People are coming together across U.S. to support local Chinatowns amid Coronavirus fears
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
When Jose Corcoles saw how coronavirus fears were taking a toll on Chicago's Chinatown, emptying out streets typically humming with residents and tourists, the last thought on his mind was staying away.
He turned to social media and with his friend Carlos Matias organized a restaurant crawl for the end of February. He said he expected five, maybe 10 people to show up, but when the day came, despite frigid temperatures, the turnout was closer to 100. And that is representative of groups nationwide doing the same.
Foot traffic in Chinatowns across the country has plummeted, with some restaurants reporting losing as much as 80 percent of their business. In some cases, restaurants have had to close — including four dim sum parlors this week in Sunset Park, home to Brooklyn’s sprawling Chinatown.
An empty restaurant in New York's Chinatown on Feb. 13, 2020. Spencer Platt / Getty Images Corcoles, 29, an artist and educator, told NBC Asian America that his effort was rooted in a sense of solidarity. “It's the love that Chicagoans, and specifically people of color, have for Chinatown,” he said.
As a child of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants, Corcoles said he felt sympathetic to Asian Americans who have faced xenophobia as a result of the virus, and emphasized the importance of building "some solidarity across racial divisions.”
Across the country, politicians, organizers and nonprofits have begun efforts to support Chinatown communities. In many cities, city officials and council members have made public shows of support, sitting down for lunches at Chinatown restaurants and inviting others to do the same.
Karen Chen, the executive director of the Chinese Progressive Association in Boston, said that while the city's Chinatown isn’t quite deserted, “you do see a decline in business.” She has been pleased to see local government officials combating misinformation and supporting the Chinese American community — just last month, two city councilors brought in hundreds of customers for a dim sum brunch to dispel fears about the local Chinatown. But she said she would like to see more from state and federal governments.
Chen believes that the avoidance of Chinatown stems from “prejudice and racism.”
“Some people are using it as a chance to attack China,” she said of the virus. “To me, as a Chinese American living in the U.S., this tension between the U.S. and China will hurt Chinese Americans here in our community.”
In San Francisco, Facebook announced last month that it would donate $20,000 to the Chinese Newcomers Service Center, a nonprofit, to fund a “shop local” advertising campaign for Chinatown businesses. A spokeswoman for the company added that an additional $5,000 was provided in Facebook ad credit.
In New York, the nonprofit crime prevention group Guardian Angels has sent volunteer safety patrols to provide Asian Americans with informal protection against hate crimes. Just last week, a video surfaced online appearing to show someone on the New York subway yelling at an Asian American man before spraying him with air freshener, prompting the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force to investigate. And globally, reports of hostility and xenophobia are on the rise.
“If anybody’s harassing you, if anybody’s targeting you, anyone’s thinking that you’re a carrier because you’re carrying a mask, they’ll have to deal with us,” Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, told Discovering Eyes , a channel supported by the China Global Television Network. “We’ll physically intervene. We’ll break up fights and disputes. We’ll make citizen’s arrests.”
The group’s members now patrol the streets of Chinatown every day, and some have made a point of eating at its restaurants in hopes that others will follow.
To Corcoles, who said he may plan another restaurant crawl in the coming weeks, the goal right now is to rekindle a sense of community.
“We are living in a super political moment that sees us creating a lot of borders and a lot of divisions, between people and between races and nations,” he said. “I was really just hoping to create community.”
He said that, to him, this means getting out of the house and into the city to support those who need it. For now, Corcoles plans to do just that, and hopes others will follow.
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Good to see that support is being given.
We have an Asian Buffet nearby that serves many different kinds of Chinese food. I'm not big on Ginger which is one of the major spices used in Chinese food, so make most of my own Chinese food at home. That way I can use the spices that I like and forgo the ones I don't.
However, one in a great while I will go to the Asian Buffet and some sweet and sour shrimp and egg rolls. A treat when I have been a really good girl. Uh...em....that is why I don't go there too often.
