It’s increased across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County has not experienced the violence against Americans of Asian descent that has been happening in other parts of the country. But there have been some subtle forms of prejudice, according to Elizabeth Chung, the Executive Director of the Asian-American Center of Frederick.
“Oftentimes we don’t speak much or we’re silent,” she said. “And yet we’ve made some contributions to our country, building part of the American dream of beautiful communities. And yet we’re being targeted. This is unfortunate due to the rhetoric, and due to the anti-Asian sentiment.”
The anti-Asian sentiment has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019, although it may have originated in another location. . Former President Donald Trump was known to use the terms “China-virus” and “Kung Flu.”
Chung, who was a recent guest on WFMD’s “Morning News Express,” was asked if this anti-Asian sentiment has been made up by the media. She responded by recounting an incident at a local middle school. In that case, one 6th grader who was taking part in an Arts program was asked to write something on the blackboard. “And tell us more about how you feel about being Asian. And he put down ‘being Asian doesn’t mean that I bring the virus,'”: she said.
“For a youngster, where did he hear about this? Where did he learn about this? from another youngster,” Chung continued. “What did the other youngster hear about that,”
Despite this, Chung says she believes Frederick is a good community. But she says misinformation can perpetuate this kind of hate. “But together, we can change this,” says Chung.
Too often, she said, people use this misinformation to go against the community, especially young people.
A rally and candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night at the former Frederick Towne Mall to show support for the local Asian community.
By Kevin McManus