Lies and hate towards China, especially coming from the US Senator, can have catastrophic impacts. The United States and China must cooperate and respect each other so that we can work together on climate change, healthcare and an end to poverty. The tweet from Tennessee Senator, Marsha Blackburn is racist and negatively impacts the work for peace. The anti-China hatred, sinophobia, has led to an 800% increase in Asian hate crimes in the US this year. We must condemn this reprehensible behavior from a United States Senator. Send the letter below to Senator Marsha Blackburn:
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Dear Senator Marsha Blackburn,
We are writing to you today with deep concern regarding your tweet on Dec. 3, 2020: “China has a 5,000 year history of cheating and stealing. Some things will never change”. This tweet is a lie; it is racist; and it has real consequences by escalating hate crimes against Asians in the US. This is not how a US Senator should conduct herself. We ask you to delete your tweet, apologize to Asian Americans that you put at risk, and take the time to learn about China.
Here are some facts that show that it was brilliant minds in China thousands of years ago that the world now benefits from:
- Paper Making - invented by Cai Lun (ca. 50 AD – 121). His advanced paper-making technology then spread to central Asia and the world through the Silk Road.
- Moveable Type Printing - Bi Sheng (990–1051) invented movable type printing, making it quicker and easier. He first carved individual characters on pieces of clay and then hardened them with fire. These movable type pieces were later glued to an iron plate to print a page and then broken up and redistributed for another page. This kind of printing tech rapidly spread across Europe, leading up to the Renaissance, and later all around the world.
- The Compass - invented by Chinese between the 2nd century BC and 1st century AD. It was first used in Feng Shui, the layout of buildings. By 1000 AD, navigational compasses were commonly used on Chinese ships, enabling them to navigate. Arab traders sailing to China learned of the technology and brought it to the West.
- Porcelain - The earliest porcelain emerged in Shang Dynasty (1600– 1046 BCE) and matured during the Tang Dynasty (618- 906). During the Song Dynasty (960–1279). Porcelain production technology reached an unprecedented height due to its focus on shape and the tactile experiences of the glaze. Chinese porcelain was highly prized in the world and was introduced to the West through the Silk Road.
- The Toothbrush - The bristle toothbrush was invented in 1498 by Chinese, who made toothbrushes with coarse horse hairs attached to bone or bamboo handles.
At this time in our history when we desperately need to eliminate this pandemic and solve the climate crisis, Chinese and American scientists need to work together. Chinese and American leaders need to work together. Instead of spreading racism and hate, we urge you to collaborate with China for the sake of humanity.
Onwards to peace,