Absolutely.
Mmmm Chinese food, haven't had any in a while. I think I will this weekend. Anyone who is using the virus to display their prejudice probably already had problems prior to the breakount
I have a favorite little hole in the wall about 5 minutes from my house. They make it so easy to order (on-line) then I can pick it up through a drive=thru window. And they have the best crab rangoon.
Sweet. I have a 40 minute drive mostly at highway speed to get to my fave place. It's definitely a dive but the foods good, service fast and is reasonably priced
It doesn't have crab Rangoon, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for it whenever I get to a big-city Chinese place
No wonder global civilization melted down in only nine weeks. It's been held together by fluff and good wishes.
I might be the only NT member who eats Chinese food EVERY day. LOL
Not every day for me, but, at least 3 times a week. Chinese is one of my favorites, and Stir-Fry is #1 for me. I make my own at home so I can vary it to my own liking.
Lol same here, so easy, fast and tasty
The wok is probably the most important cooking item in our kitchen.
Are you hungry an hour later?
Me, I could eat steamed rice every day and not get tired of it. But the problem is for some reason rice gives me hiccups so I don't eat it very often.
Rice or noodles are the most common everyday items here, although I still prefer potatoes.
Ha!!
Nice optics but eating in a crowd has flopped everywhere.
I am betting that take out orders or food delivery services sales are surging.
Yes, people are gushing to place something in their mouths from the hands of a stranger.
Like you never ordered a pizza.
A few puffs of Matanuska TF and he'll be ordering from every place in town, cooties be damned.
Yes, people are gushing to place something in their mouths from the hands of a stranger.
So you actually think eating at home is safer...because the food on the shelves in the supermarkets where you by it...was never actually touched by human hands?
Well I did rather enjoy my takeout beef noodle bowl tonite
It's nice to see the sentiments above, but the article above is implying that people are not eating Chinese food for a specific reason and it's not because of the valid fear of becoming ill. They are falsely claiming "racism.'
Chen believes that the avoidance of Chinatown stems from “prejudice and racism.”
That is simply not true. People have been frightened of getting the disease. A disease that originated in a market in China. A disease that spread because the Chinese government lied about it's existence and allowed it to spread worldwide. All of that is a valid fear based on the way the American media has covered the event.
So lets get it straight. People are afraid. It has nothing to do with race!
But it does. These are Chinatowns in the US. These restaurants are not subject to the Chinese government. They are not shopping in markets on mainland China. Most are probably owned and run by people who haven't been to China for years, if ever (second or third generation immigrants).
And people are simply afraid to eat Chinese food! The disease began at a market in China. It is perfectly natural to have that fear.
If progressives want to demonstrate that the fear is invalid, they should do what Boston's Mayor Menino did with a similar Chinese virus years ago. He went into Boston's Chinatown every day and had lunch there. Set an example for the rest of us, but please don't call it "racism."!!!!!!!
Where these restaurants are not buying food.
If you think you can reassure people with that - good luck. The media has the country in an absolute frenzy. Look at the way people are buying toilet paper and disinfectant.
You don't think they don't have family coming to and from China? It's a valid concern. Not rooted in racism. Just a side note Asian people themselves can be among the most prejudiced groups of people you can come across. Sometimes it's good for a group of people to have a humbling experience. Some people have the virus without showing any symptoms.
It's a natural reaction for people who lack critical thinking skills
I've noticed that the people who do the most complaining about other races/cultures being prejudiced are prejudiced themselves.
I haven't met very many prejudiced Asians
Maybe. What is more damning would be the kind of hate required to call the reaction "racism."
So is that your opinion of the author of this seed?
Then surely, sales of pizza and pasta will tank, considering conditions in Italy.
Then again, maybe not.
They need a humbling experience? That sounds like a justification for racism.
Please don't misquote me. I said sometimes it's good, I didn't say they need it. Don't be disingenuous.
Oh, well, so long as it's only sometimes. Defending racism is awesome, so long as it's only occasional racism.
