Fake news fuels racist attacks against Chinese community

Re: Crimes of hatred on rise against Asian Canadians affect all of us

With so much misinformation and fake news about the origin of COVID-19, the Chinese (Asian) community in Canada has been the target of racism in many cities, especially Toronto and Vancouver. Several of the racially motivated incidents were in the news lately and perhaps many were not reported.

Most of the victims were “Asian-looking” visible minorities who were either Canadian-born or naturalized Canadians. Many new Canadians chose to come here because Canada is an accepting and a friendly society where people of all races live in peace and harmony. Canadians take great pride in their country as one of the best places to live in the world.

Our politicians of all stripes at different levels of government should speak out more vocally against any act of racial prejudice and violence against minorities, especially now at this stressful time for all of our citizens.

Members of the media have an important role to play, to make sure factual and objective information is disseminated to their readers, viewers and listeners. The news should be vetted for its accuracy and authenticity without bias and sensationalism. That is good journalism and we expect no less from our media friends.

Let’s continue to live in harmony with mutual respect, celebrate our differences, and keep Canada the envy of all nations. Canada has a dark history of racism against the Chinese at the turn of the 20th century. We cannot and should not let history repeat itself.

COVID-19 is a virus without borders. Everyone should work together to eradicate it or prevent it from spreading and make our global village a better and safer place to live.

Kelly Ip, Vancouver