Why 2020 is so significant in the Asian community.

I can't seem to remember a time before every headline, every article, and every social media post revolved around the Coronavirus. It's almost surreal what an impact it has had on every aspect of our lives, and yet it's still made out to be a joke by so many people. 

I remember on Chinese New Year's Eve, my family was eating dumplings just before midnight ( a little tradition we do) and discussing what we thought 2020 was going to bring. My grandmother always was a little superstitious, one of her defining qualities. She said something very peculiar.

This is the year of the rat, and in China we believe that like the cunning rat, its year will be full of tricks--twists and turns and hardship."

Now more than ever, her statement seems to have manifested in the world. Coronavirus itself is only part of the hardships 2020 has come across. But it has brought along with it hatred, racism, and discrimination. Across the news, there have been countless cases of assault against Asian-Americans and increased usage of racial slurs. What hurt me the most though, was that when I reached out to friends and acquaintances all over the United States to share their own experiences these past two months, they reported that even they had faced racial discrimination due to the virus. 
It's easy to ignore the discrimination going on if it doesn't directly impact you. But if each person reading this made it their goal to become more aware, the impact would be huge.

Take some time this week to look into a world that isn't your own. Put yourself in someone else's shoes, and step out of the bubble you've put yourself in. It'll make a world of difference.

Declarasian isn't a news source, it's a place where people can gather to share their thoughts, experiences, and grow as a community. Taking some time to read about other people's experiences can make you just as aware as the news.

Author: Carina Sun