If one has a progressive mindset it might follow.
You would have to see things through a very race based lense to even think about that.
To project it is disgusting!
Did I say it was?
I had pasta last night and will probably have pizza tonite. Wanna call me racist?
Absolutely not!
Don't accuse me of racism, Vic.
Acknowledging racism isn't racism.
Nor is noticing double standards.
I'm projecting nothing. I'm not the one who's defending racism here. You must look to others for that.
I never made it personal. You personally never entered the conversation.
Acknowledging racism isn't racism.
It is not acknowledging something - it is making a false claim and it is being done by the left and yes, it is a form of hate!
Nor is noticing double standards.
There are no double standards. The disease began in a Chinese market not in Italy or the US.
Not you - Karen Chen, remember?
I'm not the one who's defending racism here
There IS NONE!
You must look to others for that.
You must look at the hate coming from the left.
Like I said the critical thinkers amongst know this and aren't afraid to eat in Chinese restaurants. Hmmm.....who brought that up, Vic?
And like I said, haters on the left project "racism." So, you tell me which is worse - fear or hate?
Hmmm.
Ya Hmmm!
who brought that up, Vic?
It is the basis of the article, don't ya know!
hate is rooted in fear
And I thought the basis of the article was how Chicagoans are coming together to support their neighbors in Chinatown?
False!
Fear can be valid or unwarranted.
Example: People getting into lifeboats on the Titanic were justifiably frightened. People who are hypochondriacs fear without reason.
Hate on the other hand can be taught - like it is by leftist in the university.
Lesson is over for the day.
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Nope, there was a little narrative tucked in nicely, which I rooted out for ya. No charge.
removed for context
Bullshit, Vic. One person here expressly justified racism upthread in black and white. And that person is not a leftist. Ignoring that exposes some unjustified biases.
Yes, hate can be taught, usually by ignorant, immoral parents whose only book is the King James Bible and the TV is only on Fox News.
But hate is rooted in fear...what one does not understand one becomes fearful of it which in turns leads to hate. Ever hear people say they hate snakes or spiders? It's because they fear them.
There's your lesson for the day. Try to have a nice day.
Only because you can't delete comments on this one. Of course a seed can be civil when everyone agrees with one another
King James Bible - which they haven't bothered to read
'Only because you can't delete comments on this one.'
'Of course a seed can be civil when everyone agrees with one another'
You got that right TG!
You read something into the article that really wasn't there and then tried to justify people's fears and hate.
Have a nice day, Vic
'It seems that way, doesn't it?'
You know what I meant. It's okay for you to stir up stuff here and you can't delete when someone tells you the facts/calls you on your BS.
You and I don't need that. We talk substance.
One person here expressly justified racism upthread in black and white.
Then you need to take that up with them. I'm attacking a vicious narrative I am constantly seeing from the left and the msm that either the government or citizens acting with caution is somehow "racist." It is a very hateful accusation. Iv'e heard it repeatedly on CNN and MSNBC.
Ignoring that exposes some unjustified biases.
Sorry, my concern is what is contained in this article.
Usually by College Professors.
But hate is rooted in fear...what one does not understand one becomes fearful of it which in turns leads to hate.
That's the old sense of the word. Not what is happening today.
There's your lesson for the day.
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I'm in an online forum for dentists. Early on in the coronavirus crisis, one dentist of Asian descent told us of a patient who refused to let the dentist examine her, because she was afraid he had coronavirus. This dentist was born in the US. He hadn't travelled recently, nor been near anyone who had, and coronavirus wasn't in the US yet. The patient was perfectly willing to be seen by the white dental hygienist, whose whiteness, in the pt's mind, protected her from infection with the virus, even though she worked with the Asian dentist (who must be infected, because he was Asian).
It's racism, Vic. Ignoring or explaining away blatant racism enables it, and is a form of racism in itself. And acting on unjustified race-based fears is racism.
A hateful statement, in itself.
