Has 2019-nCoV Brought out The OzBargain Racists?

blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 17:52
Last edited 31/01/2020 - 18:16

I know everyone's scared, and so am I, but this situation shouldn't give people free rein to make comments like

I'm an Australian Born Chinese. Haven't been to china for like 20 years (last time was a holiday with my parents).

I have 2 young kids in day care (Born in Australia) - also never been to China. I don't want my kids copping racist comments ~

Has nCOV given the OK to racist comments?

Health & Beauty

closed Comments

  • spackbace on 31/01/2020 - 17:53
    +10

    Comment was deleted due to being inappropriate, what else can we do for you?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8298124/redir <— how about this one?

    Isn't racist. You're going to an event with a bunch of people in a confined space.

    • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 17:56
      -2

      For lunar new year ~ year of rat lego ~

      I'm not sure there would be the same comment for a "Free beer at the local pub" deal…

      Ok - I'm reading into it then I'll move on

      • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 19:55
        -1

        The thread was based off the original comment. It wouldn't have been made inappropriate otherwise…

    • GoldenDragon888 on 31/01/2020 - 22:53

      I told my wife (abc) about this for my kids. She was like no way there will be lots of Chinese around who know if they have the virus.

      But it’s the free?

      So is the virus.

      We didn’t even go to Chinatown for CNY this year. Sad face.

  • rompastompa on 31/01/2020 - 17:54
    +1

    Has nCOV given the OK to racist comments?

    No.. and the comment has been removed due to being inappropriate (whatever the comment was).

  • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:04
    +2

    What about the Chinese guy that died outside a restaurant during the week while everyone just stood around and watched? All because they were afraid that just based on his appearance, he "might" have a case of the flu.

    • mbck on 31/01/2020 - 18:07
      +1

      I think he had a heart attack

      • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:12

        Yeah, it was a heart attack, but that just makes it sadder that people could have helped, but possibly based on nothing but his nationality, he was left to die until paramedics arrived.

        It's absolutely disgusting that this happened and I feel ashamed to be part of this culture. I feel those able to help, but refused, should be charged with failing to assist. My heart breaks for this man and his family.

        • ozhunter on 31/01/2020 - 18:16

          should be charged with failing to assist

          Is that a thing?

          https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/is-it-a-crime-…

          • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 18:18
            +4

            @ozhunter: No and for good reason.

          • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:23
            -2

            @ozhunter: While there may be no "legal" obligation, there certainly is a "moral" obligation. Legal or not, it's still (fropanity) disgusting that bunch of individuals that could have helped, failed to do anything based on something possibly nothing more than the man's nationality.

            Do you think the outcome would have been the same if it was a 23yo white girl having a heart attack on the sidewalk?

            • Mechz on 31/01/2020 - 18:28
              +3

              @pegaxs: Then we'd think she was on pingers.

              • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:51
                -1

                @Mechz: Exactly. You wouldn't automatically think "Wow!, she could have NCov."

                • timthetoolman on 31/01/2020 - 22:36
                  +2

                  @pegaxs: (unless sarcastic?) Isn't steroetyping a young woman passed out as being on drugs, exactly the same as assuming that the person who died from a heart attack may have had Ncov?

                  • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 23:02

                    @timthetoolman: That’s the point. People would stereotype the “Asian guy” as being a flu carrier and in the same situation, a young “white girl” as a pinger popper.

                    The problem here is that people would help the young girl based on the “stereotype” assumption that she was just smashing pingers, but she could just have easily have been a carrier of the same NCon virus the Asian man was “thought” to be a carrier of based on nothing but his nationality.

            • ozhunter on 31/01/2020 - 19:08
              +1

              @pegaxs: As sad as it is, people aren't always rational, especially in stressful situations. As an Asian, I'd be devastated to know people didn't help me because of my race.

              Do you think the outcome would have been the same if it was a 23yo white girl having a heart attack on the sidewalk?

              Less likely, but since news spreading of ncov is everywhere, I think people are in general more cautious. In your example I see that instead of just changing the race, you chose to change the age and gender. It seems you're are aware that people react differently to others based on their appearance.

        • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 18:25
          +3

          As a first aid officer you must look after yourself first and foremost. If you don't feel safe you are under no obligation to help. It may be different for paramedics etc but for everyone else, don't help if you think it will cause you any harm.

