[LWJ]

I don't get it. Maybe it is because I live in Portland and we have a higher than average Asian population? Not sure.


As an aside and personal note. When I was in my 20's-30's I had an odd realization. While I am a boring white guy, about 40-50% of my friends were Asian. Not that I have a weird affinity for any groups over another. It just was.

Today, also odd. a large number of my friends are Jewish. I think that my values resonate in the Jewish and Asian communities. I guess it has to do with where you go to school, where you work, and where you live. No matter. I seem to bond with folks in these groups.

There is zero reason in my mind to act out in a hostile way toward Asians. I am actually perplexed and confused about this.

(There ARE groups that I can identify that do have markers that could draw negative attention. For me? Facial Tats are a big one. Religious groups that dress / act differently also draw attention as a matter of conversation.)

But, back on the subject. In the 1980's Portland had a large SE Asian influx from the Vietnam War. These people were POOR. I can see that there were reasons that people made awful comments back then as the population stood out, spoke little English, and generally were not integrated into a significant part of the community. (I am NOT defending racism back then, just saying I can see that there were identifiable reasons for people to act awful) Today? I do not see anything that would even begin to raise an eyebrow.

The cause that people bring up is negative association with COVID.

I can't accept that. There is no causality.

Conclusion: Are there simply angry, violent people that need to take out aggression on others? That is my only conclusion.