The Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak emerged in Wuhan, China and quickly spread around the world. With the rising number of cases, many people are quick to point fingers at a particular group, Asians. 

Various videos have surfaced online of Asian-Americans being targeted because of the virus. They’re labeled as the “cause of Covid-19” and are bruised and beaten, being told “go back to your country.” 

Everything seemed so silly, so I never knew it would actually happen to me. My mom and I were grocery shopping when this little boy ran past us, pointed and screamed, “Coronavirus!” The accomplished look on his face is one I can never forget. 

Countless times I’ve gone to drive-thrus, grocery stores or gas stations only to receive endless frowns or odd looks from others. Countless times I’ve seen people take extra steps away from me. Countless times I’ve heard others whispering behind me about the virus. 

These experiences fueled an insecurity I never knew I had. I was afraid of being a Vietnamese-American living in the United States. The constant fear of being judged or turned away lurks in the back of my head every single time I go out in public. 

I find myself becoming hesitant as to whether or not I should even go anywhere in fear of starting unnecessary problems for others around me.

 In truth, I am an Asian-American, and I should not be apprehensive about running errands at the store or buying food from a restaurant because people think I’m a threat to their well being.           

Because the reality is, a virus does not choose its own targets to infect. It will not care about your race, nor the color of your skin.