We are already seeing the effects of similarly dangerous talk today. An economic boycott of Asian establishments began in January, with people avoiding Asian eateries and stores because they believed, without evidence, that the people who run these establishments are likelier to carry to the virus. The New York Times reported that hate incidents and crimes against Chinese and Asian Americans are rising in the U.S., with Asian Americans being beaten, slashed, kicked, spat at, sprayed with things, yelled at or ostracized in public. At the Asian-American Federation, we are fielding numerous reports from across our communities, including seniors who are afraid to step out of their homes to go to a senior center to pick up a to-go meal.