Celebrate

Everyone loves a good celebration, right? How can you really celebrate though when you are under attack? It really isn't new. It seems to be getting more attention these days, but as I said yesterday, the anti-Asian hate crimes need to STOP. All hate crimes should stop. Nobody should have to live their life always looking over their shoulder.

Today begins the Year of the Ox, the second of the 12-year Chinese zodiac calendar. This year celebrations are scaled back because of the pandemic. Many don't feel much like celebrating anyway, out of fear. Hate incidents directed at East Asians have skyrocketed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with thousands of cases reported and the actual number unknown because many (perhaps most) incidents are not reported.

I'm personally angry.  Very angry.  This involves coworkers, neighbors, and friends.  Hate is such an ugly thing anyway, but it becomes much worse when people are injured and property is damaged.  As I said, this isn't new.  Slurs or jokes related to race or ethnicity have been around since I was a kid.  I can remember the hurt expression on people's faces when they were the subject of these slurs.  Being laughed at isn't fun.  There are things in this world that are fun and we should be directing our energy toward them.

It's long overdue, but let's fix this problem.  Let's  end the hate.  Everyone can help by simply reaching out to the Asian businesses in our communities and giving them our support.  Order food from your nearby Chinese or Japanese restaurants.  When you hear disparaging remarks, say something.  Don't be a part of it.  If you see a crime, report it.  Let's all have a prosperous Year of the Ox that is free from hate.