Tired of being the target of hate, a group of Asian Americans in various medical fields have taken the initiative to fight back with a video.
“Asian American Doctors Unite Against COVID-19 Racism: Hate is a Virus,” a YouTube video, features Asian American doctors holding up signs emphasizing their humanity.
“I have been seeing acts of incredible hate and violence, and I think of my parents, grandparents… helpless and innocent people who cannot defend themselves,” Dr. Dagny Zhu, told NextShark.
The surge of hate acts against Asians and Asian Americans have risen dramatically since the coronavirus hit the US last month. Since the COVID-19 was first found in China, bigots blame the spread of the contagious virus on people of Asian descent.
An FBI report warned that as more people become infected by the coronavirus, hate acts against Asians are likely to increase. Indeed, it has. A website #StopTheHate collecting reports of hate vs. Asans have tallied almost 1500 reports since it was launched mid-March.
“We made this video to show that in the end, we are all human,” continued Zhu. “Viruses know no origin or race. Pandemics have come and will continue to come from all over the world. In times of fear, there is no place for hate or blame. We made this video to promote kindness and unity, so we can fight this pandemic together.”
The video featuring doctors holding up various signs, such a“I actually enjoy pizza, hamburgers and avocado toast,” or “I am Chinese American” or “I Am Risking My Life to Save Yours.”
The latter message emphasizes the irony that bigots direct their hate acts against the very same people who might be caring or protecting them from the coronavirus since almost 20% of the nation’s physicians are of Asian descent.
Dr. Christy Chen, who produced the video, shared with NextShark her most important sentiment:
“The real virus circulating within all this is hate. Hostile and spiteful actions. Being quick to judge, blame and criticize others for something that is out of our control. It may not kill you right away, but it destroys goodness and humanity. It infects us by ruining relationships and faith in mankind. It destroys trust, love and connectedness — everything that we need right now to rebuild this world.”
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.