April 21, 2020

Nydia Han

Coronaracism: It's not just an Asian thing

History has shown that racism bubbles up from the waters of these kinds of health crises and eventually comes to a boil and burns us all. This is not just about Asians. It’s about how we as humans default to hate and prejudice when we’re afraid and uncertain. It’s about how our knee-jerk response to seek blame and to scapegoat is detrimental to our entire society.

Jews were persecuted and held responsible for the Black Death. Immigrant Irish workers were blamed for causing cholera. Africans were shunned during the Ebola outbreak. In Pennsylvania, a 16-year-old high school soccer player was brought to tears when taunted with chants of “Ebola” from players on a rival team.

Irrational fear becomes a driver of division and discrimination. Coronavirus is only today’s vehicle.

Coronaracism: It's not just an Asian thing

#iamnotavirus

Nydia Han

May 24, 2020

I don't scare easily. The COVID-19 virus of hate terrifies me.

Nydia Han

May 24, 2020

I don't scare easily. The COVID-19 virus of hate terrifies me.

Normally, it takes a lot to scare me. I'm an investigative journalist and the work that I do is not for the faint of heart. But the novel coronavirus has mutated for some into a virus of hate against Asian Americans and my fear of getting sick is now overshadowed by my terror over the backlash against my community.

But there is a silver lining. This virus of hate is spurring Asian Americans to stand up, speak out, and launch campaigns to empower us all. I am so proud of the great work that so many of you are doing! Shout out to #racismisavirus, #facesofthecure, #unapologeticallyasian, #washthehate, #iamnotavirus, #hateisavirus. The time has come for AAPIs to be LOUD and UNAPOLOGETIC!

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