        • mbck on 31/01/2020 - 18:40

          I dont think it was necessarily a racist thing. It could be that people are just scared of the virus. I'd imagine, anyone else (caucasian,etcetc), those same people would leave them alone too. It's just the current climate surrounding the virus. In saying that, there are a percentage of the population that would be using this as an outlet to their racism, but I think that's small.

          It's a tough one. On the hand hand, we should help people, but on the other, they will be putting themselves and the people close to them at risk. Imagine you passed the virus to your kids and having to go through the whole stressful process.

          It's a tough decision.

          • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:50
            +4

            @mbck: I don't think it was purely "racist" as much as it was stereotyping or indirect/passive-racism. Ironically, if it was in Chinatown, there is a very high possibility that those who were around at the time and did nothing, were other Chinese nationals.

            It's the connotation that by virtue of this person's nationality, people avoided helping him based on nothing more than paranoia.

            And it is a tough decision for some, but had I have been there, I would not have hesitated to assist.

            • apsilon on 31/01/2020 - 19:10
              +5

              @pegaxs: It was in Chinatown IIRC so you're right, a lot of bystanders were likely other Chinese. So still racist of them to not help either? It's not much of a stretch, given the current events, to think that this virus may be involved and therefore be concerned for your own safety. Unfortunate but also understandable.

              • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 19:21
                +1

                @apsilon: I was at a pathology lab today and saw the procedures list for taking a possible Coronavirus sample. They are required to wear goggles (reading glasses not suitable), gloves and a N95 mask before they can take a sample. You want to ask people to help someone who may have it with nothing? I'm not putting myself at risk. Sorry.

                • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 19:54

                  @ozbs25: Well, in the future, if you are laying on a sidewalk, clutching your chest and dying, let's hope you are treated in the same manner as you would treat others in the same situation.

                  The chances of the virus at that time of being in Australia was fairly minute. To localize it to a certain area, even smaller again. To a singular person in that crowd, even lower. Then consider that the kill rate on this virus is fairly low in most developed countries with good medical services and for an average, healthy human. You would have more of a chance at winning the lottery than catching Ncov off that guy and dying from it yourself.

                  You are part of the paranoia. And at this point, I don't know what is more dangerous, the sheep like paranoia spreading around or Ncov itself.

                  • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 20:32
                    +1

                    @pegaxs: I have my reasons. If I was healthy and living by myself in total isolation than maybe I would but I am not so I am not putting myself and my loved ones at risk because of someone else who may have coronavirus. Selfish, perhaps but I need to look after myself first.

                    Also, in fact, someone I know was released from quarantine just today because they had to be tested and cleared of coronavirus. So I'm not just part of the paranoia.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2020 - 18:10
      +2

      Based on his appearance? It was in Chinatown.

  • orangetrain on 31/01/2020 - 18:04
    +3

    The Spanish people feel your pain.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2020 - 18:07
    +1

    No, it brought out the Grammar Nazis. Your eggcorn is meant to be 'free rein'.

    • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 18:17

      Touche. Had to Google that one. Makes more sense

      • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:26

        TIL: It's "toe the line", not "tow"

  • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 18:21
    +18

    Quit whining. I'm a Chinese immigrant and considering the virus started in China, has most of its victims being Chinese people, and every case of international human to human transmission via a Chinese person (or otherwise person from China), wanting to avoid the statistically most probable virus vector is logic not racism.

    This is racist against Chinese the same way that wanting to avoid Redfern after dark is racist against Aboriginals.

    • 87percent on 31/01/2020 - 18:29

      What he said

      • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 18:35

        I would have thought of this as a socio economic issue in a region of low income rather than its populated by aboriginals. *Never been to Redfern.

        Casual racism is still racism… And making underhanded comments on a forum or in our daily conversations doesn't help anything.

        Still glad I brought this topic up.

        Good to hear peoples thoughts.

        • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 21:07

          Did you just try to justify (my example of) racism by generalising all Aboriginal people as being poor?

          Yeah, so speaking of casual racism…

          • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 21:09

            @HighAndDry: I have no idea where Redfern is or what its associated with or who lives there.

            I meant (from what you're describing) it sounds like a low socio economic area, associated with reported high crime rates?

            • This is racist against Chinese the same way that wanting to avoid Redfern after dark is racist against Aboriginals.

            I just misread your comment ~

            lesson learnt: I shouldn't start threads cause I get too engaged :)

            • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 21:19

              @blehgg: Oh I get the same way with social media too. And then I put too much attention on it and stress over it and have. to. win. one. last. argument.

