Australian researchers have launched a global survey in an effort to better comprehend and fight what they call a coronavirus-induced “prejudice pandemic”.
The Australian National University’s “prejudice census” aims to understand and reduce racial discrimination following a surge of incidents linked to COVID-19.
“Given the social and prejudice pandemic in light of COVID- 19, I think it’s right to note these experiences down,” lead researcher Professor Michael Platow told SBS News.
“Prejudice is always with us, it doesn’t take COVID-19 to create it, but there’s no question we’re seeing an upsurge around the world.”
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, incidents of racism against people of Asian appearance have been reported around the world, including in Australia.
Asian-Australians have been beaten, had property vandalised with racist graffiti and have been verbally abused in the streets.
Earlier this week, the Australian Human Rights Commission reported that a quarter of complaints received about racial discrimination lodged in the past two months were related to coronavirus.
Professor Platow said he wants people to record their experiences of racism if they are the victim, perpetrator, or witness.
“We’re collecting data from everyday people about their experiences with prejudice. We want to hear in people’s own words and voice what they’ve experienced,” he said.
“We’re also interested in hearing from you if witnessed it and from people who may have been the perpetrators themselves."
Professor Platow said it was important to try and understand prejudice from “all sides” and what everyday people think it is.
“When we create prejudice reduction programs, we have this tendency to go to other people and say, ‘we need to change your behaviour’. Imagine the backlash … if the people we’re somehow targeting think they’re speaking reality and truth,” he said.
“When people think that something is true then they do not think it is prejudiced. So, the question really comes down to understanding how we all perceive what is true.
“When it comes to issues like this, where people are being bashed on the streets and threatened, where the truth comes from becomes a big issue."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.
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