When Xenophobia Spreads Like A Virus
The global response to COVID-19 has made clear that the fear of contracting disease has an ugly cousin: xenophobia. As the coronavirus has spread from China to other countries, anti-Asian discrimination has followed closely behind, manifesting in plummeting sales at Chinese restaurants, near-deserted Chinatown districts and racist bullying against people perceived to be Chinese. NPR asked its listeners whether they had experienced this kind of coronavirus-related racism and xenophobia firsthand. Here are some of the responses.
Dealer Drops Asian Assistant from Art Fair Due to Coronavirus 'Anxiety'
A Vietnamese curator was dropped by an exhibitor at a London art fair because she would be "seen as carrying the virus." An Nguyen posted a screenshot of an email she received from Raquelle Azran, a dealer and curator specialising in contemporary Vietnamese(!) fine art, cancelling her role as an assistant for the exhibit at the Affordable Art Fair "because your presence on the stand would unfortunately create hesitation." After this all blew up on social media, the dealer was disinvited from the art fair.
Assembly Staffer Fired Over Anti-Asian Coronavirus Comments
This week, a Brooklyn assemblywoman's receptionist was fired for making xenophobic, anti-Asian remarks regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus reportedly let go of Marilyn Franks after the staffer posted a Facebook message stating, in part: "We urge citizens to stay away from Chinese supermarkets, shops, fast food outlets, Restaurant, and Business. Most of the owners went back to China to celebrate the Chinese New [Year] Celebrations. They are returning and some are bringing along the Coronavirus. Rather be safe than sorry." And now you are fired.
Apply to JCamp 2020
Hey, student journalists! The Asian American Journalists Association is now accepting applications for JCamp, an all-expenses-paid journalism training program for talented freshman, sophomore- and junior-level high school students of diverse backgrounds. JCamp will celebrate its 20th year in 2020 at Georgetown University in Washington DC, July 5-10. The six-day camp brings students together for intensive training in writing, photography, broadcast, online media and reporting led by professional journalists. Travel, lodging and meals will be covered for the selected students. The deadline to apply is March 29. For more information, go here.
Surrija Retells Picasso Muse Lydia Corbett's Story With New Song
Check out "Sylvette," the new track from Surrija (aka Jane Lui), from her forthcoming self-titled album.
