non est finis (there is no end).
When the world is lifted of a plague, we rejoice.
We rejoice at the fact that millions of families are now safe and content. We celebrate the nurses and doctors who risked their lives to provide us with care when we all needed it the most. We commemorate those who have passed away and hold the memories of them deep within our hearts, forever pressed into our minds.
We remember.
As people, we are prone to hold onto things that seem important. Either people or events, I’m sure we can recall at least one that changed our lives -- marriage, graduations, having children, the list goes on and on. Humans can conjure thoughts and opinions on circumstances that have already passed.
They don’t forget.
“This is your fault, your people should’ve never been here in the first place!”
But they also latch onto bad memories.
“Go back to your own country and eat all the dogs you want! God doesn’t want you here!”
They hold onto their fears.
“You can’t even see, so why did you bring the virus in here in the first place?”
Fear turns into violence.
“This all started because Ling Ling just had to eat a bat!”
Those with anger inflict it upon others because they can’t bear to keep it to themselves.
“Rates of xenophobia are at an all time high, even after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2…”
Why do people choose cruelty over peace?
“Recent reports are flooded with stories of brutality against Chinese-Americans, though many others were expecting that the flames would be quelled after the virus was cured.”
Because it’s entertaining?
“Fights are breaking out on an international scale, seemingly directed towards Chinese and other East-Asian immigrants. Those who are guilty of attacking claim that ‘they don’t belong here.’”
Because it’s all just a joke?
“Chinese people all around the world are fearing for their lives as protests are being staged in countries like America and London to drive them out. Flyers that read: ‘Chinks are NOT welcome’ can be found plastered on the walls of metros and subway stations.”
Or do we just hate each other that much?
“Look, it came from China, so it’s technically their fault.”
If we went away, would they be happier?
“I don’t think it’s a problem, since the Chinese government is always trying to point the blame on someone else, so…”
Or would the world find another problem to cry about the very next day?
“Today, a popular social media star posted a xenophobic comment underneath a pro-Asian relief account, sparking millions of fans to report the page. The charity organization was removed from Twitter an hour later.”
It’s sad to see what we’ve become.
If people don’t want to change, then no matter how much others hope or pray, it just won’t happen. For this much resentment to still linger after such a joyous ending is tragic. There are so many matters we have to focus on that people take refuge in blaming others for the bad ones so they can move on from it.
But as for the victims of all the accusations?
We won’t forget:
The bloodshed.
“Mom, is it even safe to go out anymore?”
The struggle.
“In the recent light of things, I’m terribly sorry, Mrs. Tian, but we’re going to have to lay you off. Having so many Chinese employees isn’t a good look for the company.”
The tipped balance.
“So many Asian kids are being pulled out from school, it’s shocking. As a principal, I feel like I have to take initiative, but I don’t know what to do.”
The discrimination.
“China is already overpopulated as it is, and we earned our place here! Why should we give up our rights for others?”
The misinformation.
“It says here in my History textbook that they named it the ‘China Virus,’ Mrs. O’Donnel. I thought it was SARS-CoV-2.”
The horror.
“Daddy just had to... relocate for work. In the meantime, Mommy will take care of you. No, you can’t see him, he’s... too busy! Work, work, work, he’s so busy.”
So what do we see after the dust settles? What do we expect to see? What changes do we want, and how will we make them a reality?
If we predict a perfect world will emerge from chaos, the knife of insanity has already plunged itself deep within our minds.