Once the first coronavirus case was confirmed in New York City, the media started showing Asian people who live in the city wearing masks and it was met with criticism.
But the cultural clash on masks and the xenophobia linked to contagious diseases fueled the rise of anti-Asian sentiment. Wearing a face mask became a stigma for Asian people in this country, but many continued to wear one to protect their health and the health of their community.
Here are photos of Asians and Asian Americans wearing face masks in March, 2020 in the city.
A masked man with his loaded handcart walks in the golden hour in Flushing, Queens. Photo by Bohao Liu
The fruit vendor in a white coat and behind a white mask in Chinatown, Manhattan. Photo by Bohao Liu
Wearing masks near a fruit stand in Flushing, Queens. Photo by Bohao Li
Crossing the street in Flushing, Queens. Photo by Bohao Liu
A butcher wears a mask in Chinatown, Manhattan. Photo by Bohao Liu
A woman sits with a mask on in Chinatown, Manhattan. Photo by Bohao Liu
A worker wears a mask in Chinatown, Manhattan. Photo by Bohao Liu
Passersby wearing masks in Chinatown, Manhattan. Photo by Bohao Liu
Two cooks behind the roast meat and masks in Chinatown, Manhattan. Photo by Bohao Liu
