Coronavirus plus racism: a test of our human solidarity

(Say no to racism- anti-racism graphic Art Print by Shawlin)

Coronavirus plus racism: a test of our human solidarity

In light of recent events, coronavirus has spawned hundreds of outbreaks of racial discrimination against Orientals around the world. For example, this racial discrimination includes spreading offensive jokes and misinformation that generalize all members of the Asian race and ridicule cultural eating habits, increased visibility in public places, and even avoidance or isolation of the people.

Manifestations of racial discrimination also tend to evolve in the media and social networks. Many young users manifest racial discrimination due to a lack of knowledge. Still, the fact that even well-known educational institutions, credible media sources, and celebrities, as well as bloggers, seem unable to avoid biased or ignorant language aggravates the situation.  Keeping some basic ideas in mind may help to avoid unintentional racism when discussing this crisis. 

1. It is essential to understand that the virus is nationless. That is, each person can become infected with it regardless of racial nationality and social status and may cause a potential danger for others to get affected during the latent period. Thus, the behavior, as mentioned earlier, will not help to protect oneself from the disease. On the contrary, it will only deteriorate relationships with others, as well as retard the process of finding the solution to the problem. 
2. The practical steps for coronavirus protection, which are posted on the WHO official website,  are the same for all viral and respiratory diseases. For example, frequent washing of hands, maintaining a distance of 1 meter from a person who coughs or sneezes, avoiding touching in the area of ​​eyes, nose, and mouth (World Health Organization sect. 2). These recommendations have to adhere to concerning all people with symptoms of the disease, and not to separate ethnic groups.
3. Avoid jokes about the coronavirus in social networks. This topic is controversial, especially for people from the region where the outbreak of the disease happened. Many of them may be facing the panic and fear of a new illness, undergoing treatment, or even losing someone. It is essential to use trusted sources to obtain information on coronavirus and stay calm. When having doubts, ask yourself whether you would think and say the same thing if you had a previously unknown disease that appeared in your region.

In conclusion, it is evident that alongside coronavirus, society has to deal with eliminating

xenophobia and racism as well. The only way to fight this is to become aware and be prepared to care

and take responsibility for your own deeds and words. Together, we can work toward health and

healing, rather than division. 

Work Cited

“Basic Protective Measures against the New Coronavirus.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public.