x

We must fight the virus, not each other

Panic and anxiety are inevitable in the face of a major global health
challenge, but overreacting and letting irrational fears take control
will not only do more harm than good, but will worsen the
epidemic and make it easier to lose confidence.
In China, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
and the Central Government have directed and mobilized
resources in the fight against the coronavirus. Community workers
in cities and villages across the country and especially in and
around Wuhan are doing their best to protect millions of people.
The People’s Liberation Army has sent teams of military medical
staff to Wuhan to help fight the virus. We see the construction of
makeshift hospitals and the conversion of buildings into temporary
hospitals. Enterprises have stepped up the production of essentials
such as face masks. People from all levels of society are lending a
helping hand at this time of need. The strength of China’s system is
on full display as the nation battles this virus.
While the coronavirus is a serious threat, there is another type of
harmful “virus” that is spreading along with the coronavirus.
Racism and xenophobia are making people blame the Chinese
people for this virus and making the Chinese people feel that they
are the virus.

A lot of troubling news and commentary has appeared in recent
days. For example, Thai daily Khao Sod reported on Monday that a
restaurant owner in the northern province of Chiang Mai put up a
sign barring Chinese customers from eating at the restaurant.
Then, the next day on Tuesday, the daily reported that a Chinese
tourist and her child nearly had to sleep on the streets in the resort
town of Hua Hin because no hotel would take them.
The above-mentioned reports are just a couple of examples, but
racist sentiment targeting Asians and especially Chinese is popping
up in places all around the world.
At a time of fear and uncertainty, it is vital to remain rational.
First, viruses do not respect borders. Although the Chinese city of
Wuhan is the epicenter of the outbreak, this virus is not a “Chinese
virus.” It originated in China and has spread quickly, but this is a
global fight.
Second, it is wrong and dangerous to associate certain populations
with something like the coronavirus. The coronavirus is dangerous,
but the fear that is fueling this anti-China racism can have
dangerous consequences for the entire world. We must do more to
deal with the outbreak of anti-China sentiment during this crisis.
Fortunately, people are trying to bring attention to this problem.
For example, a video on social media that has gone viral shows a
young Chinese man in Italy standing in crowded areas with a
blindfold and a face mask next to a sign that reads, “I’m not a virus,

I’m a human. Eradicate the prejudice.” People in the video give
him a warm hug and the reaction online has been quite positive.
Let us not let the coronavirus spread fears and stereotypes and let
us have confidence in China, which is doing everything it can do to
fight the coronavirus. The coronavirus is certainly something that
we should fear and take guard against, but the anti-China racism
that is spreading along with the coronavirus is even more terrifying
and potentially dangerous.

Hot this week

Public Alert: Increased Water Release from Goronyo Dam

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development...

Gov Ododo Condemns Egbe Bandits’ Attack, Vows Justice for Fallen Heroes

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

Kidnappers Kill Traditional Ruler in Kanam LGA of Plateau

By Israel Adamu, Jos Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have...

2027: Group Urges Pharmacist John Chun to Contest Riyom/Barkin Ladi Reps Seat

By Israel Adamu, Jos A youth group under the aegis...

Kano Gov Moves to Empower 44 LGAs with Full Autonomy

By Jabiru Hassan Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf,...

Functional Streetlights in Abuja Save $8 Billion Yearly on Repairs, Block Saboteurs — Wike

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister Barr. Nysome Wike has...

Public Alert: Increased Water Release from Goronyo Dam

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development...

Global Spotlight: Daybreak Publisher Clinches Silk Road News Award

The publisher and editor-in-chief of daybreak Nigeria newspaper, Dr....

A’ibom committed to industrial Cluster Development

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo Akwa Ibom State government has restated...

Pilgrimage Is Spiritual Exercise, Not Jamboree, NCPC Boss Warns Intending Pilgrims

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju As intending pilgrims depart Abuja on Monday...

Wike Lauds President Tinubu for lifting Rivers emergency rule

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),...

Nigerian journalist wins Silk Road Global News Award

By Micheal Onjewu with Agency Report The publisher and editor-in-chief...

A’Ibom Commissioner seeks royal support for voter registration, Gov Eno’s Arise Project

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo Traditional leaders in Akwa Ibom have been...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img