The Light with Raymond Tyler
America passed the grim milestone of 500,000 souls gone from Covid-19. A sobering statistic no one would argue. The virus has taken from us all: loved ones, careers, business, and mental health.
As I have written in the past the black community has also had to fight the virus of police brutality. Since January of 2020 when reports started to escalate about the Corona Virus, the Asian Community has, however, had to fight a renewed virus of bigotry and violence. As is the case with all bigotry, it is the duty of all Americans, of all backgrounds, to fight back.
John C. Yang is The President and Executive Director of Asian American’s Advancing Justice and recently sighted a poll that reveals “Over 75% of Asian Americans felt like they were the target or have increased fear of discrimination.” According to Yang approximately 40% of Asian Americans polled said they have heard other Americans “blame the Asians for Covid-19. Words Matter.” The attacks range from basic insults to full on violent attacks of varying degrees. This surge in violence creates an atmosphere of fear.
Making a bad situation worse or at least not helping, has been the words of some elected officials, according to Ms. Manjusha Kukarni, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council. Ms. Kukarni explains that many of the incident reports her office receives includes language that has been used by elected officials like “Wuhan Virus, Kung Flu, China Plague.” She also explained that “Too often our communities are pitted against each other. Let’s think about how we work together for solutions. We can work together for the right restorative and transformative solutions.”
What Can Be Done?
People of all backgrounds must come together to say this bigotry/violence won’t be tolerated.
Statistics show that over the past 4 years violence and bigotry against not only Asians, but Blacks, Jews, Latins and LGBTQ communities has increased. We have a moral obligation to stand up for each other as well as a practical obligation.
Be an ally. If possible and safe, Intervene when you see someone experiencing racial violence.
If you can not intervene safely. Please call for help. You can also attempt to comfort the victim.
We have been fighting Covid-19 for what seems to be the longest year in U.S History. The virus of bigotry and violence and discrimination we have been fighting much longer and the fight will continue when the pandemic has past. We can, however, do our part to stop the spread and minimize the effects of the virus of bigotry by standing together.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
