When news of the COVID-19 pandemic first emerged in late 2019, I, like many others, dismissed it as an exaggerated flu. I presumed it would mirror the SARS outbreak of the early 2000s, primarily affecting Asian countries. Heeding my relatives’ advice from Taiwan, I decided to cancel my annual summer trip there with my four children. Little did I know that Taiwan would prove to be far safer than the United States, where the death toll from COVID-19 has reached alarming numbers.
My former arrogance has since been tempered by reality. However, even back then, I felt a different kind of fear—not from the virus itself, but from the inevitable rise in anti-Asian racism that the Asian American community would face. I anticipated that our businesses would be hit hard, much like they were during the SARS crisis.
The media would scrutinize us, painting Asian culture in a negative light, often depicting us in dehumanizing ways that reduce our humanity to stereotypes. The rise of anti-Asian sentiment, fueled by rhetoric from figures like Donald Trump, would embolden harassment and violence against Asian Americans.
Alarming Increase in Violence
In recent weeks, more than 20 assaults targeting Asians have been reported, focusing particularly on the most vulnerable among us—our elders, women, and small business owners in impoverished areas. Despite these incidents escalating since March 2020, mainstream coverage has been scarce until recently, likely prompted by Asian American celebrities speaking out.
From March to August 2020, Stop AAPI Hate documented over 2,583 incidents of anti-Asian hate. The United Nations revealed in August 2020 that there were more than 1,800 reported racist incidents against Asians in the U.S. alone. According to NYPD data from September 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes skyrocketed by an astonishing 1900% in 2020, with only 20 incidents reported in the first half of the year compared to just one in all of 2019.
This shocking reality has justifiably outraged and unified Asian American communities, reminding us of the pervasive narrative that views us as an invading force—an idea long ignored by many who have the privilege to overlook violence.
Historical Context of Anti-Asian Violence
Anti-Asian racism is not a new phenomenon. It didn’t begin with the recent tragic attacks, nor is it limited to specific events like the murder of Vincent Chin in 1982 or the Chinese Massacre of 1871 in Los Angeles. The history of scapegoating Asian Americans stretches back decades and includes a long list of violent acts.
Unity Against Divisive Narratives
What we do not need is for leaders like the mayor of Oakland to incite division between Asian American and Black communities. Thankfully, activists from both groups are rejecting this divisive tactic. This behavior is reminiscent of historical injustices, like exploiting Chinese workers post-Civil War or using the Model Minority Myth to undermine Black struggles.
White supremacy assumes all Asians are interchangeable, which leads to harmful narratives affecting not just Chinese Americans but also Black, Brown, and Muslim Asians who face additional layers of discrimination.
A Call for Solidarity
As Asian Americans, we must resist the anti-Black propaganda that seeks to pit us against other marginalized communities. We should not be offering bounties for information on those who commit violence against us, as this perpetuates a cycle of harm against Black communities.
Instead of demanding solidarity from other groups, we should focus on confronting the systems of oppression that benefit us at the expense of others. White supremacy is the true adversary.
How to Support the Asian American Community
For those looking to support the Asian American community, consider these actions:
- Engage with Local Organizations: Donate time or money to local Asian American organizations and understand the resources they provide.
- Explore Diverse Perspectives: Avoid relying on a single narrative; seek out multiple viewpoints within the Asian American community, as we are not a monolith.
- Educate Yourself: Understanding both Asian American and Black histories can help foster solidarity and combat the whitewashed narratives that often prevail.
In conclusion, to truly uplift the Asian American community, we must confront the root causes of our suffering—namely, white supremacy.
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Summary
The article discusses the alarming rise of anti-Asian hate crimes, which surged by 1900% in 2020. It examines the historical context of racism against Asian Americans and calls for solidarity among marginalized communities while rejecting divisive narratives. The author emphasizes the need to confront white supremacy as the true enemy and provides actionable steps for supporting the Asian American community.