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The first time I ever heard the word "pandemic" was in Year 6, drowned out by a chorus of chitter-chatter in the classroom. Today, I see that word daily - whether it be on the news or on in my YouTube recommended. Awkward conversations seem to always bring up "coronavirus" and be prepared to be flooded with a thousand "you got the corona!" if you dare cough without muting yourself. In truth, I think that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our minds just as much as it has in bodies.
Like many others, I check the statistics daily. And every day I have to remind myself that these small black and white numbers on my laptop screen are more than pixels. They are lives. Humans with friends, families, passions and hopes and dreams. I simply cannot comprehend why people would choose to disregard this in return for what? Temporary superficial satisfaction?
And not to mention the revealed faces of racism. A 15 year old high school student should never be subjected to xenophobic and racist remarks every day. But we are. A woman shouting "fucking Asians" in my face as I walk home from school should never happen. Belittling and stereotyping should never happen either yet it is relentless in my life.
I am lucky to live here, where I do not have to fear the virus for much longer. Nonetheless, it is impossible to escape what has already settled in some people's minds.
It just takes my breath away.
Like many others, I check the statistics daily. And every day I have to remind myself that these small black and white numbers on my laptop screen are more than pixels. They are lives. Humans with friends, families, passions and hopes and dreams. I simply cannot comprehend why people would choose to disregard this in return for what? Temporary superficial satisfaction?
And not to mention the revealed faces of racism. A 15 year old high school student should never be subjected to xenophobic and racist remarks every day. But we are. A woman shouting "fucking Asians" in my face as I walk home from school should never happen. Belittling and stereotyping should never happen either yet it is relentless in my life.
I am lucky to live here, where I do not have to fear the virus for much longer. Nonetheless, it is impossible to escape what has already settled in some people's minds.
It just takes my breath away.