Asian Response
Italy’s Asian community has exhibited solidarity in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. While many Italians feared that the Chinese population would spread the virus, the Asian community was actually at the forefront of early containment measures. In Prato, the Chinese community began quarantine measures in late January, three weeks before the first recorded case in Italy. This heightened awareness may have been due to their increased travel to China, where containment practices were already routine.
Chinese residents took to wearing masks and gloves long before Italy released health recommendations. In order to fight prejudice, Chinese community leaders in Prato encouraged Asians to donate face masks and sanitizer to Italian hospitals. These expressions of solidarity and caution in the face of discrimination and contagion show the resiliency of the Chinese community in Italy. While some Chinese people have fled Italy for fear of discrimination, the remaining residents show support for Italy through their containment efforts. Instead of emulating the hate they have experienced, the Chinese community has responded with compassion and strength.
The movement on social media, #iononsonounvirus, or "I am not a virus" in English,
is another demonstration of Asian solidarity. Asians around the world have been posting photos with a sign that reads #iononsonounvirus to combat the racist stereotypes equating people with the disease. Even from a distance, communities can still unite to fight for collective freedom.