Sinophobia: How the virus expresses fear of China
Saturday, June 6, 2020
UPDATimes - Suspicion of China has increased since the corona virus spread, even in Asia.
Sammi Yang first felt something strange when he visited a doctor in Berlin, Germany, and was forbidden from entering the building.
Other patients are invited through the clinic entrance. However, when Sammi, a makeup artist from China, had to wait outside during the cold January weather.
The doctor he visited came out and said, "This is not a personal intention ..."
"Then he continued: 'We are not currently accepting patients from China because of the Chinese virus," Sammi told the BBC. "I didn't even have time to explain myself and say I'm healthy." Sammi also did not visit China in the near future.
In the few weeks since the virus spread globally, many recorded discriminatory experiences against Chinese citizens or anyone who looked like East Asians, including in Asia and communities with a majority of Chinese citizens.
Even as sympathy rises for the victims of China, especially with the death of "doctor whileleblower" Li Wenliang, residents and China say racism and xenophobia related to the virus continue to increase.
Discrimination against China and its citizens is not new - "Sinophobia" is a documented phenomenon that has existed for centuries.
But the various ways that have emerged during the corona virus crisis reveal the complexity of the relationship of global society with China today.
This discrimination also triggers anti-racist pressure, as seen in graffiti in Italy which reads: 'There is an epidemic of ignorance around ... We must protect ourselves. "
'Not familiar in the West, too familiar in the East'
Virus-related discrimination has arisen throughout the world and through a variety of different ways.
In places where Asians are clearly seen as minority groups, such as in Europe, the United States and Australia, sinophobia is triggered by stereotypes just like seeing Chinese people as dirty and uncivilized.
Called "viruses", for example, is becoming commonplace, and Asians are shunned in public places or subjected to racist scolding and attacks.
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