How COVID-19 Has Influenced Xenophobia
By: Summer Wadleigh
The COVID-19 Pandemic is the prime contributor to many aspects of the changing world. It is the cause of widespread closed campuses and thousands of deaths nationwide, though it is also fueling a preexisting racial prejudice. The Coronavirus itself along with its impact on the world is not strictly specific to those diagnosed, but also to those who experience social discrimination throughout their day to day lives. After the first known cases of the virus were reported in Wuhan, China, Asian people across the nation have been subjected to injustice. Here is how COVID-19 has affected the Asian community, as well as how the nation is progressing into allyship in protecting the livelihoods of Asian Americans.
Notably, the COVID-19 Pandemic has placed an economic strain on Asian businesses. The general fear of crowded spaces and implemented social distancing can only hold the blame to a certain extent when most of these hardships have fallen specifically on those of Asian descent. A prime example of this strain lies in New York City’s Chinatown, where business continues to deplete. Chivy Ngo, a general manager of Bo Ky, a pho restaurant located in New York City, claims that his restaurant has lost near 60% of its revenue due to a customer decrease of more than 50%. Only 30-40 of his initial 120 customer daily average remain, making it difficult to maintain a steady business. This harsh reality is hardly individual, as it exists collectively among the thousands of Chinatown residents who depend on their businesses for consistent income. The COVID-19 Pandemic has indirectly influenced citizens into associating the entirety of the Asian population with the disease itself, making visits by many who hold these prejudices less frequent out of misinformed fear.
Furthermore, COVID-19 related xenophobia is not solely influencing business, but it is also sparking public acts of violence towards Asian American citizens. While America is no stranger to violent expression of racism, these acts of hatred have only grown in their consistency as the Coronavirus has become increasingly drastic. An example of this can be found in surfaced footage taken on the subway in New York City, as an Asian American man was verbally harassed and had an air freshener sprayed at him by another passenger. In the midst of rapidly spreading disease in which the most one can do to prevent it is to wash their hands and practice social distancing, citizens often let their lack of a sense of control influence aggressive behaviors. The need to attribute COVID-19 to a singular source has created a damaging outlet for the already prejudiced as a way for them to project their beliefs in light of newfound reason.
Despite the series of injustices being experienced by Asian Americans in the US, government officials have done more than simply stand by in this time of crisis. New York Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez has introduced The Small Business Relief From Communicable Disease Induced Economic Hardship Act, providing access to up to 2 million dollars in Disaster Loans for those who cannot compensate for their business expenses. As this bill begins its journey throughout the house and the senate, one can hope that this first step influences further advocation for standing as a unified nation and assisting those who have been heavily impacted by COVID-19.
In essence, COVID-19 has not only contributed to widespread disease but even more so to widespread racism. Through financial and social hardship, Asian Americans have fallen victim to misinformation and previously held prejudices. Within these times, it is incredibly necessary for Non-Asian American citizens to practice equity and create safe environments for the discriminated. Many believe that large scale change is not so easily evoked, left solely to people in powerful positions. Though even as little as not shooting a judgemental glare at the Asian student in your class, or going out of your way to support an Asian run business, is taking a step towards providing rightful comfort and stability for Asian Americans in their country.
Sources:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/13/nyc-small-business-chief-gregg-bishop-coronavirus-fears-hit-chinatown.html
- https://time.com/5797836/coronavirus-racism-stereotypes-attacks/
- https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6040/titles