If you’re living on our planet, you’re likely concerned (or obsessed) about contracting COVID-19.  But one infection that is as deadly as the novel coronavirus is one that results from catching the Ism’s: racism, ageism and ableism.

Foreign Invasion

Early on, maybe a month ago, before this current pandemic totally dominated our thoughts and conversation, people started avoiding Chinese restaurants.  Now, I’m no fan of Chinese-American cuisine and those of you who know me, know I avoid buffets like the plague (pardon this unfortunate figure of speech), popular in Chinese restaurants.  But boycotting restaurants because of fear of infection due to the cuisine and the clientele served is worse than being ill-informed – it’s unabashed racism. 

Fear and ignorance have also prompted people around the globe to avoid any Chinese-owned business including shops, grocery stores as well as restaurants.  Bigotry has led to violence and verbal assaults directed toward anyone who looks Asian. 

Of course, our current ignoramus-in-chief, didn’t make matters any better by referring to the virus as a foreign virus.  When bad things happen, our knee-jerk reaction is to blame others.  But blame doesn’t protect us nor does it provide solutions; all blame does is spread intolerance.

Let Them Die

Because the death rate from COVID-19 is significantly higher among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, some, who perceive themselves as young and healthy, have maintained a cavalier approach to the spread of infection. 

Ageism and ableism have reared their ugly heads. Since I was apparently a few days ahead of my peers in sounding the alarm bells, I was privy to nonchalance and disinterest as I practiced social distancing and encouraged others to do the same.

A common refrain I received was “but your healthy” when I suggested taking protective measures.  Are we so unconcerned about our unhealthy populations that we care little about infecting them?

If the epidemiologists are correct, most of us will eventually contract this virus.  The goal is to “flatten the curve”, so that we all don’t get sick at once and tax our already under-prepared health care system.  If we can do this, those with health conditions and the elderly will get the treatment they need; we can save lives.

Being cavalier is NOT courageous; it’s callous.  By educating those who put themselves and others at risk unnecessarily, you will protect all of us from the spread of ISMs, for which no vaccine will ever exist.