Sending a message of hope to our relatives in China half a world away
(Courtesy of Joy Xing)
Being Chinese-Canadian and living in Markham, a city with a large Asian population, the effects of COVID-19 have been evident in my community ever since the virus emerged in January. Many of my peers worry about their relatives living in China. I, too, was concerned for my relatives quarantined in China, especially my mom’s side of the family in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. To cheer them up, I decided to produce a short video with clips from students in my community saying encouraging words to those affected by the virus. I wanted our friends and family in other countries to know that even though we are halfway across the world, we’ll always be rooting for them.
Another reason I wanted to make this video is despite our distance from the epicenter, many people in the Chinese community were still worried — not just for our families but also for our own safety. As COVID-19 continued to spread, so did many cases of aggressive anti-Asian racism. Asians (not just Chinese people) have been unfairly blamed and even attacked, simply because of their cultural connection to a virus that they otherwise had nothing to do with. Many of the participating students in this film are also Asian, so we collectively felt the need to speak out against this issue and promote acceptance between all cultures.
To launch the project, I posted a notice on Instagram in late February, calling all students to show their support for those struggling in coronavirus-affected countries. I was met with overwhelming enthusiasm for the film with about 60 students from various schools signing up to participate. Those living far away would send in self-filmed clips, and those in the local area would sign up for a filming session with myself.
As everyone participating from my school had a different lunch period, it was difficult to schedule filming times during days when everyone was available. I managed to find time in between (and during) classes multiple times a day to film, while adjusting for cancellations and reschedules. I asked everyone to express something genuine and sincere for each response (some in a second language) as if they were addressing a close friend or family member quarantined across the world. I also gave everyone a whiteboard to write an inspirational message or drawing of their choice.
Over the two-week production period, I filmed a variety of unique messages that were both amazingly insightful and inspiring. Students sent messages to friends and families in over 15 countries in seven languages. I was impressed by how passionate all of my peers were to help out, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the wonderful support and enthusiasm from everyone that participated.
Ultimately, I want this video to make a positive impact on the world and improve the general morale of those affected by COVID-19. I hope to show everybody overseas that we care about them and to brighten up their daily lives under quarantine. Additionally, I want to draw attention to the ever-present threat of the virus by using this video to speak out and raise awareness. At the time this video was created, the coronavirus was still predominantly located in Asia and some parts of Europe. As a result, people in my local community began to feel detached as we were not personally experiencing those hardships. This film serves as a reminder that we should always be precautious and try our best to stay safe.
Furthermore, I hope viewers show more compassion to others and cease racist acts against the Asian people in their communities. We’re all human beings; we deserve to be treated with equal respect and understanding. The world would be a much better place if we all came together and peacefully supported each other through this crisis. We need this, now more than ever.
To everyone who comes across this video, I hope it inspires kindness and you leave with a smile on your face and a little more love in your hearts.
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