COVID-19 Is No Excuse For Racism | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Community

COVID-19 Is No Excuse For Racism

There should never be an excuse period.

30
pexels.com
Pexels

Before I begin, I would like to point out that this article is not targeting any specific individuals and is based on my own point of view. In the past few years, it seemed like minorities were finally starting to catch a bit of a break in the world. Even though racial issues are far from being solved, attitudes seemed to be changing to more open-minded and friendlier approaches in slight ways. Then COVID-19 erupted across the globe, and I noticed a shift in the atmosphere that has indicated that racism towards Asian people seemed to increase as a result of this pandemic originating in China. Just because a few individuals from China were involved does not give anyone an excuse to hate and shame an entire race of people. COVID-19 is the main disease that’s been spreading, and I personally would like to keep racism from doing the same.

Despite my apolitical status, when it comes to issues of women and minorities, I rather prefer to acknowledge them as human beings asking for rights that all human beings should have, instead of as categories of oppression. Before you condemn my words or accuse me of being a liberal, I want to point out the main things I’ve noticed. Most of the restaurants near home town have remained curbside pickup, except for Chinese restaurants which have simply been closed. I’ve noticed some people (not everyone) around me blaming COVID-19 on China specifically (I’m looking at you Donald Trump).

Do I believe that the individuals from China that were involved with the origin of COVID-19 be punished for what they did with the lab animals? Yes because they were at the center of the pandemic’s start. Do I believe that all people from China and Asia as an entire race need to be shunned and avoided at all costs because of COVID-19? No. Plain and simple.

My words will not end racism by any means. However, if racism is going to have a chance at being destroyed at any point in human history, then it needs to be recognized and known as wrong. All the Asian individuals that had nothing to do with COVID-19 need to be acknowledged for their humanity just like everyone else. You’ll have to decide if you agree or not.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

810
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

504
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199546
 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

20492
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments