Experiencing Discrimination as an Asian American Traveler During the Coronavirus Outbreak

From verbal abuse to discrimination, travel writer Jennifer Chan shares her recent experiences traveling as an Asian American during the coronavirus outbreak.

As a proud Asian-American living in the melting pot of Los Angeles, I rarely think twice about my ethnicity. However, recent reports of the coronavirus outbreak spreading across Asia have made me feel more sensitive about it. A few days ago, while waiting at LAX for my cross-country flight, my brother called, shaken by an upsetting incident with his family in Las Vegas.

He took his wife and two young sons to the movies for the weekend. While walking through the shopping center parking lot, they encountered a group that unleashed a hateful statement directly at them.

“These Ching Chong mother f**kers should be wearing masks before they kill all of us,” one of them spat.

This hurtful incident reflects a frightening reality, leaving anyone angry and defensive. Nevertheless, my brother kept his composure for the sake of his children, contemplating how deeply rooted racism persists in 2020, especially amidst the pandemic.

Hearing about such incidents is disheartening, especially since the Asian community is likely to be disproportionately affected as the epidemic continues to incite fear and hatred. There is a looming dread that things may worsen before they improve for Asians everywhere.

Shifting Blame and Misplaced Guilt

Currently, there is a significant focus and blame directed at China as the outbreak’s origin. As a Chinese-American, I experience a peculiar sense of misplaced guilt as these narratives perpetuate, making my nationality appear unfavorable.

While I feel secure in California, my experience at LAX was different. I found myself surrounded by travelers from around the world, many wearing surgical masks, and could sense uneasy stares directed at me as I moved towards my gate. It struck me that, even though I felt healthy and safe, people perceived me as a potential threat due to my appearance alone.

Being singled out for something beyond one’s control is profoundly uncomfortable.

“Not every Asian-looking person is Chinese, and not every Chinese-looking person carries the virus,” Tiffany Yu, a disability advocate based in San Francisco, wrote on social media after she was wrongfully flagged by the CDC at JFK airport. Though she hadn’t traveled to China since 2012, she was nonetheless quarantined and tested for the virus. “The coronavirus situation is tough for everyone involved, but does not justify racism against Chinese and Asian individuals stemming from fear and prejudice.”

As I boarded my flight, I perceived the tension in the air, derived from nervous glances from other passengers. Was I just imagining this? Was it paranoia fueled by my conversation with my brother? Having traveled extensively, I recognized the unusual atmosphere.

As my boarding group lined up, I noted how passengers intentionally created extra space between us. Amidst travelers of diverse ethnicities sporting masks, I sensed the collective anxiety as we prepared for the lengthy journey ahead.

Traveling Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak

Is it advisable to avoid travel currently? While experts recommend steering clear of China and affected regions, it’s crucial not to allow the media frenzy or fear to dictate actions. Patience and empathy are essential, reminding ourselves that this situation will ultimately pass.

A friend planned a trip to Bali and Thailand during the outbreak’s peak, and despite her grandmother’s overwhelming fear leading to offers of financial support to cancel, she proceeded with her plans. Consequently, she enjoyed an enriching travel experience.

Challenges with Rideshare Services

The reality is that traveling as an Asian individual today may involve frustrating disruptions and uncomfortable experiences that stem from unjust discrimination.

I faced this situation when returning to LAX after my travels. I requested an Uber, but after a longer-than-usual wait, the ride was unexpectedly canceled.

Puzzled, I attempted to hail another Uber, only to experience yet another cancellation after waiting again. Moments later, the driver called, nervously asking me to cancel the ride on my end to avoid penalties.

Perplexed, I complied and tapped to request a third driver without fully grasping the situation. The nervousness in her voice lingered in my mind, especially since no explanation was provided for the cancellation.

While observing others successfully hopping into Ubers, I repeatedly struggled to secure a ride home. After several cancellations, I finally found success when an Asian-American driver came to my aid without issue.

The next morning, I discovered reports that Uber drivers had been cautioned to cancel rides with Asian passengers out of fear of contracting the coronavirus, which left me astonished and clarified my previous experiences.

Surge in Asian Discrimination Affects Communities

It’s clear that incidents of Asian discrimination are escalating.

As reported by ABC7, a young boy in the San Fernando Valley was wrongly accused of having the coronavirus and subsequently bullied and attacked at his middle school due to his Asian background.

According to Robin Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Human Relations Commission, “Many may assume that because someone is Asian or from China, they are more likely to carry the virus.”

This irrational fear is igniting widespread panic, severely impacting Asian communities.

Typically bustling with tourists and locals, Chinatowns in major US cities are now witnessing a significant drop in visitors due to the coronavirus scare, prohibiting economic engagement.

For instance, Chicago’s Chinatown experienced notably diminished foot traffic during their annual Lunar New Year Parade compared to previous years, reflecting a similar trend in Los Angeles.

This past weekend marked the 42nd annual LA Chinatown Firecracker Festival, a vibrant cultural event usually drawing thousands. Despite the organizers’ best efforts, attendance noticeably declined this year.

“We’ve faced booth cancellations. Longtime supporters of our festival are withdrawing due to fear,” states Katy Murakami, festival co-chair. “We need to remind everyone that the coronavirus originated in China, not the United States. There are very few confirmed cases here, and flu is deadlier, but fear prevails. It’s a challenge we must navigate as a community.”

Ultimately, we’re all in this together.

Stay updated on the latest travel-related news regarding COVID-19 here.