The current crisis is showing the best and the worst of humanity. Will a new form of solidarity emerge at the end of the tunnel or do you think on the contrary that previous trends of the last few years (e.g. increasing nationalisms) will be enhanced?
Answers
Pen your thoughts and participate as UNESCO and Takhte are organizing Year1AC (After Coronavirus) PAN-India Online Essay Contest 2020. Entries are welcome on a rolling basis, and the best essays received under each category Children (aged 11-14) and Youth (aged 15-24) will be highlighted regularly on the website and social media handles of #UNESCO New Delhi and Takhte. Also, the first 100 chosen essays will be published in a Book titled 'Year 1 AC: Essays by 100 Young Writers' launched by UNESCO
Answer:
The world is facing coronavirus pandemic, which is enormous and dangerous. It is one of the deadliest crises the world has faced over the years. The virus has set its foot in nearly 210 countries around the world. This invisible virus has taken numerous innocent lives and there is no stop to it. Meanwhile, many have even recovered from the deadly virus. In this trying and testing times, the world should come together as a ‘global village,’ and we should empathize with each other. We should abide by our government rules and regulations and especially stay indoors during the lockdown as then only will be able to contribute in containing the pandemic. However, what we are witnessing at most places is the complete opposite of empathy and solidarity. In several countries, Chinese nationals’ and people of Asian descent face xenophobic attacks worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. There is an increase in the number of cases reported of hostility and discrimination. In India too, ‘Chinese-looking’ Indians are targeted in racist attacks. Recently, a woman from Manipur alleged that a man spat on her and called her ‘Corona’ in Delhi. This heinous and awful act is not only proof of racism but also highlights the enormity of hate imbibed in some people’s minds. In another incident, an Asian woman was harassed in Australia. It is an unfortunate reality that racism against people of Asian descent has reached a peak amidst the pandemic outbreak. Acts of kindness and empathy tie us together but incidents like these put a stain on society and tear our unity apart. However, on a brighter side, people across the world are expressing their gratitude uniquely towards frontline workers like doctors, nurses, police personnel, and many others.They are working day and night, and risking their lives in an attempt to save us all. Acts like these are what bind us together and prove that good wins over evil, after all. The coronavirus has been referred as the ‘Chinese Virus’ by people in power. By racially pro-ling the virus, Chinese people become more vulnerable and at risk of being targeted and harassed. Furthermore, it increases the already imbibed xenophobia in some people’s minds. In my opinion, world leaders should be aware and cautious in the way they speak and what they say. A leader is supposed to show their followers the morally correct path and not vice-versa. In crucial times like these, every word they say holds the utmost value and regard. Times like these are also showing the prejudice and utterly wrong beliefs held in people’s mind. In some places, doctors and nurses are being evicted by their landlords on an ignorant pretext that they may spread the coronavirus. Although the State Government is taking stern measures against such landlords, it does not help a lot in erasing the deep anguish caused to those doctors and nurses. We need each others’ support more than ever. Instead of pitting one community against the other, we should pledge solidarity and support. I believe we can come out of this pandemic more improved than ever only when all of us collectively act responsibly. This is where the role of the media holds the utmost importance. We need responsible sources who provide authentic information. News outlets in a diverse country like India should refrain from pitting people and communities against each other. News outlets should not communalize this sensitive issue when everything is already too fragile. Society can prosper when the leaders and the people propagate kindness against hate and solidarity against ignorance. It is only then we can defeat this pandemic.