Racists are not only calling corona virus “Chinese virus”, they’re attacking and harassing Asians. After I placed my shopping cart in line in front of the grocery store and waited in the parking lot for them to open, I witnessed a young intoxicated white man shouting at a small, middle aged Asian woman: “It’s all your f*#king fault for bringing that Chinese virus to America.” She flinched and lowered her head. There were about 15 people in line, but no one said anything.
Anger flooded through me like a volcano about to erupt, but I learned a long time ago the power of humor to diffuse explosive situations, so I yelled: “Dude, you better leave that lady alone before she judo your ass.” A couple of people giggled and quite a few smiled.
The bully turned away from the Asian woman and shot bullets at me with his eyes. “F*#k you bitch!!!”
“You wish!” I retorted. Before he could hurl another insult, I immediately countered with: “Dude, I know as soon as they open that door you’re heading straight for the liquor. PLEASE leave some for us.” By that time, I and others were laughing. He threw me the finger a few times as the store clerk opened the door.
Everyone herded in and went about the business of finding food among the empty shelves. The Asian woman found me, looked into my eyes and thanked me.
I hope some Chinese people in China stand up for Africans who are victims of racism and human rights violations like kicked out of their apartments, denied admittance to hospitals, and attacked on streets, all because of false rumors about the Corona Virus. When I wrote and sang my social justice song “Voice of the Voiceless”, the lyrics were more than just poetic words. “Voice of the Voiceless” is my philosophy of life. History (slavery, genocide) and present human experiences have taught me what happens when people stay silent in the face of injustice.
One Love…
Aria