Anti-Asian violence has surged across the United States in recent months.
Despite the immense contributions of Asian Americans to the US economy and culture, they are facing relentless acts of violence and hate. This article will discuss the history of anti-Asian violence, the contributing factors, how it has been addressed and how people can help.
History of Anti-Asian Violence
Throughout the history of the United States, Asian Americans were subjected to various acts of violence and discrimination. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese American immigrants were targeted in vigilante attacks, physical assaults and even lynchings. During World War II, Japanese Americans were placed in internment camps following the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the Vietnam War, Asian Americans experienced hostility and violence, with some having their property vandalized and burned.
In 2020, the Asian American community experienced an alarming rise in hate crimes. The Stop AAPI Hate Reporting Center, which tracks incidents nationally, reported nearly 3,800 incidents in 2020, which was a sharp increase from the 611 reported incidents it received in 2019.
Contributing Factors
There are a number of contributing factors to the recent surge in anti Asian violence. One of the main factors is xenophobia, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the incidents have been attributed to the false notion that Asians were the source of the virus, which has triggered anti-Asian sentiment in some areas. Additionally, anti-Asian rhetoric used by politicians has been linked to increasing hate crime incidents.
Another factor is the model minority myth, which has been used to neglect Asian American issues and to invalidate their experiences. This has resulted in Asian Americans feeling invisible, as though their voices don’t matter.
How has it been Addressed? In response to the surge in anti-Asian violence, many organizations have been pushing for legislation to make hate crimes against Asian Americans a federal crime, as well as to provide resources to victims. Additionally, there have been public campaigns to raise awareness about this issue and to make Asian Americans visible in the public discourse.
The Biden administration has also pledged to address the issue, creating a coalition of federal agencies to combat anti-Asian violence and hate incidents. Additionally, the administration has proposed $200 million in funding to support Asian American communities.
How People Can Help
There are a number of ways people can help to stop anti-Asian violence. Here are some of the most effective methods:
• Speak out against the violence: People should make an effort to call out acts of violence or hate when they see them.
• Support local Asian-owned businesses: This is an effective way to support the Asian American community and to show solidarity.
• Educate yourself: Everyone can benefit from educating themselves about the history and current context of anti-Asian hate.
• Amplify Asian American Voices: It’s important to prioritize the voices of Asian Americans when discussing this issue.
• Have Conversations With Loved Ones: People should take the time to talk to their loved ones so they can discuss the issue in a respectful and informed way.
Anti-Asian violence is an increasingly serious issue that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. It’s important for people to be aware of the issue and to take action by speaking out, supporting local businesses, educating themselves and amplifying the voices of Asian Americans. It’s only by taking collective action that this violence will be stopped.
