Liberal educators are the content gift that keeps on giving. Or rather, the content gift we have to keep combatting as a society. Whether professors are telling our women to less feminine, our men to be more feminine, or that being born white is an automatic racist genetic trait, there’s a constant battle between the two parties of thought.
Naturally, a global pandemic is a perfect opportunity to showcase just how racist we are; sarcasm intended. Associate dean of diversity and inclusion at the University of Nevada, Reno, Nicole Jacobs, published an article encouraging readers to combat “coronavirus racism.” Just what is coronavirus racism? Thankfully Ms. Jacobs took it upon herself to keep us ‘woke.’
Americans must end “act[s] of racism and bias” such as saying things like “Chinese virus.” Using the term is an “act of racism” and she encourages readers to help educate others that “we no longer name viruses after places.” Jacobs wants the reader to really dig into one’s own soul and “approach the source of bias with questions” such as “why did you call it the Chinese virus?” Then answer using ‘I’ statements like “I am not okay with you referring to this as the Chinese virus.” Feeling less racist already? Let’s hope so.
Because, according to Jacobs, if you do not follow her guidelines of combatting racism, “coronavirus racism” to be exact, then you are failing to “ARISE” and become an “active bystander.” Don’t you worry, she also gives detailed advice on how to “debrief” someone’s “act of racism” when they say the term “Chinese virus.”
First, “you can be an ally by validating their response and affirming that what happened to them was unacceptable.” For example, “you may say, ‘I’m so sorry you had to experience that. That comment was so wrong! No one deserves to be treated that way.” Furthermore, “offering your support can be very helpful to victims of racism, such as by saying, ‘I’m here for you. Let me know how I can help.”
Jacobs then inserts her opinion as to how to help and advises anyone who hears someone say, “Chinese virus” to file a “Bias Incident Report.” Thank goodness Ms. Jacobs is addressing the true tragedy of a lethal global pandemic. Again, sarcasm intended.
