You’ve likely heard a lot about the coronavirus by now. Its origins trace back to Wuhan, China, and it has been classified as zoonotic, which means it can transmit between animals and humans, similar to bird flu or swine flu, according to the WHO. The virus has significantly impacted China, with over 28,018 confirmed cases and at least 563 fatalities, resulting in a 2% mortality rate. Furthermore, the disease has made its way to the United States with 12 confirmed cases reported so far.
Amidst this information, many have circulated misleading and harmful claims, suggesting the virus is a result of peculiar dietary habits in China, such as eating bats or civet cats. Others have pointed to the so-called “wet markets” in China, where live animals are sold, as the source of the outbreak. You may have even heard about travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, barring foreign nationals who have recently visited China. Additionally, numerous jokes, memes, and derogatory comments about Chinese cuisine have circulated widely, trivializing the situation.
However, all of this is rooted in racism. The Verge reports that while wet markets might play a role, they are not the definitive cause of the virus. The WHO has advised against travel and trade bans, highlighting that they can actually disrupt efforts to contain the virus and impose economic burdens on affected countries.
Interestingly, even institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, known for their liberal stance, noted that xenophobia towards Asians is a common reaction during health crises. They pointed out that people may feel guilt about these reactions, further complicating the issue.
The rampant racism against individuals perceived as Chinese continues to escalate. For instance, a woman recounts an experience at an airport where a TSA agent sneered at her while she wore a face mask, implicitly suggesting she was contagious. In another case, two Chinese freshmen at a Boston high school reported an increase in racist remarks from peers, including derogatory comments about their diet.
This pattern of discrimination has historical roots. Negative stereotypes about Chinese individuals being “dirty and disease-ridden” date back to earlier waves of immigration to the U.S. during which immigrants often lived in overcrowded conditions without proper healthcare, resulting in illness. The stigma resurfaced during past outbreaks, such as the bubonic plague and SARS, leading to social ostracism of Chinese establishments.
Make no mistake: spreading rumors that Chinese people “caused” the virus is racist and amounts to victim-blaming. If you deliberately avoid Asian individuals or establishments based on these prejudiced beliefs, you are perpetuating racism. Using the coronavirus as justification for ethnic slurs only reinforces these harmful stereotypes.
Ultimately, succumbing to racism won’t protect you from contracting the virus. The CDC recommends standard hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection: wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. You’re no more likely to contract the virus from a Chinese restaurant than from any other place.
So, let’s focus on staying safe and healthy instead—using hand sanitizer, practicing good hygiene, and steering clear of racist attitudes. If you’re interested in more insights on related topics, check out this post on home insemination and the informative guide at Make A Mom. For those curious about the IVF process, this resource is excellent.
Summary
The coronavirus outbreak has brought forth not only health concerns but also revealed deep-seated racism against Asian communities, particularly against those of Chinese descent. Misleading narratives about the virus’s origins and discriminatory behavior towards those perceived as Chinese continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and hygiene rather than succumb to prejudice.
Keyphrase: coronavirus racism
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