The Fight For Racial Justice

The trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin charged with the killing of George Floyd is a fight for racial justice.

 

The world is watching to see if justice will prevail.  As Reverend Al Sharpton says: “Chauvin is in the courtroom, but America is on trial.”

 

 

By Michael Tay, Johor MCA Government Coordinating Affairs chairman.

 

I strongly believe that Reverend Al, an American civil rights activist, can help the Asian Americans in the US.  He is a well-respected leader in the Black Community, and if he were to speak for the Asian Americans, racial confrontation between the African Americans and Asian Americans will cease or lessen at least.

 

Another Black leader that came to my mind is political activist, Jess Jackson.

 

Now why am I, Michael Tay, Johor MCA Government Coordinating Affairs chairman so interested in the plight of the Asian Americans?

 

Firstly, I have relatives living in the US and they are living in fear.  It is the rights of all humans to live with dignity, not in fear.

 

Secondly, the anti-Western sentiment is already sweeping across China where the people there are boycotting US and Western products.  If the US government doesn’t curb the bashing of Asians in the US, the anti-Western sentiment is only going to spread across Asia.  Racial justice must prevail for democracy and harmony to return.

 

 

Although all these incidents occur far from my home, Malaysia, there will be a domino effect and it will affect trade and tourism once the international borders are open.  Would you want to go the US for a holiday if Asian bashing is not curbed?

 

I was quite shaken when I saw the subway fight between a Black man and what looked like an Asian man in a video that had gone viral.  The Asian man was of a smaller build and appeared to have lost consciousness after the Black man had him in a chokehold.

 

Asians are a minority in the US.  They need all the help and protection, especially those who are innocent and defenceless.  An Asian war veteran was recently questioned about his loyalty to the country which he had served.  And he has the scars to prove his loyalty.

 

I’m glad that there are events and rallies jointly organised by Blacks and Asians across America to combat anti-Asian racism.  But more needs to be done.

 

There ought to be more public awareness campaigns on the coronavirus as it is still uncertain how the virus came about.  Calling it the Wuhan virus, China virus or Chinese virus is just going to stir up hatred and anger for the wrong reasons.

 

I urge the US government and Black community leaders to step up efforts to protect the Asian Americans.  Let the fight for racial justice and inclusion be everyone’s commitment and responsibility.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in Your Say are those of the contributor, not the blog owner.