CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
After nearly three months of unchecked Coronavirus hysteria, local Chinese-Australian John says he now has a vague understanding of how every Muslim person in the western world has felt for the last 19 years since 9/11.
Across Australia, the anti-Chinese sentiment that has been perpetuated by the poor handling of the COVID-19 outbreak by the media and politicians has now reached tipping point – with rednecks flat out refusing treatment from doctors of Asian appearance in Australian hospitals.
Asian-Australians are also experiencing blatant racism in airports, primary schools, workplaces and public transport.
John says he doesn’t mind people giving him a bit of space in public spaces, especially during a pandemic, but it is a bit unnerving when he sees people cover their mouths and hold their breath as he walks past.
It’s something that not many people can relate to, except for his colleague, Ahmed.
As a proud Pakistani-Australian, Ahmed, can also relate to being treated like a risk to national security.
“How weird is it when old people refuse to sit next to you haha” says Ahmed.
“Or when people avoid eye contact with you in the street and rush past”
John agrees.
“Yeah. I totally understand the airports thing now”
“It’s really weird watching people trying to violate your human rights but also not want to get to close to you”
Ahmed chuckles.
“I know right”