              It's the reason this is basically my only social media these days. You people are cool.

              • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 21:24

                @HighAndDry: I'm pretty sure I'm over thinking it ~

                https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/516084 <— just seeing that one inappropriate comment tipped me over cause I'm a new dad.

                Then I know JV's just being a troll with his original comment. etc etc……..

                I think I'm more annoyed that my family and I are probably being bundled in with all the other affected Chinese… (even though its logical)……

                I'll close the thread before I go crazy :)

    • GoldenDragon888 on 31/01/2020 - 22:47

      Ditto from my wife’s family

      We were around her 3rd auntie for Australia Day/Chinese new year and the conversation turned to this.

      They were joking about 1st and 4th auntie who visited China last year. 3rd auntie said we need masks. (Not to that province so they could joke. )

  • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 18:22
    +1

    Unfortunately it's not just here. Lots of people and lots of places are racist. No not everyone is racist but it's not just a small minority. Also some people are just casually racist. Like the people who ask you where are you from as their first words to you. Not hi, I'm John, what's your name. It's: Hi, where are you from? I'm sure there are many more examples, but I won't go into them here.

    • mbck on 31/01/2020 - 18:42
      +2

      I wouldn't perceive that as racist. Some people are interested in your background and knowing more about who you are.

      I guess that's the main thing. When people ask or say certain things, you can judge what the real reasons are. I dont think just asking a question, immediately labels you a racist

      • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 18:45

        The first thing someone says to you? Not, Hi, how are you, or what's your name?

        I don't know any situation where it's an appropriate first sentence to anyone.

        Edit:

        Some good comments here:

        https://au.reachout.com/articles/standing-up-to-racism

        I've cut and pasted some below:

        What racism looks like

        Racism can come in many different forms, from harsh comments to offensive actions. In more extreme cases, racism occurs in public spaces and comes from strangers, and can escalate to violent hate crimes.

        Not all racism is public and obvious

        Subtle or ‘casual’ racism can also appear in the form of a ‘microaggression’. This is an intentional or unintentional offensive message that targets a person based entirely on their being a member of a minority group. Any form of racism is unacceptable, even a comment or an action that is subtle or occurs in a casual environment. It’s not on.

        Examples of microaggressions include:

        • intentionally choosing not to sit next to a person because you feel uncomfortable about the colour of their skin
        • telling a person of a different race who was born and raised in Australia that they speak ‘good English’
        • asking a person born in Australia what their nationality is or 'where they come from', instead of asking about their cultural background
        • making fun of someone’s background, even if it's disguised as a joke.
        • mbck on 31/01/2020 - 19:11

          Ah first word to come out, fair enough. I was speaking as you asked further along the conversation.

          But even some of thr examples you've shown, I personally wouldn't even be offended (where they come from). I mean we are all from somewhere here (except the aboroginals/Torres islanders).

          Same as telling someone they speak great english. I mean that's hard work and I commend someone being able to speak more than one language.

          I personally don't think these 2 are 'microaggressions'.

          The others though, fair call

          • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 19:17

            @mbck: I'm guessing you probably aren't from a minority group. If you look like an "Australian", no one is ever going to say hey your English is good. People only say it if you are member of a minority group which is exactly why it's unintentionally racist/offensive.

            • mbck on 31/01/2020 - 19:20
              +1

              @ozbs25: Im asian actually. I from indonesia originally.

              See without asking the question you won't know. In fact you assumed something else. Some people could find it offensive that yoh mistook them as something else…

              All I'm saying is there's a way to ask questions. Aa long as you are truly enquiring, that's all good.

              Anyway peace out

            • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 19:22

              @ozbs25: I'm Asian too which is why I find it surprising you would think that way.

              • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 21:11

                @ozbs25: Did you just assume someone's race based on their opinions, and then how someone would think based on their race?

                What's that word you just mentioned, micro-aggression?

                This is a great example - what you did was a textbook example of a micro-aggression and yet it's just funny (and ironic), not racist or hurtful in any way.

                And that's why "micro-aggression" is a stupid concept that can't die soon enough.

                • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 21:25

                  @HighAndDry: That's pretty much it though. We are all racist from time to time. It's pretty much ingrained in all of us to act on things in a split second. We make decisions in a split second and unfortunately it does sometimes come down to things like sex, race, colour (eg blue) etc etc. Oh that guy looks dodgy I should cross the road. If you haven't read Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, I highly recommend it. Its: "about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant-in the blink of an eye-that actually aren't as simple as they seem"

                  • HighAndDry on 01/02/2020 - 00:58

                    @ozbs25: I agree, but just as racism is bad because you're judging people on something they can't control, people can't control the things they do or say or just think on reflex either so isn't it just as bad to judge them on that?

