Summary
Highlights
The coronavirus is causing a surge in fear and discrimination against Asian Americans. Restaurants and businesses nationwide are reporting huge drops in sales, and there are accounts of racist incidents at hotels and bullying of Asian American students. A CDC statement clarifies that Asians are not more likely to contract or spread the virus than anyone else.
King Lam, owner of a New York City dim sum restaurant for over four decades, has seen a $1.5 million loss and a 50% decrease in business. He attributes this to people associating Chinese people with the origin of the virus, a sentiment he didn't experience during SARS or H1N1 outbreaks. He believes the damage to his business is already done.
Racism extends beyond businesses. A man was reportedly turned away from two hotels in Indiana due to being Asian, with an employee citing "the virus." Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is investigating these deeply troubling incidents. In Madison, Wisconsin, school officials are addressing racist comments made towards Asian students, emphasizing the importance of educating students about the impact of their words. Similar incidents, including physical attacks, have been reported in London and New York City.
Councilman Peter Koo from Flushing, Queens, stresses that Asian Americans are just like other Americans. Politicians in major cities are working to combat racism and misinformation, showing support at rallies and by dining in Asian-owned restaurants. The New York State Assembly passed a measure to provide emergency funds to small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. The segment concludes with a plea to fight the virus, not the people, highlighting that the Asian American community is battling both the disease and bigotry.