Coronavirus vs. Racism

By: Joe Mauricio

 

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) potentially spreading across America and the entire world, citizens are best advised to remain vigilant regarding their health.

In addition to remaining vigilant regarding health, citizens should also take special precautions to remain sensible and aware regarding racism and racist narratives used by others. During times like these when the outbreak is closely related to a particular nation–as is the case with coronavirus and China–racism against the inflicted nation tends to rise. The reactions in Canada, which include some of the most ethnically diverse cities in the the world, expose current everyday racism which is always present, a very good example of typical reactions from all over.

Six months from now, the coronavirus scare will likely be gone. But coronavirus is turning out not just a public issue. It is now an issue of racism.

Racism, general prejudice, and disease always have its own history. It is certainly not something exclusive to the current coronavirus outbreak in China.

Back in 2003, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) broke out also in China. This also resulted in a wave of racism and prejudices against the Chinese community. While the critiques of the Chinese government for downplaying the severity of the outbreak are warranted, widespread hatred fueled toward the nation’s citizens are completely out of place for its hatefulness.

China is not the only country whose population and broader ethnic community has faced attacks due to a disease that they had no part in propagating.

Ebola broke out in 2014 in Africa. The disease was also accompanied by a wave of racism, much like the current coronavirus and SARS. This public health issue had also become a racism issue.

To become infected with Ebola, SARS and COVID-19 is through contact with bodily fluids (saliva, sneezing, coughing, etc.) of someone with virus.

It is clear that racists will use whatever ammunition they stumble into to fuel their prejudiced views, and something a drastic and devastating as the disease is no exception.

The Ebola and SARS outbreaks and the reactions that followed are akin to what has overshadowed the spread of the coronavirus. Fear and ignorance are dangerous combinations and have catalyzed into spreading of fiction and falsehoods.

So, what are the facts? According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Prevention, people of Asian descent are no more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else. The likelihood of someone in the U.S. contracting the virus is low.

Leadership should stress the importance of nipping prejudicial behavior in the bud. Ensuring the citizens are equipped with the facts and are prepared to intervene if they witness discrimination taking place will help cultivate a culture of inclusion inside and out of the community.###