                    And if you let yourself get worked up by reading way too much into these, you'll give yourself an aneurysm.

                    Plus, you'd be a hypocrite if you believed it was bad and didn't at least try to stop it in yourself, and if you start trying to police your own actions and words and thoughts every second of every day for reflexes, you'll also give yourself an aneurysm.

                    Moral of the story - unless it's actually hurting someone, just live and let live. You'll be happier for it.

        • burndoggy on 31/01/2020 - 19:28

          I lived in South Korea for 10 years…where are you from was always the first thing people said…unless they just assumed I was American.

          I never found it racist…however I can see it as racist for someone born in a country to foreign parents.

          It is difficult stuff.

          • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 20:43

            @burndoggy: I must admit I am racist at times but I try my best not to be because of how much it can be offensive to me. I was born in Australia to Asian parents and I do feel offended when people ask where I'm from, how good my English is. How offended I am definitely depends on the situation. Racism is mostly unintentional, and 99% of the time even if you are offended you just smile and ignore it anyway.

            • ozhunter on 31/01/2020 - 21:00
              +1

              @ozbs25:

              I do feel offended when people ask where I'm from, how good my English is

              Why? I get that too and don't feel offended at all. Many years I was asked by my employer to bring in my visa to prove that I'm legally able to work. I told her I was a citizen and that was that. Based on the nationality of people that worked there, it's understandable that she would think that.

              • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 21:12

                @ozhunter: I dunno I just do. I can't control that but I can control the way I react I suppose. I don't think I've ever had to do or say something in the face of racism since school. I am a bit more aware now after this thread, that people are less offended about things than I thought. That's good I guess??

    • John Kimble on 31/01/2020 - 19:35

      Everyone is racist to some degree. It is a survival instinct at a basic level, even if you don't realise it.

      • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 21:13
        +1

        That's a problem though - real racism is a problem. But when you dilute the meaning of the term to this? It becomes meaningless.

        • John Kimble on 31/01/2020 - 22:09

          I'm not diluting anything. Just stating a fact. I'm not defending it, but it's kind of like nature vs nurture, both play a part and you cannot ignore one or the other.

          In my opinion, whilst it's admirable and correct to strive towards a more accepting society, personally I don't see how the human race could ever not be selfish/corrupt/inconsiderate/hateful let alone not racist to each other.

          The only way it might be possible is if eventually the majority of the global population becomes one mixed ethnicity…but then the "pure breeds" would become the minority and be discriminated against!

          Likely won't even happen for many, many generations and even then probably won't even be possible given the way we are heading with our limited resources/climate change/potential for self destruction through war etc

  • doowhydiddi on 31/01/2020 - 18:29
    +1

    Pretty sure more people are in some state of fear than being racist. Although in saying that the racist comments do sometimes stand out. I agree with others that there is a very small amount of racism. There will always be some sort of action that appears to be discriminatory but is put in place due to fear of what might possibly happen. It may be offensive to some people as well.

    The quicker this clears up the better for everyone.

  • hashtagbargain on 31/01/2020 - 18:41
    +4

    Clickbait title?

    Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no - Betteridge's law of headlines

    • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 18:44

      Interesting. Was not intentional

  • grog on 31/01/2020 - 18:43

    I am not racist… i hate everybody

    • 87percent on 31/01/2020 - 18:44

      Especially those damned (insert any race here)

      • pegaxs on 31/01/2020 - 18:52

        I like to call myself an "Equal opportunity discriminator"

        • spackbace on 31/01/2020 - 18:57

          As a white, 7th generation Australian, I feel discriminated against!

          Where's my political rally, huh?!

          • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2020 - 19:32

            @spackbace: Being a man, doesn't help either, does it?

            • spackbace on 31/01/2020 - 19:49

              @[Deactivated]: No!

              White male, straight, 7th gen Aussie

              I don't get any political rallies whatsoever, it's very discriminating!

      • aussieprepper on 31/01/2020 - 19:09

        Damn Scotts ruining Scotland?
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2q0T7QXETs

  • netjock on 31/01/2020 - 19:08

    No. If it were then you'll see all the big screen TVs homeless on the nature strip.

