The world is currently battling its latest enemy: the coronavirus pandemic, which has presently afflicted more than 170,000 people around the world and killing more than 6,500 patients.
But, something far more dangerous is lurking in the background: xenophobia, anti-Asian racism, discrimination, and selfishness--faces of evil that have been around for centuries, growing stronger with the appearance of the highly-infectious disease.
Panic Buying and Hoarding
With the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases around the world, several national leaders like President Trump have announced national emergencies and lockdowns, prompting citizens to stay at home to prevent further spreading the virus.
The government's move led to tons of people to start panic buying and hoarding home and medical supplies, including rubbing alcohols, hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes, and even toilet paper.
But, with the demand came shortage, and with the shortage came shorter fuses.
In a report by The Daily Mail, a brawl was caught on camera as two men fought over supplies while grocery shopping in Woolworth, Australia. A similar case happened a week earlier involving three women fighting over toilet paper rolls.
Australia is not the country to experience outrageous fights over toilet paper rolls. Countries like the US and the UK have faced similar situations.
So, how did these fights start in the first place?
Unfortunately, people are hoarding supplies, leaving other families with less to nothing, fearing for their own lives and safety.
Stressful situations trigger a "fight or flight" response, a survival mechanism that allows humans and other mammals to react quickly to life-threatening conditions. In this case, the threat of COVID-19 and no supplies to help them and their families.
Worse, many of these hoarders are stocking up supplies to sell for a higher price, taking advantage of the demand and people's desperation.
In a time when everyone should be united, many have grown more distant and selfish, never thinking about the less-privileged and the elders who are more prone to the disease.
Xenophobia and Anti-Asian Racism
Perhaps hoarding and selfishness is the lesser evil--a justifiable action due to fear and panic that is now spreading worldwide; a defense and survival mechanism. But, xenophobia and racial discrimination--now more than ever--are a different story.
Frank Karinda, half Chinese and Hawon Jung, 100% Korean, said in an interview with ABC News that their son, a one-year-old toddler, was recently one of the victims of coronavirus-related-racism when a middle-aged German guy quipped, "He looks a bit like Corona!"
Meanwhile, two young teenagers were previously arrested in the UK after attacking a Singaporean student named Jonathan Mok, angrily shouting, "We don't want your coronavirus in our country."
Frank Karinda's son and Jonathan Mok are by no means not isolated cases.
Time had recently reported "racially motivated crime" when a video emerged of a New York citizen fighting and spraying air freshener at a fellow passenger who was of Asian descent.
Chinese-American students in Florida, high school have also shared their experience amid the coronavirus outbreak, calling their experience a coronavirus racism infection.
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The Greater Evils
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the world and is now present in every continent, except Antarctica. But, Asians take the biggest hit with others saying that an Asian person is more likely to carry the virus--something that has already been debunked.
Fear is a common reaction in situations like this, but it does not justify any discrimination against races.
Unfortunately, the rise of the coronavirus has given xenophobia and racism greater strength.
