CNN Senior National Correspondent Kyung Lah felt first hand the sting of racism while covering the coronavirus.
Lah reported on the statewide emergency imposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom banning all non-essential travel in the state.
During a question and answer with Jake Tapper, the news anchor brought up something very personal with Lah.
“We’ve been hearing about all these horrific instances of anti-Asian discrimination, racism and xenophobia because of the coronavirus because it originated in China. You and I talked about this. You said it was OK for me to bring it up, you had an unsettling encounter today while out reporting on this story,” Tapper stated.
“I think its been since elementary school. I haven’t heard it directly to my face,” said Lah. “It’s something you see on social media frequently, especially if you’re an Asian American reporter. We were standing there preparing for a live shot this morning just hours ago, and a man walked up using a racial slur. I was so surprised, so taken aback that I asked him to repeat it because I couldn’t believe it.
“So it is something that’s happening and what I find most surprising is that its happening in front of our faces, directly at people. That is something that I have not experienced in a very long time.”
Tapper expressed his sympathies and support for Lah.
“I’m so sorry you experienced that,” he said. “I would just like to note that if you are stupid and racist enough to be holding random individuals of Asian descent responsible for a pandemic, you should be self-quarantining from society.”
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story.
