The Editors’ Association of Canada (Editors Canada) stands in solidarity with our Asian community.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in the reported number of attacks on Asian people, most notably against the elderly and women. Our hearts go out to the victims of the recent tragic events in Atlanta, to their families and to all who have been affected by hate-motivated crimes. We condemn acts of violence and racial attacks on Asian people around the world and here at home in Canada.
As editors, we understand the power of words. Guidance from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is as follows:
Don’t – attach locations or ethnicity to the disease, this is not a “Wuhan Virus”, “Chinese Virus” or “Asian Virus”.
The official name for the disease was deliberately chosen to avoid stigmatisation – the “co” stands for Corona, “vi” for virus and “d” for disease, 19 is because the disease emerged in 2019.
[Source: Social stigma associated with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)]
We denounce those who use their platforms to inspire hate by using language that incites racism and xenophobia.
Editors Canada affirms the values of equity, diversity and inclusion. There is no place for hate in our community. #StopAsianHate #HateIsAVirus
National Executive Council
Editors Canada