I am not a virus.
I am not a virus.
I do not intend to make a political post that villainizes an elected official. Instead, I ask people to consider if it is appropriate to refer to the current healthcare crisis as the virus associated with Chinese people. From what I understand, this sickness shows no favoritism toward any race, gender, or group. Furthermore, there is no empirical evidence that proves COVID-19 is an illness designed by a race of people to kill people of other nationalities.
We all have conscious and unconscious biases, and at times have been insensitive to a person from another race. What one person considers a harmless joke or remark directed at a specific incendiary, may be perceived by another person as a hurtful and ostracizing attack towards a group of people. While we may not intend to hurt an individual or a group of people with a racially insensitive comment, our words can create unintended devastating consequences.
In the case of COVID-19, calling it a virus associated with Chinese people may be intended to be a jab at the Chinese government. However, the derogatory association perpetuates racism towards Chinese American people. Many Chinese Americans are starting to feel ostracized and have experienced harsh racism from uninformed people.
As a German Chinese person (I’m nearly half of each race), I’m no more responsible for COVID-19 than I am for the actions of Neo-Nazi racists. Yet, when I hear about the coronavirus as a problem associated with my Chinese heritage, I feel unfairly associated with this horrible sickness.
I’ve observed that at least in the US, people, when confronted about their racially insensitive or xenophobic statements, tend to become easily offended and dogmatic about their position. They think others are being too sensitive or that other people misunderstand their intent.
I ask my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to consider referring to this horrible healthcare situation as COVID-19 or coronavirus, not by a scapegoat term associated with my race. Additionally, when you hear someone using the xenophobic name for the virus, respectfully help them understand the impact of their scapegoating statement and decide to use a more appropriate medically approved name.
Statement from the National Association of Asian American Professionals on Xenophobia and Racism in Response to Coronavirus: https://www.naaap.org/naaap-condemns-violence-bullying-and-misinformation-related-to-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR2ceuhUX7gj2CF7WPs2KYo1WJSBnVR_0kOBQd0Tp22QtKPJbpuFKKA0J8M
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4 年Well said and thank you for sharing
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4 年Thank you Steve for sharing this. I could not agree more.
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4 年Steve, this is a fantastically written piece. A virus does not have a Culture or a People. It is a virus. To villainize a people or race or culture because it was a point of origin for something is simply ridiculous and ignorant. Hopefully, this situation can continue to overcome these views and bring us together. It is our multicultural body of technology experts pushing it all forward. If I can ever help in any way I am but a chat away. Keep strong. Keep proud. German and Chinese is a fun mix of cultures. All I want is a recipe for a spicy Hunan Schnitzel. ;) Have a Great Day!