Yes, because fact based arguments mean so much less than 'progressives going to eat in a Chinatown restaurant. /s
BTFW, COVID-19 is no more Chinese than the Swine Flu is American. Viruses don't have a nationality or an ethnicity.
It's not racism, Sandra and I'll explain (using your own example). Suppose for a minute there was no Coronavirus pandemic. Do you think a patient would have refused the services of a dentist who happened to be "Asian?" The answer is NO!
There is an underlying reason - Fear of infection! Not because the dentist was Asian.
Ignoring or explaining away blatant racism enables it, and is a form of racism in itself.
It almost sounds like something Howard Zinn would say. Howard Zinn found racism everywhere he looked in America. He was wrong. Pure & simple! Falsely accusing people of racism is more egregious than "racism." Do you understand what I'm saying?
So are people who won't eat in Chinese restaurants in the US, who have food suppliers in the US, and who aren't subject to the Chinese government.
The word professors is missing. Going too fast!
I'm sorry you think so.
Jesus Christ, Vic. How are you ignoring the fact that the patient was perfectly willing to be treated by the WHITE hygienist, who works in close proximity with the dentist, and who had every bit as much chance of being infected as the dentist?
It's hateful to accuse those with whom you have a political disagreement of teaching hate.
It's called setting an example. Time to put up or shut up!
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I got that, but you are missing what racism means. If it was racism the patient would NEVER be willing to be treated by an Asian dentist. I guess you just can't see that.
He doesn't see it, Sandy. Let it go.
He can't. [deleted]
[deleted] He calls COVID-19 the Wuhan virus
Is it on par with this:
It is the same as people thinking they can designate others as misogynist. It is almost always a subjective term, but when "racism" is applied to large groups of people who are frightened of a pandemic, I have to call it hate. The left should be working with the rest of us to protect Americans, instead of politicizing this. Calling people racist is one of the worst things one can do. I assume that is why the left does it - they can't find a word strong enough to smear those they don't like or hate!
And you're missing the point that the racist patient was willing to see a white hygienist in the same office where the "infected" Asian dentist practiced.
Same as you're missing the point that Italian restaurants aren't hurting.
It's racism. You declaring it not so doesn't make it not so.
People used to say that African Americans carried different diseases from whites. That was racism, too.
A reasonable statement.
Which is probably why it was immediately scoffed at.
Ok, so wet markets in China aren't what we're talking about here. This article is about Chicago's Chinatown. Yes, people have the right not to eat there. If their reasoning is because they think that coronavirus selects for Asian victims, and they are more likely to get coronavirus from eating there, it's still racism.
Remember that the next time somebody accused the DNC of being racist. Make sure you hold them to the same standards you insist on applying to the left.
Oh God help us, that damn white hygienist! I am quite sure the decent but frightened patient would have seen a black one!
Same as you're missing the point that Italian restaurants aren't hurting.
That is a failed point, right down there with "why don't we wall off the northern border?"
It's racism.
It is clearly not!
You declaring it not so doesn't make it not so.
And your'e declaring it so doesn't make it so!
People used to say that African Americans carried different diseases from whites.
Sorry, I never heard that one, then again I'm not consumed with "race."
Everyone on this thread:
Knock it off. This is supposed to be a pleasant article. Only warning.
You haven't paid attention, then.
You are yet again misrepresenting what I said. I never justified racism. I said sometimes it's good for a group of people to be humbled. The Coronavirus is doing the humbling, not the people you think are being racist. Constructive criticism often gets confused with racism to those on the left.
Say it isn't so! I had a fab giggle to post. It was so funny, I was planning on upping my own comment, but for you, I'll behave.
I see that the concept of a fact based argument went right over your head.
BTFW, it may surprise you but not all progressives live in a city with a Chinatown. Hell, some of us have a hard time getting authentic Chinese food.
Petulance isn't relevant.
The disease began at a market in China.
