direction. They then made remarks about Asian people causing the coronavirus. My classmate said that she was stunned that the bartender, who was nearby, said nothing.
I found the whole situation to be shocking. “Who could actually believe something so ridiculous as that group of men and be so blatantly racist?” I recall thinking at the time.
Sadly, I would learn over the past month that her story was not an isolated incident. Asian people all over the world have been experiencing increased discrimination and racism since the outbreak began. The FBI reported that hate crimes targeted at Asian-Americans have risen too. Reports from around the country highlight these incidents which range from verbal taunting to vandalism, and in worst cases, physical attacks.
An Asian Market in Northeast Wisconsin was even targeted. Earlier this month, store owners at Green Bay’s Main Oriental Market discovered graffiti spray painted on their vehicles with the word “Cova.” The store owner’s daughter told local news station WBAY, “It’s sad because this is such a devastating time in our economy and in our community that I am sad to see someone would bring such negativity to our community at this time.”
She is right. This is a devastating time for many. Social isolation, economic uncertainty, anxiety, and an overall readjustment to a different way of life have affected us all. But unfairly, Asian-Americans must worry about the possibility of discrimination and racism in addition to all those other challenges.
The good news, in store owner’s case, is that a long-time customer of the market heard about the story through local news and offered to remove the spray paint from their vehicles—which he did for no charge. I’d like to encourage everyone that you can help fight this uptick in racism too. Here are some things you can do now to support Asian-Americans during this difficult time.
- Speak Up
If you are in a store and hear someone make a racist remark or “joke,” stand up for the victim. By doing so, you send a message to the Asian-American community that they belong. If you’d like to be non-confrontational in your approach, try asking questions such as, “That doesn’t make any sense to me, can you explain what you mean?” or say something like, “You may be joking, but when you say this, this is what it means.” Don’t be afraid to speak up for what is right because if you don’t, who will?
2. Support Asian Businesses
Show Asian-owned businesses such as restaurants and Asian-grocery stores you care by ordering takeout or shopping at their store. If you live in the Green Bay area, I highly recommend Green Tea, a Chinese drive-thru and Main Oriental Market (mentioned above). The market sells the best canned coconut water I’ve ever tasted!
3. Call your Asian friends
Check-in with people you know who might be impacted by the increased racism. The reports of violence against Asian-Americans can be especially damaging to a person’s mental health during this time. Offer your encouragement and support.
4. Be thoughtful when talking about Coronavirus
Some leaders in this country have referred to the coronavirus as a “Chinese” or “Wuhan” virus. Whether this was said to be intentionally hurtful or not, associating the virus with China can fuel more racism towards Chinese/Asian-Americans. If you have children, explain the virus without using unnecessary details about China.
5. Use Social Media
The United Nations offers free virtual postcards on their website that you can save and post on social media. To share what you’re doing to fight racism use #FightRacism. Check out this link for more details: https://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/
Now equipped with this information, I hope you spread a little more kindness and positivity in the world. I think the little things we do can really make huge difference in someone’s life. Thanks for reading! ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ
For more information and to gain a deeper understanding of how you can fight racist attitudes, I highly recommend the article below:
Sources:
Adri's Wellness Wisdom 