My previous arrogance has since been humbled. Yet my fears were not centered on the virus itself—rather, I worried about the inevitable rise in anti-Asian sentiment and the repercussions for our community and small businesses, reminiscent of the SARS experience.
The media often scrutinizes our culture through a distorted lens, framing us as an inferior species with clips depicting our customs and practices in a derogatory manner. This environment of hostility, amplified by racist rhetoric from figures like Trump, led to unchecked harassment of Asian Americans. Most alarmingly, it foretold an uptick in violence against our community.
In recent weeks, there have been over 20 attacks targeting Asians, focusing particularly on our elderly, women, and small business owners in economically disadvantaged areas. Despite the surge in anti-Asian violence since March 2020—fueled by fears surrounding the pandemic—the mainstream media has largely overlooked these incidents until recently, perhaps motivated by the voices of Asian American celebrities like Alex Chen and Mia Park.
From March to August of 2020, the organization Stop AAPI Hate reported over 2,583 cases of anti-Asian hate crimes. A United Nations report in August 2020 documented more than 1,800 incidents of racism against Asians in the U.S. during just eight weeks. Furthermore, data from the NYPD indicated that anti-Asian crimes soared by 1900% in 2020, with only 20 incidents reported in the first half of 2020 compared to just one in all of 2019.
This reality has justifiably angered and united Asian American communities, reminding us that America often views us as a threat—an invading force. Sadly, many Asian Americans who have lived in privilege have chosen to ignore this truth, as it’s easier to pretend that violence isn’t a constant threat in our lives.
It’s crucial to understand that anti-Asian discrimination is not a new phenomenon. The violence did not start with the tragic incidents involving individuals like an elderly Thai man who was killed in San Francisco or the violent attacks on Chinese and Filipino men in recent months. This history extends back decades, if not centuries, with examples such as the brutal murder of Vincent Chin in 1982 and the racist riots against Filipino workers in the 1920s.
The Need for Unity Against White Supremacy
We must resist the narrative that pits Asian Americans against Black communities, a tactic employed by figures such as Oakland’s mayor. Thankfully, many activists are rejecting this divisive rhetoric. This is emblematic of a broader pattern where white supremacy exploits Asian identity to undermine solidarity among marginalized groups.
Furthermore, we, as Asian Americans, should not succumb to anti-Black propaganda that seeks to divide us. For example, the recent offer of a reward for information on an assailant who attacked an elderly Chinese man could inadvertently fuel harm against Black individuals. Instead, we should focus on addressing the systemic roots of discrimination, which primarily lie in white supremacy.
Asian Americans face unique challenges, often framed as affluent due to stereotypes perpetuated by media portrayals. However, many in our communities grapple with poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity, similar to the struggles faced by Black communities.
Supporting the Asian American Community
To genuinely support Asian American communities, consider taking the following actions:
- Engage with Local Organizations: Find community organizations dedicated to Asian American advocacy and contribute your time or resources.
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: Explore a range of viewpoints within the Asian American community to gain a deeper understanding.
- Educate Yourself on Historical Contexts: Awareness of our shared histories is vital in fostering solidarity and combating systemic racism.
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In essence, we must recognize the shared enemy: white supremacy. Our communities thrive when we unite against the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.
Summary
In 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes surged dramatically, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Asian Americans. The rise in violence is not a new phenomenon, but rather a continuation of a long history of discrimination. It is crucial for Asian Americans to unite with other marginalized communities against white supremacy and to seek support through local organizations and education.
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