Introduction
DW News’s video “How the coronavirus pandemic fuels racism” is a fragment of a news broadcast covering one of the most severe consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: exclusion and racism. The pandemic has already put individuals through many economic and social hardships and mental stress, so the public should avoid complicating the situation. Thus, this video urges the audience to be more supportive and eliminate unjust practices that might harm already oppressed groups.
Summary of the Video
The video juxtaposes the pandemic with racism, both being the most dangerous viruses for humankind. Since the virus’s origin is linked to the Asian subcontinent, its representatives reported violent physical and mental abuse, even though they might be Americans (DW News, 2020). It might be attributed to former US President Donald Trump’s emphasis on the pandemic’s Chinese origins.
Even in other countries, Chinese students do not feel welcomed as they are thrown off the buses, as well as any other foreigners. They experience this attitude due to the misconception that foreigners threaten societies, and national and economic security, presumably being the disease carriers. However, it is entirely based on false stereotypes and needs clear statements from political and healthcare figures.
The video suggests that isolating particular groups does not benefit society but promotes xenophobia, destroying the nation’s peace. Instead, people should cultivate the vaccination culture regardless of anybody’s ethnic background (DW News, 2020). The news excerpt includes Steven Vertovec, an ethnic diversity professor, and the health representative’s explanation of the virus’s activity and possible ways of infection. Both figures admitted that spreading awareness and educating society are necessary to stop racism and the virus.
Conclusion
To conclude, this video is essential to understanding how healthcare problem perpetuates social and political problems such as racism and xenophobia. Obviously, individuals’ fear of helplessness in the face of the spreading virus results in precautions, but it should not be concentrated on false assumptions and biases. Suppose people want to contribute to the pandemic’s termination. In that case, they should stop making others’ lives worse and support each other and vaccination.
Reference
DW News. (2020). How the coronavirus pandemic fuels racism [Video]. YouTube. Web.