It is quite obvious from recent events that the sickness of hatred and bigotry has no limits. As I strive to stay positive and understanding, it is difficult not to become frustrated with the cycles that continue to be perpetuated in this country, making it clear that fear paralyzes and transforms people in the ugliest of ways. In 2018, the world watched in horror as Hispanic children were torn from their parents as the fear of immigrants led people to overlook the denial of basic human rights. At the time, all illegal immigrants were being portrayed as violent criminals, making it easy to overlook their humanity and even forego compassion. Now in 2021, a new victim has been presented as the focus of those unconcerned with the rights of black and brown people.
Until the introduction of Covid-19 to this United States of America, Asians were the silent members of the minority population. They carried the stereotypes but they stayed to themselves and presented no real threat to the status quo. However, that all changed when President Trump openly charged them with being responsible for the arrival of the coronavirus to our blessed shores. It was in that moment that he unleashed bigots to do as they pleased to innocent people who were simply trying to live their lives. Since March 2020, "more than 3,000 anti-Asian attacks" (USA Today) have occurred in America, proving once again that fear often outweighs common sense. Ignorance being spouted as American citizens are accused of spreading a virus that they had nothing to do with. Their heritage should never have made them responsible for events that occurred thousands of miles away on a continent that many of them have never stepped foot on.
I think that we can all agree that something has to change. One group's need for self-preservation should not be allowed to overshadow the needs of another, especially when there is no imminent danger. Minorities want to be free to exist without consistently having to worry about becoming the victims of majority fear. While this is not the first time that Asians have experienced Anti-Asian sentiments in this country, we are in an era where they voiceless can no longer remain silent. We must stand in solidarity, making it clear that this is not just their problem, this problem impacts us all. Through awareness and support, we can end these trends of violence against all groups. The past has taught us that more can be accomplished with love than with hate, with reason rather than fear. The time has come to acknowledge that in order for change to happen, we must first act. We have to stop pretending like these issues do not exist. Those in power need to send a clear message that this level of hatred and disregard for human life will no longer be tolerated. Silence is acceptance, so take the time to think outside of yourself and become part of the solution. As minorities, we cannot afford to compete for the title of "who has it worse". As human beings, we must understand that we are all interconnected and although it may not be your problem today, eventually it will impact you in some way. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. These cycles of hatred must change before all that is left of this melting pot that we call America, is the charred pieces of our former existence.
Love, Peace, and Intellectual Growth
Diverse Perspectives
For more information on the recent Anti-Asian attacks, read the full article at UsaToday.com - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/02/27/asian-hate-crimes-attacks-fueled-covid-19-racism-threaten-asians/4566376001/
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