    I think it is just ignorance and panic which sent common sense out the window. It is like Zombie apocalypse or 28 days later. Except those movies are for entertainment and virus unless through grand master levels of stupidity won't spread that fast.

    It is like Brexit, don't trust the experts but trust in the story your mate told you who heard from his mate which happened to his mate's mate. Or people not questioning things they get sent on social media / WeChat / Whatsapp.

  • Ryanek on 31/01/2020 - 19:09
    +2

    In hindsight that investment property I bought on Christmas Island was probably a bad idea.

    • try2bhelpful on 31/01/2020 - 19:19

      Not really you can probably rent it to the Government for a squillion dollars.

  • CyberMurning on 31/01/2020 - 19:10
    +1

    Yes I dislike Chinese because they can read Mandarin and buy stuffs cheap from Taobao.

  • altitudinous on 31/01/2020 - 19:16

    People are people

    When people feel threatened, feel fear, out go all the nice words, the lip service.

    So many cases of this.

    When someone's safety is threatened, it is everyone for themselves.

  • Ocker on 31/01/2020 - 19:23
    -1

    Given the nCOV emanated in China, 99.9% of reported cases are in China, and all of the deaths are in China then people have every right to express concern about the situation.
    Heck, even Chinese people in Australia are paranoid about the virus and boycotting their own restaurants, shopping precincts etc.
    Racism is a fact of life.

    • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 19:27

      I agree. I'm concerned too…

      This was more about the casual comments on ozbargain in general like "oh I hope they give out face masks too" for a free lunar new years Lego David Jones event - and other comments like it

      Won't repeat the other blatant racist comment.

      • ozhunter on 31/01/2020 - 19:29
        +3

        in general like "oh I hope they give out face masks too" for a free lunar new years

        Yea, I dunno how you function in day to day life if you find that racist.

        • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 19:42

          Yea. Perspective is a good thing. But my hypothetical was (in my head) - If it's a free Lego event for say Easter - you wouldn't get comments like that.

          The other comment was blatantly racist e.g. My original post. But that's marked inappropriate now.

          This thread would have made more sense with the original comment

          • HighAndDry on 31/01/2020 - 21:17

            @blehgg: That just proves your post is an example of confirmation bias than anything. Out of all your sleuthing you could only find one real example of racism? That's not because of 2019-nCoV, that's a regular Tuesday.

            • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 21:19

              @HighAndDry: I commented on one in the heat of the moment - which was the racism…

              I added the other cause Spackbace said "its inappropriate" now - so I could keep the thread discussion going. I'd rather have people call me overly sensitive than not ask…

    • ozbs25 on 31/01/2020 - 20:48

      That's pretty much me. I know my body and I know if I catch it, it won't be good for me at all. Not to mention the quarantine and all that goes with it. There are many different reasons for not wanting to catch the virus. Getting sick is just one of them.

  • HardlyCharly on 31/01/2020 - 21:26

    Brought them out? Since when is this place not full of openly out of touch, ignorant, sexist, racist and generally pathetic people?

    • ozhunter on 31/01/2020 - 21:50
      +3

      Before 15/10/2018… 😂

  • burningrage on 31/01/2020 - 22:27

    It is only racism if people take offense about it. I got called "<insert first name> unpronounceable" by my Science teacher and I couldn't give a hoot about it.

  • Sage on 31/01/2020 - 22:30
    -1

    What's nCov.

    • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 23:48

      Why would we need face masks. It's just a kids Lego event in Australia.

      • StonedWizard on 31/01/2020 - 23:56

        @blehgg - The event is going to result in a large crowd and there’s an unknown virus going around.

        You would want a face mask to help reduce your risk of catching it.

        If the post was about an NRL match, or another large congregation of people, I’d expect the same comment.

        • blehgg on 31/01/2020 - 23:57

          I really want to believe that comment stonewizard.

          And I think I will :) as stated multiple times before, I was reading into it too much

  • djones145 on 31/01/2020 - 23:00

    people are worried about buying products from china now… hello 99.99 percent of the products we have are from china lolz. run for the hills people

  • StonedWizard on 31/01/2020 - 23:56

    As a middle aged white women of colour named Karen. I am offended by this post and find it wrong that you aren’t concerned for the children!

  • Moderatorhamza23 on 01/02/2020 - 01:01

    OP has got the answers they were looking for and asked for the thread to be closed.

    Thanks

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join