The Corona Virus Is Not An Excuse To Be Racist | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

The Corona Virus Is Not An Excuse To Be Racist

It has gone too far.

36
The Corona Virus Is Not An Excuse To Be Racist

Coronavirus has become a huge epidemic that is affecting people all over the world. The media has reported the most up-to-date news about the virus, which is helpful but has brought up a lot more issues than just the spread of the virus.

This virus was reported to be found in a fish market in the epicenter of Wuhan, China. Because it was found in China, this sparked a lot of negative opinions about Asian people, Chinese people more specifically. It has been quite some time since the outbreak, but with the virus constantly spreading, more people have become more fearful of those who are Asian.

It was recently reported by CNN that there have been racist attacks against Asians in Los Angeles and New York subways. In both cases, the victims were Asians who were wearing face masks. Face masks are worn to protect the face from breathing in any dangerous chemicals and block out pollution. Many people in Asia wore these face masks, long before the virus even broke out. Unfortunately, the Asians who wore face masks were attacked verbally and physically. Comments such as "diseased b***" and "every disease came from China" were made.

Sometimes people don't even say anything towards them but their actions and the way they react towards Asians shows that they're fearful of them. If an Asian person sneezes, others would back away but it would be very noticeable that they believe that every time an Asian sneezes or coughs they have Corona. I have personally encountered this multiple times, sadly.

I am Vietnamese but many people like to assume that every Asian person is Chinese. There would be many occasions when I would stand in line at a supermarket and I would have to sneeze. I sneeze into my elbow, but whenever I sneeze the people around me noticeably avoid me and give me a stank eye. While I am grateful that no one has physically or verbally attacked me, little remarks like that are still hurtful and still indicate hints of racism because of the news surrounding the virus.

A virus is a virus. It has nothing to do with anyone's ethnicity or race. Even though the virus was reported there, it does not mean that Chinese people are the only ones who contracted the virus. It also does not mean that all Chinese people have the virus. This breakout is not the time to be attacking and blaming others. In fact, it is the time that we should all be contributing and helping to find ways to stop spreading the virus and to find a cure. Just covering your face when you sneeze or cough is great prevention. Washing your hands with soap is also a great way as well.

The coronavirus is a horrifying epidemic, but it should not be a reason to attack others. Many people are afraid of contracting the virus, but now many Asians from all over are now scared of the virus, as well as being physically and verbally attacked because of it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196110
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18393
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460515
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28117
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments