Not In Our Town Spotlights Increase in Anti-Asian Discrimination And Suggests 3 Things We All Can Do: "The only way to defeat hate is to overwhelmingly reject it at every occurrence."

In the face of Coronavirus fears, there's been a scapegoating and lashing out at Asian people, based in fear and prejudice. Not in Our Town's Theresa Riley quoted the CDC:

"Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem. We can fight stigma and help not hurt others by providing social support. We can communicate the facts that being Chinese or Asian American does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19."

The Not in Our Town Article goes on to suggest three things we all can do to make it better:

Three Key Ways to Stop Discrimination and Racial Attacks

The only way to defeat hate is to overwhelmingly reject it at every occurrence.

1. Share the Story: Alert your community if you are targeted or if you hear about an attack or a threat. Find or create a positive action supporting those who are targeted.

2. Spread Solidarity: Make a powerful force against discrimination and hate. As those who are targeted lead the way, diverse groups of people stand up together to show that an attack on one is an attack on all.

3. Show up for Support: Physically show up to be with people who have been targeted. Organize rallies, vigils, teach ins, community town halls, film screenings, dinners. Send cards, letters, artwork. But don’t stop there. We walk together, get to know each other and get through the hard work of dealing with racism, bigotry, and the everyday ignorance and intolerance that keeps us separated. As we do this we are practicing and building an unstoppable force against hate.

Read the full article here. It includes "stories of how communities are experiencing and responding to anti-Asian discrimination because of the coronavirus."

Let's do our part to make things better, not worse. With compassion for all those impacted by this disease, and support for our Asian friends, neighbors, and community members.

The light in me recognizes and acknowledges the light in you,
Lee