image by Yuri Samoilov (creative commons)

Silent

A Short Ethnographic Theater Piece on Life during COVID-19

by Joy Min (Emory University, C’21)

Introduction:
I’ve recollected some of my experiences in Atlanta, my friends’ experiences from Washington DC, the Bay area, Michigan, New York, and other states of racist/xenophobic attacks or comments from strangers as well as people that I know, who are Korean, attacking the Chinese for the virus.
This short script was produced for ANT/THEA 377W “Fieldwork into Performance,” taught by Prof. Debra Vidali in Spring 2020.

Stranger 1:
Hey you! Yeah, you over there, the Asian, this is all your fault!

Me:
Silent

Stranger 2:
Why aren’t you wearing a mask? What is wrong with you?

Me:
Silent

At Home

Family member 1 (Korean):
Why did the Chinese start eating bats? This is all their fault! They deserve to die!

Me:
Silent

On the Road

Stranger 3: (gives hand gesture towards me to roll down the window on the road)
Roll down your window. Go back to your country and catch the virus! Stop spreading it to us!

Me:
Silent

At a Restaurant

Me:
Can I have a seat for two please?

Waiter at restaurant:
No. There are no seats here.

Me:
I can see that your restaurant is empty.

Waiter at restaurant:
Sorry, you guys are a safety hazard, especially during this time.

Me:
Silent

—

Silent

A Short Ethnographic Theater Piece on Life during COVID-19

by Joy Min (Emory University, C’21)