Racism is one of the biggest problems we have in this world, and the fact that it can be flared up by misunderstandings and the lack o19 has really brought anarchy to the world. The whole world had to make much needed changes just ensure survival. Till this day it is unclear as to how or where covid-19 really started but somehow China is being blamed. Numerous media reports confirmed that the first covid-19 symptoms were found in the US and European cities, long before its discovery in Wuhan. The stigma that Covid-19 has placed on the Chinese community has really had a ripple effect in terms of racism against the Chinese community.
Placing blame is the natural and the expected reaction, but that does not make it right. Discriminating, fighting, and stripping people of their dignity is never the answer.
The South African Chinese community has had its fair share of racism. Our country prides itself on its diversity but we are not doing everything in our power to protect it, the fight against racism should be fought to protect everyone and not be limited to specific ethnic groups.
The Covid-19 stigma against the Chinese community has brought nothing but pain, we too contribute to the country and would fight equally as hard to ensure that South Africa sees a better tomorrow. Right now, the Chinese community has become the soft target, it easier to blame us for the pandemic as opposed to focusing on coming together to fight Covid-19.
Education is a powerful tool and the more people we educate about racism in our country the better. The Chinese community has been part of South Africa for over 300 years and yet till this day we still need to fight for recognition.
The Chinese community had its own struggles during apartheid which came to light during a hate speech enquiry, when witnesses gave their account of what it was like during the apartheid era for the Chinese community.
There was a museum in Port Elizabeth that contained photographic evidence of the struggles, but this exhibition was closed, and a sign was erected stating that the Chinese community were not part of the apartheid era. Again, the Chinese community was pushed aside and their contributions unseen, unappreciated and covered up.
As the South African Chinese community, we are frequently asked if we feel that our rights are protected by the Laws of our country, and our answer to this is always yes and no.
We as the Chinese community of South Africa have a lot faith in our country. Yes, we have been antagonized and discriminated against, but that does not mean we should lose faith in our country or its people.
South Africa is a country with a lot of possibilities, and those include the power to rise above oppression, unite as South Africans and stand together to protect each other and our values as a nation.
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