There are things we should hate. Hating people of Asian and Pacific Island descent because of their heritage or appearance is not one of them. Unfortunately, some popular figures used the global coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to propagate xenophobic ideas. This has resulted in a significant increase of racial discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
AAPI groups throughout the country have publicly denounced the anti-Asian discrimination and hate. Nonetheless, the disgusting acts of hate towards people of Asian descent have increased. In 2020 there was 150% more reported attacks on Asian Americans. At least 3,795 incidents of hate against Asian American and Pacific Islanders were reported. Most recently, eight people were murdered (six of Asian descent) in a killing spree.
We must stand up to acts of hate with love. We must stand in solidarity with members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community who are experiencing more acts of hate. Here are four things you can do to show them some love.
1. Encourage state and federal government to respond to the needs of the AAPI community.
Although some state and federal government officials are actively discussing the hate crimes, more can be done. Ask, your local and federal representatives to publicly denounce the acts of hate, to send a message of solidarity and to ensure they work to create an inclusive country.
2. See something? Say something.
One of the most terrible feelings is being the target of hate. Still, it is more terrible when you experience an act of hate in public and everyone seems to ignore it. One reason people may be hesitant to intervene is that they do not think it will make a difference. Rest assured that intervening can make a difference.
Intervening can be difficult for many reasons. You may find yourself in shock. You may feel unsafe. You may not know exactly what to say or do. If any of these describe you, you are not alone.
For guidance on how to respond to acts of hate check out:
- Safety Tips for Those Experiencing or Witnessing Hate (https://stopaapihate.org/safetytipsenglish)
- How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism (https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/how-to-respond-to-coronavirus-racism)
3. Take part in a training about hate.
Hate presents itself in many ways. Sometimes it is explicit, other times implicit. At times, we can immediately identify it, at times we cannot. This makes it important to learn (or be reminded) about how to identify and stop anti-Asian and xenophobic violence when it occurs. One way to increase the likelihood that you will be able to identify acts of hate is to participate in trainings on the topic. There many organizations that offer training. If you are not sure of any consider signing up for the Bystander Intervention Training to stop anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment prepared by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Hollaback (https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/).
4. Check in with the Asian Americans in your circle.
It can be difficult to reach out to others and ask for support. So, show some love, be proactive. Contact the Asian and Pacific Islanders in your life and find out how you can best support them.
Instead of just posing questions, consider acknowledging that the acts of violence are distressing, come up with a list of ways you can support them and provide them with the list. This can be as simple as offering to help them go to the grocery store or to run an errand. But remember to let the person impacted determine how you can help.
Just The Beginning
The anti-Asian American hate in communities across the United States have caused a spike in acts of hate and people in the Asian and Pacific Islander community to live in fear. Although, this is now in the mainstream news, it is important to acknowledge that there is a long tradition of anti-Asian hate in the United States of America. It is also important to acknowledge that the acts of individual and systemic hate have disproportionately targeted women and elderly. This is unacceptable. Some attribute this to cultural problems within the United States that are rooted in white supremacy. Overcoming these problems will require love, anger, motivation, patience and work.
