Scapegoating Asian Americans for the coronavirus puts me on guard for racial prejudice. When I go on my daily walk to downtown Sausalito, I make sure I make eye contact and greet others with a “Good morning” so that I won’t be viewed as unsociable or distant. I wear an Eddie Bauer jacket to convey that I am an American. Walking in the morning when the sun rises casts long shadows allowing me to know who may be nearby to prepare. When I see my good friend, Juan who is hired by the downtown businesses to clean the sidewalks, I create a picture for others that I know people here and that Sausalito is my town too.
Now we are required to wear masks whenever we are in public. For some people of color, this requirement is potentially just as risky as catching the virus since people may perceive them as criminals. Spring is when I have seasonal allergies. I try never to sneeze when I’m on my walk. During this time of heightened fear, I think about the Good Samaritan whom Jesus talked about. By his appearance, he was an outcast and socially distanced until Jesus came.
Today I walk with my nose and mouth covered with one of my Assamese gamuchas received from the number of visits to Northeast India. These versatile towels once served as gracious stoles, are now my personal protection equipment from the virus and hopefully from people who have yet gotten to know me. I pray for compassion and understanding in our world today.