The rise in anti-Asian sentiment has prompted scientists to rename one particular species -the "Asian giant hornets"- to avoid evoking further xenophobia towards the Asian community.
Now known as the "northern giant hornets", the newly-coined moniker was made considering the negative and harmful connotation of the "Asian" labeling.
According to American entomologist, Dr. Chris Looney, the largest and terrifying wasp species only added more fuel to the fire when it comes to anti-Asian hate crimes, which escalated due to the widespread of Covid-19. He cited hearing the public's insensitive statement such as "another damn thing from China" as one the reasons for the change.
