“I’m not a virus”

A Critical Reading of ‘the Women with the Issue of Blood’ through the Eyes of Asian Women in Australia beyond COVID19 Pandemic

Abstract

The story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) is often read with an emphasis on holistic healing, which includes a transformation of identity from a disease-carrying outcast. In light of the intensified Covid19-related ‘Asian-hate’ and the micro and macro racial discriminations towards Asian diaspora in Western countries like Australia, this article asks the question, "what does the identity of the women with the issue of blood mean for us as Asian diaspora women in Australia beyond Covid19 pandemic." This article records the authors’ personal reflection of being marginalised to empathise with the story of the women with the issue of blood using a narrative criticism method. By examining the intersectional factors which affect the formation of identity, the article discusses how the image of the women with the issue of blood exemplifies the experience of the Asian diaspora women. The faith and the transformation demonstrated in the example of the woman with the haemorrhage, in turn, could bring healing and hope to the Asian diaspora women’s community.