Jeremy Lin of the Warriors says he’s been called ‘coronavirus’ in the field

“Something is changing in this generation of Asian Americans,” he wrote. “We are tired of learning that we are not racist, we are tired of being told to keep our heads down and not to get into trouble. to be eyed, to be objectified as exotic, or to be told that we are inherently unattractive. “

Lin’s line “tired of being told we don’t suffer from racism” is probably a reference to some involved in social justice movements who portray Asian Americans as privileged people not deserving of the same protections afforded. to other minority groups. In November 2020, a Washington school district received national attention after deciding that Asian Americans would no longer be classified as “people of color” because of their level of academic achievement.

“We’re tired of stereotypes in Hollywood that affect our psyche and limit who we think we can be,” Lin continued. “We are tired of being invisible, of being confused with our colleague or of telling ourselves that our struggles are not so real. I want better for my elders who worked so hard and sacrificed so much to make a living here. I want better for my niece, my nephew and my future children. I want better for the next generation of Asian American athletes than having to work so hard to just be “deceptively athletic.” “

Lin and other Asian American athletes have often been called “deceitful” or “sneaky” athletes in screening reports pitting them against their black counterparts. He concludes his post by stating that he has been labeled a “coronavirus” on the ground.

“Being an Asian American doesn’t mean we don’t face poverty and racism,” he writes. “Being a 9-year NBA veteran doesn’t protect me from being called a ‘coronavirus’ on the court. Being a man of faith doesn’t mean I don’t stand up for justice, for myself and for others. “

Lin has appeared in five games for the Santa Cruz Warriors this season.