Have you heard about the horrifying new playground game called Coronavirus Tag? This is when the Asian American kid is “it” so that whoever that kid tags “gets the virus.” Yes, this game is actually happening and it’s awful! It likely involves bullying and also reinforces harmful stereotypes and promotes otherization and divisiveness.
Regardless of color, ethnicity, religion, or gender identity, no child should ever feel bullied or otherized, and it’s up to parents to see it and stop it.
That’s why MomsRising and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) are holding a special and timely discussion for parents on how to stop ongoing incidents of anti-Asian racism, like Coronavirus Tag. This online conversation is part of our May observation of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
During this online event, we’ll share some of the history of Asian Americans, and why otherization has dogged this community, particularly in times of crises. We’ll talk about what Asian Americans are now experiencing that stemmed from Donald Trump’s hateful policies and rhetoric, including the recent spike in anti-Asian hate and violence, which is overwhelmingly and disproportionately affecting women. We’ll also cover harmful stereotypes like the Model Minority myth, how to talk to children to humanize Asian Americans – or any group of people perceived to be different from themselves – to fight bullying, racism, and otherization, and how to work with your school system to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all children.