It may or may not have. Scientists are still trying to find out exactly where the origin was. It has been theorized that it came from smuggled pangolin meat but they are still investigating that. If it is proven that is the source, it most likely did come from a market, but smugglers sell to anyone, anywhere.
I know some people who feel that way-- but who will eat in non-Chinese restaurants.
But in the last day or two I've also come across people who won't eat in any restaurant (they don't want to eat anywhere "where people gather"). They say that where there is a group of people, they are afraid one or more pf them may have the virus-- perhaps sneezing or coughing without covering their nose or mouth.
So they only eat at home.
But I wonder-- even the food we eat at home-- how many people have come in contact with that food from it source, to its being processed and packed, to it being transported to the store where you buy it? And then there are the people who unpack it, and then those who place it on the shelves.
And what are the large number of people who shop in those stores every day?
I don't know if its true or not, but I've heard that this Virus has a lower percentage of deaths than some of the other serious epidemics we had, but its more contagious.
Nor has the US and we are supposed to be an open society.
Shortly after reading this seed and the comments, by coincidence (or was it a coincidence?) ) I came across a video on this very subject. Serious-- but with some good moments of humour as well.
And for fans of "Watter's World" ...well he makes several appearances as well! (You people who only watch MSNBC or CNN won't know what I;m talking about here-- but even if you've never watched Watter's World or Fox news I'm sure you'll find the video relevant). Starts off a bit slow-- but really picks up towards the end...LOL!):
The O'Reilly Factor Gets Racist in Chinatown: The Daily Show
Yes, by the Chinese government-- aided and abetted by our "Dear Leader" and his incredibly dumb sycophantic cronies!
Corona Virus - The Pan dumb ic
In our line of work you shake hands. The President will continue to do that, I will continue to do that.
--Vice President Mike Pence, Medical expert and role model extraordinaire
Brilliant! Appoint someone to head a virus task force whose idea of curing diseases is to pray them away. Because we shouldn't appoint actual doctors or scientists to deal with the problem. What do they know? >sarc<
If they did that, then Trump and his ignorant masses could not continue to blame the crises on Obama as they do now.
And doing things that would be the most intelligent and effective things to do would not be in keeping with the ideals of the Trump empire.
/s
After you click that link, scroll up to see the video.
Okay, let's do an article about covid-19 conspiracy theories and misinformation. People are dropping dead and their bodies are lying in the streets. There have been 60,000 deaths and the crematoriums are working 24 hours a day. Marijuana is a cure for the virus. The virus was being prepared in a Wuhan laboratory to spread among the Hong Kong protesters and it leaked out, and the latest whopper is that the Chinese government developed it and allowed it to spread in order to reduce the burgeoning aging population for economic reasons (it is much more fatal among older people).
Notwithstanding all that bullshit, the government IS at fault for an original coverup and many Chinese people are aware of it - but once it became known the government has done an effective job in dealing with it, and the people have been very careful. The scourge is now starting to ebb in China.
And before blaming China for everything, remember that Swine Flu started in California.
Swine Flu started in California
The swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus that appeared in 2009 and was first found in human beings in Mexico.
I hope they take care of this Coronavirus before tick season. Otherwise you could end up with a corona and lyme
Rudy Gobert was having all kinds of fun with the jokes and the sight gags. He is now having to apologize for his idiocy... from a hospital bed.
Stress kills too you know. You should have a good laugh sometimes. It's good medicine.
As soon as you say something funny, we'll all have a good belly laugh
Have some laughs:
Hahahahahahaha!!!!
I am too old to wait that long.
Lyme is a disease and CV is a virus.
My favorite incident is the basketball player who touched all of the mics on purpose before the interviews. He has since tested positive.
Lyme disease is carried by a bacteria (I think) transmitted to humans by the deer tick
You are correct Trout. Lyme is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdoferi.
Thanks. My Applied Entomology and Zoo-noses professor was one of the first people to do research on Lyme.
Dayum not at all on topic but the impact of the coronavirus just got me as due to travel restrictions I can no longer fly to Tampa to visit my dad and brother next week. This sucks. Oh well off I go to tell them and see if the airline will give any of my money back.
