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In this section, we will be discussing how common intercultural barriers are manifested during the time of COVID-19 by providing real-life examples and incidents of ethnocentrism, racism, prejudice, and stereotypes fueled by anti-Chinese sentiments.
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As stated in the History section of this website, the stigma against Asians has been a deep-rooted issue in United States history. Due to influences such as outbreaks and pandemics (i.e. the novel coronavirus/COVID-19), the situation has further exacerbated scapegoating and hysteria, leading to a rise in racial and ethnic discrimination. Since the advent of social media and the Internet, negative messages worsen as spreading the stigma against Asian Americans has never been easier.
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Mental health issuesWhether we realize it or not, racial discrimination can negatively affect individuals' mental health. In the case of Asian Americans, a study was conducted to see whether there is an association between self-reported racial discrimination and mental disorders. Research has found that self-reported racial discrimination was associated with a greater odds of having mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. (Cee et. al., 2007).
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"Chinese virus"To the left are two instances where U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled COVID-19 as "The Chinese Virus." He defends its usage by stating things that it's "not racist" and "It [the virus] comes from China." (Rogers, 2020).
As stated by Professor Gilbert Gee to The Washington Post, utilizing labels such as these worsens the situation for Asian Americans as it basically normalizes 'anti-Asian bias' (Chiu, 2020). |
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A report from the Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council, along with Chinese for Affirmative Action, depicts over 1,497 incidents of coronavirus discrimination over the course of four weeks [March 19th - April 15th] (Jeung).
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~ 58% REPORTS - CALIFORNIA & NEW YORK
~ 44% OCCURRED AT PRIVATE BUSINESSES ~ AAPI WOMEN HARASSED - 2.3x |
~ 9% - RESPONDENTS ARE AAPI SENIORS
~10% - CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS ~ 40% OF RESPONDENTS ARE CHINESE |
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Racial profiling (n.) use of race or ethnicity as reason for suspecting someone of committing an offense
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Bias (n.) prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group, usually in a way considered to be unfair
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Fake news is defined as false stories that appear to be news, often spread on the Internet or using other media. From bogus at-home remedies for the virus to fraudulent claims about receiving "relief funds," social media and the Internet has played a large role in the dissemination of false information.
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Fake coronavirus alert warns Queenslanders to avoid areas with high Chinese populations
French Asians hit back at racism with ‘I am not a virus’ hashtag after newspaper runs ‘Yellow Alert’ coronavirus headline No, COVID-19 Coronavirus Was Not Bioengineered. Here’s The Research That Debunks That Idea |
