COVID-19 Is No Excuse For Racism

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.