Lehmanites Condemn Racist Responses to Coronavirus Fears
(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
By Sally Barrilla
“Personally, I haven’t encountered any prejudice, but I have heard of some cases going around in New York City, like a taxi driver wouldn’t let an Asian lady in,” said Jayke Lim, an Asian-American Lehman computer science sophomore. “I understand the fear, but it’s not right to deny services to Asians thinking that they might have the virus.”
Increased fear of the coronavirus has sparked a number of xenophobic attacks. The New York Post reported that on Feb. 4, 2020, an Asian woman claimed she was attacked while wearing a protective mask in a subway station in Chinatown by a stranger who hit her on the head, pushed her into a wall and shouted insults.
Other Lehman students agreed that such behavior is unacceptable.
“I was in a CVS pharmacy when I overheard some people saying Chinese people are disgusting because they eat rare or strange foods. It's scary, but it doesn't have to make people hate an entire race,” said Lehman junior and English major, Marissa Morales.
“There’s no need for people attacking innocent people over the coronavirus,” said Jonathan Cruz, a Lehman biochemistry major.
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
The Bronx is home to less than 5 percent of New York City’s Chinese-American residents, according to the Asian American Federation. Queens houses 40 percent, Brooklyn-37 percent, and Manhattan-19.
Since its outbreak in December last year, most of those infected by the virus are in mainland China. As of Feb. 23, 2,470 people have died; 2,444 in China and 78,993 have been infected, according to CNN.
Currently, the United States has a total of 35 confirmed cases, according to National Public Radio, with seven people undergoing testing for it in New York. USA Today reported that the Center for Disease Control says the virus is “likely” to spread to the U.S. In the meantime, fears have spread much faster than the virus itself.
“I think when people hear the words ‘virus’ and ‘death toll’ they get freaked out,” said Jasmine Barber, an undeclared freshman at Lehman. “It is alarming that a lot of people are getting infected and killed within less than a month. Everyone’s best bet is to stay healthy and continuously wash their hands.”
“People have a tendency to freak out about things,” said Lehman English Professor Crystal Curry. “More people die of the flu, but perhaps it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
Lehman’s Director of Public Safety, Fausto Ramirez, said via email: “CUNY asks its faculty and staff to be prepared to accommodate, to the reasonable extent possible, students and employees who are affected by this outbreak. If a student feels anxious or is worried about friends and family because of the news about coronavirus, CUNY encourages them to contact Counseling and Health Services or campus Student Services.”
“There’s no need for people attacking innocent people over the coronavirus.”
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio also warned residents to take precautions, including to immediately go to the nearest emergency room if flu-like symptoms arise and wash hands frequently.
Lim said he does not feel threatened on campus, and praised its inclusivity. “Lehman has always been supportive of all races, medical, personal, and other issues,” he said. “I’ve had friends and relatives ask me to send flu masks because there’s actually a huge shortage of flu masks in Asia right now. The fear in Asian countries is a lot higher than it is here, though.”