Dayum not at all on topic but the impact of the coronavirus just got me as due to travel restrictions I can no longer fly to Tampa to visit my dad and brother next week. This sucks. Oh well off I go to tell them and see if the airline will give any of my money back.
This Pandemic is inconveniencing many people personally-- in many ways.
And in addition, its effecting many businesses-- and people-- economically as well. So many people are now afraid to travel in the enclosed space of an airplane that if this continues as it has been the airlines will go bankrupt. (Unless Dear leader does a bailout of the airline industry-- but that goes against his political views).
I would predict that the number of cases of the Virus in the U.S. will escale dramatically in the next few days. (Already some schools are closed, and some sports teams ares till playing games...but the stands are empty of spectators). Business and Academic conferences have been cancelled-- or are taking place by video conferencing rather than having people gather in the same room).
And the stock market is crashing (except for a few stocks that are rising due to the Pandemic). Many peoples' savings looked to be wiped out. (Although smart professionals know that as scary as it is, the best tactic is not to sell, but just try to "grin and bear it"-- the market will get back to normal eventually).
And BTW I watched the Administration's news conference today. Trump looked really bad-- I've never seen him look so bad. My guess is that he already has the virus himself!
And what exactly do you base that diagnosis on, Doctor?
How did you determine that it wasn't a regular old cold, or flu, and that he must have the corona virus?
If it was the news conference where he was asked about the official watchdog for potential pandemics being fired a couple of years ago, I saw it on the Chinese English language station - I couldn't believe it.
Have you considered going by train?
Paula I love trains and would do that in a heartbeat if I had the time. But it makes no difference the travel restrictions are not because of airlines or border control, etc, but are imposed by my work where the powers that be have decided we cannot leave the country. Lol so instead of spending my vacay in wonderful warm Fl, I get to spend it hanging out at home in cold northern alberta.
A friend-of-a-friend on Facebook is a teacher in Vancouver. She had planned to drive across the border to Washington to go to the beach, but the school system told teachers that if they leave the country, they have to self-quarantine for 2 weeks without pay, so she's staying put.
It was 85 and sunny today here in Ocala (central Florida) and will be in the mid to high 80's for the next 10 days.
My friends who live in The Villages are heartbroken that Disneyland closed. They bought a lifetime membership and went their at least twice a week. So they went and bought a couple of cases of wine...
My kind of people.
I assume they didn't get into a fight like the ones in today's feature article.
Lol sorta the same for me but if I left the country when I returned the military would charge me with AWOA and throw my ass in jail.
Lol I hate you, it's close to a 100 degrees colder here
Nope, they're both retired PhD's in psychology. Physical violence isn't in their forte.
DL is not far from me. Tell your friends I would be happy to help with the wine.
West Virginia has closed its public schools (either for 3 weeks or indefinitely, reports vary) to prevent spread of the virus. Students who relied on school lunches and breakfasts have been a concern for everyone. Many schools are serving lunch, but transportation is a problem for many students who live farther than walking distance from their schools. But I've been seeing ads from multiple restaurants all over the state offering free lunches to students throughout the closings, and that has restored my faith in humanity.
I'm in Metro Atl and our schools are closed indefinitely. My girls will be home doing school work
Our schools were supposed to be using Monday as a day for teachers to prepare for online lessons, then kids would be back in school on Tuesday. But now, schools are closed here in Virginia for 2 weeks, and the meeting about online lessons will be on the 23rd, instead.
I haven't heard anything about meals for students here in our county. There's a backpack program for needy kids I regularly donate to, but the announcement was so sudden, I don't know if they were able to put anything together, or if they'll be able to buy food to stuff backpacks. Nonperishables were disappearing from the shelves on Friday.
I guess this talk about going to Chinese restaurants can take a break, imo... or any sit down restaurant, pub, bar or whatever for that matter. It will soon be take out or delivery only... in a lot of places.