Due to the number of crimes committed against Asian Americans in recent days, many people of Asian descent are scared to walk the streets. Thankfully, these mindless attacks have prompted good Samaritans to lend support to neighbors in need.
In New York, Madeline Park decided to dip into her own pocket to pay for the cab fares of New Yorkers of Asian descent to get home safely. Park set up an Instagram page, Cafemaddycab, and offered to pay for the Uber or Lyft charges of any woman or elderly person too scared to take the train home in NYC, as reported by Fox News.
The current hate crimes against those of Asian origins make a train journey more perilous. “Someone set a 29-year-old Asian woman’s backpack on fire in the train around Ktown,” Park shared on Instagram.
The fear from this incident was compounded on Park’s own recent train journey: “That’s it. I took the train to work last week and EVERY MINUTE OF THE RIDE I was stressed. I was terrified someone was going to walk up and start attacking me, harassing me, push me to the tracks, or slash me with a knife,” she explained.
The fear she had for her own life made her think of other Asian-Americans. She donated $2,000 to go towards the cab fare fund (with a $40 limit per ride). This inspired other Americans to reach into their pockets and donate to the cause, with donations reaching over $100,000.
Park hopes this initiative will spread to other cities, although she acknowledges that the cause takes a lot of time, dedication, and support from trusted friends and the community.
Park’s generosity is just another fine example of individuals standing up for brothers and sisters in need, even if it comes at a personal price. It really is a question of love conquering hate.
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